KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 — Did you know that Malaysia’s laws protect “new born” children that are found abandoned from becoming stateless persons, and enables them to have the right to automatically be Malaysians?

But what is a “new born child”?

The Court of Appeal recently told a woman (identified only as G for privacy purposes) that she was not a “new born” child when found abandoned at around 1am at a bus station in Mentakab, Pahang in December 1997.

A doctor who examined G at that time had estimated she was aged about one year old, while G’s adoptive Malaysian mother’s police report filed two days later said she was approximately one and a half years old when found.

G has since then been adopted and raised by her Malaysian adoptive parents in Malaysia, but the Malaysian government had rejected her citizenship application three times (with her third application in 2014 rejected nearly four years later in 2018).

Now aged 29, G, who does not know who her biological parents are, is still waiting to be recognised and declared as a Malaysian citizen.

Can all abandoned children be protected from statelessness by Section 19B?

Here’s why G lost her citizenship appeal at the Court of Appeal, based on Datuk Faizah Jamaludin’s 20-page full written judgment that was agreed on June 30 by the two other judges on the panel (panel chair Datuk Azhahari Kamal Ramli and Datuk Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz):

G had argued that she has the right to be a Malaysian citizen under the Federal Constitution, based on Section 19B of the Federal Constitution’s Part III of the Second Schedule.

Under Section 19B, “any new born child found exposed in any place” shall be presumed to have been born there to a mother who is a permanent resident there, and the date the child was found will be treated as the child’s date of birth.

The Court of Appeal agreed that Section 19B has an “important protective purpose” as it reduces the risk of statelessness for a new born child found abandoned, but said that this should be based on how the Federal Constitution was worded.

While agreeing that G was abandoned as a child, the court said Section 19B “does not apply to every abandoned child” as Section 19B also requires the child to also be “new born”.

The court said it cannot remove the “new born” requirement from Section 19B.

Boy waving the national flag in a park at Cheras,August 10,2022—Picture by Devan Manuel

How old does a child have to be to come under Section 19B’s protection from statelessness?

G argued that Section 19B’s “new born child” should be interpreted to include “a very young, abandoned child” who is unable to identify or communicate reliable information about the child’s place of birth or parents.

But the government argued that the words “new born child” should only cover a baby’s first 28 days of life, based on medical terminology.

Ultimately, the Court of Appeal did not specify how old a person should be to still be considered a “new born child” under Section 19B, but relied on the facts in the case when concluding that G was not a “new born child” when she was found.

“We do not consider it necessary in this appeal to adopt a fixed medical definition of ‘new born child’ for all constitutional purposes. It is sufficient to decide this appeal on its facts.

“A child who was about one year old, or one and a half years old according to the police report, cannot properly be described as a ‘new born child’ within Section 19B,” the judge said.

If a “new born child” in Section 19B was extended to cover a child of around one year old or one and a half years, the judge said this would enlarge the category of individuals covered by Section 19B beyond the words chosen by the Federal Constitution.

The judge had said that Section 19B had “chosen” the words “new born child”, which she described as “words of limitation”.

In other words, the phrase “new born child” would limit whether abandoned children could rely on Section 19B, based on their age.

“If Section 19B were intended to apply to every abandoned child irrespective of age, it would not have used those words,” the judge had said earlier in the judgment.

For G, the judge noted both the doctor’s one-year estimate and the one-and-a-half-year-old estimate in the police report, saying: “On either version, she was not a new born child when found.”

As for Section 19B’s provision treating the day of discovery as a child’s date of birth, the judge said this would apply for an abandoned new born child as the actual date of birth cannot be known with certainty, but not when there is already evidence to show that G had been born about one year earlier.

With G having argued that she should be a Malaysian citizen “by operation of law” or because of what the law says in the Federal Constitution, the judge said a person can only be a citizen by operation of law if they fulfil the Federal Constitution’s requirements.

“The court is not at liberty to add to, subtract from, or modify the constitutional qualifications. It cannot confer citizenship by sympathy or discretion,” the judge said earlier in the judgment.

The judge later also said the panel empathised with G’s difficult circumstances, but said citizenship by operation of law still requires constitutional requirements to be met.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal made the observation that G still has the option of applying for Malaysian citizenship by naturalisation under the Federal Constitution’s Article 19, if the federal government is satisfied that she has met the requirements under Article 19.

As this decision was at the Court of Appeal stage, G can still try to pursue her appeal at the Federal Court, which is the highest court in Malaysia.

When contacted by Malay Mail, G’s lawyer Mohd Haijan Omar on July 30 confirmed that his client has filed for leave to appeal at the Federal Court.

The Court of Appeal said Section 19B could apply to a child found abandoned at the place they were born, and not just to those found at an open or physically exposed place. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Another abandoned child gets citizenship in court ruling, but government is appealing

Separately, the same Court of Appeal panel in a 2-1 ruling on June 30 decided that M, a child who was abandoned by her mother a few days after being born at a Klang clinic, is entitled to be a Malaysian citizen by operation of law.

M has been cared for by her Malaysian adoptive parents who had registered her birth within nine days after her birth and has lived in Malaysia her whole life.

Unlike G’s case that was focused on whether she was a “new born child” when found abandoned, the 17-year-old M’s case was focused on whether she was “abandoned”.

In the 23-page majority judgment for that case sighted by Malay Mail, Faizah said the evidence showed M was a “new born child” under Section 19B as she was left at the clinic within a few days of birth.

“Nothing in the language of Section 19B, or in CCH, confines the provision only to a child discovered immediately upon delivery or within a matter of hours,” the judge said, referring to the Federal Court’s November 19, 2021 decision in the CCH citizenship case on a child abandoned after birth in a Kuala Lumpur hospital and who was adopted by Malaysian parents.

Faizah said the Federal Court’s CCH ruling recognised that Section 19B could include a child abandoned at the place of birth by an unknown biological mother, clarifying that CCH does not prevent Section 19B from applying to a new born child born in a clinic and also does not limit Section 19B to only “open or physically exposed” places.

Faizah concluded that the facts showed M was indeed “abandoned” as a new born child, which meant Section 19B applies to her, and that she has met the constitutional requirements to be a Malaysian since the government had failed to rebut the Section 19B presumption.

Those facts include the biological mother leaving the child behind at the clinic after birth; the biological mother (whose true identity and nationality is unknown) not leaving any details through which she could be identified or traced; and the biological father’s identity being unknown.

When contacted by Malay Mail, M’s lawyer Eric Toh Kah Yung on July 30 confirmed that the federal government has filed for leave to appeal at the Federal Court against the ruling that the child is a Malaysian.

Recommended reading:

• Lawyer tells court one-year-olds should be considered ‘new born’ to prevent statelessness
• Court of Appeal grants Malaysian citizenship to abandoned Klang teen, rejects Pahang woman’s appeal
• Federal Court declares stateless KL-born child adopted by Penang couple a Malaysian citizen, orders issuance of new birth certificate

SAMUT SAKHON, Aug 4 — With her palms pressed together and her head bowed, Wassana Nak-umma vowed to give up alcohol for three months, joining millions of Thais in an abstinence campaign blending public health with spirituality.

The 42-year-old housewife, who took the pledge at a Buddhist temple in Samut Sakhon, west of Bangkok, admitted she used to be a “heavy drinker”.

“I used to get so drunk that my kids had to clean up my vomit,” she told AFP candidly.

But a concerned relative persuaded her to join a campaign to give up alcohol during Khao Phansa, a three-month period of reflection observed by Buddhists akin to Christian Lent.

“I still craved it. Whenever I saw people buying liquor or beer at stores, I would look at them and want to drink like them,” she said.

“But I held back, telling myself it was only three months. After that three-month period, I realised, ‘Hey, I can do this! Next year, I must do it again’.”

That was in 2024. Wassana went back to drinking, but in moderation, and this week joined hundreds in Samut Sakhon to pledge abstinence for her third year.

Avoiding drugs and alcohol is a key precept of Buddhism.

But Thailand, where more than 90 per cent of the population identify as Buddhist, has the third-highest per capita consumption of alcohol in Asia, according to 2024 data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

It was to address this paradox that the so-called Buddhist Lent campaign began in 2003, and last year it claimed more than eight million adherents.

A mascot takes part in a parade encouraging people to abstain from alcohol during Buddhist Lent at Wat Nong Song Hong in Samut Sakhon province on July 30, 2026. — AFP pic

Spiritual anchor

The start of Khao Phansa on Thursday was a joyous affair in the rural province of Samut Sakhon, featuring offerings to monks and traditional dances.

Dozens of people also paraded through the village on “salengs” – scooters with sidecars used locally to transport coconuts – brandishing placards featuring images of healthy, smiling livers.

Phayom Raksa solemnly recited a pledge that touched on the teachings of the Buddha, and mentioned Thailand’s king and the well-being of the nation.

The 66-year-old former coconut farmer stopped drinking entirely after participating in the campaign for the first time six years ago.

“My kids were ashamed of me – their dad got drunk every day and didn’t care about them,” he told AFP, saying that he also spent all his money on alcohol.

But he now urged others to follow his example, saying: “I’d like everyone to try doing what I did – to think and look at positive things.”

Abstinence campaigns have gathered ground in many countries in recent years, notably the trend to pursue a “Dry January” after Christmas and New Year’s Eve excesses.

They are often linked to an increased focus on healthy behaviour.

But Ubolwan Kongsawang, a regional volunteer with Thailand’s Stop Drinking Network, said the Buddhist Lent campaign provides a “spiritual anchor” that boosts motivation.

“When individuals take a pledge before a Buddha image, at a temple, or within their community, they feel bound to honour their word,” she said.

People pledge to abstain from drinking alcohol for three months to mark the start of Buddhist Lent at Wat Nong Song Hong in Samut Sakhon province on July 30, 2026. — AFP pic

‘Beyond Lent’

Organisers of the campaign have revamped their messaging this year, emphasising how giving up or even cutting down alcohol consumption can result in improved health, better relationships – and crucially, save money.

“Our goal is not necessarily total abstinence for everyone,” said Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, director of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, a government agency.

“Many reduce their consumption and discover the health benefits, which is already a success.”

Thailand in December relaxed decades-old restrictions on selling alcohol in the afternoon, which were originally intended to stop government employees drinking on the job.

But it remains banned on religious public holidays and around elections.

One advertisement for the Buddhist Lent campaign focuses on the social pressure to drink, in a culture where alcohol is everywhere, from funerals to festivals.

“We are trying to transform the drinking culture itself, not just reduce individual consumption,” says Teera Wacharaprannee, head of the Stop Drinking Network.

“Our strategy is to continue beyond Lent, supporting villages and communities to reduce alcohol in daily life.” — AFP

WASHINGTON, Aug 4 — Whey protein used to be considered a mere byproduct of cheesemaking, but the dietary supplement is now coveted due to high-protein diets popularised across social media — an explosion that is radically reshaping the American dairy industry.

Long sold as a mix-in powder or protein bar, whey can now be found across US supermarket shelves in products ranging from breakfast cereals and bagels to pretzels and instant noodles.

Some of the biggest food brands have hopped on the trend, like chip giant Frito-Lay offering “Protein Nacho Cheese” Doritos and Starbucks debuting a line of “high protein” beverages.

“Seven years ago, a lot of people would take it for training, but now I feel like it’s very commonplace for everyone,” architectural design coordinator Carly Rowcotsky told AFP.

The 25-year-old said she lives an active lifestyle, and takes whey to help repair her muscles after working out.

“I don’t have a lot of time to prepare my own meals, so it’s just kind of like convenient to have some type of supplement,” Rowcotsky said, downing a neon-pink whey protein shake whose label promised 15 grammes of protein per serving.

‘Protein-maxxing’ 

For Chuck Nicholson, a professor of supply chain management at Penn State University, the frenzy is fuelled by several factors.

“Social media is really driving a lot of people to think that protein is a really healthy alternative,” Nicholson told AFP, pointing to diet trends like “protein-maxxing,” in which online users try to maximise their protein intake, often to excessive levels.

On top of that, US demand for whey and other protein supplements “is driven a lot by the GLP-related drugs and the dietary advice that people are getting,” he added, as users of weight loss drugs including Wegovy and Ozempic are advised to increase protein in their diets to preserve muscle mass.

Protein mania is even reflected in the US government’s nutrition guidelines, which updated in March to raise the recommended levels of daily protein intake from 0.8 grammes per kilogramme of body weight to 1.2-1.6 grammes per kilogramme.

“Protein and healthy fats are essential and were wrongly discouraged in prior dietary guidelines,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said earlier this year.

Whey protein powder is displayed on shelves at an H-E-B grocery store on June 29, 2026 in Austin, Texas. — Brandon Bell/Getty Images North America/Getty Images pic via AFP

More whey, more cheese 

However, this upsurge in whey protein demand is facing a reality check from the dairy industry.

Since whey is a refined product resulting from cheese production, “there’s kind of a capacity constraint, both in terms of what the cows are making, the amount of cheese capacity that we have, and the amount of capacity that we have to actually make those products from the whey,” Nicholson explained.

Beyond that, the whey sold in consumer products requires specialised, expensive equipment to filter it into high-protein concentrates and isolates.

“For a long time we didn’t actually do much with the whey,” Nicholson said. “In some cases, it was fed to animals or was actually thrown away.”

The dairy industry foresaw this growing trend, with International Dairy Food Association CEO Michael Dykes saying “dairy companies have invested US$13 billion (RM53 billion) in new capacity, technology and supply chain optimisation” to meet demand.

White gold 

Joshua White, an expert at dairy product marketer T.C. Jacoby & Co., said despite the increased capacity for whey production, “the market has still demanded more.”

Prices have skyrocketed as a result, with industry data showing cost jumps of around 40 per cent in recent months, with the largest hike seen for high-concentrate whey protein, which has soared 150 per cent in price.

As a domino effect, those higher prices have increased the product’s profitability for cheesemakers, incentivizing them to make more liquid whey.

“Sometimes people say, you know, I make the money on the whey and I...cover my costs based on making the cheese,” Nicholson said.

An oversimplification perhaps, he added, but “it’s definitely true that the return on whey right now relative to the return on cheese is larger.”

But dairy industry expert Kathleen Noble Wolfley cautioned that cheese production still outweighs whey production in the United States.

“Are we going to start making cheese for the whey? I always think about it as like...is the tail wagging the dog rather than the dog wagging the tail,” she said.

“But I say we’re probably closer to that commentary than we were five years ago.” — AFP

GLASGOW, Aug 4 — Glasgow stepped in to save the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but a slimmed down 10-sport model over the last 10 days has failed to dispel doubts over the future of the event.

First held as the British Empire Games 96 years ago, the event was plunged into crisis in 2023 when the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts over mounting costs.

Having hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow offered a cost-effective solution with existing venues already in place. The Games were delivered at a budget of just £160 million (RM877 million) compared to £780 million in Birmingham four years ago.

The Indian city of Ahmedabad has been handed the baton for the centenary games in four years time, with the programme set to expand once more to between 15 and 17 sports.

AFP Sports looks at the lessons of the 23rd Games and if they have a future in the modern sporting landscape.

National weightlifter Mohamad Syahmi Nor Ghazali competes in the men’s 94kg category during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) Armadillo in Glasgow on July 29, 2026. — Bernama pic

‘A door opener’

Situated two years either side of the Olympic Games, the Commonwealths have often proven to be a launchpad for future stars.

“The Commonwealth Games is where champions are made,” the president of Commonwealth Sport, Dr. Donald Rukare, told AFP.

After storming to 100m gold in one of the Games’ blue riband events, Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme said the Commonwealths four years ago had kickstarted his career at the elite level.

“The Commonwealth Games has been like a door opener for me,” said Eseme after running 9.83 seconds despite sodden conditions in Scotland.

“Things started getting going at the last Commonwealth Games with the national record of 10.08. No one in my country ever thought someone from Cameroon was going to run 10.08, I did it in the Commonwealth Games. It was great and you know things have just been going well since.”

Australia may have ran away at the top of the medals table, hoovering up over 171 medals, including 70 golds, followed by England, Canada and India.

But the Commonwealth Games are the chance for the smaller and lesser known of the 74 nations and territories.

Jersey, Dominica and the British Virgin Islands were among those to come away from Glasgow with gold.

“This is where it all started for me, and this is probably where it will end,” said Dominica’s Olympic triple jump champion Thea LaFond. “It feels amazing to be a trailblazer for Dominica.”

The Commonwealths also gives some athletes the chance to represent nations or territories that are grouped together at Olympics or international games level.

Fresh from breaking a 27-year-old world record for the mile, Josh Kerr was billed as the poster boy for the Games on home soil.

The Scotsman duly delivered with a dominant performance to deliver gold in the first running of the mile at the Commonwealth Games for 60 years.

“To have Flower of Scotland playing versus the GB national anthem, it’s just different,” said Kerr. “Not many times in my career I’ll ever have that.”

The inclusivity of the “friendly games” was further enhanced by the largest ever para-sport programme with six sports fully integrated compared to the divide between Olympics and Paralympics.

Britain’s King Charles III delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the 23rd Commonwealth Games at the OVO Arena in Glasgow July 23, 2026. — AFP pic

Missing stars and empty stands

Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir is confident the future of the Games is bright with more potential hosts, led by New Zealand, expressing interest for 2034 and beyond.

Yet experience shows even successful bids have failed to materialise.

This is the second consecutive Commonwealths to suffer a change of host after Durban also pulled out for the 2022 Games.

India’s ambition to host the Olympics for the first time has been a driving factor behind Ahmedabad’s candidacy.

Where the motivation comes to fund the Commonwealths beyond its 100th anniversary is less clear.

The Games’ lack of appeal to athletes was also shown in those who decided not to turn up in Glasgow.

Alongside Kerr, the biggest draw in British athletics, Keely Hodgkinson, prioritised the upcoming European Athletic Championships.

Women’s 100m Olympic champion Julien Alfred and Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh were among the other big names to skip the Games.

A lack of star power was reflected in a low key atmosphere and plenty of empty seats, in stark contrast to 12 years ago when 1.3 million tickets were sold in the same city.

Glasgow may have saved the Commonwealth project for now, but the long term health of the Games is far from guaranteed. — AFP

LONDON, Aug 4 — Pulling his face away from an immersive 3D headset looking deep inside a patient’s lung, doctor Sasha Stamenkovic recounted the final steps of an operation using robots to remove a tumour.

“We’ve done some very, very intricate operating today,” said the 60-year-old consultant thoracic surgeon.

“We’ve saved a lot of lung, we’ve gone around some really, really small vessels and really small airways.”

He was addressing three surgeons from another English hospital observing Stamenkovic using the new da Vinci 5 robotic-assisted surgical system, made by US company Intuitive.

The equipment will arrive in their operating theatre later this year, part of a drive to increase the use of robotics in keyhole surgery across the UK’s National Health Service.

Throughout the roughly two-hour operation, Stamenkovic’s instructions echoed through a microphone to his surgical team, which includes nurses specially trained as robotic surgical first assistants.

As director of robotic surgery and research at Barts Health NHS Trust, he runs fellowships at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in central London, shaping what he says will be the “surgeon of the future.”

The government has set a target for robotic assistance to be used in 9 out of 10 keyhole surgeries in England by 2035.

A nurse assists in lung cancer surgery using the new Da Vinci 5 robotic-assisted surgical system at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London on July 3, 2026. — AFP pic

‘Art form’

At first glance, the setup looks like a video game. Stamenkovic carried out the operation via a console at the side of the room, his hand movements translating into the actions of three robotic arms holding operating instruments, looming over a patient lying a few metres away.

A fourth arm holds a camera, providing the 3D stream for the surgeon, as well as two screens in the operating theatre.

The robotic systems can be used across a range of specialities including urology, gynaecology, colorectal, thoracic, and abdominal or general surgery.

Ali Ansaripour, a senior cardiothoracic trainee on a year-long fellowship, is one of the doctors under his wing.

“Stepping away” from the patient and adjusting to this setup was the “biggest challenge”, Ansaripour said.

“I think that almost kind of separates you from the patient slightly,” he said.

“But it gives you incredible vision and makes you very objective in terms of how you deal with the patient.”

Despite the futuristic appearance, Stamenkovic argued robotics has actually returned keyhole surgery closer to “how the original open surgery used to be”.

This is because the slim robotic arms can move more easily than humans holding tools inside the restricted space of a keyhole surgery.

“Robotic surgery has brought you back to what surgeons wanted to do, which was to have an art form able to create something with their hands,” he said.

The greater precision also reduces the risk of complications like air leaks, a common cause of longer hospital stays following lung surgery.

Surgeon and director of robotic surgery Sasha Stamenkovic (far right) performs lung cancer surgery using the new Da Vinci 5 robotic-assisted surgical system at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London on July 3, 2026. — AFP pic

Recovery

This more precise surgery within a smaller wound should mean a shorter hospital stay and recovery time.

For an overstretched public health service, the hope is patients will leave hospitals sooner, freeing up bed space and reducing waiting lists.

Ian Macleod “didn’t realise” until he was wearing a surgical gown and about to be anaesthetised that he would be the first patient in the NHS to undergo lung cancer surgery using the new system.

The 76-year-old retired detective said the news “didn’t faze” him, and he was back on his feet 30 minutes after returning to the ward.

The recovery was “extraordinary,” said Macleod.

He had undergone non-robotic keyhole surgery for a different cancer in the past, and says that recovery time was “much longer”.

Leaving hospital with just one stitch this time, he was driving his wife to the garden centre for coffee less than a week later.

Training

The government highlighted robotics as one of five “big bets” in a 10-year health plan for England.

But the Royal College of Nursing has slammed the existence of a “postcode lottery” in the availability of the surgery in different parts of the country.

The body also criticised the lack of a “standard, consistent funding model” for robotics across the NHS, which has left some hospitals relying on charitable donations to fund the equipment.

“We need to embed robotics into training programmes,” said Stamenkovic.

Young surgeons in training who are not yet at the consultant level tend to be “more adept” than older counterparts, says Stamenkovic.

“All we need to do is harness their energy, their passion, their skill set, and teach them the right moves.” — AFP

SYDNEY, Aug 3 — Australians who faced a “Black Summer” blaze that scorched millions of hectares say they may have lessons for European countries hit by some of the fiercest fires in living memory.

Firefighters in Europe and around the world are encountering wildfires of a new intensity – extreme weather events scientists have linked to human-made climate change.

For Australians, such fires are all too familiar.

The country has long been prone to brutal wildfires – notably the “Black Summer” bushfires from late 2019 to early 2020, which razed millions of hectares, destroyed thousands of homes and blanketed cities in noxious smoke.

Here’s what experts in Australia think the world can learn from the country’s long experience fighting bushfires on a vast, dry continent.

Firefighters attempt to extinguish a wildfire inside a house garden in Loumpa village, west of Athens, on August 2, 2026. — AFP pic

Be prepared

For Australia’s firefighters, the key is to prepare and try to prevent or reduce the risk of a catastrophic blaze.

Fires are uncontrollable when they exceed the firefighters’ ability to “put the wet stuff onto the red stuff fast enough to put them out”, bushfire consultant Roger Fenwick told AFP.

Carrying out controlled fires on a regular basis ensures that when the big one comes, its spread is contained.

“You have to do hazard reduction burning to get the fuel level down, so that the fire cannot develop an intensity beyond what we are capable of dealing with,” Fenwick says.

Besides controlled burning of bushland, that work can also involve clearing undergrowth with machines or even by hand.

While this does not prevent fires, it can dramatically reduce the risk of a catastrophic blaze.

Communities are kept alert about controlled burns through a website and mobile app run by the fire department.

Another key to preparation is creating so-called asset protection zones – meaning fuel for the fire is kept away from where people live.

“Even a simple 10 metres can dramatically increase the building’s chance of survival,” David Peterson, an expert in managing bushfire risk, told AFP.

A firefighting helicopter drops water over a wildfire in Porto Germeno, near Athens, on August 2, 2026. — AFP pic

Don’t be complacent

Greg Mullins, who served as commissioner of the New South Wales fire service from 2003 to 2017, said he believed crews in Europe were well aware of how to deal with blazes.

Australia”Black Summer” showed that those at the top should assume the worst is coming, he said.

“There was this complacency and failure to recognise that there’s been a step change in extreme weather, and that this will continue because the globe continues to warm,” he told AFP.

He points to the UK, now grappling with wildfires at an unprecedented scale.

“There’s no fire breaks. There’s no fire danger rating system. There’s no public warnings about use of barbecues and outdoor fires,” he said.

“There’s so much that can be done.”

Australian authorities issue daily fire danger ratings displayed on roadside boards and social media that range from “moderate” to “catastrophic”.

During a fire ban, barbeque or wood fire pizza ovens cannot be used outside.

For Mullins it’s not about throwing money at more firetrucks and more aircraft.

“It’s actually about making communities more resilient through regulations, building spaces, education, and giving them the basic tools to save themselves when there is a big event.”

Volunteers and firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire in Veniza, west of Athens, on August 2, 2026. — AFP pic

Be honest

Australian experts agree the key lesson of the “Black Summer” is to be honest and keep people informed.

“Police, fire, ambulance – we’re all taught: ‘reassure people, keep them safe, and avoid panic, and you know, take charge’,” Mullins said.

That sometimes means letting people know when no-one is coming to help, Fenwick argued.

“We need to be able to tell people that ‘you’re definitely on your own on this one, you’ve got to be somewhere else because you will die if you stay in front of one of these things’.”

Australia also also benefits from a unique volunteer firefighting service borne out of its vast geography.

Over 180,000 people volunteered nationwide in 2023-2024, according to the government-backed Natural Hazards Research Australia.

“People get trained, have the knowledge, and are empowered to do something rather than sit and watch,” Mullins said.

Experts see parallels between the “Black Summer” and what has happened in Europe in recent months – extended periods of drought accompanied by very high temperatures.

‘Take cover’

Combined with high winds, that makes for fire that spreads too quickly to be extinguished.

Fires in Europe have even experienced the outbreak of a “fire cloud” or pyrocumulonimbus that can generate wind and lighting – also seen in Australia during the “Black Summer”.

The phenomenon is so fierce that firefighting aircraft cannot be deployed, said ex-fire chief Mullins.

“The firefighters on the ground just have to take cover and try and save their own lives,” he said.

“People delude themselves that the human race is so clever that we’ll come up with some wonderful technology that’ll make this all go away.”

Scientists say human-caused climate change has made the extreme conditions that fuel those infernos twice as likely as in a pre-industrial climate.

And Mullins said politicians had a duty to tackle climate change seriously – or face bigger and more deadly blazes every summer.

“It’s making firefighters’ jobs even more dangerous,” he said. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — Low prices for goods offered on e-commerce platforms cannot be directly considered as predatory pricing or anti-competitive practices, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Marhamah Rosli.

She said the determination of whether a practice constitutes anti-competitive must be assessed based on facts, market data and sufficient evidence.

This includes the actual cost structure, sources of subsidies or financing, market position, the period during which the low price is offered and its impact on competitors, she said.

“The government’s principles are clear. Malaysia remains an open-market economy that encourages trade, investment, innovation, and competition.

“Healthy competition benefits consumers through more competitive prices, a wider selection of products and improved service quality,” she said at the Dewan Negara today.

She was responding to Senator Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe’s adjournment speech regarding the threat posed by cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Pinduoduo and Temu to the ecosystem of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the country’s retail sector.

Phoong raised concerns from local traders and business associations that they would find it difficult to compete fairly with foreign sellers due to higher operating costs, such as premises rent, employee wages, statutory contributions, customs clearance, and various business taxes.

Marhamah said that although the government adopts an open-market economic policy, this does not mean the market is left unregulated.

Rather, she said the government will ensure a level playing field exists and that all industry players, whether local traders, foreign sellers, or digital platforms, are subject to the same laws and responsibilities.

She said that the government will not compromise on any trade practices that unfairly eliminate competitors, abuse market position, or ultimately harm consumers and the country’s business ecosystem.

“At the same time, the government also has a responsibility to make sure that consumers continue to enjoy the benefits of healthy competition without compromising the safety, quality of products and their rights as consumers and not neglecting the interests of MSMEs.

“The government takes into account the interests of MSMEs and needs to ensure that the survival and development of the sector is not affected, in addition to ensuring that the rights and interests of consumers continue to be protected,” she said.

Marhamah also said the Cabinet had agreed to draft a new e-Commerce Act to provide a more comprehensive legal framework in line with the development of the digital economy.

“This policy is no longer at the proposal or preliminary study stage, but in the implementation phase. Meanwhile, the Cabinet also agreed that a steering committee and a technical committee be established to coordinate the drafting process of the act so that it can be completed according to the set timeline,” she said.

She said that, through drafting the act, the government will comprehensively examine aspects of the responsibilities of e-commerce platforms, cross-border transactions, foreign seller compliance, consumer protection, transparency of seller and product information, dispute resolution mechanisms, and enforcement methods against entities without a physical presence in Malaysia. — Bernama

SEOUL, Aug 3 — South Korea’s weather agency issued a “severe heatwave warning” for Seoul today, the first such advisory since introducing the designation this year to alert the public about extreme temperatures.

New national heat records were set on Friday, Saturday and yesterday, with the mercury soaring up to 42.5° degrees Celsius (C), leading to nearly 300 people being hospitalised, according to health authorities.

The sweltering heatwave continued today, albeit without breaking the weekend’s all-time record.

But the Korea Meteorological Administration issued its first “severe heatwave warning” for Seoul, saying some districts in the city of nine million people could expect more roasting temperatures to come.

The agency said Monday marked the second consecutive day when the apparent, or “feels-like”, temperature in some districts reached 35C — and forecast figures as high as 38C from 11am (0200 GMT/10am Malaysian time) tomorrow.

“Outdoor activities and work should be halted or postponed as much as possible,” says the heat warning. “Individuals should move to cool locations, such as air-conditioned indoor spaces or designated heat relief shelters.”

Pedestrian commuters in the capital snaked their way to work through patches of shade on Monday, avoiding direct sunlight even in the morning’s cooler early hours.

The “severe heatwave warning” category was introduced in South Korea this year, mirroring similar designations other countries have brought in.

Japanese cities have this summer experienced “cruelly hot days”, a new meteorological term Tokyo uses to designate days with intense heat above 40C.

Scientists warn that extreme weather events such as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of human-induced climate change. — AFP

JAKARTA, Aug 3 — Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise (Bea Cukai) has released CCTV footage showing the movements of a Malaysian pilot arrested last week over the alleged smuggling of about 25 kilogrammes of ecstasy through Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The video, uploaded on Bea Cukai’s official Instagram account on Monday, shows the 39-year-old suspect, dressed in a pilot’s uniform, collecting a large silver hard-shell suitcase from the baggage carousel while pulling a second black suitcase before walking through the arrival hall towards the customs clearance area.

According to the video’s narration, the suspect entered the dedicated fast-track lane for flight crew before being directed to the customs inspection room for further examination after officers identified him through risk profiling.

The footage then shifts to the baggage inspection, where customs officers open the silver suitcase and remove clothing and other belongings before uncovering multiple brown packages concealed beneath the contents.

Close-up footage shows customs officers examining and removing the packages from the suitcase while the suspect is questioned during the inspection.

The video concludes with officers displaying a small bottle, which the on-screen narration alleges contained fake urine intended to manipulate the results of a urine test.

Indonesian authorities, in a press conference on Friday, said the Malaysian pilot was arrested on July 29 after allegedly attempting to smuggle about 25 kilogrammes of ecstasy, valued at around Rp60 billion (RM13.6 million) into the country.

Authorities also alleged the pilot tested positive for MDMA, methamphetamine and cocaine, had previously smuggled narcotics into Indonesia, and exploited the dedicated crew baggage handling system by concealing the drugs beneath clothing in a suitcase bearing a crew claim tag.

Preliminary investigations also indicated that the suspect was promised RM50,000 to carry out the smuggling operation, while authorities continue to pursue the alleged mastermind behind the syndicate.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta confirmed it had received official notification from Indonesia’s Directorate of Drug Crimes under the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) and was engaging with the Indonesian authorities to obtain consular access to the detained Malaysian.

Separately, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to supporting multi-agency efforts to safeguard Malaysia’s borders against illegal activities, saying it would provide any assistance required in relation to the case while continuing to work closely with enforcement authorities. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 3 — The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) will continue to closely monitor the safety of Malaysian students in West Asian countries by seeking guidance from the Foreign Ministry following the evolving security situation in the region.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said MOHE has taken note of recent developments, including the United States’ travel advisory urging its citizens to leave the region, and will take all necessary precautionary measures to ensure the safety of Malaysian students.

He said MOHE relies on Wisma Putra (Foreign Ministy) as its main point of reference and will continue to seek the ministry’s guidance to ensure that the movements and welfare of Malaysian students studying in the region are closely monitored.

“In this crisis involving Iran, we know that the United States’ foreign policy is constantly changing. Today’s decision may be different tomorrow. Nevertheless, we will take every necessary precaution to ensure the whereabouts of Malaysians, particularly our students in West Asian countries, are closely monitored and that their safety is guaranteed,” he said.

He told reporters this after the closing ceremony of the International Charisma Programme: Malaysia Madani Nationhood 2026, here today.

Meanwhile, Zambry said 456 Malaysian students scheduled to pursue their studies in Egypt, Jordan and Morocco from Sept 1 had participated in the International Charisma Programme organised byMOHE in collaboration with the Malaysia Nationhood Academy (AKM).

He said MOHE had not received any information indicating that the situation in Egypt, Jordan or Morocco had affected Malaysian students, but the ministry stood ready to take immediate action should there be any developments.

He said the AKM programme provided students with the opportunity to receive briefings, obtain guidance and interact directly with ministry officials, while ensuring their welfare continued to be safeguarded.

“We have ensured that all Education Malaysia offices, including those in Egypt and Jordan, are always prepared. Although we do not have an Education Malaysia office in Morocco, matters relating to students there are coordinated through our office in Egypt,” he said.

Commenting on the number of Malaysian students in the Middle East, Zambry said there were thousands of Malaysians studying in Egypt, while Jordan had an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 Malaysian students. The number in Morocco remained relatively small but was steadily increasing.

He said Malaysian students in Egypt were not only pursuing Islamic studies but were also enrolled in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other professional fields needed by the country.

Earlier, in his speech, Zambry said Malaysian students pursuing higher education abroad were strategic national assets and expressed hope that they would return to contribute their knowledge and expertise to the country’s development after completing their studies.

He also reminded students that the pursuit of knowledge should not be confined to academic achievement alone, but should also encompass character building through the concepts of ta’lim (imparting knowledge), tarbiah (personal development) and ta’dib (instilling ethics and moral values).

Zambry added that Malaysia is now a study destination for students from about 180 countries, reflecting the international community’s confidence in the quality and competitiveness of the country’s higher education system.

He said the achievement demonstrated that local higher education institutions continued to receive global recognition and did not depend solely on enrolment from any particular country. — Bernama

HONG KONG, Aug 3 — A Hong Kong court sentenced a former prison officer to three years in jail today for an assault on an inmate that had led to his hospitalisation, local media said.

Tam Lik-chung pleaded guilty this year to assaulting the inmate during his time as an officer at a correctional institution for young offenders in December 2023.

He was in charge of overseeing a group of inmates including the victim, Chiu Hei-tik, who was remanded for involvement in a robbery case, according to the court’s verdict in July.

Chiu testified during the trial that after he had thrown talcum powder at Tam during a game, the officer ordered him to go to a stairwell and assaulted him with a wooden stick while two other inmates held him down.

He was taken to hospital with anal and rectal injuries and required an operation, the verdict said.

Tam, who had pleaded guilty to charges of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and perverting the course of justice, was sentenced to three years, local media reported.

Three inmates received sentences of four to six months for their role in the assault. A fourth inmate has been acquitted.

Tam’s supervisor, who had been charged with misconduct in public office, has also been acquitted.

Rights group Amnesty International said in a 2025 report that Hong Kong inmates experience physical violence, prolonged solitary confinement, poor sanitary conditions and high summer temperatures in the city’s prisons — claims that the government called a “malicious smear”. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The ringgit ended lower against the greenback and other major currencies today, pressured by rising United States Treasury yields and renewed uncertainty over the path of US monetary policy.

At 6 pm, the local currency eased to 4.0935/0975 versus the greenback from last Friday’s close of  4.0835/0875.

SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes said investors are now turning their attention to a busy US economic data calendar, including the Job Openings and Labour Turnover Survey (JOLTS), ADP employment data and nonfarm payrolls report on August 7.

“The upcoming US labour market data will be critical in determining whether the US dollar has further room to weaken. Nonfarm payrolls remain the week’s key macro risk event,” he told Bernama.

Meanwhile, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the ringgit versus the US dollar started on a stronger note, with USDMYR lingering around RM4.0788 in the morning session before gradually moving towards RM4.09 in the afternoon session.

However, he noted that the Japanese yen was showing significant improvement, with US dollar-yen at 156.91 yen after piercing the 160 yen mark in early June, adding that intervention by Japanese government authorities was likely the main factor behind the currency’s appreciation.

“The statement by US Treasury Secretary shows the US government is also participating in intervening in the currency market to prop up the value of the yen,” said Mohd Afzanizam.

On Sunday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a post on X, said that the Treasury remains in close contact with Japan’s Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan, noting that Friday’s coordinated foreign exchange actions countered disorderly yen movements.

“We will not hesitate to participate in further joint intervention,” he said.

The ringgit traded lower against a basket of major currencies at the close.

It depreciated versus the Japanese yen to 2.6062/6089 from 2.5520/5548 at last Friday’s close, fell vis-à-vis the euro to 4.7165/7211 from 4.6981/7027, and declined versus the British pound to 5.5053/5107 from 5.4923/4977 previously.

The ringgit also traded lower against regional currencies.

It weakened versus the Thai baht to 12.2663/2827 from 12.2264/2435 at last Friday’s close, declined against the Indonesian rupiah to 227.4/227.7 from 226.6/226.8 previously, edged down vis-à-vis the Philippine peso to 6.72/6.73 from 6.66/6.67, and slipped against the Singapore dollar to 3.1911/1944 from 3.1823/1856. — Bernama

LONDON, Aug 3 — Wales today became the first nation to publicly withdraw support for Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid over his failed plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup.

Infantino had offered its 211 member associations US$40 million (RM163 million) each if they backed proposals for private investment in its tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.

But he was forced to scrap his plan after a furious backlash from three continental confederations.

The Football Association of Wales said today it would not back Infantino’s candidature in the election in Rabat, Morocco, in March 2027.

“The Football Association of Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr Gianni Infantino, for re-election as Fifa president for the 2027-2031 term,” the FAW said in a statement.

“The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football.

“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”

The English FA is also understood to have written to Fifa making it clear it no longer supports Infantino.

English football’s governing body issued a statement on Saturday saying it “fully supported” the position of Uefa, which said Infantino had lost the “confidence” of the European governing body.

North and Central American football’s governing body, Concacaf called for a “comprehensive reckoning with” Infantino’s leadership while the Asian Football Confederation pleaded for transparency. — AFP

KUANTAN, Aug 3 — Maran Umno Youth chief Mohd Radzi Rahimi died alongside his wife, child, and brother-in-law in a car accident in Bentong on Monday.

The family was travelling in a four-wheel-drive vehicle along Jalan Lama Bentong when a massive tree collapsed, crushing the vehicle and killing four of its occupants..

The incident was confirmed via a Facebook post by Jerantut Umno division chief and Pahang state assemblyman Haris Salleh Hamzah, who expressed his profound grief over the loss of his colleague.

“I am deeply saddened to receive news of the passing of the late Edy, Maran Umno Youth chief, together with his wife, child and brother-in-law, who were killed in an accident in Bentong.

“May Allah SWT forgive all their sins, bestow His mercy upon them, and place them among the believers,” he wrote.

The accident, reported at approximately 12.30pm, claimed the lives of the 35-year-old driver, a 36-year-old woman, a 40-year-old man, and a five-year-old boy who was sitting on the woman’s lap.

In a bittersweet survival, another five-year-old boy, believed to be the twin brother of the child who died, was injured in the crash and is currently receiving treatment at Bentong Hospital.

The bodies of the four victims were transported to Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (HoSHAS) in Temerloh for post-mortem examinations.

Offering prayers for the bereaved, Haris Salleh concluded his tribute by urging the family to remain steadfast.

“May they be granted strength, patience and fortitude in facing this immensely difficult trial,” he said.

GLASGOW, Aug 3 — Malaysia’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign proved that a smaller contingent does not necessarily translate into a weaker challenge on the international stage.

With only 59 athletes competing across eight sports, Malaysia still surpassed the five-gold target by finishing with eight gold, three silver and five bronze medals — the country’s best Commonwealth Games performance since winning 12 golds at the Delhi 2010 edition.

The achievement was even more significant, as badminton, diving, squash and rhythmic gymnastics, traditionally among Malaysia’s strongest medal sources, were not contested in Glasgow.

Instead, weightlifting, judo, para athletics, track cycling and lawn bowls stepped forward to shoulder the national challenge and deliver.

The campaign showed that Malaysia can remain competitive under a reduced programme, but the momentum and lessons gained must now be carried forward to the next edition to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, known as Amdavad 2030.

Weightlifting emerged as Malaysia’s biggest success story in Glasgow by contributing five of the contingent’s eight gold medals through Mohamad Aniq Kasdan, Muhamad Aznil Bidin, Muhammad Erry Hidayat, Muhammad Hafizuddin Roslin and Mohamad Syahmi Nor Ghazali.

The impressive haul confirmed the sport’s status as the new backbone of the national contingent at the Commonwealth Games.

More importantly, the success came after years of rebuilding, following doping controversies that once damaged the sport’s image and credibility.

Stricter monitoring, improved anti-doping education and closer control over supplements have since helped restore confidence in the national programme.

The next challenge is to translate Malaysia’s Commonwealth dominance into stronger and more consistent performances at the Asian Games, World Championships and Olympic Games.

Malaysia’s campaign was not only about surpassing the medal target but also about producing several historic moments across different sports.

Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang finally secured his first Commonwealth Games gold by winning the men’s keirin after 16 years of trying.

Judoka Amir Daniel Abdul Majeed also made history by delivering Malaysia’s first Commonwealth Games judo gold medal after defeating higher-ranked South African Timothy Meuwsen in the men’s under-81-kilogramme final.

Datuk Abdul Latif Romly completed his collection of major titles by adding the Commonwealth crown to his Paralympic and world championship successes.

These breakthroughs gave the campaign greater significance and ensured Glasgow 2026 would be remembered for more than just the final medal tally.

Despite the strong overall performance, Malaysia’s medal success remained concentrated in only a handful of sports.

Weightlifting alone contributed five of the eight gold medals.

Several sports, including swimming, artistic gymnastics, basketball and women’s track cycling, showed promise but were unable to turn encouraging performances into podium finishes.

Malaysia must now expand its pool of medal contenders through stronger development programmes, better competitive pathways and greater international exposure.

Without greater depth across more sports, future success could remain vulnerable to programme changes or the decline of key athletes.

Glasgow 2026 should be viewed as the beginning of a new competitive cycle rather than merely the conclusion of a successful campaign.

Several young athletes gained valuable exposure in Scotland, and are expected to reach their peak before Amdavad 2030.

The performances also showed that targeted investment in non-traditional sports such as judo can produce significant returns at major multi-sport Games.

Preparation for the next Commonwealth Games and other major events beyond it, including the Asian Games and Olympics, must begin early through stable coaching, stronger sports science support and regular exposure to high-level international competition.

If the lessons from Glasgow are properly applied, Malaysia can build a broader, deeper and more sustainable medal challenge across the major multi-sport stage, with Amdavad 2030 forming part of a longer-term pathway towards future Olympics success.

Glasgow 2026, which began on July 23 and brought together about 3,000 athletes from 74 countries and territories competing in 10 core sports and six integrated para sports, concluded yesterday. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 3 — Sabah’s total trade stood at RM105.5 billion in 2025, remaining above the RM100 billion mark for a fourth consecutive year despite global economic uncertainties, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

DOSM said the state’s total trade slipped 2.1 per cent from the previous year but remained resilient.

Sabah’s total trade reached RM118.0 billion in 2022, then declined to RM105.0 billion in 2023, rebounded to RM107.8 billion in 2024 and eased to RM105.5 billion in 2025.

“Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, the state’s trade performance continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience,” DOSM said in a statement.

Sabah recorded a trade surplus of RM9.9 billion in 2025, down 33.3 per cent from RM14.9 billion in 2024.

Exports fell 5.9 per cent to RM57.7 billion from RM61.3 billion, weighed by weaker global demand for several key commodities.

Imports, however, rose 2.8 per cent to RM47.8 billion from RM46.4 billion.

Crude petroleum remained Sabah’s largest export at RM17.1 billion, accounting for 29.7 per cent of total exports, followed by palm oil at RM16.8 billion.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports rose 2.0 per cent to RM4.6 billion, while refined petroleum products were the state’s largest import category at RM4.8 billion.

Peninsular Malaysia remained Sabah’s largest trading partner, accounting for RM49.6 billion, or 47.1 per cent, of the state’s total trade.

China was the second-largest trading partner at RM10.4 billion, followed by Thailand (RM4.4 billion), the Republic of Korea (RM4.2 billion) and Japan (RM4.0 billion).

Exports to Asean countries totalled RM11.2 billion, with the Philippines the largest destination at RM3.9 billion, accounting for 34.5 per cent of Sabah’s exports to the regional bloc.

By sector, mining was the largest contributor to exports at RM23.2 billion, followed by agriculture at RM22.1 billion and manufacturing at RM12.3 billion.

By end use, intermediate goods accounted for the largest share of imports at RM17.5 billion, while imports of consumption goods and capital goods grew 13.2 per cent and 9.1 per cent, respectively. — Bernama

AUGUST 3 — Most older Malaysians want to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. The question is how we can create the right environment and support systems to enable them to do so safely and independently.

Ageing in place is not just about healthcare. It involves having accessible housing, safe public spaces, reliable transport, community support services and technologies that allow older adults to continue living active and meaningful lives.

As Malaysia moves towards an ageing society, we need to rethink how our communities are designed. Homes, neighbourhoods and public facilities should take into consideration the needs of people across different stages of life.

Supporting older adults to remain independent can benefit families and the healthcare system by encouraging preventive care, reducing avoidable health complications and promoting better quality of life.

People sit at the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia’s day-care centre in Petaling Jaya. — Picture by Miera Zulyana

These issues will be among the key discussions at the 11th Malaysian Conference on Healthy Ageing, which aims to explore practical approaches in building a more age-friendly Malaysia.

The 11th Malaysian Conference on Healthy Ageing (11th MCHA) will bring together leading local and international experts in geriatrics, healthy longevity, dementia care, digital health, rehabilitation, nutrition and ageing research. Organised by the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS), the conference will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre from 10th to 12th September, 2026 and is expected to bring together healthcare professionals, allied health practitioners, policymakers, researchers, industry partners, aged care providers and other stakeholders involved in shaping Malaysia’s ageing landscape.

For more information and to register, visit healthyageing.org

* Dr Wong Teck Wee is organising chairman for the 11th Malaysian Conference on Healthy Ageing

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — Bursa Malaysia ended marginally higher today supported by late buying in selected large-cap stocks amid improving investor sentiment, despite lingering geopolitical uncertainties, an analyst said.

At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) edged up 0.83 of a point to 1,725.73 from last Friday’s close of 1,724.90.

The benchmark index opened 0.36 of a point higher at 1,725.26, and moved between 1,719.47 and 1,729.72 throughout the day.

However, the broader market was negative with losers outpacing gainers 609 to 490, while 573 counters were unchanged, 1,058 untraded and 20 suspended.

Turnover shrank to 2.73 billion units valued at RM2.33 billion from 3.10 billion units valued at RM3.57 billion last Friday.

Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said regional markets ended mostly lower amid renewed concerns over artificial intelligent (AI) spending and technology valuations.

However, he said market sentiment was partially supported after US President Donald Trump signalled that negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz would begin on Monday, raising hopes of easing geopolitical tensions and reducing the risk of prolonged disruptions to global energy supplies.

“Brent crude prices subsequently fell sharply, helping to ease inflation concerns and lifting sentiment in global equity futures,” he told Bernama.

On the domestic front, Thong said investors are likely to maintain a cautious stance given the uncertain global economic outlook, while continued foreign fund inflows should help cushion downside risks and provide underlying support to the local market.

“As such, we expect the FBM KLCI to trade within the 1,710 to 1,740 range this week,” he said.

Among the heavyweights, Maybank slid six sen to RM10.84, Tenaga Nasional fell 10 sen to RM14.50, IHH Healthcare shed five sen to RM8.30, while Public Bank perked up three sen to RM5.20 and CIMB added 12 sen to RM8.01.

As for the active stocks, Hubline edged down half-a-sen to three sen, Zetrix AI lost two sen to 72.5 sen, HHRG slipped 1.5 sen to 11.5 sen, Tanco inched up one sen to 27 sen, and VS Industry was flat at 23 sen.

Of the lead gainers, Nestlé put on RM1.60 to RM102.70, United Plantations climbed 48 sen to RM34.20, Hong Leong Industries rose 28 sen to RM18.0, AmBank soared 27 sen to RM7.03, and Lebtech surged 21 sen to 86 sen.

Fraser & Neave led the losers list, falling 40 sen to RM27.50, Frontken Corporation sank 19 sen to RM5.02, while Petronas Chemicals, Sam Engineering & Equipment and Sunway Construction declined 17 sen each to RM4.61, RM4.38 and RM7.75, respectively.

On the index board, the FBM Emas Index rose 0.63 of a point to 12,752.42, the FBM Top 100 Index inched up 0.09 of a point to 12,585.20, but the FBM Mid 70 Index gave up 25.27 points to 18,110.51.

The FBM Emas Shariah Index dropped 38.93 points to 12,557.36 and the FBM ACE Index climbed 6.64 points to 4,981.32.

Sector-wise, the Industrial Products and Services Index eased 1.84 points to 187.30, the Energy Index was 1.83 points lower at 763.89, while the Financial Services Index surged 110.55 points to 20,438.20, and the Plantation Index improved 16.48 points to 9,305.06.

The Main Market volume declined to 1.38 billion units valued at RM2.05 billion compared to 1.50 billion units valued at RM3.24 billion last Friday.

Warrants turnover dipped to 868.17 million units worth RM122.04 million versus 1.08 billion units worth RM139.50 million previously.

The ACE Market volume slipped to 474.34 million units valued at RM164.93 million from 509.99 million units valued at RM189.47 million on Friday.

Consumer products and services counters accounted for 168.87 million shares traded on the Main Market, industrial products and services (252.97 million), construction (75.23 million), technology (256.23 million), financial services (87.43 million), property (165.22 million), plantation (14.08 million), real estate investment trusts (12.53 million), closed-end fund (53,300), energy (81.80 million), healthcare (36.14 million), telecommunications and media (41.29 million), transportation and logistics (168.78 million), utilities (28.32 million), and business trusts (5,400). — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — A Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigating officer today denied that his investigation into the RM6.3 billion Penang undersea tunnel and major roads project involving former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was conducted in a biased manner.

Senior Superintendent Zulhilmi Ramli, 34, of the MACC Investigation Division at its headquarters, rejected the suggestion during cross-examination by defence lawyer Mohd Haijan Omar at Lim’s corruption trial.

Earlier, Mohd Haijan questioned why investigators had not verified whether Consortium Zenith Beijing Urban Construction Group (CZBUCG) had submitted any claim to the Penang government for the feasibility study and detailed design (FSDD) relating to the undersea tunnel project.

Zulhilmi replied that the FSDD had yet to be submitted to the state government because the undersea tunnel project was still at an early stage and the document had only recently been prepared by CZBUCG.

Asked whether he had seen the FSDD, the prosecution’s 38th witness replied: “Yes.”

Zulhilmi also disagreed with the defence’s suggestion that investigators had relied solely on the testimony of prosecution witness Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli without verifying the preparation of the FSDD, and denied failing to investigate the matter.

He also disagreed with Mohd Haijan suggested that the investigation had been biased and intended to implicate his client.

Asked whether CZBUCG had, to date, been paid for the FSDD, Zulhilmi said he was unsure.

Lim, 65, is charged with using his position as Penang chief minister to obtain RM3.3 million in gratification by helping a company owned by former Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli secure the contract for the RM6.341 billion undersea tunnel and major roads project.

The alleged offence was committed between January 2011 and August 2017 at the Penang Chief Minister’s Office.

For the second charge, the Bagan MP is accused of soliciting 10 per cent of the profits expected to be earned by Zarul Ahmad as an inducement for helping the businessman’s company secure the same project.

The offence was allegedly committed near The Gardens Hotel, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, between 12.30 am and 2 am in March 2011.

Lim also faces two charges of causing two plots of Penang state government land, valued at RM208.8 million, to be disposed of to a developer linked to the undersea tunnel project.

The alleged offences were committed at the Penang Land and Mines Office in Komtar on Feb 17, 2015, and March 22, 2017.

The trial before Judge Azura Alwi resumes on Aug 7. — Bernama

LARUT, Aug 3 — Police have recorded statements from 10 individuals to assist investigations into the deaths of two female students whose bodies were found at the Sungai Pari flats in Ipoh on July 24.

Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said those questioned included the victims’ friends and teachers.

“That is all the information we can share at this stage. So far, our investigation has found no evidence of foul play,” he told reporters at the Selama district police headquarters today.

Mohd Alwi said several items belonging to the victims had been sent for forensic examination, but the results have yet to be received.

Earlier reports stated that the two 14-year-old students had left their school premises before they were found unconscious at the location. They were later pronounced dead. — Bernama

NEW DELHI, Aug 3 — A court in New Delhi acquitted the former head of the Indian wrestling federation today of charges of sexual harassment and stalking brought by medal-winning athletes, his lawyer said.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, 69, a former lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had been accused by some women wrestlers of groping and demanding sexual favours, allegations that he denied.

The case triggered weeks of demonstrations in 2023 led by top wrestlers, including world championship winner Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, who demanded Singh’s removal as the head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Singh’s lawyer, Rajiv Mohan, said today he had been “honourably acquitted”.

The court reached its verdict after finding “inconsistencies” in witness statements and “contradiction on major issues”, he told reporters.

Singh’s supporters set off firecrackers and showered him with flower petals while chanting slogans after the ruling.

“I had said that day that I would hang myself if found guilty,” Singh told reporters. “Today, I am walking free after being ‘honourably acquitted’.”

Phogat said they would appeal against the judgment to a higher court and “continue their fight” against Singh.

“It took a great deal of courage for us to take to the streets and get a (complaint) registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party,” she said on X.

Delhi police charged Singh in 2023 with sexually harassing and stalking women wrestlers after months of mounting pressure from protesting athletes.

The demonstrations drew widespread public attention, with leading wrestlers camping at a protest site in Delhi and accusing authorities of failing to act on their complaints.

Wrestling is hugely popular in rural northern India and images of Phogat and other athletes being detained as they tried to march to parliament during the protest went viral on social media. — AFP

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 3 — Parti Warisan (Warisan) has strongly denied a viral social media claim alleging that the party has decided to withdraw from the Unity Government.

Its secretary-general Datuk Loretto S. Padua Jr described the claim as yet another malicious fabrication deliberately created to tarnish the party’s image.

“The irresponsible parties behind this not only resorted to spreading slander but also went as far as forging a party document to make it appear as though it was an official statement issued by me,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal also confirmed that the document titled “Parti WARISAN Menarik Diri Daripada Kerajaan Perpaduan” (Parti Warisan Withdraws from the Unity Government) is fake.

The Lahad Datu Member of Parliament stressed that, as Warisan’s representative in the Federal Government, no decision or official announcement had been made by the party’s top leadership on the matter.

“I urge the public not to be easily misled by or share fake documents intended to confuse the people and fuel speculation,” he said in a media statement.

Mohammad Yusof stressed that any official position or decision by Warisan would only be communicated through the party’s official communication channels and authorised leaders.

He also reminded the public to verify information before sharing it and to reject all forms of slander and the dissemination of fake news. — Bernama

SINGAPORE, Aug 3 — Travellers to Singapore can expect very heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the country’s National Day long weekend from August 7 to 10, 2026, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said.

In an advisory posted on its portal, the ICA urged travellers to plan their journeys in advance, travel during non-peak hours where possible, and check traffic conditions at the land checkpoints before embarking on their journey.

“During the recent Hari Raya Haji, Vesak Day weekend and June school holidays (May 26 to June 28), more than 18 million travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.

“Traveller volume peaked on June 19, with more than 598,000 travellers clearing immigration through the land checkpoints in a single day, setting a new record and surpassing the previous peak of close to 589,000 crossings on December 19, 2025,” it said on Monday.

Meanwhile, ahead of Singapore’s National Day celebrations, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will deliver his National Day Message on Saturday, Aug 8, 2026, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said today.

Singapore will celebrate its 61st National Day on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

In a statement, the PMO said Wong’s speech will be broadcast in English at 6.45pm on the CNA television channel and CNA938 radio.

Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong will deliver the National Day Message in Mandarin at 7pm via Channel 8 and Capital 958 radio, followed by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad, who will deliver the Malay-language message at 8.30 pm on the Suria television channel.

Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash will deliver the Tamil-language message at 9 pm via Vasantham channel and Oli 968 radio on Saturday. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — Malaysian authorities are examining how a pilot arrested with drugs at an Indonesian airport passed through security screening at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) without his baggage being flagged, according to The Star.

Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said checks confirmed that the pilot underwent all required screening before boarding the aircraft on July 28.

“In the required screening that was conducted as per usual with our scanner machine, there had been no suspicious images that had shown up when the bag was screened.

“Due to that, it passed through the checks. We are waiting for the response from the police so that we can study how he had passed through the screenings without being flagged,” he told a press conference at KLIA Terminal 1 in Sepang today.

Mohd Shuhaily said the screening system combined artificial intelligence with human assessment, with the scanner assigning a risk level to baggage before security personnel decided whether further inspection was required.

“The system uses AI to a certain extent, but it is not like what people see on television. It still requires the operator’s judgement.

“AI assists the process, but the final decision rests with the screening officer,” he said.

Since the baggage did not receive a higher-risk classification, officers cleared it in accordance with existing standard operating procedures without carrying out a secondary inspection, he added.

Mohd Shuhaily said the drugs might have been concealed in a way that prevented them from appearing on the scanner, although police would determine how they escaped detection.

“The police is in the midst of sending over an officer from the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department to work with the Indonesian side.

“Rest assured all available systems have been used fully in the case. Further discussion will be conducted on how to improve upon the systems and machines in use,” he said.

The case involves a 39-year-old Malaysia Airlines pilot who was arrested shortly after arriving at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport from Kuala Lumpur on July 28.

Indonesian authorities said more than 26kg of ecstasy tablets and a small quantity of methamphetamine were found in a suitcase collected by the pilot after customs officers flagged it during an X-ray inspection. He has been detained while investigators examine the alleged trafficking network behind the consignment.

Malaysia Airlines has said it is cooperating with the authorities and has launched an internal investigation.

He defended the competence of airport screening personnel, saying AKPS officers had intercepted numerous attempts to transport drugs and other prohibited items.

Asked whether the case could have involved an inside job or “counter setting”, Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS would act against any officer found to have been involved.

“If the police see there is foul play involved from my officers then there will be no stones left unturned.

“I will not hesitate to share it with the media as well,” he said.

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 3 — The Court of Appeal here today heard that celebrity preacher Da’i Syed’s rape conviction was unsafe and should not be upheld due to several flaws in the prosecution’s case concerning the issue of consent.

Lawyer Datuk M M Athimulan, representing Da’i Syed, submitted that the prosecution’s own evidence disclosed numerous circumstances indicating that the sexual intercourse between the appellant and the victim was consensual.

He told a three-member bench comprising Justices Datuk Azman Abdullah, Datuk Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid and Datuk Meor Hashimi Abdul Hamid that the first Sessions Court judge had found that the victim had consented to the sexual intercourse based on her actions before and after the incident.

Athimulan said the Sessions Court had subsequently acquitted and discharged Da’i Syed, whose real name is Syed Shah Iqmal Syed Mohd Shaiful, at the close of the prosecution’s case without calling for his defence.

However, he said the decision was later overturned by the High Court, which found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case and ordered Da’i Syed to enter his defence. The appellant was later convicted by another Sessions Court judge.

Athimulan argued that the second Sessions Court judge had erred by failing to conduct a maximum evaluation of evidence from both the prosecution and defence, resulting in a miscarriage of justice against the appellant.

He said Da’i Syed had never forced the victim to go to his house, that she could have declined to follow him and had opportunities to leave but chose not to do so.

Athimulan also submitted that subsequent Instagram conversations initiated by the victim after the incident contained no accusation of rape, but showed that she wanted to meet the appellant again while he repeatedly said he was busy.

Da’i Syed, 31, is appealing against his conviction, 10-year prison sentence and three strokes of the cane imposed by the second Sessions Court for raping a 23-year-old woman (now 29) at a condominium in Shah Alam, at 1.35am on September 11, 2019.

On January 23 this year, the High Court dismissed his appeal and upheld the second Sessions Court’s decision, prompting him to bring the matter to the Court of Appeal. The prosecution has also filed a cross-appeal against the sentence.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Iznina Hanim Hashim, representing the prosecution, submitted that witness testimony supported the victim’s account that she was raped, alongside circumstantial evidence showing the victim experienced depression and changes in behaviour following the incident.

She said the victim had received hospital treatment and that a medical report stated that one of the contributing factors to her depression was the alleged sexual assault.

Iznina Hanim said the victim’s decision to follow the appellant to his house, not leave after discovering no one else was present, or the delay in lodging a police report did not mean she had consented to the sexual intercourse.

She said it was not easy for the victim to lodge a police report against the appellant, who was publicly known as a preacher.

The Court of Appeal reserved judgment on the appeal and fixed August 17 for case management to determine the date for the decision. 

Lawyer Mohamed Baharudeen Mohamed Ariff, who also represents Da’i Syed, told the media that the court would decide on the next date whether to uphold the conviction, and if so, both the defence and prosecution would submit on the sentence. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has called for stray-dog enforcement to be carried out without cruelty, saying authorities must balance animal welfare with public safety following the death of a dog named Rocky during a Klang council operation.

Amirudin said the operation in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah on July 29 was conducted by the Klang Royal City Council, or MBDK, following complaints from the public.

“There must be a middle ground on this issue. While some people are concerned about animal welfare, others are concerned about public safety,” he told The Star when asked about Rocky’s death during the operation last week.

“The authorities take action based on complaints involving stray dogs. The government’s priority is to safeguard the interests of the people.

“However, enforcement must not be carried out in a cruel manner.”

He made the remarks after launching the Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign at the Auditorium Dewan Jubli Perak in the Sultan Abdul Aziz building in Shah Alam.

Rocky died during an MBDK operation to capture stray dogs in the neighbourhood, prompting criticism from animal welfare advocates and residents over how the operation was conducted.

The council has denied breaching its standard operating procedures, saying the animal died during a struggle after a person claiming to be its owner intervened and disrupted the capture.

Amirudin said the issue of stray dogs had also been raised by Pelabuhan Klang assemblyman Azmizam Zaman Huri during a sitting of the Selangor state assembly.

He added that the state government took both public complaints and the management of stray animals seriously.

KOTA BHARU, Aug 3 — The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) expects the Super El Niño phenomenon, forecast to peak towards the end of this year, to increase the risk of fires in the state due to hotter and drier weather, while significantly reducing the likelihood of major floods this year.

Its director, Farhan Sufyan Borhan said the state could face a fairly severe drought, and advised the public not to carry out open burning, which could trigger fires, adding that the department had received 2,197 fire-related emergency calls from January until now, compared with 373 calls recorded throughout last year, making Kelantan the second-highest state for open fires after Kedah.

“We have found that most open fires are caused by deliberate burning for land clearing and agricultural purposes, rather than occurring spontaneously.

“We advise the public not to carry out open burning because legal action can be taken against offenders, and several cases have already been referred by the Department of Environment (DOE) for prosecution,” he told reporters after the Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department’s monthly assembly here today.

Yesterday, media reported that Kedah, Perlis and Kelantan are among the states most likely to face severe drought conditions when the Super El Niño is expected to reach its peak later this year.

Meanwhile, Farhan Sufyan reminded individuals involved in gold panning activities to prioritise safety, as the activity carries a risk of drowning if proper precautions are not observed.

He said although the state government permits gold panning to stimulate economic activity, participants should remain vigilant, particularly those who are inexperienced or new to the activity.

“They should obtain information about the conditions at the location and know the initial steps to take in the event of an emergency.

“They must also be aware of weather conditions, especially heavy rain upstream, which can cause river water levels to rise suddenly. They are also advised to wear life jackets as a personal safety measure,” he said.

Two men were reported to be killed in May after being buried in a two-metre-high riverbank collapse while engaged in gold mining activities at a tributary in the Jerimbong Oil Palm Estate area.

Farhan Sufyan also shared that the Jom Renang (Let’s Swim) programme for children aged below 15 had attracted 320 participants out of the targeted 400 in the state as part of efforts to reduce drowning incidents.

He said 25 drowning deaths were recorded in Kelantan in 2025, while six fatalities have been recorded so far this year. — Bernama

BUTTERWORTH, Aug 3 — The Malaysian Social Work Profession Council will be established soon after the Social Work Profession Act comes into force, said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying.

She said the ministry was currently proceeding with the gazettement process for the Social Work Profession Act following the passing of the bill by both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.

“The Social Work Profession Bill was passed by the Dewan Rakyat and we are also grateful that it was passed by the Dewan Negara last week. We will now proceed with the gazettement process to enable it to come into force as an act.

“Once the act comes into force, the first step will be to establish the Malaysian Social Work Profession Council,” she told reporters after launching the 360° Kita Bersama Programme at the Seberang Jaya Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre (PPDK) here today.

Lim said the council’s components and membership had already been stipulated in the bill, allowing the establishment process to begin once the act takes effect.

When winding up debate on the bill in the Dewan Negara, she said the Malaysian Social Work Profession Council would have an inclusive membership comprising representatives from the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academia and social work practitioners nationwide.

She said the council would oversee the registration of social work practitioners, set professional competency standards and manage ethical and disciplinary matters involving social workers.

According to Lim, the enactment of the act was important to strengthen professionalism in the social work field, while protecting the public from individuals who misuse the title of social worker without the necessary qualifications, as well as recognising the profession as an important career. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — Spider-Man: Brand New Day has grossed RM30 million during its four-day opening weekend at the Malaysian box office.

The film has now set a new record as Sony Pictures Malaysia’s biggest opening weekend of all time.

Sony Pictures Entertainment Malaysia Managing Director Simon Foo said, “With all the excitement around this film, we wanted to do our part to elevate the experience of our movie-goers with initiatives like a Spider-Man gathering at select cinemas during Spider-Man Day as well as lighting up the city with drone and fireworks performance.

“We’re thrilled to see that everyone is as excited as we are.”

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s fourth solo Spider-Man film currently holds a 98 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-rated MCU Spider-Man film among audiences to date.

The film, which debuted nationwide on July 30, has drawn strong responses from fans and moviegoers, with many describing it as one of the year’s biggest cinematic events.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has also received positive reviews from local media following an exclusive press screening held last week.

Several events were organised in Malaysia to celebrate the film’s release, including a drone light show on July 24 and 25 at Raintree Plaza, The Exchange TRX, and HERO-CON 2026 (Spider-Man Edition), hosted by TGV Cinemas at Pavilion Damansara Heights from July 29 to Aug 2.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day picks up after the events of 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Four years later, Peter Parker lives alone after being erased from the memories of those he loves, patrolling a New York City that no longer knows his name.

As mysterious crimes sweep through the city, Peter finds himself facing a formidable new threat that could change his existence forever.

The film stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando and Mark Ruffalo.

It is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton from a screenplay by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is currently screening in cinemas nationwide in 2D, 3D, 4DX and ScreenX.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — A suspect wanted over a knife attack that injured two police officers in Perak died after being shot when he allegedly charged at another police team with a machete during an attempt to arrest him.

The shooting took place at about 8.20am yesterday in Kampung Kelian Gunung, Ijok, after police received a tip-off about the suspect’s hiding place, Utusan Malaysia reported.

Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said a team from the Selama district police headquarters, led by Inspector B. Thanabalan, went to the hut to arrest the man.

“Upon arriving at the location, the raiding team saw the suspect beneath the hut before identifying themselves as police officers and attempting to approach him.

“However, the suspect stood up, grabbed a machete that was nearby and charged at the officers, swinging the weapon at them,” he told a press conference at the Selama district police headquarters today.

Mohd Alwi said police fired one shot in self-defence, hitting the suspect in both thighs and causing him to collapse.

The man allegedly continued resisting arrest, resulting in a struggle before officers seized the machete and detained him.

Police then sought medical assistance from Selama district hospital.

“However, the medical team that arrived at about 9.20am confirmed that the suspect had died,” Mohd Alwi said.

A postmortem examination was carried out today by a pathology specialist from Taiping Hospital, although the results had not yet been obtained.

Police checks found that the suspect had 10 previous criminal and drug-related records, comprising three criminal cases and seven cases linked to drug possession and misuse.

He was wanted over an incident on June 23 in which two police officers were allegedly attacked with a knife during an operation to arrest suspected drug users at a hut in Kampung Sungai Jernih, Ijok.

One officer, aged 44, suffered injuries to his head, abdomen and hand, while a second officer, aged 27, was injured on his forehead, beneath his eye, hand and elbow.

Both officers were treated at Taiping Hospital for three days. The suspect fled after the attack.

The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The Education Ministry is making every effort to ensure that psychosocial support for the school community is strengthened following the recent death of a female teacher in Selangor.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said she understands the concerns among educators and the public over the incident, which she described as being particularly close to her heart, as she began her political journey as a mental health activist.

She said the ministry has always prioritised the mental well-being of the education community through collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Health Ministry and counsellors.

“There is still much more we need to do, and we will continue to do it together. To all the teachers I hold dear, please know that you are not alone,” she said in a Facebook post today.

Meanwhile, Fadhlina appealed to all parties to respect the privacy of the victim’s family, refrain from speculation, and allow the police the space to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the actual cause of the incident.

She also urged teachers to take the time to check in on one another, listen and ensure that their colleagues are doing well.

“Sometimes, a simple and sincere inquiry can provide tremendous strength,” she said.

On August 1, the media reported that a female teacher was found dead at a school in Hulu Selangor. — Bernama

* If you are feeling lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, Befrienders provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day. A full list of Befrienders contact numbers and state operating hours is available at www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia. Other free support hotlines for young people include Talian Kasih at 15999 (24/7), Talian HEAL at 15555, Talian BuddyBear at 1800-18-2327 (BEAR) daily from 12pm to 12am, the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service at 03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392, and Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre via WhatsApp at 0111-959 8214. 

SINGAPORE, Aug 3 — The High Court is grappling with how to deal with a rare case involving a 90‑year‑old man who killed his wife in what prosecutors described as an “overwhelmingly lethal” attack, while suffering from dementia and delirium and deemed incapable of making his defence.

CNA reported that Ridawi Morsudin, who was 88 at the time of the June 2024 incident, inflicted extensive sharp‑force injuries on his 74‑year‑old wife, including a gaping wound from her jaw to her chest, multiple stab and incised wounds, and fractures to her skull, neck, spine and ribs. His grandson found her lying in a pool of blood, while Ridawi stood nearby mumbling incoherently.

Medical assessments later confirmed Ridawi was of unsound mind due to major neurocognitive disorder and delirium. He remains unfit to plead and is bed‑bound, with deteriorating health. The case is the first to be heard under Singapore’s updated “unsoundness of mind” regime, introduced in February 2025.

Under the law, the court must determine a notional imprisonment period — the jail term Ridawi would have received had he been convicted — before reporting the case to the minister, who will then decide whether he should be confined or conditionally released.

Prosecutors proposed a five‑year notional sentence, citing the brutality of the attack but acknowledging Ridawi’s altered sense of reality, low risk of reoffending and total dependence on caregivers. His lawyer argued for two to three years, saying a longer period could amount to life imprisonment given his condition.

Justice Hoo Sheau Peng has adjourned the matter to Aug 13 to deliver her decision. Had Ridawi been mentally fit and convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, he could have faced life imprisonment or up to 20 years’ jail.

SINGAPORE, Aug 3 — Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will deliver his National Day Message on August 8, with the first English broadcast scheduled for 6.45pm on CNA and CNA938, his office said today.

Messages in Mandarin, Malay and Tamil will follow across Mediacorp’s TV and radio channels:

Mandarin at 7pm on Channel 8 and Capital 958

Malay at 8.30pm on Suria

Tamil at 9pm on Vasantham and Oli 968 

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong will deliver the Mandarin message, Acting Minister‑in‑charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad will deliver the Malay version, and Minister of State Dinesh Vasu Dash will deliver the Tamil message. All four versions will be available on the PMO website and YouTube after the initial broadcasts.

Last year, Wong urged Singaporeans to remain “exceptional” amid global uncertainty and rapid technological change, highlighting the need to embrace innovations such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 3 — An Indonesian woman and her Bangladeshi boyfriend were charged in the Magistrate’s Court today with the murder of a five-year-old boy last month.

Dina Hayati, 30, and Sany nodded in understanding after the charge was read before Magistrate Noor Idayu Salim. No plea was recorded, however, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

They were charged with common intention to murder the child, who is the woman’s son, in the living room of a house on the second floor of Lintang Merak, Sungai Dua, at around 9.30am on July 23.

The charge was brought under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides for the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, and no fewer than 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Danial Amir Saad appeared for the prosecution, while both accused were unrepresented.

The court denied bail for both accused and set October 6 for the next mention of the case, pending the chemist’s and post-mortem reports.

The media previously reported that the Indonesian woman and her Bangladeshi boyfriend had been remanded for seven days, beginning July 24, to assist in investigations into the death of the five-year-old boy.

The victim was pronounced dead while receiving treatment at Penang Hospital, where medical staff discovered bruising on his body. — Bernama

SEOUL, Aug 3 — Actor Kim Soo‑hyun greeted fans for the first time in about 16 months in a video posted by Philippine lifestyle brand Bench on Instagram.

The appearance marked his first official promotional activity since he suspended his career following allegations about his past relationship with late actor Kim Sae‑ron, which authorities later found to be false, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.

“I’ve missed you all so much,” he said with a smile in the video. “I’m happy to be greeting you again after such a long time. I hope that you look forward to what’s ahead.”

Fans responded with messages of support in the comments, and several items he wore for the campaign reportedly sold out shortly after release.

A denim jacket marketed under his name sold out in all sizes on the brand’s online store, underscoring his strong commercial appeal.

Kim stepped away from the spotlight last year after allegations surfaced that he had been in a relationship with Kim Sae‑ron while she was still a minor, claims he denied while pursuing legal action.

Police decided last month not to refer the cases — alleging violations of the Child Welfare Act and false accusations — to prosecutors due to insufficient evidence.

“We hope more people will judge the matter based on objectively verified facts,” his legal representative said.

Disney+ has yet to announce a release date for Knock Off, a drama featuring Kim that completed filming and was originally scheduled to premiere in April last year before being postponed.

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 3 — Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) today reaffirmed its commitment to supporting multi-agency efforts to safeguard Malaysia’s borders against illegal activities, including through close cooperation with enforcement authorities following the recent drug-related case involving a Malaysian pilot in Indonesia.

The airport operator told Bernama that it would provide any assistance required in relation to the case while continuing to work closely with relevant agencies to strengthen security and enforcement efforts at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

“MAHB remains committed to supporting these multi-agency efforts to safeguard Malaysia’s borders against illegal activities and will provide any assistance required in relation to this case,” MAHB said.

MAHB clarified that its Aviation Security (AVSEC) team is primarily responsible for preventing acts of unlawful interference that may jeopardise the security and safety of civil aviation and air transport.

It said AVSEC implements stringent security protocols and deploys advanced screening systems calibrated to detect threats such as explosives, weapons and other dangerous items.

“The baggage handling system at KLIA is designed around these critical security priorities. All checked baggage departing through KLIA for both passengers and airline crew are subject to aviation security screening in accordance with established security requirements,” it said.

MAHB noted that the detection, investigation and enforcement of offences involving illegal substances that do not pose a direct threat to aviation safety and security fall within the mandate of relevant law enforcement authorities.

These include the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Royal Malaysia Customs Department in relation to drugs, contraband and other illegal substances, while the Department of Wildlife and National Parks handles matters involving wildlife trafficking.

It said these agencies carry out their respective functions at the airport in accordance with applicable laws and enforcement procedures, while MAHB supports their efforts through close operational cooperation and information sharing.

According to MAHB, between January and July this year, KLIA’s AVSEC team collaborated with PDRM in intercepting more than 30 attempts involving the smuggling of illegal substances via the airport.

The clarification follows the arrest of a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot in Indonesia on July 29 over an alleged attempt to smuggle drugs following his arrival from Malaysia.

Indonesian authorities said the seized drugs comprised about 70,114 ecstasy pills and four grammes gross of methamphetamine, with an estimated value of Rp60 billion (Rp1 million = RM225.20).

They said preliminary investigations indicated the suspect was suspected of having smuggled narcotics into Indonesia on previous occasions and believed to be linked to an international drug trafficking network, with investigations continuing to identify other members of the syndicate and the intended recipients of the drugs.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has launched a probe into whether aviation security procedures were followed in relation to the incident.

Its chief executive officer Datuk Capt Norazman Mahmud said the matter would be assessed from a regulatory perspective, including the airline’s compliance with aviation security requirements and the airport operator’s screening processes. — Bernama

KUANTAN, Aug 3 — Four individuals were killed, while a boy was injured after the four-wheel drive vehicle they were travelling in was crushed by a tree in an incident on Jalan Lama Kuala Lumpur heading to Janda Baik, Bentong this afternoon.

Bentong district police chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the police received information about the incident from the public at about 12.30pm.

He said all the victims were in the Ford Raptor vehicle at the time of the incident.

“The deceased victims were the 35-year-old male driver, a 36-year-old woman who was the front passenger with a five-year-old boy on her lap, and another 40-year-old man who was sitting in the back seat,” he said in a statement today.

He said another five-year-old boy who was in the back seat was injured and sent to Bentong Hospital for treatment.

“The two children are believed to be twins based on the identities found,” he said.

Zaiham said all the bodies were sent to the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital, Temerloh for post-mortem.

He said initial investigations found that four of the five individuals in the vehicle were family members, while the driver’s relationship with them had yet to be determined.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said a team of personnel from the Janda Baik Fire and Rescue Station and the Bentong BBP Operation Extraction Team (PKO) extricated the victims trapped in the vehicle using special rescue equipment. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The United States (US) is committed to continuing to strengthen close ties with Malaysia, including in the defence sector, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said the matter was among the matters raised by US Ambassador to Asean Kevin Kim during a courtesy call in conjunction with the 37th Annual Military Law and Operations Conference (MILOPS) held in the capital today.

“The US will always pay attention to enhancing and further strengthening close ties between the two countries, including in the defence sector,” he told reporters after receiving the courtesy call.

According to him, the meeting focused more on efforts to strengthen existing relations and did not involve discussions on policy matters.

Apart from Kevin, Mohamed Khaled also received courtesy calls from Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn and Singapore’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence Joseph Leong.

Commenting on his meeting with Kao, he said both sides exchanged views on the challenges facing Asean as well as efforts to strengthen the contribution of the defence sector in maintaining the principles of Asean Centrality, peace, stability and prosperity of the region.

He said they also agreed that the defence sector has an important role in supporting Asean’s goals and strengthening cooperation between member states.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said Joseph, who was newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Singapore Ministry of Defence, expressed his commitment to continue strengthening cooperation with Malaysia.

According to him, the cooperation not only involves bilateral relations but also encompasses multilateral cooperation at the Asean level and through the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).

The 37th MILOPS Annual Conference is being held in Kuala Lumpur from today to August 6, bringing together government officials and military representatives from more than 30 countries to discuss regional security challenges and strengthen cooperation in legal aspects and military operations. — Bernama

LONDON, Aug 3 — Baby Theo is only five months old, but he has already made medical history after surgeons repaired a serious birth defect while he was still in the womb.

Theo became the first British baby to undergo the pioneering procedure, prompting his mother Maisie Savage to say, “He’s a little miracle, isn’t he?”

It began as a routine 20-week scan that quickly turned into a shock for Savage and her partner Josh French when doctors discovered Theo had complex gastroschisis, the BBC reported today.

It’s a condition in which the intestines grow outside the body because the belly button does not develop properly.

In the most severe cases, the condition can mean months in intensive care, multiple operations and even a risk of death. 

Specialists at the Great Ormond Street Hospital referred the London couple to a first-of-its-kind clinical trial at the Texas Children’s Hospital, one of the world’s foremost paediatric hospitals.

Savage said going overseas for treatment while still pregnant “was a huge decision”.

First, Savage and her partner went to Belgium for a Botox injection to relax Theo’s abdominal wall before flying to the United States, where doctors operated when Maisie was 26 weeks pregnant.

Surgeons partially exposed the womb, replaced the amniotic fluid with carbon dioxide to create working space, and then used keyhole surgery to gently move Theo’s organs back into his abdomen.

French later summed up the agonising wait during the operation, saying, “The length of that day, it felt like a week.”

Savage then spent the next 14 weeks carrying on with the pregnancy while recovering from a scar larger than a C-section incision, before Theo was born at full term by vaginal delivery in Texas in February 2026.

Lead surgeon Dr Michael Belfort said the result was so promising that “the inside of the uterus is now a new surgical space for innovation”.

Doctors now hope the success of the trial could eventually make the procedure more widely available, including in the UK, while Theo is back home in London doing the most important thing of all — thriving.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — Klang’s city council has denied breaching standard operating procedures during a stray dog-catching operation that left one animal dead, saying the dog became strangled during a struggle involving a resident who claimed to be its owner.

Klang Royal City Council mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said officers had followed procedures set by the Housing and Local Government Ministry during the operation at Taman Teluk Gedung Indah last week.

“Based on the explanations given by the officers and personnel involved, we followed the prescribed SOPs. The methods we use are either a loop or a net,” he said, according to Harian Metro.

“During the operation that night, we successfully caught 12 dogs with the cooperation of residents. The incident occurred only when we tried to catch the 13th dog.

“As a result of the struggle with the resident who claimed to be its owner, the dog was strangled and died.”

Abd Hamid said the individual should have followed the prescribed procedure by claiming the dog after it had been captured.

He said, however, that the person later denied owning the animal.

“According to his initial statement, he said the dog was his, but in the end, he said it was not. So we do not know,” he said.

“We will leave it to the police to investigate, and further action will be taken once the investigation is completed.

“So far, two MBDK officers involved have been called to give statements at the police station.”

Abd Hamid also defended the council’s capture methods, saying officers had to balance animal handling with the safety of personnel and residents.

“If we caught dogs the way we catch butterflies, it might be different. But dogs can be aggressive animals, so we cannot catch them too gently because they could endanger us or escape,” he said.

He said advance notice of the operation had been issued through the local Rukun Tetangga neighbourhood committee.

The operation involved 11 MBDK personnel and about 50 residents, and was conducted after repeated complaints about stray dogs roaming the area and posing a risk to residents’ safety.

“We receive about 50 complaints about stray dogs every month. The problem is quite serious in the area, and action was taken based on the complaints received,” Abd Hamid said.

He said the council had fewer than 20 personnel available to handle complaints across Klang and had been unable to find a private company willing to carry out dog-catching operations.

“We tried to find a private company to carry out the catching work, but none was willing. So the work has been carried out by council staff themselves,” he said.

“We have fewer than 20 personnel, while there are many complaints and Klang is a very large area. Many dogs are also found in industrial and residential areas and usually come out at night, making it difficult to catch them immediately.”

Harian Metro previously reported that the operation became chaotic after an individual allegedly acted aggressively and obstructed enforcement personnel from carrying out their duties.

South Klang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Lim Jit Huey said the case was being investigated under Section 428 of the Penal Code, which covers mischief involving the killing of an animal.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The High Court heard today that 1MDB and its four subsidiaries are set to prove that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak stood at the very heart of the alleged fraud that cost the sovereign wealth fund US$5.64 billion.

It was the first day of the trial arising from a suit that 1MDB and its four subsidiaries filed against Najib and seven others in May 2021.

Reading the plaintiffs’ opening statement, counsel Datuk Lim Chee Wee said they would establish that Najib wielded immense control over 1MDB’s management.

“Najib used his apex position, power and influence as Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, controller of Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc), and sole shareholder of 1MDB to commit acts and exert influence over 1MDB’s board to execute abnormal transactions with undue haste, all to enrich himself, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, his stepson Riza Aziz, and his proxy, Jho Low (Low Taek Jho) together with his family.

“As a result of these misappropriations, the plaintiffs suffered losses amounting to US$5,644,525,051,” Lim submitted before Judicial Commissioner Mohamad Redzuan Idrus.

Lim further submitted that Najib’s dual role as Minister of Finance and chairman of 1MDB’s board of advisers from 2009 to 31 May 2016 placed him firmly in control of the company’s directors and management. 

He contended that by virtue of these multiple positions, Najib qualified as a shadow director under the Companies Act 1965.

Describing the case as “a betrayal of public trust,” Lim said the plaintiffs would show that Najib had breached the trust placed in him as the nation’s leader.

“This case is about betrayal...the betrayal of public trust, the betrayal of the ‘rakyat’ who entrusted and elevated a fellow citizen to the pinnacle of national leadership, and a betrayal by that very same individual of national interests,” he asserted before calling on the plaintiffs’ first witness. 

The first witness called to testify today was UK-based Kroll Advisory Ltd’s director of investigation Richard Templeman.

1MDB and its subsidiaries — 1MDB Energy Holdings Limited, 1MDB Energy Limited, 1MDB Energy (Langat) Limited and Global Diversified Investment Company Limited, formerly known as 1MDB Global Investments Limited, filed the civil suit on May 7, 2021.

They named Najib; former 1MDB finance director Terrence Geh Choh Heng; former counsel Jasmine Loo Ai Swan; former executive director Casey Tang Keng Chee; former chief investment officer Vincent Beng Huat Koh; former chief operating officer Radhi Mohamad; former investment director Kelvin Tan Kay Jim; and former chief investment officer Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, as defendants.

The writ of summons stated that the plaintiffs, among other things, accused the defendants of breach of trust, breach of statutory duty, abuse of power and conspiracy to misappropriate 1MDB funds.

On December 26, 2025, the High Court sentenced Najib, 73, to 15 years’ imprisonment and fined him RM11.4 billion after finding him guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The government is engaging with landowners surrounding Bukit Kiara to implement a previously announced 300-metre ecological buffer zone to protect a rare firefly species recently rediscovered in the federal park.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said discussions with the affected stakeholders were ongoing following Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) announcement of its plan to establish the buffer zone around Bukit Kiara.

“The KL mayor said that he would create a 300-metre buffer zone, and we now have to talk to the landowners... that discussion is ongoing now,” she said during a panel discussion titled Business vs Nature: Who Wins and When? at the National Climate Governance Summit (NCGS) 2026, here today.

Hannah said the proposal followed the rediscovery of the rare species of firefly, which was believed not to have been recorded for more than a century, adding that the government had to strike a balance between environmental conservation and development, as landowners had paid substantial premiums for their land.

The proposed buffer zone follows DBKL’s announcement during an Earth Day programme last May to impose a 300-metre setback on a proposed development opposite the Bukit Kiara Federal Park after residents raised concerns over biodiversity, traffic congestion and the impact of nearby construction. 

Hannah said the buffer zone was intended to safeguard the habitat while discussions with developers continued to find a practical solution.

Reflecting on the Taman Rimba Kiara dispute, Hannah said the seven-year process demonstrated that environmental conservation and housing needs could be reconciled through sustained engagement involving residents, government agencies, developers and civil society.

At the same time, she said the government is also strengthening collaboration with the private sector to support environmental conservation and improve urban liveability in Kuala Lumpur, with businesses encouraged to play a bigger role in driving sustainable practices.

Hannah said the government alone could not deliver reforms and that developers, financial institutions and businesses all had a stake in protecting green spaces and improving flood resilience.

“DBKL is engaging developers in reviewing redevelopment guidelines to ensure public open spaces created through new projects are meaningful and accessible, rather than fragmented pockets of greenery,” she said.

Partnerships with the private sector are also being expanded to support environmental initiatives, with Hannah noting that banks have begun contributing funding for programmes to activate and maintain protected parks. — Bernama

SURABAYA, Aug 3 — Survivors said today they heard multiple blasts moments before an Indonesian passenger ferry caught fire, killing five passengers and prompting many to jump into the sea, with some still missing more than 24 hours later.

There were 236 people on board the vessel when it left Indonesia’s second-largest city, Surabaya, for Makassar on Sulawesi island on Sunday morning, search and rescue agency head Nanang Sigit said.

Nanang told Kompas TV today 229 people had been rescued alive and five bodies were also recovered.

“Mathematically, only two that have yet to be evacuated. We are confirming this data with the shipowner,” he said.

Numbers provided by officials have fluctuated wildly. The last toll given yesterday was 41 people missing and five dead from a total manifest of 271 people.

Arman Asmara Syarifuddin, an East Java police official, told Kompas TV on Monday some 28 people were still missing.

The reason for the discrepancy was not clear.

The fire broke out on Sunday morning as passengers were eating breakfast, survivor Muhammad Abdul Karim told reporters in Surabaya after disembarking from a rescue vessel.

“Initially, the smoke entered the information room, the sleeping quarters. And then explosions happened,” he said.

The blaze originated in the stern, sending passengers fleeing to the bow where they were all given life jackets, Muhammad said.

He said he jumped overboard with an elderly man as the fire came closer, and saw flames engulfing “almost all” of the ferry as he looked back.

“The waves were big and the ship coming to save us was quite far. Those were our fears when we were about to jump,” said Muhammad — who was rescued drifting at sea in his life jacket about seven hours later.

He said he had not seen any lifeboats aboard the ferry.

‘No choice’ 

Rescuers worked through the night to find survivors even as estimates of the number of missing people kept changing.

Most evacuees were taken back to Surabaya, a six-hour boat ride from where the ferry ran into trouble.

Bambang Susilo, 36, said he felt the blaze come closer to the bow of the ferry and the floor getting warmer, convincing him and a female passenger to jump some 10 metres into the sea.

“We had no choice but to surrender” to our fate, he told reporters at the Bhayangkara Hospital in Surabaya, where he was waiting to retrieve the body of a colleague.

Bambang and five other survivors had swum to the nearest rescue ship, some five kilometres (three miles) from the blazing ferry.

Another rescue vessel was deployed today to help find the missing, said Nanang.

Marine accidents are a regular occurrence in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, partly due to lax safety standards and unpredictable weather.

A ferry transporting more than 70 people sank while sailing near Selayar, a small tropical island south of Sulawesi, last month.

At least four people were found dead and 14 others remained missing until the end of the search operation. — AFP

MELAKA, Aug 3 — A 36-year-old lorry driver and his wife pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court in Ayer Keroh today to charges of physically abusing their nine-year-old daughter last month.

The accused were charged separately before Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah.

The victim’s biological father was accused of physically abusing his eldest daughter and causing injury to her at Taman 1 Krubong at around 7.00pm on July 19.

He was charged under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Nor Asnini Kamarudin offered bail of RM20,000 with an additional condition that the accused not interfere with prosecution witnesses, particularly the victim.

The man, who was unrepresented, requested that bail be reduced, citing his irregular income and the need to support his two school-going children.

The court then granted bail at RM10,000 with the additional conditions sought by the prosecution.

Meanwhile, the accused’s wife, aged 35, also pleaded not guilty to a charge of abusing the same victim at the same location, time and date.

She was charged under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Qayyum Ramlan offered bail of RM20,000 with the additional condition that the accused not interfere with prosecution witnesses, particularly the victim.

The housewife, however, applied for reduced bail on the grounds that she is unemployed and cares for their other two children, aged nine and six.

Judge Rohatul Akmar granted RM9,000 bail and set September 8 for the next mention of the case, as well as for the appointment of counsel. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — A 56-year-old Singaporean motorcyclist was killed and two Malaysian riders injured in a four-vehicle crash on the North-South Expressway near Kulai yesterday.

The collision, at KM44.6 of the southbound carriageway, involved a Toyota Vellfire and three high-powered motorcycles.

Kulai district police chief Assistant Commissioner Tan Seng Lee said preliminary investigations found that the three riders — the Singaporean and two Malaysians aged 57 and 39 — were travelling south when the crash occurred.

“The victim is believed to have lost control and crashed into the rear of the vehicle driven by a 32-year-old Singaporean woman, who was travelling in the right lane at the time.

“The incident also involved the other two motorcyclists. The victim was pronounced dead, while one of the other riders suffered a fractured right thigh and the other sustained minor injuries.

“We received information about the crash at 2.05pm,” he said in a statement.

The injured riders were taken to Temenggong Seri Maharaja Tun Ibrahim Hospital for treatment, while the Vellfire driver was unhurt.

Police are investigating the case under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact investigating officer Inspector Mohd Ruslan Mohamed at 013-3063710 or visit the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division at the Kulai district police headquarters.

PETALING JAYA, Aug 3 — Ancom Nylex Berhad (ANB) has earned a 4‑star environmental, social and governance (ESG) rating in a detailed sustainability assessment completed on June 22, marking a significant step forward in the group’s efforts to strengthen governance, safety and supply‑chain oversight.

The strong rating has led FTSE Russell to include ANB in both the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index and the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Shariah Index as part of its June 2026 semi‑annual review — a dual admission that signals the group’s compliance with stringent global sustainability standards. The listing also positions ANB for greater visibility among institutional investors, including Shariah‑compliant funds that prioritise ESG‑aligned portfolios.

Managing director and group CEO Datuk Lee Cheun Wei said the recognition underscores the company’s commitment to transparency and ethical conduct.

He added that ANB will use the evaluation data to refine its environmental risk strategies and strengthen long‑term value creation as Malaysia transitions toward a lower‑carbon economy.

SHAH ALAM, Aug 3 — The Selangor state assembly is reviewing the status of all its members after claims that one assemblyman may have been disqualified over bankruptcy, Utusan Malaysia reported today.

State assembly Speaker Lau Weng San said he could not yet confirm the identity of the lawmaker concerned because checks and investigations were still under way.

He said the review was being conducted under the Laws of the Constitution of Selangor before any conclusion was reached or decision made.

“We need to check because there are various possibilities. We have to conduct checks, and I will inform you once I receive the complete information.

“The review is taking time because checks are being carried out on various aspects,” he told the national daily during the second meeting of the fourth session of the 15th Selangor state assembly.

Utusan Malaysia had earlier reported that the assembly was expected to clarify the status of a lawmaker alleged to have been disqualified over bankruptcy.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari previously said the matter would be determined by Lau before the Election Commission (EC) was informed.

Several assembly members were absent from their seats when the sitting began today, but Lau cautioned against assuming that any of them was the lawmaker referred to in the allegation.

“Whether it is true or not, we have to ask the person concerned. I cannot say or confirm anything. Being absent does not necessarily mean that the person has a problem, as alleged.

“That is up to the individual. We cannot force an assemblyman to attend. However, under the Laws of the Constitution of Selangor, if an assemblyman does not attend a sitting for six months without providing any official information, the seat must be vacated,” he said.

Lau said disqualification issues had arisen in previous terms, including in relation to the Kuang and Port Klang seats.

He added that Selat Klang assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari and Meru assemblyman Mariam Abdul Rashid had previously submitted letters explaining their absence, including for medical leave.

“So, the fact that an assemblyman is absent does not necessarily mean that the person has a problem or is facing disqualification. Do not jump to conclusions or harbour suspicions.

“We are still carrying out checks, and it will take some time. We cannot make any assumptions,” he said.

Lau said any decision on whether to hold a by-election would rest with the EC.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 —The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has thrown its full support behind the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation’s (MWF) request for an annual RM1 million allocation from the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) to further strengthen the sport’s development in the country.

OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said the request was both timely and well justified, given weightlifting’s emergence as one of Malaysia’s most reliable gold medal prospects on the international stage.

“Continued financial commitment is crucial to sustain this momentum, enhance athletes’ welfare and nurture the next generation of champions,” he said in a statement today.

Mohamad Norza said OCM remained committed to supporting the sport through various avenues, including the Olympic Solidarity Programme, development assistance from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and direct funding via the OCM Trust Fund.

Recently, MWF president Datuk Ayub Rahmat called for an annual allocation of at least RM1 million, saying it would serve as both recognition and a catalyst to further elevate the sport after the national weightlifting team emerged as Malaysia’s newest gold mine following its outstanding performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Malaysia dominated the weightlifting competition at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, held from July 26 to yesterday, finishing as overall champions with a haul of five gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

The five gold medals were delivered by Mohamad Aniq Kasdan (men’s 60kg), Muhamad Aznil Bidin (65kg), Muhammad Erry Hidayat (79kg), Muhammad Hafizuddin Roslin (88kg) and Muhamad Syahmi Nor Ghazali (94kg).

Mohamad Norza also congratulated the national weightlifting team and the MWF for their outstanding achievement in Glasgow.

In addition to the impressive medal haul, the MWF was awarded the prestigious Trafalgar Trophy as the Best Overall Men’s Weightlifting Team at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation Congress in Glasgow last Friday.

He said the historic achievement reflected the clear vision, commitment and strategic planning of the federation under Ayub’s leadership, supported by its office-bearers, coaches, athletes, sponsors and strategic partners. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds expected to affect eight states and the Federal Territory of Labuan until 6pm today.

It said in a statement that the adverse weather is forecast to affect Sik and Baling in Kedah; Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Batang Padang and Muallim in Perak; Jeli, Bachok and Pasir Puteh in Kelantan; and Besut, Setiu and Hulu Terengganu in Terengganu.

Similar weather conditions are also forecast in Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub, Jerantut, Kuantan and Rompin in Pahang, as well as Kluang and Mersing in Johor.

In Sarawak and Sarawak, the affected areas are Kuching (Bau), Sri Aman, Betong (Pusa and Betong), Sarikei (Pakan, Julau and Meradong), Sibu and Kapit (Song and Kapit), and the Interior (Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Keningau and Tambunan), the West Coast and Kudat (Kota Marudu). — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The government is finalising amendments to the rail transport law to impose heavier penalties with fines of up to RM100,000 on criminals who trespass and steal cables from national rail facilities.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the proposal to increase the fine from the current RM1,000 is expected to be tabled in the next Parliament session.

“We will amend this law to reach RM100,000 for each offence... currently in the process and God willing, perhaps by the end of this year in the next session, a stricter amendment to the law will be brought to this House,” he said during a question-and-answer session at Dewan Negara today.

He was responding to a question by Senator Datuk Mohd Hatta Md Ramli regarding the government’s mitigation measures to address travel disruptions due to cable theft and ensure public transport is guaranteed.

Hasbi said the amendment to the law was urgent as the existing penalties were deemed too lenient compared to the impact of damage and delays to train operations that the operators had to bear.

Additionally, the move was also driven by a surge in cable theft cases which recorded a total loss of RM50 million across the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) network, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

According to Hasbi, a total of 71 cable theft cases were recorded along the ECRL project with an estimated loss of RM4.06 million, while 13 cases of theft and damage to equipment and other materials related to the system resulted in a loss of RM0.69 million.

“This brings the total loss to RM4.75 million. Although the ECRL is still in the construction phase and has not yet involved travel disruptions for users, the incident has the potential to affect the project implementation schedule, including installation, testing, commissioning and operational preparations,” he said.

To strengthen security control on the ground, Hasbi said the government is currently in the process of installing 1,146 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras along the railway line from Johor to the north of the country.

In addition, he said KTMB has also acquired 20 units of scrambler motorcycles for use by the Auxiliary Police to tighten 24-hour patrols, in addition to implementing physical controls such as closing high-security manholes and using sniffer dogs (K9). — Bernama