sponsored by Chinese organisations. The students only needed to finance their travel expenses, for which we also secured sponsorship, he told reporters at the Bagan Datuk Parliamentary Aidilfitri open house here yesterday. Also present were Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, and MARA chairman Datuk Seri Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National TVET Council, highlighted plans to streamline the transformation of Giat MARA Bagan Datuk into MCI by upgrading facilities and infrastructure, with forthcoming efforts to expand the campus. In January, it was reported that 17 TVET institutions in China had agreed and were prepared to collaborate in the establishment of the MCI. The commitment from TVET institutions in China to establish MCI involves providing 2,000 training slots this year to enhance the skills of Malaysian TVET students. The training slots provided cover various fields, such as Electric Vehicles (EV), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) technology, solar energy, information technology, and machining. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament, mentioned that in the first step, an organisation in China will sponsor students in the fields of renewable energy, hydrogen vehicles, and telecommunications. He emphasised that this initiative reflects the cooperation between the two countries, as well as the increased investment from China into Malaysia. In this regard, China has a significant demand for skilled workers from our country in various related fields, he said, adding that the selected students come from various ethnic backgrounds, including from Sabah and Sarawak.

with acid by a woman while in the elevator, causing burns on parts of his body. The victim was taken to the Penang Hospital (HPP) for treatment. Medical officers later confirmed that the victim suffered burns on the front and back of the right side of his body due to exposure to hot water, not by acid and his condition is reported to be stable, he said here yesterday. According to Jafri, they have identified the female suspect who lives in the same neighbourhood but the cause of the incident is unknown because based on investigations, the victim had never interacted with the woman, and they had never had any disagreements. He said, based on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage during the incident, only the suspect and the victim were in the elevator. He added that further investigations are ongoing under Section 324 of the Penal Code for causing injuries.

wished Nur Khayla Azzahra a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

the waters of Perak. An inspection of the boat found that it was manned by a skipper, who was assisted by a Thai crew member with valid identification documents while the other 13 Myanmar crew members and five Cambodian crew members possessed dubious and expired documents. We detained all the fishermen, aged between 27 and 60, and seized the boat and fishing equipment, he said in a statement today. He said the case is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for staying in the country without valid identification documents and overstaying.

process. It is hoped that this will provide a more conducive learning environment for our children here, she said in a statement today. Earlier, she visited several primary and secondary schools in the Kadamaian area, including SK Tamu Darat, SK Rangalau, Sekolah Rendah Advent Rangalau, and SMK Narinang. Also present were Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the Kadamaian state assemblyman; Kota Belud Member of Parliament, Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis; and Sabah Education Department Director, Datuk Raisin Saidin. Fadhlina highlighted that a comprehensive focus has been placed on addressing the needs of 38 weak schools in the Kota Belud district, with efforts directed towards their redevelopment or maintenance, with an allocation of RM495.5 million. She said out of that total, 20 projects have been fully completed, 10 are under construction, while eight are in the pre-construction stage.

held at their home ground. InsyaAllah, we can get on the podium again this year, I will do my best. This is my first pairing with Jordan but he has driven for JMR before. So far, we work well together and have a good communication and relationship. We are excited for the race and that is a good thing, he told reporters after the first and second official tests here today. Meanwhile, Tunku Abu Bakar's teammate and elder brother, Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim, said he always advised his younger brother not to be stressed and to just enjoy tomorrow's race. I feel that he (Tunku Abu Bakar) knows what he is doing and is confident with his planning. Hopefully, a podium finish is the target. Hope he can qualify and we have a good strategy, he said. Unlike previous years, Tunku Abdul Rahman will not be in action at the SIC this time as he intends to focus on the 2023/2024 Asian Le Mans race series. Earlier, in the official test 1, Tunku Abu Bakar and his co-driver Love finished second after clocking a best time of two minutes and 3.72 seconds (s) after completing 19 laps in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. Tunku Abu Bakar and Love then settled for fourth placing in the official test 2 with a time of 2:04.219s after 18 laps.

(51-100). In addition, the API readings from the Department of Environment (DOE) also indicated that the API in various areas in Sarawak were within the categories of Good to Moderate, and there were no unhealthy readings recorded, said NREB in a statement today. It also said that the current hot weather experienced in most of the areas in Sarawak was due to inter-monsoon and the El Nino phenomenon. It said that, during El Nino, Malaysia and other regions of Southeast Asia tend to experience prolonged drought. Based on the monitoring report released by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), the El Nino condition is expected to last until June. As such, the current hot weather is not directly contributed to by the volcanic eruption of Mount Ruang, it added.

in the cabinet was one of gentleness and a strong focus on work... I have many fond memories of him. I have lost a good friend and a very good leader. I hope and pray for all the best for him and his family, he said. Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, was speaking to reporters after paying his last respects at Wisma Fook Lu Siew here today. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by Josephs son, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. He also met with other family members, including Josephs wife, Puan Sri Melinda Mak Soak Fong. The wake for Joseph, who also served as a former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Unity and National Integration, will span four days beginning today, leading up to the funeral on Tuesday (April 23).

line. A teacher performed CPR, but the student was unresponsive. The teenager was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and arrived at the Emergency Unit at about 10.15 am. He was pronounced dead after almost an hour of emergency care, he said in a statement. Syahrul Anuar said the student's father said his son was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect in 2016 and received treatment and medications from the National Heart Institute. Meanwhile, Juasseh assemblyman Puan Sri Bibi Sharliza Mohd Khalid, when met at the hospital's forensic unit, advised the public not to spread incorrect and negative statements regarding the incident. Bibi Sharliza said she was informed that the student was interested in participating in the race. I have met with the principal and the family members, and each of them, especially the students parents, accepted his death as fated, she said.

been placed at the Kuala Perlis Immigration detention depot for investigation. A total of 101 foreigners were checked, with 49 of them arrested for not having valid documents and overstaying, he said in a statement today. The foreigners will be investigated under Section 6(1)(c), Section 15(1)(c), Section 56(1)(d) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, he added.

volcanic eruptions can cause tsunamis if there is a collapse of the caldera due to volcanic activity in ocean areas that could lead to the displacement of a large amount of seawater. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has issued a tsunami warning as a precautionary measure for nearby regions of the volcanic eruption area, he told Bernama. On April 16 at 9.45 pm, a volcanic eruption occurred with an estimated height of 2,000 metres from the summit, according to the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari, in a statement, said the situation worsened on April 17, with the eruption ash reaching 2,500 metres at 1.08 am. The Geological Agency of the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources warned that the potential tsunami wave due to the eruption of Mount Ruang in the Sitaro Regency, North Sulawesi, could reach 25 metres.

The man was found using a modified lorry with an approximately 3,000-litre capacity, he said during a media briefing at the KPDN Pahang exhibit storage here today. The confiscated items included 2,400 litres of diesel in the additional tank of the modified lorry, 224 litres of diesel in the skid tank, and a three-ton modified lorry, all estimated at more than RM75,000, he said. He also disclosed that during the Op Tiris 3.0 from Jan 1 to April 17, KPDN Pahang recorded 25 cases related to the misappropriation of subsidised controlled goods, with a total seizure exceeding RM806,000.

ensuring that the accommodation is comfortable, clean and reasonably priced. The government and related agencies will assist interested entrepreneurs, especially in terms of wide-scale promotion, he told a press conference after officiating the soft launch of the Perak Tourism Awards 2024 here today. Loh said that this approach fundamentally aims to address the shortage of accommodation, which is one of the constraints the state government is facing in attracting more tourists to Perak. There's a strong demand for tourists to stay overnight in Perak. However, because of this scarcity, many opt for neighbouring states like Penang for their overnight stays instead. This is something we should overcome; we want them to visit and stay in Perak. This way, there will be more domestic revenue for the state tourism industry, he said.

and personnel will be stationed at Terminal 1 and 14 officers and personnel are stationed at Terminal two, on a three-shift daily rotation with prowler assignments at eight entry and exit points at the departure and arrival halls of both terminals. The rise in security controls and patrols is a form of commitment by the police force in facing any possibilities and to ensure the safety and public order at key entry points into Malaysia. Two KLIA district police headquarters personnel are stationed at every level, including the arrival area at the third floor and the departure area at the fifth floor of Terminal 1, and personnel will be in full uniform armed with HK MP5 submachine guns. They will partner up with GOF personnel in full operational gear, body gear, and armed with their primary and secondary weapons, Razarudin said when contacted today, adding that the measure was part of the polices improvements to ensure the airports security. A man fired two shots, one hitting the bodyguard of his wife in an incident at 1.30 am at the Arrival Hall of Terminal 1 on Sunday.

the search and rescue (SAR) operation to locate an elderly woman who was suspected to have been attacked by a crocodile, while out looking for clams in Sungai Rayu, Jalan Selang, here, on Wednesday (April 17). According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department Operations Centre (PGO), the victim, Minu Khien, 76, has yet to be found.

president Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and Federal Court judges Datuk Mary Lim Thiam Suan and Datuk Abu Bakar Jais reserved their decision on the appeal on Feb 19 this year after hearing submissions from lawyers representing the woman, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) and the Selangor state legal advisor representing the Selangor state government. The woman is appealing against the Jan 13, 2023 2-1 majority decision of the appellate court to reinstate her as a Muslim. The woman said she was still a child when she was converted to Islam by her mother in 1991. She said her mother married a Muslim man after divorcing her father. She also said despite her conversion to Islam, her mother and her stepfather allowed her to continue practising the Hindu faith which she was born into. On Dec 12, 2013, the woman filed a summons at the Kuala Lumpur Syariah High Court for a declaration that she was no longer a Muslim. On July 20, 2017, the Syariah High Court dismissed her summons and the Syariah Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal on Aug 1, 2017. She then filed a lawsuit at the Civil High Court seeking a declaration that she is not a person professing the religion of Islam and named MAIS and the Selangor state government as respondents. On Dec 21, 2021, the High Court in Shah Alam allowed the womans suit and declared that she is not a Muslim but that decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal following the appeals by MAIS and the Selangor state government. The woman was granted leave to proceed with her appeal to the Federal Court on May 23 last year on six legal questions. The court first heard her appeal on Jan 16 this year and then fixed Feb 19 this year for continuation of her appeal.

ministry views the issue seriously and took immediate action to investigate with a KPB team from Termerloh branch, the ministry said, adding that any disposal of rice needed to be referred to the KPB. The ministry also advised the public to refrain from speculating on the matter as it was being investigated under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994. Former Kuala Krau MP Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Mohamed Said issued a statement earlier in the day to clarify the foodstuff, including rice, flour and cans of sardines, thrown at the dumpsite were part of an existing stock of daily necessities for public use during his time as MP that he kept at a storage. He said that the items were removed as they were unfit to be distributed to the public after he discovered that they were tainted by several dead rats and rice weevils following complaints by neighbours on April 5 about a foul smell coming from the storage area. He explained that the items were bought using his own allocations before the 15th general election in 2022 and did not involve any federal or state governments allocation, COVID-19 or flood preparation assistance, and that part of the rice had been handed to nearby chicken and duck breeders. Ismail also took responsibility and expressed regret over the entire incident, and apologised about the manner in which the items were disposed. Meanwhile SWCorp Pahang director Sharudin Hamid said in a media conference today that the dumpsite was operating without any approval from SWCorp, adding that the corporation had acted to close the site temporarily till investigations by several authorities were completed. He added that those involved in dumping controlled solid waste in unpermitted areas can be charged under Section 71(1) of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007.

followed by e-commerce crimes with 217 cases, non-existent investment (157 cases), non-existent loans (112 cases), e-finance crimes (29 cases) and love scams (14 cases), he said during a media conference here today The department did not deny the possibility that improving levels of public awareness about crime prevention could be the catalyst in the reduction of online criminal cases, he said. Overall for this year till April 14, the CCID recorded 8,913 cases of commercial crime with losses of RM835 million compared to 10,010 cases with losses of RM504 million in the same period last year. Cases this year dropped by 11 per cent, but the value of losses rose rather drastically by 66 per cent, he added.

intelligence (AI). The programme will also include a career carnival, along with a range of services offered by federal agencies and the Penang state government. In addition, the event will feature the MADANI Sales segment, which offers discounts and special deals to visitors, and exhibitions of government assets, according to the statement. The programme, organised by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) through the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (PACU) in collaboration with the Transport Ministry and the Penang government, covers the states of Penang, Kedah and Perlis. According to the statement, the programme also involves the strategic cooperation of government-linked companies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. The closing ceremony will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 5 and will be attended by the top leadership of the federal and state governments. The public is invited to attend the MADANI Rakyat Programme for the northern zone on May 3 and 4 (Friday and Saturday) from 9 am to 10 pm, and on May 5 (Sunday) from 9 am to 6 pm, read the statement. The MADANI Rakyat 2024 programme is a continuation of the MADANI Government One Year Anniversary programme held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in December last year. The first series of the MADANI Rakyat 2024 programme for the central zone involving Selangor, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya was held at the Kuala Selangor Sports Complex, Selangor from Feb 23 to 25, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Selangor government. The programme serves as a platform for the public to directly access services from ministries and state-level agencies, while also providing an opportunity for the general public to give feedback and suggestions to improve the quality of government services. It can also foster ongoing communication between the public and the government, thus enhancing relationships and advancing the goal of building a more prosperous nation in line with the Malaysia MADANI agenda.

(CRCC), to send support staff to Makkah. This year, all the staff selected are among those who have experience of being involved in the operation of Makkah Metro before. The skills and experience possessed by the staff assigned to Makkah will definitely be able to facilitate the smooth running of train services, and the movement of the hajj pilgrims, she said, at the sending off of ERL staff to Makkah, today. Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan officiated the sending off. Khairul said that the sending off of Malaysians to Makkah will provide an opportunity for his ministry to further intensify promotional activities of Malaysia as an 'Umrah Hub', in addition to improving Malaysia's reputation as a country with efficient and recognised skilled manpower in public transport infrastructure, especially railway services. He then handed over the Jalur Gemilang to the group leader, Putera Wan Jaffri Abdul Hamid, who once again shouldered the heavy responsibility as deputy operations manager, the second most senior position in the entire operation of the Makkah Metro service. When met, Putera Wan Jaffri said that this year marks the ninth year he had been entrusted with such a great responsibility. Since 2013, I have been selected to lead the team supporting train operations in Makkah, which is a difficult task because it not only carries the image of the company, but also the name of the country. The main challenge of working in Makkah is not only the extremely hot weather, but having to supervise 7,000 staff from various countries, customs, languages and characters, he said. The ERL team is expected to depart for Makkah on April 27. The Makkah Metro line involves an 18-kilometre track, connecting the holy sites of Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina. The support staff loan program is the result of ERL's joint venture with Saudi CRCC, which has been appointed by the Saudi Arabian government as the operator of the Makkah Metro service. Makkah Metro has been recognised as the metro train with the highest passenger density in the world. Each train has 12 carriages and is capable of transporting up to 3,000 passengers per trip, or more than 72 thousand passengers in each direction, per hour.

products domestically and internationally. We need to introduce our products so that outsiders know what they can see, taste, and experience in Malaysia, he said when visiting the headquarters of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) here today. Shaharuddin said the visit aimed at strengthening the relationship between MOTAC and Bernama. During the visit, Shaharuddin, along with the MOTAC leadership team, held a meeting with the management of Bernama led by its Chief Executive Officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. The meeting was also attended by Bernama Editor-in-Chief D. Arul Rajoo.

suspend operations to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), Malindo Airways said in a statement today. Malindo Airways emphasised that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew remain its top priority, and this decision has been made after careful consideration of the prevailing situation. We understand the inconvenience this suspension may bring to our valued passengers, and we extend our heartfelt apologies for any disruption it may cause to their travel arrangements. Affected passengers will be notified via email and text. To request a refund, visit www.malindoair.com/Refund-Request , it said.

its growth trajectory and represents a substantial investment in the region. This greenfield project is dedicated to manufacturing and testing current sensors, addressing global markets such as automotive, renewable energy, robotics, industrial, and instrumentation sectors, he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the plant here. Chow said, since its establishment in 1972 in Geneva, Switzerland, LEM has earned a distinguished reputation as a global leader in providing innovative solutions for measuring electrical parameters. He added that the state government is eagerly anticipating the knowledge exchange and skills development in advanced current sensing technologies that LEM will bring to Penang's local workforce. Chow expressed optimism that LEM would reap significant benefits from its operations in Penang, which is known for its well-developed industrial ecosystem and often referred to as the Silicon Valley of the East. Looking ahead, I am confident that LEMs presence in Penang will not only contribute significantly to our economy but also stimulate innovation, promote knowledge transfer, and elevate the skills of our workforce. The partnership between LEM and the Penang State Government exemplifies our shared commitment to sustainable development, technological advancement, and economic resilience, he added.

free thermos flasks that were left at house gates in her residential estate. Text below the QR code instructed recipients to scan it for a RM200 cash coupon. ALSO READ : Charity scammers on the prowl Scanning a QR code often involves subsequent steps that the user is prompted to follow. So, do not blindly scan such codes as they could lead individuals to fraudulent websites or phishing attempts. Ramli said although some QR codes may lead to legitimate and trustworthy sites, most offers promising rewards are fraudulent. Anyone who comes across a free package left at their house should not scan any QR code on it. I am issuing this caution to protect the public from being scammed. QR codes and the subsequent steps that victims are directed to take usually lead them into traps. He said when victims report having been scammed, they usually claim they were charmed and incurred substantial losses. Scammers are excellent confidence tricksters. The longer victims engage with a scammer, the more he controls their minds. He added that last year, the National Scam Response Centre received 15,133 complaints or an average of 30 fraud cases daily, with more than RM173 million in total losses. It is crucial for everyone to be aware of their legal rights. Police or other enforcement agencies will never make phone calls to the public and threaten them. Doing so is illegal and not part of our standard operating procedures. He also said the best advice is not to trust offers that appear too good to be true, particularly those promising substantial rewards for little effort, adding that with advancements in artificial intelligence, criminals can employ new methods to deceive victims. For instance, scammers can make video calls with backgrounds displaying logos of law enforcement agencies to convince victims. Fraud is an ongoing issue, and criminals have ingenious minds. They are always finding more convincing methods to deceive people. Ramli said although fraud is investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code and related laws, the investigation process is complex due to the nature of such crimes. However, we are always diligent in collecting information, including phone numbers, bank account details and other relevant data to aid in our investigations. Ramli advised caution before engaging in any suspicious transactions and not to be easily swayed by sophisticated scam tactics.

Liyana Mohd Sulaiman appeared for the prosecution while Mohamad Aizat was represented by lawyer Arif Azmi. On Wednesday, Kajang deputy police chief Supt Mohamad Nasir Drahman said the man lodged a police report on Monday (April 15) at 8.52 am informing that the baby was found unconscious in a unit in the apartment. The initial examination found that there were no injuries on the victims body, but the results of the post-mortem confirmed that there were injuries on the victims head which were not caused by an accident, he said.

Mauritius in 1994, for him to gain experience and see foreign countries. I learned a lot and received views and advice from the late Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, and we will forever remember his service and devotion. Today, we lost a leader and friend with his passing, he said to reporters, after paying his last respects to the deceased at Wisma Fook Lu Siew, here, today. Joseph, 79, the founder of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN), Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (April 17). Earlier, Hajijis arrival was greeted by Josephs son, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. He also met with the deceaseds family members, including Josephs wife, Puan Sri Melinda Mak Soak Fong. Local leaders and the people of Sabah were also present to pay their final respects, including Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan; Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam; and Speaker of the Sabah State Assembly Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya. Also present were members of the state government's cabinet, including the State Minister of Finance Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun; State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew; and State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. The wake service for the former Sabah Deputy Chief Minister will be held for four days, starting today, before the funeral service on Tuesday (April 23). Meanwhile, Arthurs office, in a statement, said that the late Josephs remains were placed on Level 2, Wisma Fook Lu Siew, here so that the public could visit and pay their final respects. Family members, relatives, and close friends are welcome to pay their final respects, from 9 am until 8 pm, read the statement. The late Josephs remains were flown back to Sabah last night, and arrived at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, here at 11.20 pm.

also set June 7 to get an update on the accuseds psychiatric report. Earlier, Sivahnanthan, who made the application under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code, told the court that it was difficult for him to obtain his clients instructions as he was not responsive. My client was involved in a motor vehicle accident in 2018, during which he suffered a mild head injury resulting in intracranial bleed (ICB) and pneumocranium. I am worried that he will do something to himself in prison; hence, I humbly request that this honourable court send him to a psychiatric examination, said the counsel. The lawyer also produced the medical memo of the accused, issued by Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Klang, to the court. Since the matter was not objected to by deputy public prosecutor Nurul Farah Sofea Norazman, the magistrate then ordered the accused to undergo psychiatric examination for one month. Nathan was charged with killing Mawika Lumyai, 32, at a condominium in Jalan Setia Dagang AH U13/AH, Setia Alam, here at 10.02 pm on Feb 28. The charge, framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, provides the death penalty or imprisonment for up to 40 years and 12 strokes of the cane, if not sentenced to death, upon conviction.

and MOH have a common intention and desire to promptly find a solution to the issue. Insya-Allah, the final decision on this matter will be shared after several proposals are brought to the Cabinet meeting, he said in a Facebook posting. Zambry said the meeting he chaired with Dzulkefly also discussed a joint solution to ensure the knowledge acquired by the trainees meets the prescribed standards. At the same time, the MOHE is of the view that these students and graduates should not become victims of any technical issues that can be resolved. Therefore, the MOHE and its agencies, including MQA, are open to discussions and efforts to realise the national agenda to increase the number of medical specialists in the country and ensure that the delivery of healthcare services under the MOH reaches an optimal level, he said. Zambry said that the meeting also discussed the need to enhance strategic collaboration between the MOHE and the MOH to achieve the target of producing 28,000 medical specialists in the country by 2030.

scheduled for today have been cancelled with consideration for weather and operational safety, it said. The airline said it will provide updates on its social media account periodically and communicate directly to affected customers should there be any changes to their flights. Passengers are urged to update their contact details via My Booking on Malaysia Airlines website to receive timely updates from time to time via email and SMS, it said. On Thursday, Malaysia Airlines has cancelled 19 flights between KL International Airport and destinations in Sabah and Sarawak following Mount Ruangs volcanic eruption, where 11 of the cancelled flights were to and from Sabah and eight flights involved Sarawak. However, later on the same day, the national carrier has offered affected customers a one-time change to their travel itinerary free of charge or opt for a full refund irrespective of their fare family due to the volcanic eruption. In a statement yesterday, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) said affected customers who wish to change their flights or cancel their travel may do so via My Booking on its website.

bathed and shrouded at Hospital Melaka at about 9.30 am before being taken to Masjid Al-Azim for funeral prayers. His body was then taken to his residence at Batu 22, Kampung Tebong in Alor Gajah and will be buried at the Tebong Muslim Cemetery after Friday prayers at about 2.30 pm. Zaidi was appointed as the 29th State Secretary of Melaka on Jan 5, 2022. He started working in the Melaka state administration in 2017 as the state Land and Mines director before being appointed as the State Financial Officer in 2020. He leaves behind a wife, Datin Siti Rohaya Kamalludin, and four children. Meanwhile, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, on behalf of the state government, extended his condolences to the family of Zaidi and prayed that his soul would be placed among the righteous. Im deeply affected and saddened by his sudden demise, he said in a statement. He said Zaidis passing was a big loss to the civil service, especially in Melaka, as he had served with distinction.

police managed to obtain fingerprints believed to belong to the suspect, who broke into the house through a bedroom window, Mohd Razi said in a statement today. The case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code.

a more conducive environment. The Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring that all education issues in Sabah are addressed. The quality of education in Sabah will continue to be enhanced for the benefit of our children, she told reporters after inspecting the implementation of the Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih (SBJK) Kota Kinabalu Outreach Programme at SK Sembulan here tonight. Commenting on the outreach programme, she said it was important in the effort to find more children without documentation here to provide them with the opportunity to enroll in SBJK Kota Kinabalu. Asserting that education was the right of every child, Fadhlina said SBJK Kota Kinabalu, which was established in October last year, currently had eight students, and hoped that more undocumented children could be given education to change their lives. SBJK focuses on children without documents, where one parent, guardian, or caregiver is a Malaysian citizen, and they are not attending school. We want to provide educational opportunities to these children, she said. Fadhlina said SBJK Kota Kinabalu was a continuation of the initiative established in Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur in 2013, which had been proven successful in providing educational opportunities to undocumented children.

to transfer funds to Accounts 1 and 2 to optimise capital gains. Among those eagerly waiting for the announcement is 42-year-old industrial engineer Ahmad Mustakim Ainuddin. He welcomed the introduction of Account 3 as a means to bolster his retirement savings. Balancing my childrens educational expenses and my parents medical costs with just my income and my wifes salary is challenging. Despite our efforts, there are times when we struggle. I have been employed for nearly 20 years and I am considering withdrawing from my EPF for the first time. Ahmad Mustakim hopes that the funds from Account 3 will provide some relief, whether it is to cover his childrens tuition fees or his parents monthly medical bills. Similarly, single parent Nur Roslyana Abdul Manaf, 38, who is raising two children, said she views Account 3 as a lifeline to overcome her financial strain. With two children to support on a single income, managing household expenses and their educational expenses is difficult. There are days when I worry about not being able to foot all my bills, so this account brings me a ray of hope. In expressing support for the initiative, Nusantara Strategic Research Academy senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said with Account 3, EPF contributors can withdraw funds whenever they need, making access to money easier. The allocation to Account 1 has increased from 70% to 75%, while Account 2s share has decreased from 30% to 15%. With Account 1s share now increased, the overall retirement security for contributors is preserved. This is a critical aspect for retirement savings. While Azmi stressed that the primary focus of EPF savings should be on bolstering retirement funds, reducing the allocation to Account 2, which is earmarked for matters such as education, simplifies the withdrawal process. Maintaining retirement funds is crucial because when individuals have sufficient savings to support themselves in retirement, it reduces the strain on public resources and allows the government to allocate budgets for other pressing needs and priorities. Furthermore, investing in retirement funds fosters a culture of financial literacy and responsibility. It empowers individuals to take control of their financial future and make informed decisions about their retirement plans. Malaysian Coalition on Ageing chairman Cheah Tuck Wing said as the countrys demographics shift towards an ageing population, it becomes increasingly crucial to ensure one has adequate financial security. Cheah said Malaysians tend to spend now and save later, which has long-term consequences, often felt after retirement. The focus on bolstering retirement funds reflects a commitment to promoting individual financial security, resilience, and dignity in later life. Strengthened retirement funds contribute to broader societal well-being by reducing reliance on social welfare systems and government assistance programmes. As such, the public and the government should prioritise enhancing the retirement funds so that they can have enough savings to face the financial challenges that often accompany retirement, such as healthcare expenses and daily living costs, he said. While further details are yet to be officially announced, it has been reported that EPF contributions made from May onwards will be allocated to Account 3, which kicks off with a zero balance. Account 3s introduction comes in response to substantial withdrawals during the Covid-19 pandemic, reportedly depleting RM145 billion from the EPFs coffers.

companys debt repayment. However, during the meeting, several individuals assaulted and abducted him, and robbed him of RM2,000 in cash. The suspects also contacted the complainant demanding RM7,000 if he wanted the victim to be released, he said in a statement today. Mohd Hafiz said the arrests led to the victim being located, and the seizure of a Honda car, two mobile phones, and an ATM card. Investigations revealed that the suspects had four previous criminal records, including one drug-related offense, he added. The suspects have been remanded for four days, and the case is being investigated under Sections 385 and 323 of the Penal Code, he said.

align our national objective of achieving a 45 per cent reduction in carbon emission by 2030. At present Malaysias collect for recycling rate for polyethylene terephthalate stands between 28 per cent and 45 per cent, below global standards, he told the press after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony of the factory at HICOM Pegoh Industrial Park here, today. FE Green Pet is a subsidiary of Taiwans Far Eastern Group, a global leader in the polyester sector. The plant will contribute to waste reduction, transforming waste into value-added products for numerous industries, namely beverages, apparel and accessories, for some of its globally known clients such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, F, Nike, Adidas, and Lululemon. Ab Rauf also said as the demand for green products is expected to rise, the state government will not only acknowledge both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead but also encourage green investment in Melaka, especially investors interested in harnessing green energies from various sources. To maintain growth and welcome green investors to Melaka, we have, through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Invest Melaka, put serious efforts in making the process simpler and shorter and also provide a conducive environment for industries, he said. Meanwhile, FE Green Pets chairman Donald Fan said the establishment of the factory not only complements the companys development strategy but also represents a firm commitment to environmental protection. Equipped with advanced technology, this factory will transform the discarded plastic bottles into high-value products, promoting resource circularity and contributing to the local economy, he said. .

It said that although Hamid only helmed the agency for five months, he still achieved much success for the team, including improving operations, especially along the countrys maritime borders and managing asset growth. Among them are the acquisition of four medium-lift helicopters, a Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS), two New Generation Petrol Craft (NGPC), two Special Action Force (PTK) interceptor boats, five Rigid Hull Fenders Boats (RHFBs) as well as an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) from the US Coast Guard. He also ensured that the OPV1, named KM Tun Fatimah, was completed and put into operation in the waters of Sarawak early this year, it said. In addition, Hamid also launched the MMEA Strategic Plan 2023-2033 which will be used as the foundation for the agency to achieve the status of Regional Centre of Excellence for Maritime Enforcement and Maritime Search and Rescue. Hamid had previously served in the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) before being transferred to MMEA on Oct 31, 2005, and held various important positions in the agency, including as its deputy director-general. Hamid was also honoured in a street-lining event held at the grounds of the MMEAs Headquarters in Putrajaya today.

metal bar to the workshop at the scrap metal yard. It is believed that he was using an oxygen cutter to cut the metal bar atop a hydraulic oil drum. The drum expanded and exploded due to the heat. The incident did not cause any other damage or injuries. No criminal elements were involved, he said in a statement to the media tonight. He said the case has been classified as sudden death, and advised the public to refrain from speculating on the incident.

Padang Begonia, Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, here today. Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi; Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan; and former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa Hitam. Earlier in his speech, Anwar said Johor continues to drive growth and record among the best progress and development in Malaysia. We are establishing a special economic zone that can develop a close relationship with Singapore and we are setting up a special financial zone in Forest City. These indicate that Johor will record a very rapid growth, he said. He noted that Johor also has a low hardcore poverty level with fewer than 2,000 individuals, and this can be resolved in the short term with hardcore poverty being abolished in the state. In addition, other programmes such as flood mitigation are also prioritised to address problems that are faced by the people. We cannot just strive for big growth. Floods are also sizeable so the flood mitigation programme is given priority. I want the leaders and officials to monitor to ensure that the project is carried out swiftly so that the problem faced by the people is resolved, he said. Therefore, he added, leaders in Johor must ensure the states administration is free from corruption and the peoples interest is safeguarded. Meanwhile, Anwar said the development in any state should be in tandem with the human development so that the peoples well-being is safeguarded. Do not focus (just) on buildings, industries and highways, while trivialising people. What is the meaning of development if we neglect the poorest people who lack opportunities, whether they are Malay, Chinese, Indian or Orang Asli? They are all Johoreans and must be given a place and afforded the utmost protection, he added. Some 5,000 people attended the celebration organised by the Defence Ministry together with the Johor state government as host. Johor is the first of seven states to hold the Aidilfitri MADANI 2024 celebration, to be followed by Sabah (April 20), Melaka (April 22), Kelantan (May 2), Kedah (May 4), Penang (May 5) and Terengganu (May 9). Former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam, who celebrates his 90th birthday today, was also honoured at todays event.

remand order of all those arrested will be done under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, while the case is being investigated under Section 4A(a) of the Common Gaming Houses Act for assisting in conducting public lottery and if convicted, they can be fined between RM20,000 and up to RM200,000 and a jail term of not more than five years. Investigations are also being conducted under Section 4B(a) of the Common Gaming Houses Act for operating gambling machines which provides a fine of not less than RM10,000 and not more than RM100,000 for each machine seized and a jail term of not more than five years, he said in a statement. M Kumar said from Jan 1 until yesterday, Johor police mounted 770 raids through Ops Dadu, made 1,102 arrests and seized cash amounting to RM291,708.

programmes to convince the people, to bring a good political mission, which is the politics of moderation from the MADANI Government, he said. Zambry said this during a press conference after attending the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Sandbox 2024 pilot programme between the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) and NVIDIA at Taman MRANTI, Bukit Jalil here, today. Yesterday, the Unity Government Leadership Consultative Council Meeting held at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya, named Zambry and DAP national organising secretary Steven Sim as the co-chairmen for coordinating the campaign for the unity coalition in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election. The Kuala Kubu Baharu state constituency by-election is being held following the death of the incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong, on March 21. The Election Commission (EC) has set May 11 as polling day, with nominations to take place on April 27.