KUALA LUMPUR May 26 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has applied for the Federal Court to set aside a Court of Appeal ruling that granted the Malaysian Bar leave to challenge the Attorney General’s (AG) decision to seek a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for the Umno president in his Yayasan Akalbudi corruption case.

Zahid, as the second respondent to the Bar’s application, filed five legal questions to meet the required threshold under Section 96 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, Free Malaysia Today reported.

Leave to appeal to the Federal Court is granted only if the case raises novel constitutional or legal questions of public importance being heard for the first time.

Lawyer Shahrul Fazli Kamarulzaman confirmed that the cause papers were filed at the Federal Court registry yesterday. The first respondent, the AG, is expected to file a separate leave application next week.

Zahid and the AG are seeking to reinstate the June 27, 2024, High Court ruling that initially dismissed the Bar’s leave application.

On May 7 this year, the Court of Appeal ruled that the Bar had crossed the threshold required for the merits of its case to be heard in the High Court.

Justice Faizah Jamaludin, who sat with Justices Lim Hock Leng and Nadzrin Wok Nordin, unanimously held that the Bar had an arguable case that was not frivolous.

She added that Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah’s granting of the DNAA following the prosecution’s application in 2023 was only a procedural order made in the course of the criminal proceedings.

In January 2022, Sequerah (now a Court of Appeal judge) ordered Zahid to enter his defence on all 47 corruption, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering charges after determining that the prosecution had made out a prima facie case against the Barisan Nasional chairman.

Nearly two years later, in September 2023, Zahid was granted a DNAA on all 47 charges pending further investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Notably, the case was classified as requiring “no further action” (NFA) by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) in January this year.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — PKR has appointed vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari as its co-election director alongside Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, replacing deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar.

PKR secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh said the reshuffle was decided by the party’s political bureau as part of a strategic realignment to streamline and better coordinate work processes in preparation for upcoming elections, Free Malaysia Today reported.

“In this next phase, Nurul Izzah will continue playing a strategic role by specifically focusing on developing the capacity of PKR’s election machinery and workflow,” Fuziah said.

“This focus is part of the party investing in its grassroots so that PKR’s strength continues to be built holistically and continuously at all levels,” she added.

Nurul Izzah, the eldest daughter of PKR president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was appointed co-election director with Saifuddin in June 2025, a month after she defeated Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli for the deputy presidency.

Rafizi left PKR earlier this month to take over the Malaysians United Party (Bersama) last week.

Fuziah also announced that Federal Territories PKR chief Azman Abidin has been appointed director of PKR’s election war room.

Azman, who serves as a political secretary to Anwar, will be assisted by Ruji Ubi. Ruji contested the Merotai seat in the Sabah polls but lost to Warisan’s Sarifuddin Hata by 4,016 votes.

The duo will be tasked with coordinating PKR’s election strategies and ground operations, while monitoring workflow.

Fuziah maintained that the party’s strength lies not only in its central leadership but also in its thousands of grassroots members. She also announced that 5,936 new members had joined the party between April and May.

“PKR is now moving into the next phase with a resolve to close ranks, strengthen our grassroots capabilities, and ensure that our machinery moves as one team, ready to face the next general election,” the former Kuantan MP added.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Malaysian horror films continue to hold their ground, but with more releases entering the market each year, it has become increasingly difficult for the genre to stand out and capture audience interest.

Polong, Malaysia’s latest horror entry, cuts through that noise with a fresh approach, delivering eerie tension and a story designed to linger in audiences’ minds long after they leave the cinema.

The hype surrounding the film has been high, with the teaser released last month garnering over three million views across social media platforms in less than 24 hours.

Malay Mail attended the gala night on May 20 at 10Star Cinemas, where Polong’s themes closely reflected its portrayal of black magic legacies, regret, and generational curses.

The story and cast of Polong

Polong is directed by Zulkarnain Azhar, who is known for acclaimed local features such as Air Force The Movie: Selagi Bernyawa and Takluk: Lahad Datu.

The cast features Mimi Lana as Fatima, Fad Anuar as Mamat, June Lojong as Maria Hadi, Namron as Adi, and Nadiya Nisaa as Marissa, alongside Riezman Khuzaimi, Amir Nafis, Nesa Idrus, and Elizad Sharifuddin.

The story follows an ambitious journalist, Fatima, who unintentionally uncovers the dark past of Maria Hadi, a notorious female shaman who attempted to repent for her sins near the end of her life.

Fatima’s search for the truth not only exposes long-buried crimes but also unleashes something far more dangerous — an entity once nurtured and controlled by Maria herself.

Now hunted by an unexplainable force, Fatima seeks refuge with Marissa, Maria’s estranged daughter, who has been living in isolation.

“Polong attempts to portray that certain legacies do not bring protection, but instead destruction to the next generation.

“To me, the greatest fear does not come solely from supernatural beings, but from humans who are willing to do anything to fulfill their desires,” explained director Zulkarnain.

The real-life elements that inspired Polong

Malaysians are familiar with the story of Mona Fandey and the infamous case that shocked the nation in the 1990s.

Watching the trailer for Polong, it is easy to see the film’s link to the real-life figure and story of Mona, especially after June drew early attention due to her character’s resemblance to the convicted murderer.

However, Zulkarnain explained to Malay Mail that the film only draws inspiration from certain elements surrounding those events, describing them as a springboard for the story.

Polong, he clarified, is not a biopic but a fictional horror story inspired by real-life incidents and urban legends linked to several infamous cases from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and North America.

The cast and crew of ‘Polong’ attend the film’s gala premiere at 10Star Cinemas in Petaling Jaya. — Picture courtesy of Primeworks

“It’s about the urban legends people used to talk about—the myths and folklore that existed during that time.

“It’s inspired by several cases — not just one specific case.

“If it were only one, we’ve already watched that kind of movie before,” he said, referring to 2018’s Dukun, which was largely inspired by Mona’s life.

The director compared the approach to the classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, whose iconic character Leatherface was loosely inspired by notorious American murderer Ed Gein.

The American independent film was not a biopic of Gein but took elements of the character and turned it into a franchise, an approach Zulkarnain said similarly shaped Polong.

Polong’s heavy practical effects and strong early reactions

The script for Polong was first drafted decades ago and underwent about three revisions over the years, according to Zulkarnain.

What stands out in Polong is its realism, showing how movies with minimal CGI and visual effects can still captivate modern audiences.

While the film does include some CGI, it relies heavily on practical effects, particularly in the makeup and horror design of its characters.

The director said he deliberately limited the use of CGI, relying on it only when needed to preserve realism.

This feature uses less than 30 per cent visual effects overall, with the majority of the horror created through makeup and practical in-camera techniques.

Early viewers at the gala premiere have shared mostly positive reactions on social media, praising the film’s intense jump scares, eerie entity design, and unexpectedly strong emotional depth from the cast.

Polong is set to haunt Malaysian cinemas nationwide starting May 28.

GEORGE TOWN, May 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim returned to his hometown in Penang today for a brief working visit ahead of the Aidiladha celebration.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, will present sacrificial cows to communities in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary and Seberang Jaya state constituencies at the Seberang Perai Tengah District Mosque near here at 2pm.

The former Permatang Pauh MP will then return to his village to present sacrificial cows to the Permatang Pasir state constituency community at Masjid Al-Falah in Pengkalan Tambang.

Anwar will conclude the visit by presenting sacrificial cows to the Penanti state constituency community at Padang Mengkuang Titi, Kubang Semang at 3.45pm before leaving for the capital.

Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Aidiladha tomorrow. — Bernama

SINGAPORE, May 26 — Singapore is moving to speed up how quickly wealthy clients can open private banking accounts as it seeks to strengthen its position as a global wealth hub.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is working with industry players to streamline onboarding processes for private banking clients, The Straits Times reported today.

MAS managing director Chia Der Jiun said the aim is to improve competitiveness while maintaining regulatory standards.

“More efficient account opening will improve the competitiveness of the wealth management industry while maintaining high standards,” he was quoted as saying.

The changes will introduce a “risk-proportionate” approach, where simpler cases are processed faster.

More complex cases involving higher risk will continue to face stricter checks, regulators said.

The reforms are expected to cut median onboarding time from about six weeks to around one month by end-2026.

Authorities said the move is designed to avoid unnecessary and excessive steps in account opening procedures.

The push comes after tighter compliance measures following Singapore’s S$3 billion (RM9.31 billion) money laundering scandal in 2023.

MAS said the new framework will still prioritise anti–money laundering safeguards.

“Safety, stability and trust remain the core advantages of Singapore,” Chia was quoted as saying.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to maintain Singapore’s edge in global wealth and asset management.

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) has announced a postponement of the much-anticipated new version of the Malaysian International Passport (PMA), which was originally set to be introduced on 1 June 2026.

In a statement issued today, the department said the rollout would be rescheduled to a later date, to be announced soon. The decision, according to JIM, is aimed at ensuring smooth service delivery and maintaining the best possible experience for the public when transacting for their travel documents.

“This step is taken to ensure the smooth delivery of services and that the public’s transaction experience remains at an optimal level,” the statement read.

Importantly, the Immigration Department confirmed that members of the public may continue to renew their existing passports as usual. Current passports that are still valid will remain acceptable for travel until their respective expiry dates.

The department added that any further updates regarding the new passport’s implementation will be communicated through its official channels from time to time.

JIM expressed appreciation for the public’s continued cooperation and support, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the security of Malaysia’s travel documents and delivering the best possible service to the people.

The statement was signed by the Director-General of Immigration, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.

MAY 26— For decades, palm oil has been the quiet workhorse of the global economy. It’s the invisible ingredient in everything from your morning shampoo and the chocolate spread on your toast to the biodiesel in a truck traversing Europe. Its ascension to become the world’s largest traded edible oil was a story of relentless expansion, driven by its unrivaled productivity. No other crop comes close to yielding as much oil per hectare. This efficiency made it price competitive and ubiquitous.

After years of seemingly limitless growth, the engine is sputtering. Malaysia, the number two producer, has seen its output plateau, a victim of geographical reality and stagnant agricultural yields. And now Indonesia, the colossus that accounts for roughly 60 per cent of global supply, is also showing signs of "production fatigue." While the supply side is hitting a wall, global demand for oils and fats continues its relentless 3 per cent annual climb. This is not just a problem for the vegetable oil traders; it’s a potential crisis for the planet. How will the world cope when its most productive oil crop can no longer expand to meet our insatiable appetite?

The first possibility is a permanent upward shift in the price of everything. Palm oil isn’t just another commodity; it’s a price-setter for the entire oils and fats complex. When palm is expensive, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and rapeseed oil become expensive, too. A supply crunch in palm oil will ripple through the global food system, inflating costs for food manufacturers and, ultimately, for consumers. For the billions of people in developing nations who rely on cooking oil as a dietary staple, this isn't an inconvenience; it's a threat to their daily nutrition.

Palm fruits are seen at a collection centre in Tapah, Perak in February 2023. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

The market’s natural response to higher prices is to encourage more supply. But where will it come from? The immediate pressure will fall on other oilseed crops. We can expect to see a frantic scramble to plant more soybeans in the Brazilian Cerrado and more rapeseed in the Canadian prairies. However, this is a deeply flawed solution. To replace the lost output of a single palm oil plantation, you need vastly more land planted with these alternative crops.

This isn't intensification; it's extensification at its most destructive. It would mean ploughing up carbon-rich grasslands, accelerating deforestation in the Amazon and other sensitive biomes, and devouring vast tracts of land that could otherwise be used for food security or left for nature. We risk solving a supply problem by creating an ecological catastrophe of a different, perhaps even greater, magnitude.

Another avenue is to squeeze more from the land we already have. The "stagnant yield levels" in Malaysia and Indonesia are a damning indictment. For too long, the industry has relied on area expansion as its primary growth strategy. The low-hanging fruit is gone. Now, the focus must shift to agricultural science. This means a massive investment in developing higher-yielding, disease-resistant palm varieties, optimising fertiliser use, and improving planting techniques. It also means confronting the age-old problem of plantation management, particularly helping the myriad of smallholder farmers who manage a significant portion of the world's palm oil acreage to close the yield gap between their output and what is biologically possible.

We must also address the demand side of the equation. The 3 per cent annual growth is a measure of our consumption habits. We need a global conversation about our reliance on vegetable oils. This isn't about asking consumers in developing nations to eat less, but about tackling the massive, often hidden, use of these oils in the developed world—in processed foods, in cosmetics, and, most controversially, in biofuels.

The diversion of palm oil into fuel tanks is the ultimate perversion of a food system. As supply tightens, the logic of burning food in our cars becomes increasingly untenable. Policymakers must urgently re-evaluate their biofuel mandates. When the world’s most efficient oil crop can no longer keep up, using it to power vehicles while people face higher food prices is a policy choice that is difficult to defend.

The end of the era of expanding palm oil production is the present reality. How we respond will define our food systems for generations. We can stumble into a future of volatile prices, and food insecurity. Or we can take a more intelligent path: one that combines a herculean effort to boost yields sustainably on existing farmland with a serious and honest attempt to moderate demand, starting with the foolishness of putting food in our fuel tanks.

The world’s appetite for oils and fats is not going away, but the way we satisfy it must fundamentally change. The era of easy expansion is over. The era of hard choices has begun.  

* Professor Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an Adjunct Professor at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. He can be reached at ahmadibrahim@ucsiuniversity.edu.my. 

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

SINGAPORE, May 26 — Singlish is increasingly shaping everyday communication in Singapore, including in workplaces, according to a new study by the Institute of Policy Studies.

The study found that more young Singaporeans say they speak Singlish well and use it frequently, The Straits Times reported today.

According to the news report, about 80 per cent of those aged 18 to 35 said they could speak Singlish at least well, far higher than older age groups.

The proportion of respondents who identified most with English or Singlish rose to 47.6 per cent in 2024, up from about one in three in 2013.

More than half of respondents said Singlish is an important part of culture that should not be lost.

The Sinngapore newspaper also cited several researchers saying that Singlish reflects a sense of national identity in Singapore and captures everyday life from hawker centres to workplaces.

Singlish proficiency has also risen, with 57.8 per cent of respondents in 2024 saying they could speak it well or very well.

However, Standard English proficiency has also hit a decade high, with about eight in 10 respondents saying they speak it well.

The study found that Singaporeans increasingly switch between informal Singlish and formal English depending on context.

Researchers said this reflects “a mature public instinct for code-switching”.

At the same time, the share of people identifying most with their mother tongue or dialects has fallen over the past decade.

The researchers concluded that Singapore’s language landscape is one of “negotiated coexistence” rather than replacement.

MAY 26 — When news emerged of a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship recently, many Malaysians may not have paid much attention to it. Stomach bugs during travel are often assumed to be routine food poisoning or a minor inconvenience that passes after a day or two.

But the outbreak, which affected more than 100 passengers and crew members, serves as a useful reminder that not all gastrointestinal infections behave the same way, and not all can be prevented using the habits many of us became accustomed to during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Norovirus, sometimes referred to as the “vomiting bug”, is highly contagious and spreads very quickly in crowded environments such as cruise ships, hotels, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. What makes it particularly challenging is that only a very small number of viral particles are needed to cause infection. A person may feel completely well in the morning, then suddenly develop intense vomiting and watery diarrhoea within a few hours.

For most healthy adults, the illness usually resolves within one to three days. However, the speed at which symptoms appear, combined with the risk of dehydration, can make the experience quite severe, especially for children, older adults, and individuals working or travelling in hot environments.

Although norovirus outbreaks are uncommon in Malaysia, increased international travel means imported cases are always possible. Cruise holidays are becoming more popular among Malaysians, particularly short regional routes involving Singapore, Phuket, Penang, or Langkawi. Large gatherings associated with Umrah, Hajj, and overseas winter travel also increase exposure to infections that may not be commonly encountered at home.

One reason norovirus often catches people off guard is because it behaves differently from the bacterial food poisoning that Malaysians are more familiar with. Bacterial infections caused by organisms such as Salmonella may involve fever, abdominal cramps, or blood and mucus in the stool, and symptoms can last several days. Norovirus, on the other hand, tends to arrive abruptly. Vomiting is often prominent, fever is usually mild or absent, and recovery is generally faster.

The other important difference is prevention.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people understandably developed the habit of relying heavily on alcohol-based hand sanitisers. While sanitisers remain useful for many infections, norovirus is more resistant because of its protective outer structure. Alcohol alone is often not enough to remove it effectively from the hands.

Good handwashing habits can stop the rapid spread of norovirus, especially during travel and in crowded places. — AFP pic

For norovirus, proper handwashing with soap and running water remains the most reliable defence. The process matters just as much as the soap itself because the virus needs to be physically washed away from the skin. This is particularly important before eating, after using the toilet, and when caring for someone who is unwell.

Cruise ships, unfortunately, provide ideal conditions for the virus to spread. Thousands of passengers share dining spaces, toilets, elevators, railings, and recreational facilities within relatively confined settings. The virus can spread through contaminated food, surfaces, direct contact with infected individuals, and even droplets released when someone vomits nearby.

This does not mean Malaysians should avoid cruises altogether. The risk can be reduced significantly through simple precautions. Travellers should prioritise handwashing, be cautious with raw or undercooked shellfish, avoid sharing utensils unnecessarily, and seek medical attention early if symptoms begin. Someone who develops vomiting or diarrhoea should avoid crowded dining areas and minimise close contact with others until fully recovered.

At home, the infection can continue spreading if proper cleaning measures are not taken. Norovirus is capable of surviving on surfaces such as taps, toilet handles, remote controls, and doorknobs for prolonged periods. Household members caring for an infected person should pay close attention to hygiene practices, especially in shared bathrooms and kitchens.

Hydration is also critical. Oral rehydration salts, readily available at Malaysian pharmacies, are generally more effective than sweet drinks or plain water alone in replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. Medical attention should be sought if a person is unable to keep fluids down, becomes unusually weak or confused, or develops signs of severe dehydration.

Importantly, antibiotics do not work against norovirus because it is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

At present, Malaysia has not reported any major norovirus outbreak. Still, awareness remains important, particularly as international travel continues to increase. Public health preparedness is not only about responding to large outbreaks, but also about understanding the small preventive measures that reduce transmission before situations escalate.

Sometimes, the most effective advice is also the simplest. In the case of norovirus, one lesson remains particularly relevant: soap and water still matter.

* Dr Muhammad Amir Yunus is a molecular virologist at the Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (PKTAAB), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and may be reached at amiryunus@usm.my

LOS ANGELES, May 26 — K-pop band BTS was celebrated on Monday with the top award of artist of the year at the fan-voted American Music Awards on Monday.

The group also claimed the song of the summer honour for the single Swim at the ceremony in Las Vegas, which aired live on CBS and Paramount+.

BTS prevailed over Taylor Swift, winner of the most AMAs of any artist over her career, as well as stars including Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga and others.

Twenty-year-old indie musician Sombr was named the recipient of best rock/alternative song for his hit Back to Friends.

“I wrote this song when I was 19 and depressed all by myself in my bedroom,” he said on stage. “So being here, I never would have expected that.”

He later won best rock/alternative album for his debut album, I Barely Know Her.

Song of the year went to Golden, the upbeat tune from the Netflix animated movie KPop Demon Hunters.

The show opened with BTS, dressed in all-black outfits and black sunglasses, in a pre-recorded performance of Hooligan from the Vegas concert stop on the group’s Arirang Tour. — Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Several Electric Train Service (ETS) and Northern KTM Komuter services have been delayed by more than an hour following the theft of approximately 100 metres of cable at KM95.8, between Sungai Siput and Kamunting.

In a statement today, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) said that the incident has crippled the signaling system, severely disrupting train operations in the northern sector.

“KTMB’s auxiliary police detected the theft early this morning. An on-site inspection confirmed missing cables had compromised the signaling system on that route,” the statement read.

Affected Northern KTM Komuter services are facing delays of between 23 and 40 minutes, while all ETS services passing through the route are expected to be delayed anywhere from 3 to 90 minutes.

KTMB’s technical team is now racing to carry out repairs and recovery work to stabilise operations and restore normal train services as quickly as possible.

Passengers are urged to check the latest service status and delay updates via KTMB’s official social media channels, or to approach on-duty station staff for further assistance.

“KTMB views this cable theft with the utmost seriousness. It not only disrupts train operations but also compromises the safety and reliability of the national rail system.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank passengers for their patience and cooperation,” the statement added. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — Military exercises by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will be carried out in close coordination with state governments and relevant agencies to ensure they are conducted in an orderly, safe and responsible manner, in line with national security interests and public well-being.

The National Security Council (MKN) under the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), in a statement today, said the MKN meeting on May 25 supported MAF’s commitment to ensuring all military activities are implemented professionally, systematically and responsibly.

It said all exercises and operations must comply with established guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and directives issued by the relevant authorities, including requirements related to safety and environmental conservation.

“The implementation of military exercises is subject to strict approval procedures and coordination with relevant ministries and agencies,” the statement said.

For both gazetted and non-gazetted training areas, all applications must undergo approval and verification processes involving the relevant authorities, including the State Security Working Committee (JKKN) chaired by the Menteri Besar or Chief Minister, as well as technical agencies.

“Applications must also be submitted within the stipulated timeframe before any exercise is conducted to ensure that safety aspects, procedural compliance and local sensitivities are properly addressed before landowners are informed,” MKN said.

It added that SOPs related to military exercises would continue to be enhanced from time to time.

Post-exercise evaluations will also be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the activities, identify any impact caused and determine responsibility for repair works involving any damage.

The MKN meeting viewed defence preparedness as a key element in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, security and strategic interests.

At the same time, it stressed the importance of balancing defence operational requirements with local sensitivities through continuous engagement and coordination with all stakeholders.

On May 24, MAF Headquarters said it respected and would comply with the decree of the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, regarding military activities in the state.

The MAF Headquarters said it remained committed to ensuring all exercises and operations are conducted in a planned, professional and responsible manner.

Earlier, media reports stated that Tengku Hassanal had voiced concerns over military exercises in island areas in Pahang that could potentially affect the ecosystem.

He also directed that MAF obtain the consent of the Sultan of Pahang before conducting any military exercise. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said it found no wrongdoing in the alienation of land around the capital city’s flood retention pond because a 1998 directive to protect it was revoked in 2016, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Hannah Yeoh disclosed today.

The directive, made by the Cabinet under the first Mahathir government in 1998, would have turned the surrounding land into reserves, but the directive was not carried out for 18 years, the minister who oversees the Federal Territories said in a statement.

Yeoh previously urged MACC to investigate the land alienation in 2021. Earlier this month, she said KL’s flood retention pond has shrunk to just 30 per cent of its original size as the capital city faced days of severe flash floods caused by inclement weather.

“The MACC’s investigation revealed that no elements of corruption, embezzlement, or abuse of power were found in the alienation process or the Development Orders granted by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to the developers,” Yeoh said.

“This is because the MACC found that while the reservation of the flood retention pond had been approved since June 19, 1998, the gazetting process had still not been carried out at the time of the land alienation. There was an 18-year delay for action to be taken to gazette this area,” she added.

The Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Land Executive Committee agreed to revoke the reservation approval granted on June 19, 1998, in October 2016, a move that allowed the alienation approval of 80 acres of land to be given to the developer for mixed development.

The premium imposition totalled RM214 million, Yeoh revealed.

Seventeen land lots within the Jinjang and Batu flood retention ponds have been alienated to developers since 2016, causing an estimated 70 per cent shrinkage of the ponds’ capacity, as Yeoh warned that it could hinder efforts to mitigate floods.

Of the 17 lots, one had already been developed. Yeoh said a technical assessment by the city’s Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) indicated the developed lot had become a serious hindrance to service works at the retention ponds.

The investigation was initiated in 2021 following media reports that garnered public attention and findings in the Auditor-General’s Report 2019 Series 2.

Among other things, the audit discovered that the alienation of six flood retention ponds had been approved by the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Lands and Mines Office (PTGWPKL) for residential and mixed-development purposes.

Yeoh said Federal Territories Department will expedite the gazetting process for the remaining 30 per cent of approved open spaces and flood retention ponds, expressing commitment to preserving open spaces and flood retention ponds.

Regarding the investigation, the minister said the commission reviewed all alienation and Development Order processes by examining documents and recording statements from witnesses involved, including the developers concerned.

The MACC also conducted a site visit to the flood retention pond area, and the appointed surveyor confirmed that no boundary encroachment had been made by the developer.

“Furthermore, the MACC has submitted a letter to DBKL as a reminder to ensure that all future development approvals take into account the risks and functions of flood retention ponds, and undergo a more stringent evaluation process,” she said.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Malaysia has spent decades trying to reduce non-revenue water, or NRW, by chasing lower percentages and tighter targets.

But once NRW comes down, the losses that remain are often the hardest to eliminate.

This is because they are buried in ageing infrastructure: hidden leaks beneath roads, deteriorating pipes, recurring bursts and a repair burden that grows costlier with every kilometre of old network left underground.

The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has long tracked NRW as a core industry indicator, and past commission data shows the issue remains a nationwide structural challenge rather than one confined to a few underperforming operators.

The difficulty of further reductions is also reflected in the government’s missed targets. During a parliamentary sitting on Feb 24, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said Malaysia was unable to meet its NRW target of 31 percent by 2025 and 25 percent by 2030.

He attributed this to the weak financial position of some water operators, tariffs that did not reflect actual operating costs, and delays to planned reduction programmes during the COVID-19 period.

The government is now aiming to bring NRW down to 28.8 per cent by 2030.

But for operators in densely populated areas, the real question is how to keep reducing losses when much of the network is old, vast and expensive to renew.

Air Selangor says that is where its challenge now lies, even after bringing its NRW rate down significantly over the years.

Why cutting NRW gets harder

According to SPAN, NRW remains a persistent challenge across Malaysia’s water sector. The commission’s reporting shows that losses in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan remained above 33 percent from 2015 to 2024, even as utilities continued trying to reduce them.

The causes of NRW are often mixed, ranging from pipe leaks and bursts to water theft through illegal connections, inaccurate or faulty meters, ground movement, poor maintenance and funding constraints.

Air Selangor, however, has recorded a downward trend, with its NRW rate falling from 31.7 percent in 2018 to 26.8 percent last year, with a target of 25 percent by 2030.

But how much lower it can realistically go is a separate question.

“How low we can reduce the NRW rate depends on a calculation, and that is known as the economic level of NRW,” Air Selangor CEO Adam Saffian Ghazali said in an exclusive interview with Garasi Bernama.

“What it means is that the higher the tariff, the lower the economic rate of NRW. Based on our current tariff, Air Selangor’s NRW team estimates that level to be around 23 to 24 percent,” he said.

In practical terms, this suggests that further reductions are still possible, but each additional drop may become harder and more expensive to secure.

Research on water-loss management has also pointed to the same constraint. A 2020 Delft University of Technology study said some level of water loss will still occur even in well-managed and newly built networks. Beyond that point, utilities can still push losses lower, but the cost of doing so may outweigh the benefit.

In Malaysia, the issue is also tied to funding. A December 2025 Bank Islam sector note said tariff constraints have slowed reinvestment and left water operators with an estimated RM1.2 billion annual revenue shortfall. It added that replacing ageing pipes remains the single most important measure for bringing NRW down.

At the same time, the cost of the problem itself remains high. A BIMB Securities note in May 2025 estimated that Malaysian water operators lose about RM2 billion a year to NRW.

But for Adam, the value of NRW reduction also lies in whether customers actually experience better service.

“For example, even if we say our NRW rate is 5 per cent, but when you go back home and open your tap, there’s no water, there’s no point,” he said.

That, he added, is why Air Selangor is trying to detect bursts before customers notice a disruption.

Leaks remain the toughest problem

NRW is not made up of one type of loss alone. It includes physical leaks from pipes, commercial losses linked to metering and billing, and water that is used but not paid for. But not all of these are equally difficult to bring down.

For Air Selangor, the hardest part now lies in physical leaks from the pipe network itself.

“We operate in three areas and manage a large network of pipes of different ages which makes them more susceptible to leaks,” Adam Saffian said.

As of 2025, the utility manages 31,817km of pipes across Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. That scale is part of what makes physical leaks harder to bring down than other forms of NRW, he added

He said meter-related issues are relatively easier to handle through replacement programmes and internal checks, while theft and illegal use can be addressed through enforcement.

Buried leaks, by contrast, are harder to detect, costlier to fix and more closely tied to the condition of the network.

“Annually, we detect around 200,000 leaks across our service areas,” he said.

Air Selangor’s data shows that in 2024 the utility detected 257,448 leaks across Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

That is also why Air Selangor has been expanding the use of district metering zones, or DMZs, to keep closer watch on pressure levels and identify leaks more quickly.

Adam Saffian said current DMZ coverage is about 80 per cent, with a target to raise that to at least 95 per cent by 2028.

“When we have ascertained that water loss, we also put a sensor inside the DMZ. We call it PLNCL - Permanent Leak Noise Correlating Logger.

“When it detects a leak, it makes a sound. From that sound, you can pinpoint the leak location,” he said.

That helps the utility narrow down leak locations more quickly within the network.

The 2008 Manager’s Non-Revenue Water Handbook, a widely cited utility guide, says successful leakage management usually rests on four pillars: pressure management, speedy and good-quality repairs, active leakage control, and pipeline or asset management.

In other words, leak reduction is rarely about one intervention alone.

Old pipes still holding the system back

The age of the existing network also helps explain why the NRW problem persists.

Some of Air Selangor’s pipes range from one year to 90 years old, and parts of the older network still consist of asbestos cement pipes.

Parts of the Klang Valley’s modern water infrastructure trace back more than a century to the British colonial period, when early waterworks and reservoirs were developed to serve a growing urban centre. Much of that older system has since been replaced, but some ageing materials remain in use today.

Adam Saffian admitted that Air Selangor still had many very old pipes in the system.

“This is because parts of our network date back to the British era. I once went to a site where there was a leaking asbestos cement pipe.

“When we opened it up, the year was marked on it. Do you know what year it was? 1915,” he said.

Of an estimated 6,000km of asbestos cement pipes originally in the system, 1,089km have been replaced, leaving about 5,000km still in use.

The distribution is also uneven across the network. Kuala Lumpur has the largest share of remaining asbestos cement pipes, at about 1,481km out of the 5,000km still in use, or around 30 percent of the total.

Air Selangor said asbestos cement pipes in its system were generally designed to last about 30 to 40 years, depending on installation conditions, soil environment and operating stress. Most of those still in service have already exceeded that design life and are considered ageing assets.

As these pipes age, they become more brittle and structurally weaker, making them more prone to cracks and bursts, leakage and NRW losses, lower tolerance to pressure fluctuations and external loading, and higher maintenance and operating costs. In turn, those pressures can reduce network reliability and service performance.

Air Selangor said replacement is carried out in phases and targeted at high-risk parts of the network, including ageing or poor-condition pipelines, locations with frequent leaks and bursts, and critical or pressure-sensitive lines where repair works could disrupt supply to large numbers of consumers.

The pace of implementation depends on annual capital expenditure allocations and approvals from the relevant authorities.

These pipes are typically replaced with newer materials such as ductile iron, high-density polyethylene and mild steel. These are generally designed to last 50 years or more.

Air Selangor’s data also shows that pipe burst cases per 100km per year fell from 13.52 in 2018 to 3.25 in 2024, suggesting that conditions have improved even as the utility continues dealing with a large and ageing network.

But knowing where the weak points are is only part of the challenge. Even when ageing pipes can be identified more quickly, repairing or replacing them across a large live network still takes time, money and careful planning.

Technology can help, but replacement still costs

Tools such as zonal monitoring, acoustic sensors and faster data analysis can help utilities respond to leaks sooner. Air Selangor says it is trying to strengthen that capability by improving oversight across its network.

One part of that is a push towards 24/7 visibility of the network, so that pressure drops can be flagged earlier and bursts can be checked before customers report them. Adam Saffian said the utility already has such monitoring in one region, mostly in Sepang.

He added that Air Selangor has already invested heavily in digitalisation, and is now looking at artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning as the “last mile” of analysis. At present, he said, the initiative is still at the proof-of-concept stage.

“Currently, our staff have to get all the data from the system and do the analysis manually, and that analysis can take a week.

“But if AI is embedded into the system with machine learning, we can identify areas that are probably leaking much faster. Manual is one week, AI is one day,” he said.

But technology does not change the fact that repairing and replacing old pipes remains expensive.

Air Selangor’s own expenditure data points to the growing burden of keeping the network running. Its repair and maintenance spending rose from RM328.74 million in 2020 to RM531.92 million in 2024.

Adam Saffian said Air Selangor currently replaces about 300km of pipes a year and that this alone can cost roughly RM460 million to RM480 million. He added that such works are especially difficult in dense urban areas, where replacement in built-up parts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur is both expensive and disruptive.

A BIMB Securities note in May 2025 said every 1 percent reduction in NRW can require RM800 million to RM1 billion in investment, adding further strain to already tight budgets.

Air Selangor’s replacement programme has been running annually since 2016 and was increased to about 300km a year from 2024. A further rise to 400km a year is planned from 2034 onwards, subject to funding availability and implementation capacity.

That may be the clearest way to understand why NRW remains difficult even for the country’s largest water utility. The challenge is no longer just to improve a percentage. It is to keep an ageing network functioning well enough while the slow, expensive and physical work of renewal continues beneath roads, neighbourhoods and industrial areas. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — DAP National Strategic Director Liew Chin Tong has challenged MCA’s Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong to be transparent with voters on whether his party would again back a PAS-dominated Perikatan Nasional (PN) to form a government after the next general election.

In a statement issued today, Liew accused the MCA president of “sophistry” and “cunning deception” regarding the statutory declarations (SDs) signed following the 15th General Election (GE15) in November 2022.

The challenge comes after Wee reportedly claimed in a recent media interview that he did not sign an SD to support PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang as prime minister.

“The SD that Wee signed was to support Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was then chairman of Perikatan Nasional, in establishing a federal government with Bersatu and PAS,” Liew contended.

Recalling the political deadlock of November 2022, Liew noted that Pakatan Harapan (PH) won 82 seats, PN won 74, and Barisan Nasional (BN) secured 30, leaving the country with a hung parliament.

He asserted that at that critical juncture, Wee’s SD was intended to facilitate a PN-led coalition government with Muhyiddin as prime minister.

Liew highlighted Wee’s two primary justifications for 2022 decision: a belief that the political situation was chaotic, and a strict adherence to the “No Anwar, No DAP” policy.

With rumours of an early 16th General Election swirling, Liew suggested that a similar three-cornered fight between PH, BN, and PN could again result in no single coalition securing a simple majority of 112 seats.

“We can also be fairly certain that if history repeats, Wee Ka Siong would probably once again support Perikatan Nasional to form the government,” Liew claimed, adding that Wee is a vocal proponent of three-cornered contests to allow MCA to contest more than its two incumbent seats.

Liew argued that because Wee has reopened the issue of past allegiances, he must now clarify his future stance to the Rakyat.

“He has to make clear to the voters whether he will support the now PAS-dominated Perikatan Nasional... should the political situation of 2022 recur,” Liew said.

“At least by being honest, voters can know what MCA stands for.”

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Axiata Group Bhd is continuing to evaluate monetisation pathways for several portfolio assets as part of its broader value realisation strategy.

Axiata chief financial officer Nik Rizal Kamil said the group’s value illumination work extends beyond tower unit Edotco and also involves assets such as LinkNet and its digital telecommunications businesses.

“With regards to the value realisation and pathway for monetisation, it does not just impact Edotco, it also impacts other assets like LinkNet and also our digital telco.

“Whilst we do that, we will continue with the value realisation work about increasing the value for these assets. As and when we can make the necessary announcement, we will do so and go out to the market,” he told reporters at Axiata’s 34th annual general meeting media briefing yesterday.

Nik Rizal said that deleveraging remains the key priority for any future monetisation of assets identified under the group’s medium-term value realisation strategy.

He said the primary objective will be to reduce its holding company debt, which the group has been successfully reducing via liability management.

“The priority will always be in terms of deleveraging. The strategy would also help free up cash flows and support progressively higher annual dividend payments to shareholders,” said Nik Rizal.

Group chief executive officer and managing director Vivek Sood said Axiata’s underlying financial performance remained steady in the first quarter of 2026 (1Q 2026), excluding foreign exchange movements.

“If you look at 1Q as the starting point, leaving aside the forex movement, which can go up or down, the underlying performance has been around RM400 million. If you look at that as steady-state earnings for Axiata, then we are talking about nearly going to RM1 billion plus earnings in the year,” he said.

Vivek noted that the planned monetisation exercises involving the group’s tower assets and LinkNet in 2026 are expected to strengthen Axiata’s balance sheet through further debt reduction at the holding company level.

“If we can do the monetisation which we have been planning in 2026 for the towers as well as LinkNet, we should be able to further pay down our holding company debt, which means the cost of servicing the debt comes down substantially,” he said.

Vivek said that lower debt servicing costs would enable clearer translation of dividend flows from operating companies back to shareholders.

He also said that Axiata remains in the merger integration phase in both Malaysia and Indonesia, with synergies expected to contribute positively to earnings from 2027 onwards.

“In 2027, we expect to achieve run-rate savings of approximately RM700 million to RM800 million in Malaysia and around US$300 million to US$400 million in cost synergies from Indonesia.

“If these synergies result in improved earnings, we should see an increase in dividend flow from these markets,” said Vivek.

The group remains reasonably confident of achieving its dividend projections despite ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties.

“The current environment of macro challenges and uncertainty in the global geopolitical environment is something we have to be cautious of,” he said. — Bernama

JAKARTA/BANGKOK, May 26 — Two Austrian tourists have died in an accident on the Indonesian island of Flores, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

The authorities said on Monday the two holidaymakers fell from a suspension bridge leading through the jungle to the Cunca Wulang waterfall. The area is a popular tourist destination about a two-hour drive from the tourist resort of Labuan Bajo.

The bodies of the 55-year-old man and the 57-year-old woman were recovered on Sunday from a river below the bridge, according to the head of the local search and rescue agency, Fathur Rahman.

The couple’s tour guide told the website Hey Bali News that parts of the bridge had suddenly given way.

“They were walking side by side, smiling warmly towards the camera,” the guide reportedly told reporters. “Suddenly, I heard a very loud sound of breaking wood, like a large tree branch falling.”

Within seconds, several planks of the bridge had collapsed, sending the holidaymakers plunging some 20 metres. Photos published in local media showed a large hole in the suspension bridge.

Suspension bridges in remote areas of Indonesia are often built from local materials and not inspected regularly, the report on Hey Bali News said.

Fatal accidents at remote natural attractions are not uncommon in Indonesia. In December, four members of a family of six from Spain lost their lives when their boat capsized off Flores. — Bernama-dpa

SINGAPORE, May 26 — Malaysian national men’s double shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are confident of defending their title at Singapore Open 2026, which begins Tuesday.

The pair said they are entering this year’s competition fully prepared, following their recent upset at Malaysia Masters 2026.

“For sure that we hope that we could defend our title from last year and we are coming here with full preparation.

“Of course we would not be giving ourselves too much pressure on it and we will be going step by step,” said Aaron at a press conference here Monday.

The world number two pair will begin their Singapore Open campaign by meeting the Popov brothers of France, Christo and Toma Junior, in round one on Tuesday.

When asked about the possibility of facing Korean world number one pair, Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae in the tournament, Wooi Yik noted that they would adjust their gameplay if they meet the opponents.

He said the pair is highly anticipating a meeting against their rivals again at this year’s edition.

“We have played a lot of times against them and (noticed) the difference between us and them, there is a slight difference.

“That is one crucial part that we need to adjust from there and we hope that in this Singapore Open, if we meet them again, we will try to win against them,” he added.

Malaysia’s delegation at this year’s tournament will be led by Aaron-Wooi Yik, who return in search of back-to-back titles.

Malaysia also boast strong contenders in women’s doubles through world number two pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, mixed doubles through world number three pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, and in men’s doubles through professional pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani. — Bernama

WASHINGTON, May 26 — Haiti’s first World Cup appearance since 1974 is a source of immense pride, but Emile, a Haitian living in Ohio, is afraid to attend a match because of US President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

“Singing my country’s national anthem in a stadium in front of the whole world is a historic moment that no one would want to miss,” the truck driver in his 40s, who did not wish to give his last name, told AFP.

“But at the same time, I think twice. I don’t want to be arrested by ICE,” he said, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers tasked with arresting and deporting undocumented foreign nationals.

“My lawyer advised me not to fly so I don’t get caught at the airport,” he said.

Emile’s concerns are shared by many in the immigrant community, who have watched heavily armed, masked ICE officers carry out their often brutal operations in multiple US cities.

Outrage peaked when ICE officers shot dead two American demonstrators in Minneapolis.

“Now, people are making sure that they are aware to what they are doing and they don’t feel safe,” Monica Sarmiento of the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights told AFP.

“They are afraid. We have seen very aggressive tactics (from ICE) that have gone after not only undocumented communities but also people with protective status.”

Sarmiento said that “70 per cent of the people arrested, detained and deported have no criminal record”.

“Many of them have been here for decades, paying taxes for decades,” she added, condemning “a fearful and hostile environment across the country, and not only for the World Cup but every single day”.

Seventy-eight of the 104 World Cup matches will be held in the United States, which is co-hosting the June 11-July 19 tournament with Canada and Mexico.

The possibility of ICE activity around US matches has sparked concerns among the US Hispanic community, which comprises 20 per cent of the US population and is concentrated in California, Texas and Florida with significant representation in major cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas and New York.

The Haitian community, some 850,000 people in 2024, largely concentrated in Miami and New York, is also under threat.

The Trump administration wants to end the temporary protected status from which Emile and others benefit. It prevents their deportation to their home country, one of the poorest in the world and one ravaged by political instability, economic crisis and gang violence.

‘Serious rights violations’ 

Fears have been stoked by reports like one from Human Rights Watch, which said an asylum seeker who attended the Club World Cup final last year in New Jersey with his children was arrested by ICE and deported to his country of origin.

Some rights organizations also fear that ICE will target foreign tourists around stadiums or in the numerous fan zones where supporters will gather.

More than 120 US civil rights organizations, including the influential American Civil Liberties Union, issued a “travel advisory” in April warning of the “risk of serious rights violations” to fans, players, journalists and other visitors.

According to the signatories people travelling to the United States could risk denial of entry and risk of arrest, detention and/or deportation, racial profiling and “cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment – and even death – while in ICE detention or custody”.

ICE, one of many agencies of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has long taken part in security arrangements for major sporting events such as the Super Bowl.

“International visitors who legally come to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about,” a DHS spokesperson told AFP.

“What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the US.”

World football’s governing body FIFA, responding to a question from AFP, said it “is committed to respecting all internationally recognized human rights and strives to promote the protection of these rights.” — AFP

ROME, May 26 — Ferrari presented its first fully electric car on Monday, marking a high-stakes shift by the luxury sports car maker as competitors including Porsche and Lamborghini scale back their EV ambitions, citing weak demand.

The four-door Luce, Italian for “light”, was developed with the help of former Apple design chief Jony Ive and his collective LoveFrom, and is Ferrari’s first five-seater.

Ferrari aims to appeal to families with deep pockets, offering them comfortable seats, high-end tech and a 600-litre boot. Deliveries of the long-awaited Luce, priced at €550,000 (RM2.53 million), are due to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

“It’s the result of five years of work,” CEO Benedetto Vigna told more than 200 reporters gathered in Rome.

The four-door Luce, Italian for ‘light’, was developed with the help of former Apple design chief Jony Ive and his collective LoveFrom, and is Ferrari’s first five-seater. — Ferrari handout pic via Reuters

The Luce, which amplifies natural vibration sounds from its EV powertrain to maintain the visceral appeal of a traditional Ferrari, marks a gamble that a generation steeped in technology and AI, and less attached to its trademark 12- and 8-cylinder engine legacy, will shift to high-tech luxury EVs.

Ferrari is hoping that will also give it the opportunity to move further into markets such as China, where EVs are already widespread and big petrol cars are heavily taxed.

“In our client base there are many... who are still looking for something completely different, to be used in different moments of life,” said Ferrari’s chief marketing and commercial officer Enrico Galliera.

The Luce, which amplifies natural vibration sounds from its EV powertrain to maintain the visceral appeal of a traditional Ferrari, marks a gamble that a generation steeped in technology and AI, and less attached to its trademark 12- and 8-cylinder engine legacy, will shift to high-tech luxury EVs. — Ferrari handout pic via Reuters

“It’s absolutely stunning,” Galliera added of the car, which features four electric motors — one per wheel — which help deliver more than 1,000 horsepower, a top speed above 310 kph, and increased agility for a car weighing more than 2.2 tonnes.

Ferrari said the Luce has a range of over 500 kilometres.

A light show launch featured five Luces, painted from Ferrari-red to white and light blue, which mark a break from the carmaker’s aggressive, muscular, signature sporty style with a larger body and expansive, glass-led design.

The Luce interior defers to traditional Ferrari luxury, with leather, glass and anodised aluminium surfaces as well as several physical controls which differ from the all-digital, touch-led approach of Tesla and some Chinese EV makers. — Reuters 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — A Kedah assemblyman expelled by Parti Pribumi Bersatu (Bersatu) will keep his post as a state executive councillor (exco), while another lawmaking facing the same fate remains the Deputy Speaker of the Kedah State Assembly.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor confirmed that Suka Menanti assemblyman Dzowahir Ab Ghani and Sungai Tiang assemblyman Abdul Razak Khamis would continue in their roles despite being expelled from Bersatu, The Star reported.

Dzowahir serves as the State Agriculture, Plantation, and Transport Committee Chairman, while is the state’s Deputy Speaker.

“The two assemblymen remain in their positions as of now. There is no need to change them. They can carry on with their work as usual. Those who were sacked are all okay; their work is good,” Sanusi said at an event in Kedah.

According to a report by Kedah’s Darul Aman Information Secretariat, Sanusi asserted that the state administration is running smoothly and that the expulsions have not affected Kedah’s stability.

Sanusi noted that he had informed the PAS Central Working Committee at a special meeting in Terengganu on Sunday that Kedah remains politically stable.

“There is indeed an exco member and a Deputy Speaker from Bersatu who were sacked, but the state is stable. Relations between parties here are good,” he said.

Sanusi also denied claims that he was under pressure after Bersatu took disciplinary action against the two representatives.

“I am on good terms with everyone. As menteri besar, I want to ensure the state remains stable and peaceful, and that work proceeds smoothly. The state administration is running well and blessings are flowing,” he said.

Addressing his dual roles, Sanusi said his political remarks during political rallies should be viewed separately from his duties as menteri besar, as he also serves as the PAS Election Director.

“I have to attend the ceramah because that role demands it. When I wear that hat, I will talk about politics,” he explained.

Bersatu had earlier requested the Kedah government replace the exco member and Deputy Speaker prior to their formal expulsion. At the time, Sanusi declined to act, noting that Dzowahir and Abdul Razak had not yet faced formal party discipline.

Following their expulsion on May 8, Sanusi stated the state government would take the necessary steps, including seeking an audience with the Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, to deliberate on the matter.

He reiterated that the two men are not part of the opposition, but are independent assemblymen supporting the state government.

Bersatu sacked Dzowahir and Abdul Razak under Clause 22.5 of the party constitution for allegedly breaching Clause 9.1.4 and the party’s code of ethics.

Seven others had their membership rights suspended for two party election terms, including Chenderoh assemblyman Syed Lukman Hakim Syed Mohd Zain, Tanah Merah MP Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz, Rompin MP Khalib Abdullah, and Lumut MP Nordin Ahmad Ismail.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Bursa Malaysia opened lower on Tuesday as early profit-taking emerged amid weaker crude oil prices, following signs of a potential de-escalation in tensions between the United States (US) and Iran.

At 9.10am, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI slipped 2.43 points, or 0.14 per cent, to 1,706.07 from Monday’s close of 1,708.50.

The benchmark index opened 1.73 points lower at 1,706.77.

On the broader market, losers outnumbered gainers 253 to 158, while 305 counters were unchanged, 1,971 untraded and 67 suspended.

Turnover stood at 187.76 million shares worth RM130.35 million.

Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research, Thong Pak Leng said US stock futures were broadly higher following US President Donald Trump’s statement that the US-Iran deal is within reach.

“As a result, crude oil prices declined, with the Brent crude now trending at around US$96 (RM380) per barrel.

“As for the local bourse, traders were mostly on the sidelines, as illustrated by the muted trading volume, at just above the three billion share threshold. Thus, for today, we expect the FBM KLCI to hover within the 1,700-1,715 range,” he told Bernama.

Among heavyweight stocks, Maybank rose two sen to RM11.08 and Public Bank remained unchanged at RM4.76, while Tenaga Nasional slipped four sen to RM14.42, CIMB lost two sen to RM7.71 and IHH Healthcare shed nine sen to RM8.87.

As for the active stocks, Zetrix AI gained two sen to 82.5 sen, IFCA MSC garnered one sen to 27.5 sen and Skychip added five sen to RM2.97, while Genetec Technology reduced 1.5 sen to 28.5 sen and Top Glove contracted two sen to 77.5 sen.

Top gainers Greatech Technology advanced 13 sen to RM2.87, Scicom rose 12 sen to RM1.76, Westports gained 10 sen to RM6.17, ITMax System notched up nine sen to RM4.85, and MI Technovation added eight sen to RM4.61.

Of the top losers, Nestle fell RM1.40 to RM94.40, Malaysian Pacific Industries lost 18 sen to RM47.82, Panasonic Manufacturing slid 17 sen to RM7.08, Kelington declined 14 sen to RM7.19, and United U-LI  narrowed 11 sen to RM1.40.

On the index board, the FBM Emas Index slipped 18.35 points to 12,661.99, the FBM Top 100 Index eased 16.03 points to 12,502.51, the FBM Emas Shariah Index fell 23.83 points to 12,584.01, the FBM Mid 70 Index declined 15.69 points to 18,251.20, and the FBM ACE Index edged down 1.54 points to 4,720.18.

By sector, the Industrial Products and Services Index grew 0.22 of a point to 197.94, while the Financial Services Index trimmed 3.72 points to 20,007.83, the Energy Index slipped 2.29 points to 783.63, and the Plantation Index dropped 6.82 points to 8,519.45. — Bernama 

KUANTAN, May 26 — The operator of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KLK) and the East Coast Expressway 1 (LPT1), AFA Prime Bhd (AFA Prime), estimates traffic volume to top 3 million vehicles on both highways from May 22 to June 2 due to Aidiladha and public holidays.

Pahang Public Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Datuk Razali Kassim said traffic on the KLK highway is expected to hit 2.18 million vehicles, while LPT1 is estimated to receive 843,000 vehicles during that period.

He said that these figures represent a 66 per cent increase for the KLK Highway and a 71 per cent increase for LPT1 compared to normal days.

“This significant surge in traffic flow requires all road users to be more disciplined, remain alert, and obey traffic laws to ensure a safer and smoother journey throughout the festive season,” he said.

He said this during a press conference after officiating the Road Safety Advocacy Program in conjunction with the 2026 Aidiladha Celebration at the Gambang Rest and Service (R&R) area here today.

Razali said the state government also urges the public to plan their journeys ahead of time and adhere to the Travel Time Advisory (TTA) issued by AFA Prime to help ease traffic flow throughout the festive period.

At the same time, he added that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is executing the 2026 Hari Raya Aidiladha Special Operation (Ops HRAA) from May 24 to 31, 2026, involving 287 enforcement personnel deployed at full readiness. — Bernama

KOTA BHARU, May 26 — The Kelantan Health Department has issued 85 notices of offence under Section 18 of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) against premise owners and occupants who failed to comply with no-smoking regulations between January and April this year. 

Its director Datuk Dr Mohd Azman Yacob said of the total, 43 notices involved food premises, followed by grocery stores (18), convenience store (1), and other premises (23 notices). 

He said the notices were issued following enforcement activities conducted on 6,209 premises statewide. 

“Of the total, 98 per cent were found to have complied with the requirements of Act 852 by displaying no-smoking and no-vaping signs as stipulated. 

“For premises that failed to comply with provisions under Section 18(1), enforcement action was taken, including the issuance of notices of offence to the owners or occupants,” he said in a statement today. 

Dr Mohd Azman said Tumpat recorded the highest number of notices at 20, followed by Kuala Krai (19) and Kota Bharu (17). 

“Enforcement action is the last resort after advocacy and health education approaches have been conducted for premise owners. 

“Premise owners are urged to fulfil their responsibilities by ensuring no-smoking and no-vaping signs are displayed at their premises to ensure the effectiveness of public health initiatives,” he said. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — The proposed establishment of a Malaysian Ombudsman is seen as a positive step towards ensuring that public complaints regarding government service delivery are handled more effectively, thereby enhancing the quality of public services.

Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar said the Malaysian Ombudsman would serve as a platform for the public to lodge complaints on misconduct, maladministration or weaknesses in government service delivery, while also helping to transform public services to be more efficient and responsive to the needs of the people.

“Insya-Allah, the Malaysian Ombudsman will begin operations next year once it is passed by Parliament. At present, it is still at the bill-drafting stage.

“This is a positive step towards transforming the public service, especially in enhancing the way we provide the best possible services to the people,” he told reporters after attending the Encouraging, Responsibility, Accountability, Trustworthiness (ERAT) Appreciation Ceremony here tonight.

Previous media reports stated that the proposed Malaysian Ombudsman is expected to serve as the main mechanism to strengthen whistleblower protection, including preventing the disclosure of complainants’ identities through a centralised complaints management system under a single agency.

Earlier in his speech, Ismail said the EAIC welcomed the government’s decision to establish the Malaysian Ombudsman to handle complaints across all public agencies, describing it as a move that would strengthen the system of checks and balances and enhance the efficiency of government service delivery.

He expressed hope that the establishment of the Malaysian Ombudsman, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following approval by the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance in December 2025, would function more effectively than existing monitoring agencies.

“The EAIC welcomes this decision and hopes that the Malaysian Ombudsman will function more effectively than existing monitoring agencies, thereby demonstrating that every ringgit allocated by the government delivers real change,” he said.

Ismail said the experience, expertise and track record built by the EAIC since 2011 in supervising enforcement agencies would provide a strong foundation for handling a broader and more comprehensive scope of checks and balances under the Malaysian Ombudsman.

“Regardless of the platform or brand it takes, our commitment and working principles will remain unchanged, namely to ensure that our agency’s delivery system remains clean, transparent and continues to have the full trust of the people,” he said.

This year’s ERAT Appreciation Ceremony saw 21 enforcement agencies under the supervision of the EAIC, as well as 13 media practitioners, receive recognition in appreciation of their respective roles and cooperation with the commission.

Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) journalist Samantha Tan was among the recipients of certificates of appreciation presented by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. — Bernama

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 26 — Severe injuries caused by strong impact and drowning have been identified among the causes of death of three workers who perished after the lifeboat they were in plunged into the sea at the Sepat floating storage and offloading (FSO) facility, located about 150 metres off the Kuala Terengganu waters, at midday yesterday. 

Kuala Terengganu district police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor said post-mortem results on the first victim found that Nik Muhammad Hafifi Asri Ab Majid, 38, died from serious abdominal injuries caused by a strong impact. 

“Muhammad Faezuan Hakim Mohammad Bustamam, 28, died from neck injuries, while Ahmad Fiqri Zakaria, 38, drowned,” he said when contacted.

He said post-mortems on all three victims were conducted from 10 am to 2.15 pm today, after which their remains were claimed by their respective families. 

Bernama reported yesterday that three oil platform workers were killed while another was seriously injured after the lifeboat they were in plunged into the sea during maintenance work at Sepat FSO. 

The injured victim, Mohd Taufik Mohd Ruslan, 37, is currently receiving treatment at Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah. — Bernama

KLANG, May 26 — The motorcyclist who was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle driven by a man believed to have been under the influence of alcohol and travelling against the flow of traffic along Persiaran Kota on May 13 died yesterday evening after battling for his life for 13 days.

Hamidah Othman, 51, said her son, Zulfiqar Zamir Amirul Nizam, 27, breathed his last at about 4.28 pm while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) in Klang.

“We were called to the ward at about 7.30 am today after the doctor informed us that my son’s condition had worsened.

“The hospital later informed us that Zulfiqar was in a very critical condition and fully dependent on a ventilator before his pulse started to weaken,” she told the media at the HTAR Forensic Unit compound.

Meanwhile, the victim’s father, Amirul Nizam Abdul Aziz, 49, said the family would pursue civil legal action against the driver, who was alleged to have been travelling against the flow of traffic, following his son’s death, adding that a writ of summons had already been filed through their lawyer.

“We also contacted the investigating officer this afternoon to inform the police of my son’s death so that the investigation into the case could be updated accordingly.

“We sincerely hope that the charge in relation to this incident will be reviewed and amended following Zulfiqar Zamir’s death to carry a heavier punishment,” he said.

Amirul Nizam said strict action must be taken as the incident was believed to have been caused by the negligence of a drunk driver, stressing that the individual involved must be held fully responsible for actions which not only violated traffic laws but also resulted in the loss of his eldest son’s life.

“The loss of Zulfiqar Zamir is deeply felt by all of us as he was the backbone of the family and had supported us greatly over the years.

“Not only was he unable to realise his dream of opening his own business, but his plan to start a family by the end of this year will also remain unfulfilled,” he said.

Zulfiqar Zamir’s body will be brought back to his hometown for burial at the Hutan Melintang Muslim Cemetery in Perak tonight.

On May 18, a part-time event planning assistant pleaded not guilty in the Klang Magistrate’s Court to a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol causing serious injury to a p-hailing rider.

Low Kean Peng, 35, is accused of driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 196 mg per 100 ml of sample. 

That amount exceeds the legal limit of 146 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of sample. The alleged offence resulted in serious injury to Zulfiqar Zamir at Persiaran Kota here at 12.35 am on May 13. — Bernama

LOS ANGELES, May 26 — Indie musician Sombr and the voices behind KPop Demon Hunters took home some of the first trophies on Monday at the American Music Awards, the annual honours determined by fan votes.

The 20-year-old Sombr was named the recipient of best rock/alternative song for his hit Back to Friends.

“I wrote this song when I was 19 and depressed all by myself in my bedroom,” he said on stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. “So being here, I never would have expected that.”

Song of the year went to Golden, the upbeat tune from the Netflix animated movie KPop Demon Hunters. 

HUNTR/X wins Song of the Year for ‘Golden’ during the 2026 American Music Awards, in Las Vegas, Nevada. — Reuters pic

The award seemed to surprise EJAE, one of the singers in the movie’s fictional group HUNTR/X.

“Oh my god! Oh my goodness,” EJAE said to cheers before thanking fans for voting for the song.

The show opened with K-pop band BTS, dressed in all-black outfits and black sunglasses, singing Hooligan from the Vegas concert stop on the group’s Arirang Tour.

“The energy is crazy in here!” shouted host Queen Latifah from the stage.

BTS presents an award on stage during the American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 25, 2026. — AFP pic

Taylor Swift led the field with eight nominations going into the ceremony, which aired live on CBS and Paramount+. The pop superstar has claimed more AMA honours than any other artist over her career.

Swift was competing for the top prize of artist of the year with Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga and others. 

Her album, The Life of a Showgirl, was nominated for album of the year. — Reuters 

KOTA BHARU, May 26 — The remains of two siblings who drowned in Sungai Beril near Taman Beril in Paka, Terengganu, were laid to rest at the Kampung Buloh Poh Muslim Burial Grounds in Melor here yesterday.

Muhammad Aidil Amsyar Mohd Zul-Zunaidi, 14, was buried at 8.20 pm, while his elder brother Muhammad Amir Ashraf, 15, was laid to rest at about 11 am today, with family members, relatives and villagers gathered at the burial grounds to pay their final respects.

The victims’ uncle, Mohamad Zul Hazim Mohd Baldin, 30, said the teenagers had grown up together like twins as they were only a year apart in age and were also the eldest grandchildren who shared a close bond with their grandmother, Nor Hashimah Hashim, 64.

“We were truly shocked because they had never been to that river before, and the family had also been planning to hold a family gathering in conjunction with Aidiladha at the end of this month,” he told reporters at the burial grounds.

In the incident at about 11 am yesterday, the siblings drowned after being swept away by the current while bathing with two other friends at Sungai Beril.

Muhammad Amir Ashraf’s body was found by the rescue team on the riverbed about seven metres from the location of the incident at 3.47 pm yesterday, while Muhammad Aidil Amsyar was found floating near the Paka Market jetty at 9.55 am today. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has cracked down on an organised crime network in Kedah following the arrest of the leader of Rames Gang who was a fugitive in a special operation recently.

The suspect who masterminded the group and was active in violent crime activities in the Sungai Petani area was arrested on May 22 through Op Tiga conducted by Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Bukit Aman CID director Datuk M. Kumar said the arrest was made based on an arrest warrant issued by the Sungai Petani Magistrate’s Court on March 25 and a Red Notice issued by Interpol on April 24.

“The suspect was successfully arrested thanks to close cooperation between the PDRM and the Indian and Thai authorities while on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Hyderabad, India, before being brought back to Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.

Initial police investigations previously found that the Rames Gang is believed to consist of at least 35 members led by the local suspect.

The group was also identified as actively involved in various serious crimes including robbery, causing serious injuries, murder, drug trafficking and extortion activities for protection money around Sungai Petani.

Kumar said the suspect is now remanded until May 29 to assist in investigations under Section 130V of the Penal Code for being part of an organised crime group, which, if convicted, can carry a prison sentence of not less than five years and not more than 20 years.

“The suspect is also facing investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder involving two separate incidents in the Padang Serai and Bedong, Kedah around February and August 2024,” he said.

PDRM expressed its highest appreciation to the Indian and Thai authorities for the international cooperation provided which led to the arrest. — Bernama

LONDON, May 26 — From Jens Lehmann’s rush of blood to ‘Nayim from the halfway line’, Arsenal will have to banish three decades of European final misery if they are to win the Champions League for the first time.

Fresh from clinching their first English title since 2004, Mikel Arteta’s side are preparing to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday.

Bringing home the club’s first Champions League crown just 12 days after their long-awaited Premier League triumph would make it the greatest season in Arsenal’s illustrious history.

But the Gunners head to the Puskas Arena haunted by the ghosts of past European failures.

Since Tony Adams lifted the Cup Winners Cup after Alan Smith sealed a 1-0 win over Parma in 1994, the north Londoners have endured four painful defeats in continental finals.

In 1995, they returned to the Cup Winners Cup final, losing 2-1 to Real Zaragoza in agonising fashion when Nayim caught out Arsenal keeper David Seaman with an astonishing lob from 40 yards in the last minute of extra-time.

Rubbing salt into Arsenal wounds, Nayim previously played for their arch rivals Tottenham, whose fans have celebrated the moment by chanting ‘Nayim from the halfway line’ ever since.

Five years later, Arsene Wenger took Arsenal to the Uefa Cup final, with victory expected against Galatasaray in Copenhagen.

But the Turkish underdogs frustrated Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and company in a 0-0 draw before winning 4-1 on penalties.

In 2006, Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time.

However, Wenger’s men left Paris in despair after their keeper Lehmann was sent off for racing out of his penalty area to foul Samuel Eto’o early in the first half.

Despite playing with 10 men, Arsenal took the lead through Sol Campbell, but late goals from Eto’o and Juliano Belletti broke their hearts.

Unai Emery has won the Europa League five times as manager of Aston Villa, Villarreal and Sevilla, but his lone defeat in the final of that tournament came with Arsenal, who were thrashed 4-1 by Chelsea in Baku in 2019.

Arsenal also lost the 1980 Cup Winners Cup final against Valencia, with their only other European silverware coming in the long-forgotten Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970.

‘It would be unreal’

Exorcising those demons would be the crowning glory for Arteta, who has ended Arsenal’s six-year trophy drought by leading them to the club’s 14th Premier League title.

Following Sunday’s 2-1 win at Crystal Palace in their last game of the domestic season, Arteta joined Arsenal’s players and backroom staff to celebrate at a Mediterranean restaurant in London’s Mayfair on Sunday night.

The party lasted long into the night at several other celebrity hot spots, with Declan Rice seen singing the ‘Ice Ice baby’ tune that has become Arsenal fans’ anthem for their influential midfielder.

Just hours after lifting the trophy at sun-drenched Selhurst Park, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard summed up the ecstatic mood ahead of the trip to Budapest.

“Everyone is so happy. We’re living a dream, winning the Premier League and being in a Champions League final,” he said.

“Now we have a big final. If we could do it, it would be unreal.”

Arteta interrupted the revelry to keep his players focused, praising the unity in the squad and urging them to follow their title triumph by conquering Europe.

“We need that energy to flow. Going against that will be a big mistake,” the Spaniard said.

“We’ve already talked about what we have to do in Budapest, how we’re going to use all the incredible energy that we’re all carrying towards that final.

“We can’t wait to write the new chapter in the history of our club and win the Champions League.”

Holders PSG present a formidable challenge after beating Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals last season.

But, after more than 30 years of European angst, Arteta knows immortality is within their grasp.

“If we win one more, we are the champions of Europe - as simple as that,” he said. — AFP

WASHINGTON, May 26 — US forces attacked missile sites in southern Iran and boats trying to lay mines on Monday, US Central Command said, as top Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for talks to end the war.

“US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” Tim Hawkins, a US Central Command spokesman, said in a statement.

It gave no details of the attacks and said only that the targets included missile launch sites and boats trying to “emplace mines.”

The strikes threatened an already fragile ceasefire that began April 8 as the United States and Iran struggle to reach an accord to end a war that has rattled the global economy with a severe disruption of energy flows.

Hopes for an accord in recent days were dealt another blow when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “crush” Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran has demanded that any peace accord apply to the fighting in Lebanon as well.

Trump also said in a social media post he expected Iran to hand over its enriched uranium to the United States to be destroyed, or have it destroyed in Iran with an international witness.

“The Enriched Uranium (Nuclear Dust!) will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event,” Trump wrote.

It was not clear whether he meant this is part of an emerging accord with Iran.

The Atomic Energy Commission that Trump cited was abolished in 1974 and its functions were divided between two successor bodies.

Earlier Monday, Trump said it should be mandatory for Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Bahrain and Jordan to sign up to the Abraham Accords, a set of agreements brokered in 2020 with nations historically hostile to Israel, as part of a peace deal with Iran.

Trump said he had spoken to the leaders of those countries Saturday about efforts to end the war with Iran. Bahrain and the UAE have already signed the accords, along with Morocco and Sudan.

US and Iranian forces have observed a ceasefire since April 8 while diplomats push for a negotiated settlement, although Iran has maintained controls on Gulf shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the US Navy has sought to blockade Iran’s ports.

While the Abraham Accords were welcomed by some, they remain deeply unpopular in many parts of the Middle East – in part because they fail to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Gulf heavyweights like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have said they will never normalize ties with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is created.

‘Going crazy’ 

Anna Jacobs of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington said Trump’s latest demand added to the disaster that has been the war on all fronts for Gulf nations.

“The national security of the Gulf states has been threatened more than ever before because of President Trump’s reckless decisions, and he expects Arab states to thank him and to normalize relations with Israel, which they will not do at this stage,” she said.

“These expectations and assumptions from this US administration shows how little they understand the Middle East.”

Trump’s maximalist demand came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a deal could be reached within the day, causing world oil prices to tumble based on renewed optimism about an agreement.

“We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today,” Rubio told reporters during a visit to New Delhi, referring to hopes for a deal.

But Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei poured cold water on hopes for a quick final settlement.

“It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” he told a weekly news briefing.

“But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent – no one can make such a claim.”

‘Critical moment’ 

On another front of the war, Netanyahu said Monday that he had ordered the military to intensify its offensive in Lebanon in an effort to “crush” Hezbollah, accusing the group of targeting Israeli forces with drone attacks.

“I have ordered an even greater acceleration of our operations,” Netanyahu said in a video statement posted on his Telegram channel.

The Israeli leader said Sunday that he and Trump had agreed that “any final agreement with Iran must eliminate the nuclear threat entirely” before peace was reached.

Iranian officials have stressed that, despite the long-standing US demand for an end to its uranium enrichment, talks on the issue of the Islamic republic’s nuclear program have been deferred until after an initial agreement. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Minister Hannah Yeoh has said that she is looking to slash bureaucratic red tape for concert approvals in the city here.

Speaking at the launch of the KL Headline Season 2026 last night, the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) said she intends to work with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and KL Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud to streamline current standard operating procedures (SOP).

“Time is money, speed is the currency, and this is how I want to drive DBKL forward – by facilitating approvals efficiently when dealing with applications. We cannot just sit and wait for things to happen; we have to facilitate and move,” Yeoh said.

She noted that the decision was predicated on her previous experience as an event manager before entering politics, giving her a first-hand understanding of the struggles faced by local organisers in securing concert approvals.

“We understand how difficult it is to manage a concert. When you have to sell tickets while simultaneously chasing approvals from multiple departments, it causes a lot of stress.

“So, we really want to cut the red tape, and I will be monitoring this together with DBKL and the KL Mayor,” she added.

Yeoh said the government has already reduced deposits for concerts, local shows, and cultural performances.

“Now, I want to monitor the timeline of these approvals to ensure we are operating at speed.”

Aside from administrative reforms, Yeoh said that the recent controversial Rain Rave Water Music Festival (RRWMF), held during the Labour Day weekend, garnered RM320 million in economic returns.

Based on data collected by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Yeoh said RRWMF attracted over 100,000 international visitors who spent approximately RM255 million over that Labour Day weekend alone. The festival also drew over 150,000 local visitors who spent around RM64 million.

“I want to thank the prime minister because even though there were numerous calls for cancellation, the government continued to support Tourism Malaysia’s effort to promote KL as a destination for entertainment, concerts, and festivals,” she said.

As the KL Headline Season 2026 aims to solidify the city centre as one of Asia’s leading concert destinations, Yeoh also stressed the importance of nurturing local talent and providing platforms for them to showcase their gifts.

In an effort to bolster local performers, Yeoh pledged RM30,000 to local youth dance group Zeppo Youngsterz. 

She said that she first encountered the group during her tenure as the youth and sports minister and was impressed by their talent and their ongoing work conducting workshops to nurture other local dancers.

“My vision for KL is not just for us to be a host or to provide venues. I look forward to a day where our artists and celebrities come from our younger generation. We do not just want to raise young people with straight A’s; we want young people with different gifts to be celebrated in this country and given the platform to perform,” Yeoh said.

Zeppo Youngsterz previously made waves in 2023 after clinching first place in the Super 24 dance competition in Singapore, where they performed clad in traditional Malay warrior attire while skilfully blending ‘kuda kepang’ elements with hip-hop.

TOKYO, May 26 — The price of the main US benchmark for oil fell more than 5 per cent on Tuesday, despite US forces launching new strikes on Iran.

Around 0030 GMT, the price of West Texas Intermediate was down 5.46 per cent at US$91.33 (RM361.78) a barrel.

However, North Sea Brent crude was up 1.6 per cent at US$97.68 (RM386.93) a barrel.

Oil prices plunged below US$100 (RM396.22) on Monday as investors raised expectations of a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following signs that Washington and Tehran were edging closer to a deal.

But as top Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for talks to end the war, US Central Command said American forces had attacked missile sites in southern Iran and boats trying to lay mines, threatening a fragile ceasefire that took effect on April 8. — AFP

SYDNEY, May 26 — A group of seven women and 12 children linked to Islamic State fighters are bound for Australia after years in Syria, the Australian interior minister said on Tuesday.

The so-called “IS brides” are Australian nationals and left the Roj camp, controlled by Syrian Kurdish forces, last week.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said they would not receive any assistance from the Australian government.

“Any members of this cohort who have committed crimes can expect to face the full force of the law,” he said.

“These are people who have made the horrific choice to join a dangerous terrorist organisation and to place their children in an unspeakable situation.”

Some of the group will arrive in Melbourne while the rest will travel to Sydney, national broadcaster ABC said.

This month, 13 more IS-linked Australians – four women and their nine children – flew home from Syria.

Two of the women, a mother and a daughter, were arrested on arrival in Melbourne.

Police accused them of having kept a female slave after travelling to Syria in 2014 to support the Islamic State group.

They had been detained by Kurdish forces in 2019.

A third woman was also arrested on arrival in Sydney and charged with entering a restricted area and joining a “terrorist organisation”.

Hundreds of women from Western nations were lured to the Middle East as IS gained prominence in the early 2010s, in many cases following husbands who had signed up as jihadist fighters. — AFP

SEMPORNA, May 26 — Physical damage to the marine ecosystem at the Pulau Selakan Coral Reef Restoration Site here, caused by recent fish bombing activities, will invite firm legal action from the Sabah state government. 

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the incident, which destroyed an area of about 15 square metres, has disrupted coral reef conservation efforts carried out by various parties over the past two years. 

He said an assessment by the Tun Sakaran Marine Park Research Unit today confirmed that at least 10 reef star structures were affected, involving the destruction of key coral species including Acropora, Pocillopora and Montipora. 

“Preliminary estimates show that maintenance and restoration costs for the affected area could reach RM96,000, while damage to the reef star structures is estimated at RM3,000,” he said in a statement today. 

Commenting on the May 23 incident, Jafry said the suspects are believed to have fled before the enforcement teams arrived, due to the open maritime borders and logistical constraints in the field. 

Jafry said he has since instructed the Sabah Parks management to immediately strengthen strategic measures, including increasing boat assets, utilising drone technology, and establishing permanent control posts in high-risk areas. 

He stressed that the state government will not compromise with any party that threatens biodiversity sustainability and Sabah’s tourism image, and urged the local maritime community to provide information if they detect suspicious activities. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Two hardcore criminals were killed in a shoot-out with the police at Jalan Persiaran Seri Putra 2, Bandar Seri Putra, Bangi Lama, Kajang yesterday.

Bukit Aman CID director Datuk M. Kumar said the shoot-out occurred at 9.10 pm.

He said investigations revealed that both suspects were believed to be involved in several robberies in Klang Valley.

“A revolver, bullets and empty casings, as well as four machetes, burglary tools, face masks and gloves were found at the scene,” he said in a statement.

Kumar said a press conference on the incident will be held tomorrow. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Datuk Nicol David’s Instagram post this week has left fans both inspired and highly entertained after the Malaysian squash legend shared photos of herself meeting former NBA giant Yao Ming in Beijing.

The eight-time world squash champion described it as “an absolute honour” to meet the Chinese basketball icon during her visit to the Chinese capital.

But while the two sports legends bonded over their shared passion for helping children through sports, social media users could not help being distracted by the dramatic height difference between the pair.

“The size difference is crazy,” wrote one commenter.

Another joked: “If you want to get someone to install a roof now, you won’t even need a ladder anymore.”

One user quipped that the squash racquet held by Yao looked like “a mosquito swatter”.

Another added: “Wow. He made that tennis racket look like a kid’s racket and u made the basketball look like a tiny one too. Lol.”

Others leaned fully into the sports puns.

“Luckily he didn’t fall over and SQUASH you,” one commenter wrote.

Despite the jokes, many also praised the meeting of two decorated athletes using their fame for a common cause.

“Two sports giants with gigantic hearts to help children of the world,” read one comment.

Yao, who stands at 2.29 metres, established the Yao Foundation in 2008 following the devastating Sichuan earthquake.

The foundation focuses on improving education, health and self-esteem among children in rural China through sports and physical education programmes.

According to Nicol, the foundation has built 28 schools and impacted about 6.7 million children so far.

The Malaysian sports icon also shared details about the Nicol David Organisation, the non-profit she co-founded in 2022 with former Colombian squash player Mariana de Reyes.

She said the organisation hopes to help transform Malaysia through sports and education while encouraging children to lead healthier and happier lives.

Nicol said the foundation is expected to impact 5,000 children this year.

“My foundation is only four years old but this year we will impact 5,000 children — one day I hope to say we have impacted millions,” she wrote.

MELAKA, May 26 — Just beyond the bustle of Jonker Street — and by that I include the wider tangle of Heeren Street, Jalan Tokong and little alleys such as Lorong Hang Kasturi — Melaka’s coffee culture has settled into something of a permanent café hop.

Tourists drift from one specialty coffee stop to another, admiring hand brews at Coffeebar 125+ or squeezing past camera-toting influencers outside The Coffee Jar (both cafés are favourites of mine, by the way, and come highly recommended).

The area thrives on its own curated charm: heritage façades restored for the Instagram generation, espresso machines humming behind century-old shutters.

This trip we decided to turn away from the familiar current of visitors and wander towards Kampung Jawa instead. 

Further down lies Jalan Bunga Raya, once among the busiest commercial stretches during Melaka’s post-war heyday.

Today the road is still full of locals seeking their regular bowls of wantan mee or plates of char siew rice — classic Malaccan eats that those who grew up here appreciate, as much for the nostalgia as their flavours.

Here the atmosphere is a far cry from Jonker Street. Fewer tourists, for one.

Gibraltar. — Picture by CK Lim 

This is where we find, facing the main road but surprisingly unobtrusive, AB Coffee Brewers.

The café feels shaped by the memory of Jalan Bunga Raya itself. 

This was once a lively corridor of colourful store fronts in the 1950s, though much of that energy has faded as businesses shuttered and younger generations moved elsewhere.

Rather than resisting that history, AB Coffee Brewers folds it into the design of the space. 

Terracotta floor tiles, inspired by Melaka’s long relationship with clay craftsmanship, lend the room an earthy warmth.

That same warmth repeats in the effusive greetings we received upon entering the space. 

The baristas are more than happy to go through their menu with us, sharing their suggestions for coffee and little bakes.

Filter brew. — Picture by CK Lim 

I decided on the Gibraltar, a drink I haven’t seen on a coffee menu in years. Two shots of espresso tempered by a modest amount of steamed milk.

Served in the thick-walled Libbey Gibraltar glass from which the drink takes its name, I can’t help but notice the layers suspended in the glass, dreamy and delicate.

Though often compared to a cortado — and known elsewhere as a noisette, Tallat or Garoto — the Gibraltar belongs to the brisk coffee culture of San Francisco, where it emerged sometime around the mid-2000s.

Its appeal lies in proportion. There is enough milk to soften the bitterness of the espresso, enough coffee to maintain structure and depth.

Not as airy as a cappuccino, not as severe as a straight shot. More enjoyable than either, if you ask me, given the right mood.

Equally compelling is their filter brews. The one we chose is made with Ethiopia Nigusse Nare Murango Lot Q beans, roasted by Cheras micro-roastery Arkib.

The fragrance carries notes of dried fruit and warm sugar, each mouthful layered with gentle sweetness. 

‘Chai masala’ cheesecake. — Picture by CK Lim 

This is a coffee that rewards patience, revealing different textures and flavours as the temperature drops.

Every sip feels like a breather from the Jonker crowds, especially with the well curated ambience. 

The lighting is soft without feeling dim, encouraging visitors to settle into their seats rather than rush through their cups.

The food menu leans towards home-style bakes and desserts. 

First, a chai masala cheesecake; this Basque-style rendition has deeply bronzed edges with a softly trembling centre. We detect cardamom and nutmeg, but above all: heady cinnamon, my favourite.

Then there is the panna cotta, the café’s specialty that is made in-house. Depending on when you visit, you can sample different takes on this Italian dessert.

The sirap bandung version carries the fragrance of rose through sweetened milk, while a seasonal orange variation cuts through the cream with bright citrus oils and a faint bitterness.

‘Kuih talam’ panna cotta. — Picture by CK Lim 

But my favourite has to be their kuih talam panna cotta. Pale green and perfumed with pandan, it balances grassy sweetness against the savoury richness of coconut milk. A touch of salt smoothens the creaminess and sweetness.

Light, yes, but it feels decadent nonetheless.

What AB Coffee Brewers offers, ultimately, is an unassuming “drop by if you like” atmosphere that has become increasingly rare in heritage districts polished for tourism.

Here, customers are encouraged to linger over coffee, sink deep in conversation, or simply lepak for an hour or two without feeling hurried along by queues outside the door.

The café has an unassuming, ‘just drop by’ atmosphere. — Picture by CK Lim 

Perhaps that is its greatest luxury. Away from the dense throngs orbiting Jonker Street, AB Coffee Brewers still feels calm, separate from the churn of Melaka’s café circuit.

Will that serenity survive the years ahead? Who can say? For now, though, it remains a space worth savouring slowly.

AB Coffee Brewers

87, Jalan Bunga Raya, 

Kampung Jawa, Melaka.

Open daily 8am-8pm

Phone: 017-948 3543

IG: https://www.instagram.com/abungaraya

* This is an independent review where the writer paid for the meal.

* Follow us on Instagram @eatdrinkmm for more food gems.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The ringgit opened marginally higher against the greenback and other major currencies on Tuesday, amid negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran that could end the conflict and lead to the reopening of the Straits of Hormuz.

At 8am, the local currency strengthened to 3.9500/9560 against the greenback from Monday’s close of 3.9510/9550.

US President Donald Trump reportedly said the negotiations are “proceeding nicely”, while Pakistan’s military chief informed China that an agreement is “close to being reached”.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that although there appears to be optimism that both countries could reach a compromise, nothing concrete has materialised.

“In the meantime, the impact on the cost of living and the need for global central banks to maintain their restrictive monetary policy stance is taking a toll on the bond market by way of rising yields.

“In a nutshell, the outlook is still blurry, and traders are likely to remain wary of the impact on the real economy,” Mohd Afzanizam told Bernama.

He added that the ringgit is expected to trade sideways at around RM3.94-RM3.95 today, as market participants await more details on the ongoing US-Iran negotiation.

At the opening, the ringgit traded higher against a basket of major currencies.

It strengthened versus the Japanese yen to 2.4847/4887 from 2.4860/4887 at Monday’s close, appreciated against the euro to 4.5958/6028 from 4.5998/6044 yesterday, and improved vis-a-vis the British pound to 5.3301/3382 from 5.3311/3365 previously.

The local currency was mostly higher against regional peers, but was flat versus the Indonesian rupiah at 222.6/223.0.

It rose versus the Singapore dollar to 3.0917/0967 from 3.0932/0966 at yesterday’s closing, edged higher against vis-a-vis the Philippine peso at 6.42/6.44 from 6.43/6.44 and increased versus the Thai baht to 12.1445/1704 from 12.1640/1816 at Monday’s close. — Bernama 

KUCHING, May 26 —  Women, Childhood and Community Well Being Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah reminded parents that beginning June 1, the special citizenship applications under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution will only be accepted for individuals below 18-years-old.

Previously, applications were allowed up to age 21 or 22, she told reporters here yesterday.

She said the policy change is in line with efforts to standardise the definition of children.

Fatimah said that from June 1 onwards, individuals above the age of 18 will need to apply for citizenship through naturalisation under Article 19(1) of the Federal Constitution, which involves a longer processing period.

Earlier, Fatimah chaired the state-level monthly meeting of the Special Committee on Citizenship Status (JKKSK) under Article 15A.

She said the meeting’s standard operating procedures and terms of reference focused on verification of applications, facilitating the application process, and submitting recommendations to the JKKSK.

All final decisions on citizenship applications are subject to prevailing policies, regulations and mechanisms in force, she added.

At the meeting, a total of 95 citizenship applications under Article 15A were presented, comprising illegitimate children (52 applications), children under guardianship (38) and adopted children (5).

This brings the total number of Article 15A citizenship applications presented at monthly JKKSK meetings from 2024 to May 25, 2026, to 409 applications.

The cumulative applications comprise illegitimate children (243), children under guardianship (136) and adopted children (30).

“Sarawak committee meetings are held regularly to clear application backlogs. Two meetings were held this month to expedite processing. All 409 applications received since 2024 have been processed at state committee level and forwarded with recommendations to federal authorities,” Fatimah revealed.

“Citizenship is the highest honour bestowed by the Malaysian government and is only granted to qualified individuals of good standing who can make significant contributions to the country and pledge loyalty to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” she added.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus, the ministry’s permanent secretary Nur Alina Abdullah and National Registration Department state director Mahathir Bujang. — The Borneo Post

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — A total of 51 men were arrested in a series of four raids that uncovered drug abuse activities and a “gay party” at a prominent hotel in the capital early yesterday morning.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) Director Datuk Seri Hussein Omar Khan said that the raids, conducted between 2.35 am and 5am, led to the arrest of 23 local men and 28 foreign nationals aged between 21 and 52.

Hussein said that during the raids at the scene, police also seized various types of drugs estimated to be worth RM103,070. This included 1.15 kilograms (kg) of liquid methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 284 grams of MDMA powder, ecstasy pills (8.56 grams), ecstasy powder (8.7 grams), and ketamine (11.61 grams).

“Initial urine screening results showed that 36 individuals tested positive for drugs, while 15 tested negative. A background check on their criminal records revealed that one of the arrested suspects has a prior criminal record related to a drug case,” he said.

Hussein added that prior to the raids, police spotted a man, believed to be involved in the party, being carried out of the hotel lobby in an unconscious state.

“The victim was rushed to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) but was confirmed dead upon arrival,” he said.

He noted that the group was found to be using the rooms of the luxury hotel as locations to party, abuse drugs, and engage in immoral activities.

All suspects have been remanded for between three and six days to assist with the investigation.

The case is being investigated under Section 39B, Section 39A(1), Section 12(2), and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Motorists heading to Genting Highlands will soon need to factor in a new road charge, with Lingkaran Cekap Sdn Bhd (LCSB) set to begin collecting fees on Jalan Genting Highlands from Thursday, May 28.

LCSB, the authorised road operator for the popular highland route, announced the charges will be rolled out in two phases, covering entry points at Genting Sempah and the Gohtong Jaya roundabout.

What you'll pay

Private car and van drivers will be charged RM5 per entry at either checkpoint.

Commercial vehicle operators will face steeper rates: Medium lorries at RM15 and heavy lorries at RM25.

Meanwhile, taxis will be charged RM3.30 and buses RM5.

Motorcycles are fully exempt and need not register with LCSB. Emergency vehicles are likewise exempt.

Who gets a discount or free pass

Civil servants working at government institutions on the hill — including SK and SMK Sri Layang, Institut Aminuddin Baki, both Genting Highlands and Gohtong Jaya police stations, the fire station, Klinik Desa Sri Layang, and several district and state government offices — may register their private vehicles for exemption.

They will need to enter via designated Lorong Khas lanes or through Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) systems.

Residents get more time — and options

Permanent residents of Genting Highlands will not be affected until the second phase kicks in on June 28.

LCSB will allow eligible residents to register up to two Class 1 vehicles and choose between a preferential rate — 10 per cent below the standard charge per entry — or a six-month season pass granting unlimited access throughout its validity period.

Where to find out more

LCSB said full details on vehicle categories, registration procedures, preferential rates, and a set of frequently asked questions are available at the official website.

Road users are encouraged to check the website for updates as exemption and preferential rate policies will be reviewed periodically.

The announcement comes just at the start of a school term break and headed into an extended long weekend, starting with Hari Raya Aidiladha tomorrow.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Concert promoter Live Nation Malaysia announced the KL Headline Season 2026 which aims to turn the city centre into one of Asia’s key destinations for live music tours.

With 25 global artists set to perform across six venues and an estimated 500,000 fans coming from Malaysia and across the region this year, the KL Headline Season 2026 represents a strategic push to bring more world-class live entertainment to the city. 

The initiative was developed by Live Nation Malaysia in collaboration with PR Worldwide, Tourism Malaysia and CelcomDigi. 

“Not too long ago, fans across Malaysia would travel overseas to Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, China, Australia, to experience the world’s biggest concerts. Today, the world’s biggest tours are coming to KL,” said Live Nation Malaysia’s managing director Paramananthan Rajagopal. 

“And this transformation didn’t happen by chance; it happened because an entire ecosystem came together: government agencies, industry stakeholders, sponsors, venue operators, tourism agencies, media partners, promoters, and most importantly, the fans. 

“Together we have turned Kuala Lumpur into a city trusted by the global touring industry, a city capable of hosting productions at the highest international standards, and a city with one of the most passionate fan bases in the region.” 

Paramananthan said Malaysia hosted over 400 concerts in 2024, generating more than RM553 million in tourism and economic impact, with the industry projected to contribute close to RM1.7 billion to the local economy this year.

He added that concerts today are no longer viewed simply as entertainment events; instead, they are an economic engine that drives several sectors of the economy including tourism, food and beverages, transportations as well as opening up thousands of jobs across the ecosystem. 

Live Nation Malaysia and PR Worldwide Managing Director Para Rajagopal speaks during a Q&A session at a Live Nation press conference in Kuala Lumpur, May 25, 2026. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

“Fans are flying in from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and beyond, just to experience concerts in Kuala Lumpur. 

“This is the power of live entertainment, and that is exactly why KL Headline Season is created: to place Kuala Lumpur firmly on the global touring map, to celebrate the rise of this city as a premier entertainment capital, and create a platform that unites music, tourism, culture, brands, and community under one bold vision: to make Kuala Lumpur the headline,” he said. 

So far, Live Nation Malaysia has announced 13 global artists on its roster, including big names such as The Weeknd, BTS, Laufey, Post Malone and Kodaline.

Paramananthan also teased that more acts will be announced later this year. 

Aside from that, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil as well as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh also attended the KL Headline Season 2026 launch. 

In line with the campaign, Fahmi also announced the Beli Tiket Selamat (BTS) or the Buy Ticket Safely initiative which aims to protect Malaysians before, during and after ticket fraud incidents through awareness, victim support and structured intelligence sharing with enforcement agencies. 

Meanwhile, Yeoh revealed that she, together with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the KL Mayor is looking to streamline standard operating procedures (SOPs) and expedite the approval timeline for event permits, in a bid to cut down bureaucratic red tape for concert and live show organisers in KL.

For more information on the KL Headline Season 2026, please visit https://www.livenation.my/klheadlineseason2026

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has previewed Malaysia’s first national consumer protection campaign, the ‘Beli Tiket Selamat’ (BTS) initiative, which aims to curb event ticket fraud and scams.

This comes as Malaysia enters the ‘KL Headline Season,’ during which the city is expected to host at least 25 international music performances across multiple venues.

An estimated 500,000 fans from Malaysia and across the region are expected to attend these events throughout the year.

However, as demand for concert tickets surges, so does the threat of fraudulent activity.

“This campaign was created specifically to protect the people from the threat of event ticket scams.

“It is not impossible that artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake advertisements will be used to sell fraudulent event tickets,” Fahmi said during the launch of the KL Headline Season in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Sharing more about the initiative, Fahmi explained that BTS aims to protect Malaysians before, during, and after ticket fraud incidents through awareness, victim support, and structured intelligence sharing with enforcement agencies.

“The full portal and online help desks will be launched in the coming weeks. At the centre of this initiative is belitiketselamat – Malaysia’s first dedicated platform for ticket scam awareness, victim reporting, and verified scam intelligence.

“However, BTS does not replace the roles of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), the PDRM’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), or the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). Instead, it strengthens enforcement efforts by providing actionable intelligence to support faster intervention,” he said.

Under the initiative, future tickets issued in Malaysia will soon carry a BTS advisory message encouraging buyers to purchase only from verified platforms and to identify warning signs of scams before engaging with listings on social media or messaging apps.

Aside from the digital platform, participating venues will also host BTS help desks. These will enable victims of ticket scams to receive a reference number, a pre-filled NSRC report, and guidance on next steps within 15 minutes.

“Every report submitted will contribute to a national intelligence ecosystem that provides regular alerts to enforcement agencies and the public, helping Malaysians recognise ticket scams more easily,” Fahmi said.

He added that the initiative reflects a genuine partnership between the government, industry, and the rakyat, with each playing an important role in strengthening consumer protection.

The KL Headline Season launch, hosted by concert promoters Live Nation Malaysia and PR Worldwide, was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Petronas announced today that its subsidiary, Petronas Refinery and Petrochemical Corporation Sdn Bhd, is set to acquire the stake held by Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) in Pengerang Refining Company Sdn Bhd and Pengerang Petrochemical Company Sdn Bhd (PRefChem), located within the Pengerang Integrated Complex, Pengerang, Johor.

“Subject to the fulfilment of customary closing conditions, PRefChem will become wholly owned and operated by the Petronas group of companies. Recent developments in global energy markets have underscored the importance of operational agility for energy infrastructure of strategic national significance,” it said in a statement released here yesterday.

Full ownership of PRefChem strengthens the oil and gas company’s ability to support Malaysia’s long-term energy security and industry resilience.

“This acquisition will enable Petronas to take full control and further enhance operational alignment and flexibility across PRefChem’s value chain, while harnessing its international oil supply network and integrated operating model to support continued reliability and resilience across varying market conditions,” it said.

Separately, crude supply arrangements between Aramco and Petronas under existing commercial agreement remain unaffected by this transaction.

Petronas said it remains steadfast in its commitment to Malaysia’s energy security and to building the international presence and partnerships that will position Malaysia as a progressive energy nation for decades to come. 

PRefChem is part of the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC), a flagship development under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

PIPC  is a downstream oil and gas hub accommodating oil refineries, oil storage facilities, petrochemical  and petrochemical product manufacturing plants. It spans about 9,269 hectares of land and 25 years of development. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — For many Malaysians, contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) are little more than a routine deduction listed on their monthly payslips, quietly reducing take-home salaries.

But economists say the scheme plays a far wider role in protecting workers against job loss, disability, workplace injuries and long-term income disruption.

A worker earning the minimum wage of RM1,700 contributes RM8.50 a month to Perkeso, alongside RM3.40 to the Employment Insurance System (EIS), while employers contribute RM29.75 to Perkeso and another RM3.40 to the EIS.

Centre for Future Labour Market Studies economist Zharif Luqman Hashim said the system exists to ensure workers have basic social protection when unexpected situations arise.

Beyond workplace accidents, Perkeso’s Employment Injury Scheme covers both workplace and commuting-related injuries, while the Invalidity Scheme provides round-the-clock protection in cases involving disability or death. 

The EIS, meanwhile, offers temporary income support and job-search assistance for workers who lose employment.

The system also includes rehabilitation support, dialysis treatment, prosthetics and return-to-work programmes.

Zharif noted that unlike private insurance, Perkeso operates as a compulsory social protection system where contributions are pooled and linked to wages rather than individual health risks.

This means lower-income workers and those in higher-risk occupations are not excluded from coverage.

“Covering medical bills alone does not solve the real problem most families face after an injury or illness, which is the loss of income and work capacity,” he said.

He added that Perkeso’s role extends beyond healthcare support by helping injured workers regain employment and financial stability.

Malaysia Institute of Economic Research senior fellow Azizul Amiludin said private insurance cannot fully replace the function of social insurance systems such as Perkeso.

He explained that under normal actuarial assessments, workers in riskier occupations would likely face significantly higher insurance premiums if coverage depended solely on private policies.

The report also highlighted growing pressure on social protection systems as Malaysia’s ageing population expands. 

Malaysians aged 65 and above made up 8 per cent of the population in 2025, up from 7.6 per cent the previous year.

Azizul said policies encouraging older Malaysians to remain economically active may become increasingly important, although job opportunities must match their physical abilities and experience.

He also warned that rising healthcare costs, demographic shifts and a potentially shrinking contributor base could place added strain on the system over time.

Currently, Perkeso’s contribution rate remains at 2.25 per cent, unchanged since its establishment. 

Sustainability measures have instead focused on raising the wage ceiling from RM5,000 to RM6,000 rather than increasing contribution rates.

Zharif said Perkeso should be viewed as a long-term investment in labour force stability rather than merely a payroll deduction.

Azizul added that without such a system, the financial and social burden would ultimately fall on families and public welfare institutions.

“Social insurance should not be seen merely as an individual expense, but as a collective investment in social stability and economic resilience,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Stagnant rental rates and rental arrears amounting to millions of ringgit have rendered public housing in Malaysia unsustainable, a report by Think City said recently.

The report, titled “From Roof to Resilience”, pointed out that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had maintained the rental rate at RM124 per month since the People’s Housing Projects (PPR) scheme was introduced nearly 20 years ago. 

The report said the amount would have increased to RM312.15 today, if the rental rate had kept pace with inflation rate.

Consequently, DBKL has been spending more than it makes to operate and maintain PPRs under its purview.

Citing news reports, Think City’s report highlighted that DBKL spent RM164.08 million to sustain the management cost of public housing — more than seven times of its rental collection that stood at RM21.7 million. Nearly RM50 million was spent additionally for the maintenance, upgrading and renovation of PPRs.

“For DBKL sites, for example, the official monthly rent of RM124 per unit since 1998 has been insufficient to cover the cost of basic maintenance, which is estimated at RM250. 

“This monthly cost goes up to RM300 when major repairs such as broken lifts and burst pipes are factored in,” the report noted. 

Further straining DBKL’s cash flow is the rental arrears that has piled up to a whopping RM60 million as of July 2024.

Rental collections at nine out of the 10 PPR complexes surveyed stood below 70 per cent. Eight of these PPRs are located in the capital and are managed by DBKL.

Subsequently, public housing managements are unable to provide timely and quality upkeep and maintenance services for PPR residents, resulting in disdain towards the management among residents.

Nearly one-third of PPR residents polled expressed their dissatisfaction with their respective managements, with the percentage climbing to 37.5 per cent in one site. 

Similarly, nearly one-third of respondents said they were unhappy because their respective managements were not willing to take their complaints and many felt they had no proper channel to convey their ideas to improve their PPRs.

Overall, more than half of the 3,000 PPR residents polled felt that their public facilities have either stagnated or continues to deteriorate with time. 

Eight out of the 10 PPRs surveyed had damaged walls with only two sites having well-maintained floor tiles and only one apartment complex had a usable courtyard.

Sadly, all ten sites had poor accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs). 

Therefore, Think City has urged the government to set up a high-level task force to conduct a rapid assessment to all public housing projects and to propose a new financial model for public housing. 

It also pushed for the creation of a new incentive framework for PPR management staff, which include performance-based rewards as well as training and career development opportunities.

TOKYO, May 26 — Former chairman of Seven & i Holdings Toshifumi Suzuki, credited for the global success of 7-Eleven convenience stores, has died at the age of 93, the company said yesterday.

Suzuki “passed away due to heart failure on May 18,” the company said in a statement, adding: “We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the kindness shown to him during his lifetime and respectfully inform you of his passing.”

Suzuki is known for opening the first 7-Eleven store in Japan in 1974 and growing the business into the world’s largest convenience store chain, including through turning the struggling US headquarters into a subsidiary of the Japanese company and rebuilding it.

He is known as the “father of the convenience store” in Japan. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The first impression is unmistakable: a scene lifted from the 2006 American action film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift’, featuring cars drifting through tight spaces with precision, and tyres screeching as engines reverberate against concrete walls.

Yet unlike its cinematic counterpart, the atmosphere in the basement carpark of the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, is less tense, more measured.

Every slide is controlled, every movement intentional – with the drift event taking place in an environment that is safe for both drivers and spectators.

The 20 or so professional drifters who participated in Cargasm’s ‘Drift Underground’ three-day event last month desired the same thing: the perfect drift line and the roar of approval from the crowd.

(Drifting is a driving technique where a driver intentionally causes the rear tyres to lose traction and slide, while steering and using the throttle to maintain vehicle control.)

In Malaysia, drifting – long associated with underground street culture as well as reckless and dangerous driving – is gradually being reshaped in a more controlled, regulated and organised setting within the grassroots motorsport scene via drift platforms such as Cargasm, even to the extent of creating income opportunities for drivers.

The recent ‘Drift Underground’ was the third edition, the first two having taken place in 2024 and 2025, featuring organised drift runs, ride-along experiences and supporting activities, aimed at bringing the sport to a wider audience.

The latest edition, however, was the first to be organised independently.

Fast & Furious

Cargasm cofounder Chen Wing Hong, 30, better known as Wing in the drift circles, said the earlier two editions of ‘Drift Underground’ were held as part of a larger automotive showcase, where the drift segment was managed within a broader event framework.

He noted that running it independently allows the organiser to assess its ability to draw crowds and sustain participation.

Chen said future editions will likely adopt a mix of standalone and collaborative formats, depending on the outcomes, to “enable us to better understand our audience base and operational capacity outside of a larger event setting”.

He added that besides the Klang Valley, grassroots drifting activity is also present in other parts of the country, including Penang, pointing to a wider but still niche community.

He also said that ‘Drift Underground’ – sanctioned by the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), which governs motorsports in Malaysia – was partly influenced by the movie The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift’, which helped shape the global perception of drifting as an underground subculture.

Economic activity 

Speaking to Bernama about his journey into drifting, Chen said he had no background or connections in motorsports when he first entered the workforce. He worked as a freelance content creator in marketing and advertising, producing automotive videos as well as ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) food content before briefly venturing into fitness.

The turning point came when he was introduced to drifting by a fellow enthusiast Beysshwen Dasnamurthy, 28, which motivated him to undergo formal instruction and eventually participate in drift events.

Chen and Beysshwen went on to establish Cargasm in 2021, which has since evolved into a platform to organise drift events, as well as train drivers and foster community building.

Chen is also currently looking at ‘Drift Underground’ to function as a platform for economic activity. Each event cycle brings together not only drivers but also a broader automotive community, while creating income opportunities for participants.

Chen said the ‘drift taxi’ model, where spectators pay for ride-along experiences in the cars during an event, has become a key mechanism for drivers to earn an income.

“For every drift taxi (service), they get paid. Some of them (drivers) can make RM3,000, RM4,000 or even RM5,000 (at each event),” he said.

The format also broadens access to the sport, allowing newcomers to experience drifting firsthand while supporting drivers financially.

Responding to the turnout at their events, Chen said the first edition of ‘Drift Underground’ drew around 1,000 to 2,000 spectators. The number tripled the following year, with this year’s edition attracting more than 10,000 people, including visitors who flew in from Australia, the United States, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom just to experience the event.

“At the recent ‘Drift Underground’ 2026, about 2,000 drift taxi tickets were sold, which is quite crazy for us because we never anticipated this amount of volume. The drifters were very happy too as some of them made enough money from this one weekend to cover their costs,” he said.

Cargasm also operates Drift Academy, which offers comprehensive drift training programmes and personalised one-on-one coaching sessions for beginners and advanced drivers. — Bernama pic

Saferty and compliance 

Despite the positive developments, drifting continues to grapple with its image as a street-based activity, often shaped by viral footage of illegal drifting on public roads.

Chen said content produced by Cargasm is deliberately curated to highlight drifting in controlled environments, rather than as an informal road activity.

This, he said, is part of a broader effort to reinforce proper practices and shift public perception towards a safer and more structured form of the sport.

He added that events such as ‘Drift Underground’ are held in sanctioned settings, with approvals required from MAM and the police, a process that can take up to six months to complete.

“If we want to make drifting more structured and more professional, we have to do it the right way,” he said.

While interest in drifting continues to grow, structural constraints remain.

Access to suitable venues is increasingly limited, particularly as urban development reduces available open spaces previously used by grassroots drivers.

Chen said locations such as the Shah Alam Stadium, once a common practice ground for drifters, are no longer accessible, leaving enthusiasts with fewer options.

Cost is another barrier, especially for those looking to transition into competitive motorsport.

While entry-level drift cars can be assembled at a relatively modest cost, professional-level builds require significantly higher investment, which limits the progression of grassroots drivers, Chen said.

“For an average or grassroots drift car, you can get one for RM30,000 to RM50,000, but definitely under RM100,000. For a professional car, RM200,000 is like the starting price, with some cars costing around RM1 million, including accessories like carbon fibre,” he said.

Cargasm also operates Drift Academy, which offers comprehensive drift training programmes and personalised one-on-one coaching sessions for beginners and advanced drivers.

According to Chen, the academy has attracted more than 400 students over the past two years, offering them structured entry into the sport. Most of them, he added, take up drifting as a recreational sport rather than pursue it as a professional career.

Speaking on Malaysia’s drift scene, Chen said there are currently more than 10 drift-related platforms in the country, with some focusing on organising fun drift events, others on competitions, and some combining auto shows with drift showcases.

He added that one of the things he has observed is the diversity of people interested in drift.

“It used to be very niche, very specific, but now we are seeing couples, families, travellers and teenagers joining our academy. One time we had a grandfather, father and son joining a drift class together… three generations learning drift, it was amazing,” he said, adding, “Drifting for me is evolving from a motorsport to a lifestyle.”

On the current pool of drifting talent in Malaysia, Chen said about 30 to 40 professional drifters participate in each competition organised in this country.

“It’s hard to be a professional drifter in Malaysia as it is difficult to make a living by solely competing in drifting events as the prize pool, sponsors and audience are still growing.

“I’m quite amazed by how many talented drifters there are in Malaysia, but to most drifters here, drifting is more of a lifestyle than a career,” he said. — Bernama