ISKANDAR PUTERI, April 30 — The Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has again reiterated his call for the return of 25 per cent of the state’s income tax revenue.

His Majesty said the return of tax revenue would enable Johor to not be too dependent on the federal government and also ensure the development and welfare of the people. 

Tunku Ismail said Johor is one of the main contributors to the country’s revenue, but the revenue does not commensurate with the development and welfare needs of the people.

“Therefore, I would like to urge the federal government that it is time for at least 25 per cent of the tax revenue generated by Johor to be returned to the state. 

“This is important so that Johor can manage the needs of the people more efficiently without having to rely entirely on the lengthy approval process,” he said when officiating the Johor state legislative assembly’s new session at the Sultan Ismail Building in Kota Iskandar here today. 

Tunku Ismail hopes that Johor can stand independently in line with its role as a major contributor to the country’s economy. 

He said Johor has successfully attracted investments totalling RM272 billion, including creating history last year when it recorded RM110 billion in investments, the highest ever achieved by any Malaysian state.

“This achievement has opened up more 80,000 job opportunities for Johoreans and Malaysians.

“I was also informed that Johor’s state revenue will continue to increase to RM2.6 billion. This shows the strength of the state’s economic fundamentals as well as the state government’s efficiency in managing its resources and revenue,” he said.

Last year, Tunku Ismail had raised the same issue when he was reported to have requested the federal government to consider the return of 20 to 30 per cent of the state’s tax revenue.

JOHOR BARU, April 30 — The Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, today congratulated Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) in Johor Bahru for being recognised as one of the World’s Best Hospitals 2026.

He expressed confidence that the achievement was the result of joint efforts by the state and federal governments in improving healthcare services, facilities and overall efficiency, with Johor’s health system now on the right track.

“At the same time, various initiatives such as improving facilities, implementing digital systems and innovative approaches to reduce congestion in hospital services have also succeeded in improving the experience and comfort of patients,” he said when officiating the Johor state legislative assembly’s new session at the Sultan Ismail Building in Kota Iskandar here.

The recognition of HSA was awarded by Newsweek and Statista.

In a related development, Tunku Ismail also called for staffing and equipment issues at Pasir Gudang Hospital to be resolved immediately without delay.

He said this was necessary as the health sector is a critical area that cannot be delayed.

“I want the full operation of the Pasir Gudang Hospital to be expedited,” he said.

On June 29, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad reportedly said that the Pasir Gudang Hospital, which was officially handed over to the Health Ministry, will operate in phases starting August 1, 2025.

However, the opening of the new hospital was postponed to this year due to several technical issues including a shortage of health workers, especially doctors and nurses.

The Pasir Gudang Hospital began operating in phases starting late last year with several initial facilities and services to meet patients’ healthcare needs.

PUTRAJAYA, April 30 — The government’s recent expenditure adjustment measures will not affect essential public services such as healthcare, education, security and other core services, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said today.

The MOF said the cuts only involve non-essential spending as part of efforts to manage finances better amid global economic pressures.

“Operating expenditure adjustment guidelines only involve non-critical spending, while all core expenditures including basic services, security, health and education will continue as approved in the 2026 Budget.”

MOF said funding for key ministries like Health and Education will continue under Budget 2026.

It said the changes include postponing events, reducing overseas travel and training, cutting utility use, using agency reserves more efficiently, and delaying non-essential hiring.

“In line with responsible national financial management, these adjustment measures are prioritised to create fiscal space to fund targeted aid and subsidies to protect vulnerable groups and sectors affected by the global supply crisis.”

The ministry said the move is meant to free up funds to help those affected by global economic uncertainty.

MOF added it will continue improving spending efficiency to strengthen the country’s ability to handle external economic shocks.

“The MOF will continue to proactively and systematically improve spending efficiency to strengthen national resilience in facing the global supply crisis, which is expected to have a deep and prolonged impact on the national economy.”

It said Malaysia will continue balancing spending carefully to ensure essential services remain funded while maintaining financial stability.

GEORGE TOWN, April 30 — An 800-metre stretch of Jalan Persiaran Pantai Sinaran here was today renamed in honour of the late Tan Sri Chin Fung Kee, Penang’s visionary engineer who played a pivotal role in the construction of the first Penang Bridge.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the renaming ceremony along the seafront road, said the state executive council approved the renaming on February 25.

“This is a symbol of the highest respect to the late Tan Sri Chin Fung Kee for his extraordinary contributions towards Penang’s development and the nation’s academic development,” he said.

He said Chin’s contributions included the design of the first Penang Bridge, foundation works for Komtar, and his direct involvement in the establishment and development of the Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Malaya.

“Globally, his expertise was recognised through Chin’s Method, which revolutionised the piling industry and pioneered innovations in natural rubber bearings for seismic resistance, now used worldwide,” he said in his speech today.

He added that Chin’s legacy in technical innovation and leadership in professional bodies such as the Institution of Engineers Malaysia continues to inspire the engineering community today.

“Chin was also globally recognised, including being appointed an honorary fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers in the United Kingdom and Malaysia,” he said.

He hoped the recognition afforded to Chin will inspire future generations.

GEORGE TOWN, April 30 — Water levels in Sungai Muda have risen back above the critical threshold after previously dipping to a dangerous level, raising Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said today amid continued concern over raw water stability for the state.

He said the river level, which had fallen below the 1.5-metre critical mark last week, has shown an upward trend in recent days.

“The water level at Sungai Muda is at 1.64 metres today, it was 1.56m on April 28 and 1.6m yesterday,” he told reporters after officially launching the renaming of Jalan Persiaran Pantai Sinaran to Persiaran Chin Fung Kee here this morning.

He added that further details on the water level conditions in Penang will be released by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) later today.

Last week, the Sungai Muda level dropped to a danger level of 1.27 metre at Lahar Tiang.

PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the safe level is two metre and under normal conditions, PBAPP abstracts about 1,300 million litres per day of raw water from Sungai Muda for use at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

To mitigate the drop in water levels, PBAPP immediately began to draw down water from the Expanded Mengkuang Dam to supplement raw water supply to the Sungai Dua WTP.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Hyperscale data centre platform company AirTrunk will increase its investment in Malaysia by up to RM12 billion this year, bringing its total committed investment to RM27 billion, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

In a Facebook post, Anwar said the matter was conveyed during a courtesy visit by AirTrunk founder and chief executive officer Robin Khuda and his delegation yesterday.

He said discussions also covered the progress of AirTrunk’s ongoing data centre construction in Johor, as well as efforts to develop a localisation framework to boost participation of local companies in the data centre value chain.

Anwar said the expanded investment commitment reflects growing investor confidence in Malaysia’s position as a competitive and capable regional digital hub.

He added that the development also underscores trust from global technology firms in Malaysia as a strategic partner, particularly as the government continues refining policies and strengthening capabilities in data centre development and operations.

PUTRAJAYA, April 30 — Former aide to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Chai Jin Shern, better known as James Chai, arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here today to continue giving his statement for a third day.

The political analyst arrived at 9.50 am to assist with the investigation into a case involving a United Kingdom-based semiconductor giant, Arm Holdings Plc.

Yesterday, Chai, who is also a witness in the investigation, spent more than eight hours providing his statement to the anti-graft agency. 

The case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 over a government-funded semiconductor project worth RM1.1 billion.

On Feb 16, the MACC opened an investigation paper regarding an agreement between the Malaysian Government and a foreign company estimated to be worth RM1.1 billion, following complaints by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which alleged that the agreement was made hastily and was one-sided, to the extent that it is expected to have financial implications on the government.

On April 1, the MACC gave James Chai two weeks to come forward and assist in the investigation involving the semiconductor firm.

In addition, the investigation also focuses on elements of conflict of interest, as several individuals are alleged to have been appointed to senior positions in the foreign company after leaving a ministry. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, April 30 — Penang’s financial position is still healthy so there is no need for a supplementary budget at this time, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said today.

He said the state government is currently maintaining a surplus position despite concerns over rising costs affecting project implementation.

“If spending increases, that is what becomes worrying, but so far we are still in a surplus position,” he told reporters after officially launching the renaming of Jalan Persiaran Pantai Sinaran to Persiaran Chin Fung Kee here this morning.

Chow said the state is focusing on cost-control measures to ensure expenditure remains manageable while avoiding unnecessary financial strain.

He said one of the steps being considered is rescheduling projects that have yet to be awarded.

“So implementation will be delayed until market conditions improve,” he said.

Therefore, he said it is necessary for the state to review the timing of project rollouts.

“This is a step to observe the situation until it stabilises, after which works can be awarded,” he said.

Chow added that projects that are already underway will continue as planned and will not be affected by any scheduling adjustments.

“This is because contractors are also facing difficulties in submitting bids during this period due to rising costs,” he added.

He said there may also be requests from contractors regarding fuel prices.

“For Penang Development Corporation specifically, we will negotiate with contractors who are seeking claims related to diesel price increases affecting project costs,” he said.

He said the state has already decided to share the burden with contractors.

“This is to ease the pressure, even though PDC will have to absorb part of the increased costs,” he said.

He said the state need not introduce a supplementary budget as long as costs can be controlled and revenue collection meets projections.

Yesterday, government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said all ministries, agencies and government departments have been instructed to spend moderately as a measure to reduce financial pressure following global economic uncertainty that has also affected Malaysia.

The directive was issued by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to ensure government spending is carried out more responsibly and prudently.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Public transport provider Prasarana Malaysia Bhd has confirmed that Amir Hamdan will be ending his tenure as group president and chief executive officer (CEO) after almost eight years with the group.

In a statement today, Prasarana said his decision to conclude his tenure was for personal reasons, in line with his future plans.

It said further information regarding the continuity of the group’s leadership will be announced through Prasarana’s official communication channels.

“Prasarana would like to express its highest appreciation for his contributions and leadership throughout his tenure, and wishes him the best in his future endeavour,” it said.

Throughout his service, Amir has played a key role in driving several transformation initiatives and strengthening the group’s operations to ensure better public transport services for the people, said Prasarana. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A military personnel has been charged in the magistrates’ court here over a fatal road crash on the Maju Expressway (MEX) involving a Bangladeshi gaming content creator earlier this month.

Jad Faid Arhan, 31, is accused of causing the death of Muzahid Millad, 22, a popular online gamer known as “Advance Gaming”, at kilometre 1.9 of the highway along the Salak Selatan to Jalan Tun Razak stretch on April 23.

According to the New Straits Times, the accused appeared calm in court when the charge was read out before magistrate Noorelynna Hanim Abd Halim. He nodded and confirmed he understood the charge.

He was dressed in a red collared T-shirt and dark blue jeans, and was handcuffed in the dock. The court also instructed him to remove his face mask before proceedings began.

Meanwhile, Free Malaysia Today reported that the charge carries the death penalty upon conviction. If the death sentence is not imposed, he faces imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, along with whipping.

The offence is alleged to have taken place at about 5.30am.

Magistrate Illi Marisqa Khalizan set July 21 for mention. No bail was offered. 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A man with 13 prior criminal records was arrested after he allegedly attempted to kill a police officer in an incident at the edge of a paddy field along Jalan Masjid Tok Che Dol in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, yesterday afternoon.

In the 5.57pm incident, two shots were fired at the rear tyres of a pickup truck after the suspect allegedly acted aggressively and tried to ram police officers during an arrest attempt, according to a report by Utusan Malaysia. 

Tanah Merah district police chief Supt Mohd Haki Hasbullah said the incident happened during a patrol when officers spotted an Isuzu D-Max pickup truck being driven in a suspicious manner.

He said the suspect fled upon noticing the police presence, leading officers to pursue him into a padi field area.

“The suspect then suddenly stopped the pickup and acted aggressively by reversing the vehicle at high speed, hitting the front of a police vehicle.

“Despite being ordered to get out, the suspect refused to cooperate and attempted to ram officers by repeatedly reversing the pickup,” he said when contacted on Thursday.

Mohd Haki said, for self-defence, officers ordered a shot to be fired at the rear tyres of the suspect’s vehicle.

The first shot hit the right rear tyre, while the second struck the left rear tyre.

“The suspect still refused to stop. However, the swift action of the officers resulted in his arrest without any injuries,” he said.

Checks revealed the suspect had 13 prior criminal records.

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

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A man was found dead in a fire that destroyed five single-storey terrace houses along Jalan E5/11, Taman Ehsan Kepong, in Kepong, in the early hours of Thursday.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Assistant Director Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said the department received an emergency call at 2.31am, with the first engine from Selayang Fire and Rescue Station arriving at the scene about 19 minutes later, according to Astro Awani.

“The fire involved five Class A houses, each measuring 20 by 60 feet, with estimated destruction ranging between 20 per cent and 100 per cent. The fire was brought under control at 3.42am.

“At 4.29am, a male victim aged 53 was found burnt on a bed inside one of the bedrooms. He was confirmed dead at the scene,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Ahmad Mukhlis said two vehicles — a Hyundai Getz and a Hyundai XG 250 — were also completely destroyed in the blaze.

He said one house was completely destroyed, two others were 80 per cent damaged, while the remaining two sustained about 20 per cent damage each.

He added that the firefighting operation involved personnel from Selayang Fire and Rescue Station, assisted by Rawang, Jinjang and Manjalara stations, with a total of 27 firefighters and several vehicles including Fire Rescue Tender (FRT), Water Tanker (WT), Compact Fire Rescue Tender (CFRT) and Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

“The fire was fully extinguished at 7.15am and overhaul work is still being carried out to ensure there are no remaining fire sources that could reignite the blaze.

“The victim’s body has been handed over to police for further action. The cause of the fire and total losses are still under investigation,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A foreign couple were detained after police suspected them of keeping a homemade air rifle and failing to produce valid identification documents during a raid at an unnumbered house in Felda Purun Oil Palm Estate here yesterday.

Bera district police chief Superintendent Zulkiflee Nazir said the duo were arrested during Op Taring Laras conducted by the intelligence unit of Battalion 7, General Operations Force (GOF) Kuantan, according to Buletin TV3.

He said the raid was carried out at 7.50pm on April 28 following intelligence on suspicious activities in the area.

“During a search in the bedroom, we found a black and brown air rifle placed at a corner of the room.

“Checks on the occupants also found that both failed to produce any valid travel or identification documents to remain in Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.

He said the couple comprised a 43-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman.

Preliminary investigations found that they were believed to be husband and wife and had been staying in Malaysia for about two years.

“However, further inspection found no bullets or pellets in the house,” he added.

Zulkiflee said both suspects were taken to the Bera district police headquarters together with the seized items for further action.

The case is being investigated under Section 8 of the Arms Act 1960 and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A married elderly couple was killed after their car lost control and crashed into a drain along Kilometre 19 of Jalan Kuala Pilah–Simpang Pertang, near Jempol, Negeri Sembilan, around 7.30pm yesterday.

Jempol district police chief Superintendent Norhisham Mustapar said the victims were travelling in a Proton Saga from Simpang Pertang towards Kuala Pilah when the incident occurred, Harian Metro reported. 

He said the vehicle was driven by a 75-year-old man, with his 65-year-old wife as the passenger.

“The incident is believed to have occurred after the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer into the opposite lane before skidding into a drain.

“As a result, both victims suffered severe head injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene,” he said in a statement last night.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless or dangerous driving causing death.

Norhisham also urged witnesses of the incident to come forward to assist investigations by contacting Investigating Officer Inspector Mohd Amirul Syafiq Mohd Yusof at 016-2348669.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A special meeting will be convened soon to address concerns raised by councillors over a light show in Kelana Jaya, which has sparked questions about its approval process and public safety.

Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the matter would be discussed in a dedicated session involving the event organiser.

According to The Star, the issue was raised during the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) full board meeting, where councillors said they were not informed about how approval for the event was granted.

Councillor Kusaaliny Mahendran questioned how the approval was given, stressing that while MBPJ should remain business-friendly, safety considerations must not be compromised.

“What if there is an accident?” she asked.

Councillor Yip Sean Yi said approval procedures must be strictly followed to ensure public safety, adding that inconsistencies were observed when different department heads were questioned about the project.

“When questions are raised, they go unanswered at meetings,” she said.

Another councillor, Terrance Tan Teck Seng, also raised concerns over safety, noting the event involves heavy lighting and is open to children.

He also pointed out that the event would be subject to entertainment tax, which would go to the state government, adding that more details were needed.

Councillor Ong Yew Thai suggested the event be temporarily postponed pending further review.

Mohamad Zahri, however, said there was no need to halt the event, noting that similar shows have been held at multiple locations nationwide.

He said the setup takes about a month, with the show running for another month, and added that safety requirements had been addressed.

“All aspects, including safety, have been addressed. However, the councillors were not aware,” he said after chairing the meeting at MBPJ headquarters in Jalan Yong Shook Lin.

He added that MBPJ would hold a special session next week for the organiser to explain the project.

The light show is scheduled to run until June 7.

Separately, Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ had resolved 78 per cent of the 19,879 complaints received between January and March, with issues mainly involving infrastructure, waste management, unlicensed businesses, public nuisance and development compliance.

He said the council is now using a data-driven approach to analyse complaints by category, location and response time to improve service delivery and operational planning.

“The analysis helps optimise resources and improve the planning of on-site operations,” he said.

SEREMBAN, April 30 — Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia (RMHC Malaysia) and the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (JKM) have strengthened their strategic collaboration through the Ronald McDonald Sensory Therapy Room initiative for children with special needs at Taman Sinar Harapan Tuanku Ampuan Najihah here.

RMHC Malaysia general manager Mohd Nasri Mohd Nordin said the initiative, held in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month, aimed to expand access to more comprehensive therapy facilities to support early intervention and the development of children with special needs more effectively.

He said the provision of suitable and well-structured facilities was crucial in supporting the development of children with special needs, while also creating a safe, conducive and consistent therapy environment.

“With facility support as well as therapist training conducted three times a year, we believe this can deliver a more holistic impact on the children’s development and their families’ quality of life.

“RMHC Malaysia will remain committed to supporting JKM’s efforts and expanding its role as a community partner in providing continuous support to those in need,” he told reporters at the handover ceremony of the Ronald McDonald Sensory Therapy Room to Taman Sinar Harapan Tuanku Ampuan Najihah here.

Mohd Nasri said the collaboration also included upgrading existing sensory therapy rooms into full-scale, more comprehensive facilities.

He said the space was equipped with sensory integration equipment in line with Ronald McDonald Sensory Therapy Room standards, through an RM50,000 community contribution by RMHC Malaysia, together with corporate partners supporting the initiative.

“The handover of the 37th Ronald McDonald Sensory Therapy Room nationwide reflects RMHC Malaysia’s continued commitment to expanding access to therapy facilities for more than 4,500 children with special needs,” he said.

He added that RMHC Malaysia would continue to expand strategic collaborations to ensure more children gained access to consistent and quality intervention.

Meanwhile, JKM director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said collaboration between the public and private sectors must continue to be strengthened to improve access to quality support for children with special needs.

Che Murad said the involvement of implementing partners, such as RMHC Malaysia, not only helped in facility development but also raised public awareness on the importance of sensory therapy.

“This effort ensures that every centre is not only equipped with adequate facilities, but also meets operational standards, including support from qualified occupational therapists and the implementation of effective and continuous therapy,” he said.

The Ronald McDonald Sensory Therapy Room handed over is the third facility under JKM’s management, including Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres (PPDK).

The first therapy room at Taman Sinar Harapan Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, was fully built by RMHC in 2010, while two others were implemented through RMHC’s initiative to upgrade 11 existing sensory therapy rooms at JKM facilities nationwide starting last year.

This ongoing effort reflects RMHC Malaysia’s belief that every child deserves equal opportunities to grow, supported by inclusive and effective therapy care. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The outcome of preacher Ebit Lew’s long-running court case will be known this evening, when the Tenom Magistrates’ Court delivers its decision on 11 charges involving alleged sexual harassment.

The verdict is scheduled to be delivered at 4.30pm, following confirmation from both the defence and prosecution teams, according to a report published in Sinar Harian.

The 41-year-old, whose real name is Ebit Irawan Ibrahim, has been on trial since September 2022 before Magistrate Nur Asyraf Zolhani. A total of 18 prosecution witnesses have testified during the proceedings.

He faces 11 charges under Section 509 of the Penal Code for allegedly sending obscene images and words via WhatsApp between March and June 2021, said to have intended to insult the modesty of the complainant.

The prosecution team is led by deputy public prosecutors Nor Azizah Mohamad, Zahida Zakaria and Analia Kamaruddin.

Ebit Lew is represented by a legal team comprising Datuk Ram Singh, Kamarudin Mohmad Chinki, Timothy Daut, Mohd Syarulnizam Salleh Keruak and Prem Elmer Ganasan.

KOTA KINABALU, April 30 — Sabah has stressed that its interests remain protected and prioritised in all negotiations involving national borders, particularly those concerning the Malaysia–Indonesia boundary at Pulau Sebatik.

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the state government has been consistently involved at every stage of technical and diplomatic discussions to ensure Sabah’s rights are not compromised, according to a report by Berita Harian.

He said representatives from the Sabah Chief Minister’s Department, the State Attorney General’s Chambers, and the Lands and Surveys Department have been part of the process.

“To ensure the state’s interests are always safeguarded and prioritised, the Sabah government is consistently involved at every stage of technical and diplomatic negotiations,” he said while winding up the debate for the Chief Minister’s Department during the Sabah state assembly sitting.

Joniston added that under Article 2 of the Federal Constitution, any changes to state boundaries cannot be made without the consent of the state legislative assembly, thereby safeguarding Sabah’s position in such decisions.

On the land boundary issue at Pulau Sebatik, he said the matter was finalised through the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) No. 23 on February 18, 2025 between Malaysia and Indonesia.

He said claims that 100 hectares of land on the island had been handed over to Indonesia do not amount to a loss of sovereignty, but rather reflect compliance with existing international agreements.

“The determination of the land boundary at Pulau Sebatik is based on the 1891 Boundary Convention, which sets the border along latitude 4°10’ North,” he said.

Joniston said joint technical reviews conducted in 1983 found discrepancies between the boundary alignment on the ground and the prescribed latitude line.

As a result, investigations, demarcation and re-surveying works were carried out in 2019 using modern technology to ensure accuracy.

He added that the realignment of the boundary at Pulau Sebatik was resolved as part of a package deal involving Sungai Sinapad and Sungai Sesai, resulting in Malaysia gaining an additional 780 hectares of territory.

“The entire process was carried out based on mutual agreement between both countries in accordance with international law, without involving compensation or trade-offs,” he said.

However, he noted that Malaysia–Indonesia border negotiations have yet to be fully concluded.

This includes unresolved areas such as an 870-metre intertidal stretch on the eastern side of Pulau Sebatik and four Outstanding Boundary Problem (OBP) areas along the Sarawak–West Kalimantan sector.

“Negotiations between Malaysia and Indonesia are ongoing to resolve these areas,” he added.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Lim Guan Eng today warned that proposed austerity measures under Budget 2026 could weaken Malaysia’s economic growth and undermine the delivery of essential public services.

In a statement, the Bagan MP said planned spending cuts — reportedly amounting to RM10 billion from the approved RM229 billion operating expenditure — may dampen gross domestic product (GDP) growth, which Bank Negara Malaysia has projected at between 4 and 5 per cent this year.

He said reductions affecting key sectors such as healthcare, education, security and infrastructure risk compromising services that should not be curtailed.

Among the reported cuts, RM3.06 billion could be trimmed from the Health Ministry’s RM46.5 billion allocation, while the Higher Education Ministry may see RM2.39 billion reduced from its RM18.6 billion budget.

Other ministries facing potential reductions include the Treasury (RM664 million), Home Ministry (RM647 million), Defence Ministry (RM508 million), Rural and Regional Development Ministry (RM571 million), Education Ministry (RM466 million), and the Digital Ministry (RM508 million).

Lim said while the public may accept short-term measures such as freezing new civil service hires and postponing non-essential events, deeper cuts that affect public services would be unacceptable.

He added that the government’s fiscal strain — driven by a surge in subsidies estimated to reach RM58.4 billion this year, up from the initial RM15 billion allocation — should instead be addressed through alternative financing.

“The RM43.4 billion shortfall cannot be resolved through a mere RM10 billion cut in operating expenditure,” he said.

Lim suggested that emergency loan measures could be used to bridge the gap, noting that such financing would require parliamentary approval.

He also said there was no need to retable Budget 2026 in full, proposing instead that the government introduce a supplementary budget to reflect revised fiscal estimates.

At the same time, Lim cautioned that austerity-driven cuts could worsen a slowdown in private investment and economic activity, with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) particularly vulnerable.

He urged the government to strengthen support measures, including ensuring that Bank Negara Malaysia’s RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility includes an interest-free, collateral-free component for the first RM50,000 of loans.

He also called for a one-year moratorium on interest payments for existing loans to ease financial pressure on businesses.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Umno has expressed support for Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan who have withdrawn confidence in the menteri besar, while urging continued backing for the unity government to preserve stability in the state.

In a statement posted on Facebook last night, Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party’s political bureau had deliberated on recent developments involving the state’s royal institution and adat, which it described as having sparked significant controversy and misunderstandings among unity government component parties.

He said Umno remained committed to upholding the Malay Rulers institution as a pillar of national sovereignty, in line with its constitution.

The party had also received a detailed briefing from the Negeri Sembilan Umno leadership regarding the actions of BN assemblymen, who are said to have lost confidence in Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

According to Asyraf, the loss of confidence stemmed from concerns over actions perceived as sidelining the state’s adat institutions and constitutional framework.

“Umno respects the stance of BN assemblymen who have lost confidence in the menteri besar, but will continue to support the unity government in Negeri Sembilan to ensure stability and the well-being of the people,” he said.

He added that Umno is calling for an urgent meeting between its political bureau and that of Pakatan Harapan to address issues involving differing party principles.

The proposed meeting, he said, is in line with Clause 5(c) of the unity government memorandum of understanding, which requires disputes over policy matters to be resolved through a consultative council.

SHAH ALAM, April 30 — Police are tracking down individuals believed to be involved in a case of disturbing the peace by setting off fireworks in Setia Alam here past midnight, which recently went viral on social media.

Shah Alam district police chief Ramsay Embol said that in the incident, it is believed that the fireworks released 50 to 100 loud explosions in succession for a wedding photography session in the public parking area of the Setia Alam Community Trail here.

“In the viral recording, the incident shows that it occurred on April 26 at 1.05 am, and the fireworks were set off in three consecutive series. The incident recurred on April 27 at around 2.11 am.

“A police report was received on April 29 at 8.26 am after the video went viral on social media and attracted public attention,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Ramsay said that any party with information regarding the case can contact the investigating officer, Insp Siti Mahanira Mahat at 0192522905 to assist with the investigation.

The case is being investigated under Section 13 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Section 7 of the Explosives Act 1957.

Earlier, a video went viral on social media showing a group of individuals in a parking lot, believed to be in a wedding photography session, setting off fireworks near an apartment in Setia Alam. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Hardcore poverty in Selangor has been effectively eradicated following the implementation of targeted and sustained poverty alleviation initiatives, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. 

He said the achievement was reported to him during the Petaling District Development Meeting he chaired earlier yesterday in Shah Alam.

However, Anwar stressed that continued monitoring is essential to ensure no family is left behind or excluded from assistance.

“More importantly, every family must be given the opportunity to rise and be empowered through training so they can generate their own income.

“Selangor’s economic strength must be fully harnessed to uplift the people’s standard of living,” he said in a Facebook post. 

Anwar also called for the expansion of the SejaTi Madani programme in Petaling, particularly to assist the urban poor.

He said initiatives such as tailoring projects in Kampung Melayu Subang, stingless bee farming in Bayu Damansara and furniture-making in Bukit Lanchong demonstrate that, with the right support, communities can drive meaningful change, generating incomes ranging from RM24,000 to RM100,000.

“Insya-Allah, with the commitment of all parties, we will continue to resolve outstanding issues, strengthen existing capacities and ensure the benefits of development are truly felt by the people,” he said.

The prime minister said the meeting also reviewed progress on urgent people-centric projects and explored solutions to key issues, including road maintenance and flood mitigation.

He added that discussions also covered broader urban and social management matters such as places of worship, waste management and pig farming.

“All these require a more structured and effective approach to ensure the well-being of the people is safeguarded. I also stressed the need for immediate measures to ease the people’s burden while awaiting the completion of long-term flood mitigation projects,” he said.

The more than one-hour meeting was attended by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, as well as state executive councillors and senior district officials. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A military officer will be charged in court tomorrow with murder and driving under the influence of alcohol causing death and injury in a fatal accident last Thursday.

Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said the investigation paper involving the 31-year-old suspect was referred to the Prosecution Division at the Attorney General’s Chambers in Putrajaya yesterday.

He said the Head of Prosecution Division at the Attorney General’s Chambers Datuk Masri Mohd Fuad was briefed on the investigation paper by Kuala Lumpur Prosecution Director Datuk Mohd Nordin Ismail and Deputy Public Prosecutor Izzat Amir Idham, in the presence of the case investigating officer.

“After reviewing the investigation paper, the prosecution agreed that the suspect be charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for causing the death of a male e-hailing vehicle passenger,” he said in a statement yesterday.

In addition, he said the suspect will also face two charges under Section 44(1A)(b) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving a vehicle with an alcohol content exceeding the prescribed limit of 150 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, resulting in injuries to one passenger and an e-hailing driver.

Mohd Zamzuri said the charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code will be made at 9.30 am at the Jalan Duta Criminal Sessions Court here, while the two other charges under the Road Transport Act 1987 will be made at 10.30 am at the Jalan Duta Traffic Court.

Police received a report on a crash involving a Perodua Alza multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) used for e-hailing services and a Ford Fiesta at 5.38 am on April 23.

Preliminary investigations found that the Ford Fiesta driven by the military officer is believed to have entered the opposite lane before colliding with the Perodua Alza driven by a 41-year-old man who was carrying two passengers from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

As a result of the collision, a 22-year-old male Bangladeshi e-hailing passenger died at the scene due to severe head injuries, while a 20-year-old female passenger, also a Bangladeshi, was injured. — Bernama

SHAH ALAM, April 30 — Police are currently tracking suspects believed to be involved in an act of mischief by setting fire to two vehicles belonging to a welder at a residential area in Kapar, Klang, near here at midnight Tuesday.

North Klang District Police Chief ACP S. Vijaya Rao said that during the 12:12 a.m. incident, the 55-year-old victim became aware of the situation after hearing an explosion before discovering his cars were engulfed in flames.

“The fire was successfully extinguished with the help of neighbours. The incident resulted in both vehicles sustaining approximately 30 per cent damage in the interiors of the vehicles. A review of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage revealed four men on two motorcycles who smashed the vehicle windows and splashed petrol before setting both vehicles on fire,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Vijaya Rao also advised the public not to engage in any speculation and urged parties with information regarding the incident to visit the nearest police station or contact the North Klang District Police Headquarters at 03-3291 2222 to assist with the investigation.

The case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code.

Earlier, a 57-second CCTV recording went viral on social media, showing four individuals wearing helmets and face masks pouring petrol onto two vehicles in front of a residence before setting them ablaze. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A mud flood in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) following heavy rain has raised concerns over a hillside development linked to a landscape project within the Bukit Kiara area.

The incident has prompted a stop-work order and an official probe.

The project is linked to plans for an arboretum within the broader Bukit Kiara green area, located directly opposite the Jalan Abang Haji Openg housing area and affecting about 300 homes.

What is the project about?

The site is located within TTDI, on land bordering Bukit Kiara.

The wider Bukit Kiara Federal Park (Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara), also known as Kiara Park, has long been designated for recreational and conservation use, with earlier plans including an arboretum — a curated space for the conservation and study of trees.

Environmental advocate Tan Sri Salleh Mohd Nor, who has been involved in preservation efforts for Bukit Kiara, previously said the area was intended to be developed into a public park with Malaysia’s first arboretum for education and public access.

The idea was first mooted in the 1980s, although it did not materialise. Parts of the area were later developed into what is now the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.

In the current plan, the affected site near the Jalan Abang Haji Openg housing area is expected to house around 1,000 tree species as part of the arboretum project.

Why has the project halted?

Former TTDI Residents Association chairman Abdul Jabar Junid said intense rainfall over the past year and this year contributed to flooding in the area.

He said the situation escalated when a retaining wall collapsed on April 18 following soil movement and water runoff from the site.

“Residents were previously told trees would be cleared in stages, but we noticed hoarding went up and suddenly all the trees were gone,” he said when met in TTDI.

He added that residents had raised concerns earlier, warning that uncontrolled clearing could lead to soil instability.

Although a stop-work order has since been issued, residents remain worried about whether further rainfall could trigger another incident.

“There is no guarantee that if heavy rain comes again, water will not enter houses. Many residents here are senior citizens, and I am very concerned about their well-being,” he said.

Residents’ concerns

Residents are now urging relevant authorities, including the National Landscape Department, Public Works Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, to ensure the project is carried out safely.

A resident who requested anonymity said they were not opposed to the project but stressed that proper procedures must be followed.

“Right now, mitigation work is only being done after the retaining wall collapsed. This is something that should have been considered before tree clearing began,” the resident said.

The resident added that rapid tree clearing may have contributed to soil movement, while runoff from the hillside ended up at a retention pond near the retaining structure.

“There must be a better solution,” they said.

Other residents have also questioned why the site was chosen for the project, following resistance during a previous townhall session over plans involving tree clearing.

The National Landscape Department is an agency under the Housing and Local Government Ministry responsible for federal park development and landscape planning.

The ministry has yet to respond to requests for comment.

What comes next

The Public Works Department has been instructed to carry out a detailed technical investigation into the collapsed retaining wall.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the department will also assess structural integrity in the surrounding area and recommend mitigation measures.

Preliminary findings indicate that heavy rainfall caused water runoff from the hillside, which overwhelmed drainage capacity and contributed to the collapse of an earth bund and retaining structure.

The investigation will also examine drainage limitations in downstream areas, including obstructions linked to utilities, which may have worsened water flow and pressure.

Authorities are expected to propose further mitigation measures following the technical assessment.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — When the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) released its National Transfer Accounts (NTA) 2022, Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin described it as a way to capture a simple but often overlooked reality: Malaysians rely on one another at different stages of life.

NTA is a framework that tracks how income and consumption are distributed across age groups, while showing how resources flow between generations.

At its core, the framework breaks the economy down by age.

In childhood and youth, individuals consume more than they produce, relying on families and the government for support. This shifts during the working years, when people begin earning income and eventually generate a surplus.

According to Uzir, Malaysians typically enter this surplus phase between their late 20s and mid-50s, when earnings exceed consumption. In later years, as income declines, individuals once again depend on savings, family support and public transfers.

Beyond GDP: Tracking who pays

Unlike traditional indicators such as GDP, which measure overall economic output, NTA focuses on who ultimately finances consumption.

It traces how resources move through three main channels:

• The market: through wages and employment
• The government: through taxes and public spending
• Households: through family support

The framework also captures transfers within families — such as parents supporting children or adults caring for elderly relatives — which are typically not reflected in national accounts.

A lifecycle view of the economy

NTA divides life into three broad economic phases:

• Youth (0–14 years): Consumption exceeds production, with heavy reliance on family and government support for education, healthcare and daily needs.
• Working age (15–64 years): Individuals generate income through employment and generally produce more than they consume.
• Old age (65+ years): Income declines while consumption continues, creating another phase of dependency supported by savings, family transfers and public systems.

A key concept in NTA is the lifecycle deficit.

Most individuals run a deficit early and later in life, when consumption exceeds income. Only during their prime working years do they generate a surplus, which is effectively redistributed across society.

This surplus helps fund education, healthcare and support for older persons, either within families or through public systems.

Why it matters for Malaysia

In 2022, Malaysia’s population stood at 32.7 million, with nearly 70 per cent in the working-age group. However, the country is also ageing, with a rising share of older persons and an increasing dependency ratio.

NTA offers policymakers a tool to assess how sustainable current systems are, especially as fewer workers will need to support more dependents in the future.

DOSM said the framework can support evidence-based policymaking to manage demographic changes more effectively.

It can also guide decisions on key areas such as:

• Retirement and pension systems
• Healthcare funding
• Education investment
• Tax structures
• Income redistribution

Uzir said more detailed NTA data — including breakdowns by state and income group — is being developed, which could allow for more targeted policy responses.

At a broader level, NTA reframes the economy as an intergenerational system.

It underscores a fundamental reality: no age group is economically independent — each stage of life depends on another.

For Malaysia, the challenge ahead is ensuring that today’s working population can generate sufficient surplus, save adequately, and sustain a system capable of supporting a rapidly ageing society.

PUTRAJAYA, April 29 — Former aide to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Chai Jin Shern or James Chai, will be recalled to continue giving his statement on the third day of investigations at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters tomorrow.

MACC Investigation Division Senior Director Datuk Mohd Hafaz Nazar, when contacted, confirmed the matter and said James Chai, a political analyst, has been asked to appear at 10am after the process of recording his statement today was concluded at 6.45pm.

The MACC had earlier recorded the statement from him as a witness in the investigation involving a government-funded semiconductor project worth approximately RM1.1 billion.

According to sources, the witness arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 10am today to continue providing information and assisting in the investigation of the case.

“The witness arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 10am and he was present for the second day to have his statement recorded,” he said.

On April 1, the MACC gave James Chai a two-week period to come forward and assist in the investigation involving the semiconductor firm.

Prior to that, on February 16, the MACC opened an investigation paper regarding an agreement between the Malaysian Government and a foreign company estimated to be worth RM1.1 billion.

According to sources, the investigation was initiated following complaints by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which alleged that the agreement was made hastily and was one-sided, to the extent that it is expected to have financial implications on the government.

In addition, the investigation also focuses on elements of conflict of interest, as several individuals are alleged to have been appointed to senior positions in the foreign company after leaving a ministry. — Bernama 

KOTA KINABALU, April 29 — Sabah leaders have reiterated that the state’s constitutional claim to its 40 per cent revenue entitlement must not be confused with federal development allocations, stressing that the two are separate and cannot be conflated in ongoing negotiations with Putrajaya.

Deputy chief minister cum Finance Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the ongoing 40 per cent revenue discussions must not be confused to federal development funds or treated as part of broader development assistance to the state.

“This is based on constitution and must not be conflated with federal development allocations,” he said

He added that Sabah also maintains its position that the 40 per cent calculation mechanism should include revenue generated from companies operating within the state, even if those companies are headquartered or declared elsewhere.

“We also maintain revenue generated by companies operating in Sabah but declared outside the state, particularly those headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, should be included in the 40 per cent calculation, regardless of where the company is registered or declared,” he said.

He is ostensibly referring to national or multi-national companies in the oil and gas or palm oil industries who have large operations in Sabah but declare their taxes or revenue federally resulting in loss taxes for Sabah.

The 40 per cent claim comes from a provision in the Federal Constitution - Article 112C and Part IV of Article 10 - which declares that two fifths of federal revenue derived from the state needs to be returned.

The provision has not been honoured from 1974 with Sabah receiving only RM26.7 million annually – considered a fraction of what it is owed - for nearly five decades, before revisions in recent years saw increases to RM125 million in 2022, RM300 million in 2023, RM306 million in 2024, and RM600 million currently.

“For the record, the Sabah Government maintains its position that the original formula under Article 112C and Part IV of Article 10 of the Federal Constitution must be implemented in full.

“As such, it is not appropriate to suggest that Sabah’s efforts in this matter have been compromised, as the process must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions. The state government is aware that the current Special Grant is still far below what should be derived under the constitutional formula,” he said.

“Although not all developments are publicly disclosed, this does not mean that the state government has not acted. In reality, every negotiation meeting does not end at discussion alone, but is followed by further action through official correspondence and continuous reaffirmation of the state government’s position, urging immediate action,” he said.

As talks between the two governments continue over the formula of the 40 per cent, Masidi said that the state has asked that has asked for immediate payment of revenue components that are not in dispute, such as income tax and customs tax.

He said the state government is also open to discussions and to further refining constructive solutions on suitable payment options.

When faced with skepticism from several other elected representatives over the continuous delay and perceived hesitation from the federal government, Masidi said : “Don’t worry I’m still confident they will pay up, its just the time line. But we will push,” he said.

“In conclusion, both the state Government and stakeholders remain committed to ensuring that the implementation of Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement is expedited and fully honoured by the Federal Government,” he said.

SHAH ALAM, April 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the Petaling district development meeting here today, focusing on efforts to coordinate solutions to various implementation issues at the district and state levels.

The meeting, held at Dewan Jubli Perak, Sultan Abdul Aziz building, lasted more than an hour.

It was also attended by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, as well as state executive councillors and senior district officials.

Among the matters discussed were issues previously raised by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, including solid waste management, pig farming and non-Muslim places of worship.

The meeting also touched on infrastructure concerns such as damaged roads, the need to strengthen flood mitigation measures, and efforts to address poverty, particularly urban poverty. — Bernama 

JOHOR BAHRU, April 29 — A 42-year-old former dental prosthetist was sentenced to 35 years in prison and 12 strokes of the cane by the High Court here today for killing his girlfriend about seven years ago.

Judge Atan Mustaffa Yussof Ahmad handed down the sentence to the accused Lim Siong Kim after finding that the defence had failed to raise any reasonable doubt against the prosecution’s case.

The court ordered for the accused’s prison sentence, imposed at the end of the defence case, to run from the date the accused was arrested, which was June 10, 2019.

In his judgment, the Atan Mustaffa said the accused was the last person seen with the victim, where her deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was also found in the accused’s denture workshop.

He said there was also a testimony from Lim’s friend who confirmed that he had helped the accused dispose of the box containing the victim’s body in Taman Setia Indah.

The accused himself had also guided authorities to the location where the box was dumped.

Based on the charge sheet, Lim is charged with the murder of 33-year-old Teo Kang Ling at No. 17-01, Jalan Setia Indah here at about 8am on June 3, 2019.

For the act, the accused was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Lydia Salleh, while the accused was represented by counsels G. Ravi, Aida Hassan, Datin Freda Sabapathy and S. Saravanan.

Throughout the proceeding, a total of 12 prosecution witnesses were presented, while the defence presented two witnesses during their proceedings.

Based on the prosecution’s facts, the victim’s cause of death was from drowning due to obstruction of the respiratory tract.

On June 11, 2019, it was reported that a box containing a dead female body was found by the side of a road in the Taman Setia Indah industrial area here.

The woman, described as the accused’s girlfriend, was said to have been killed elsewhere, before her body was placed inside the box and kept.

However, when the victim’s body started to decompose and emitted a strong stench, the accused approached his friend to help him dump the box containing his lover’s remains.

Lim was then charged at the Magistrate’s Court here, on June 23, 2019 on charges of murder before the case was transferred to the High Court here for trial.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — A 24-year-old woman was sentenced to two years’ jail by the High Court here for causing the death of her newborn child by throwing the baby from the 38th floor of a condominium, last year.

Judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin passed down the sentence on Lua Mei Zhu and ordered it to take effect from the date of her arrest on February 27, 2025. She broke down in tears upon hearing the judgment.

Lua had earlier pleaded guilty to an alternative charge of infanticide while being in a disturbed mental state due to childbirth.

She committed the offence between 1.30pm and 9pm on February 26, and was charged under Section 309A of the Penal Code, which can be punished with a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine, if convicted.

According to the facts of the case, police received a report at 10.21pm on February 26 from a man who discovered a baby with severe head injuries on the external balcony of his ninth-floor unit. 

Acting on the information, police went to a unit on the 38th floor and found the accused inside a room before arresting her.

Investigations revealed the baby died from multiple injuries sustained after falling from a height. The accused had thrown the newborn out of the bathroom window shortly after giving birth, reportedly in a state of panic.

In mitigation, defence counsel Loke Kok Mun said his client regretted her actions and had already been remanded for one year and two months.

He said the incident stemmed from her immaturity in handling the situation. Although she knew she was pregnant out of wedlock in the final trimester, she did not seek medical care due to fear of social stigma.

“She was under emotional distress and was even afraid to inform her family, fearing shame as the baby’s father was of a different race and religion,” he said, adding that she had suffered prolonged depression after a breakup and received psychiatric treatment for three months at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta in Perak.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Shahrizzat Amadan, however, pressed for a heavier penalty, citing the gravity of the offence.

“A life has been lost. An innocent baby, who never had the chance to live, was thrown from a height.

“At the time, other family members were present in the house. The accused had other options, but tragically chose this course. I seek justice for the baby,” he said. — Bernama 

PUTRAJAYA, April 29 – The Finance Ministry has announced an increase in the retail prices of RON97 and RON95 petrol for the April 30 to 6 May 6 2026 period, while diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia will remain unchanged.

In a media statement released today, the Madani Government attributed the adjustments to ongoing volatility in global petroleum markets, driven by the prolonged crisis in West Asia.

The weekly price adjustments are based on the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), which takes into account average international market prices from the previous week.

According to the Ministry of Finance, global oil supplies and refined petroleum products continue to face constraints. Damage to production and refining facilities in West Asia is expected to require significant time for recovery, keeping petroleum prices elevated compared to pre-crisis levels.

The government has urged the public to use fuel prudently to help strengthen the nation's supply stability.

New Retail Prices (April 30 – May 6 2026)

The government also reaffirmed the following subsidised fuel prices:

The Madani Government stated it will continue to take a prudent approach to protect the public from price fluctuations while ensuring the nation’s fuel supply remains sufficient and secure.

SEREMBAN, April 29 — Any decision regarding the vacancy of four Executive Councillor (Exco) positions vacated by Barisan Nasional (BN) State Assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan will be made next week, according to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

He said that the matter was not discussed in today’s Exco meeting and that there is currently no need to appoint acting officials for those positions.

Aminuddin added that although certain portfolios are currently without an Exco, all previously planned state government programmes, including the National Youth Day celebration in Sendayan on May 15, will proceed as usual.

"We will decide on whatever the outcome is next week. During the Exco meeting just now, everyone was present except for the four who resigned. We have not even discussed successors or acting appointments as everything will be decided next week.

"It is not an issue for us to continue with planned programmes like National Youth Day as usual, and I have asked other Excos to help ensure its success because hosting it at a national level is an honor for Negeri Sembilan," he told reporters after chairing the Exco meeting here today.

Meanwhile, the State Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman denied claims circulating on social media that he had met with any other Umno assemblymen to fill the vacant Exco positions in the state government.

Earlier, Pertang assemblyman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias held the Senior Exco portfolio along with the Rural Development, Plantation, and Commodities committee and the Agriculture, Food Security, and Cost of Living committee.

Senaling assemblyman Datuk Ismail Lasim held the Education and Human Capital portfolio while the other two involved are Palong assemblyman Datuk Mustapha Nagoor, who held the Youth and Sports Development portfolio, and Linggi assemblyman Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli, who was responsible for the Heritage, Technology, Innovation, and Digital portfolio.

The state’s administrative crisis was triggered when all 14 UMNO and Barisan Nasional assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan unanimously declared a loss of confidence and withdrew their support for the state government led by Aminuddin following a leadership conflict.

However, Aminuddin was given the mandate to continue leading the state administration after receiving the consent of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, on Monday.

Negeri Sembilan has 36 state seats, and out of that total, PH won 17 seats, BN controlled 14 seats, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) won five seats in the 15th State Election in 2023.

PH and BN formed the government by controlling 31 state seats after the 15th state election. — Bernama

SEREMBAN, April 29 — Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has affirmed that the state administration will continue as usual despite his government now being in a minority position, as long as no alternative decision is made in accordance with the law and the state Constitution.

He said the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, had also decreed that the State Executive Council (Exco) meeting proceed today, with a focus on the welfare of the people and the continuity of the state administration.

"Tuanku Muhriz’s advice this morning was to proceed with the meeting and ensure that the current administrative situation does not disrupt efforts to resolve the people’s problems. The state must move forward,” he told reporters after chairing the Exco meeting here today.

Aminuddin said that although his administration is now in a minority position, he will continue to govern until a decision is made in accordance with legal provisions.

"I leave it to the law and Tuanku’s authority… if the time comes that the current government is only until this point, then that is as far as it goes. But I have been asked by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to continue until an appropriate decision is reached, in accordance with the law,” he said.

He said the state government does not want the people to be affected by the ongoing situation, and that governance must continue as usual amid economic challenges affecting both the public and the government.

The administrative impasse arose after all 14 Barisan Nasional-Umno assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan withdrew their support for Aminuddin’s state government, resulting in four vacant Exco positions.

However, Aminuddin has been allowed to continue leading the state administration following consent granted by the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, on Monday.

Negeri Sembilan has 36 State Legislative Assembly seats, with Pakatan Harapan (PH) holding 17, Barisan Nasional (BN) 14, and Perikatan Nasional (PN) five following the 15th State Election in 2023. PH and BN formed the state government after securing a combined total of 31 seats in the election. — Bernama

ALOR SETAR, April 29 — The suspect who allegedly assaulted his wife, resulting in a miscarriage, is believed to have targeted civil servants as spouses to support his livelihood.

Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said investigations found that the 43-year-old suspect has been married nine times, with all his current and former wives working as civil servants.

"The suspect is believed to currently have three wives and has been married nine times. He would seek partners with stable jobs, as he himself does not have steady employment.

"The suspect is hot-tempered, as he has four prior criminal records under Sections 325, 323, 318 and 506 of the Penal Code,” he said in a press conference at the Kedah police contingent headquarters here today.

He said police arrested the suspect at a homestay in the city yesterday following reports lodged by the victim’s brother on April 23 and by the victim herself on April 26.

"Police received a report on a domestic violence incident that resulted in serious injuries involving a 39-year-old woman who was assaulted by her husband at Ambangan Heights in Sungai Petani.

"Initially, the case was investigated under Section 325 of the Penal Code but was later reclassified under Section 326 after it was found that the victim had been beaten with several objects, including an iron rod and a plastic clothes hanger, causing bruises all over her body, fractures to the left and right ribs and spine, as well as a miscarriage,” he said.

The suspect, who has 11 children, has been remanded for seven days until May 5 for further investigation.

Earlier, the case went viral on social media after a woman was allegedly assaulted by her husband, resulting in a miscarriage, bodily injuries and facial bruising.

The suspect was also alleged to have taken the victim’s jewellery and savings amounting to nearly RM50,000.

Police have confirmed that the suspect is the same man involved in a wife assault case in 2021, in which a woman, Jahidah Nordin, was beaten into a coma in Larkin, Johor. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU, April 29 — Sabah will not allow unlicensed crocodile hunting despite rising human-wildlife conflict, with the state government warning that such a move would breach existing laws and risk damaging fragile ecosystems.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Jafry Ariffin said proposals to permit open hunting cannot be considered, stressing that regulation — not deregulation — is key to managing crocodile populations.

“As such, the government cannot consider proposals to allow unlicensed hunting at this time, as it would contravene existing laws and could jeopardise ecosystem sustainability,” he told the State Legislative Assembly.

Crocodiles in Sabah — specifically the saltwater species Crocodylus porosus — are protected under state law and also regulated internationally through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

While Sabah and Sarawak are allowed controlled farming and trade under Appendix II, Jafry said this does not justify unregulated hunting in the wild even with increasing conflict.

The policy comes amid growing concern over crocodile attacks in the state, with 11 fatalities and three injuries recorded in 2025.

Many of the incidents occurred in oil palm plantation areas, particularly during fishing activities.

Sabah maintains a licensing system to control both hunting and the trade of crocodile products, including skins and meat.

The framework is aimed at preventing unchecked exploitation while curbing illegal sales, which authorities say are still taking place on social media and digital platforms.

Jafry said enforcement and structured management remain the most effective approach.

Recently, Lamag assemblyman Mohd Ismail Ayob said the proposal should be seriously considered, particularly in critical situations that threaten the lives of residents along the Kinabatangan River to address growing safety concerns.

He noted that the Kinabatangan River is not only renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity, but also serves as a vital transport route and daily source of livelihood, especially for local fishermen.

“However, the presence of crocodiles in the river also poses significant safety risks to the local community.

As a control measure, the state offers permits to hunt crocodiles, conducts public awareness campaigns, installs warning signboards in high-risk areas, and carries out scientific studies and pilot programmes in hotspots such as Kinabatangan.

Jafry acknowledged growing unease in some districts, where rivers have effectively become off-limits due to crocodile presence, affecting daily activities and even emergency response operations.

However, he maintained that existing standard operating procedures — including targeted hunting through licensed operators — are sufficient if properly enforced.

Beyond crocodiles, the state is also grappling with human-elephant conflict, which has resulted in fatalities and crop destruction in rural areas. Authorities have introduced mitigation steps such as GPS tracking of elephant movements, electric fencing in hotspot areas, and community-based response teams.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) has urged the government to consider reintroducing the Generational End Game (GEG) provision under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 825).

Its president, Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, said the proposal was part of efforts to strengthen protection for future generations amid continuing public health challenges.

He said there was room to consider additional measures such as the GEG policy to complement existing tobacco control initiatives.

"To ensure a balanced and effective approach, we propose a comprehensive review of the GEG, including stronger engagement with stakeholders and a phased implementation that prioritises public education.

"The government can also undertake comparative studies on countries such as the United Kingdom (UK), which has banned the sale of tobacco products to individuals born on or after a specified year," he said in a statement today.

Murallitharan said the approach adopted by the UK was gaining global attention as a sustainable long-term strategy to reduce the burden of smoking-related diseases.

The statement also quoted constitutional law expert Prof Emeritus Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi as saying controls on smoking were consistent with the principles of the Federal Constitution and that there was no absolute right for individuals to smoke or vape.

According to the statement, Shad Saleem said the age-based GEG approach was lawful and acceptable, with the main emphasis on effective implementation.

"This provides a basis for confidence that discussions on the GEG can continue constructively," Murallitharan said.

Provisions related to the GEG were dropped from the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in late November 2023.

The bill was later passed after its second reading by then Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU, April 29 — Sabah’s tourism sector is bracing for turbulence as the ongoing Middle East conflict begins to ripple through global travel, prompting airlines to rationalise routes and forcing the state to rethink its connectivity strategy.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said airlines have cited profitability and operational concerns linked to the conflict as key reasons for the reduction of direct flights into Sabah, including routes to Kota Kinabalu and Tawau.

“Airlines do prioritise routes based on profitability, and with the current geopolitical situation, they are reviewing frequencies and passenger loads. These are among the reasons given for cutting back flights to Sabah,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the State Legislative Assembly.

He said that airlines represent a structural vulnerability for the state, with more than 90 per cent of tourist arrivals depending on air connectivity.

Jafry said that Sabah entered 2026 on a strong footing as international arrivals rose 17.7 per cent in the first two months of the year compared to the same period in 2025, signalling steady post-pandemic momentum.

However, the global landscape has since shifted, as the Middle East conflict has not only increased operating costs for airlines but also altered travel patterns, particularly for long-haul routes that Sabah relies on to draw higher-spending tourists.

Jafry said his ministry has begun recalibrating its strategy to cushion the impact by engaging with airlines and offering alternatives such as positioning Sabah as a “fly-through” destination — allowing travellers to transit through Kota Kinabalu en route to other regional destinations, potentially offsetting the loss of direct long-haul connectivity.

“As proposed by the Sri Tanjung assemblyman,we are considering options like fly-through arrangements in our engagements with airlines,” Jafry said.

The ministry has pivoted towards strengthening domestic and regional markets as a near-term buffer against global uncertainty.

Campaigns in collaboration with airlines and digital platforms such as Klook, Trip.com and Agoda are being intensified to stimulate local travel demand — a move aligned with federal efforts under Budget 2026 to encourage Malaysians to holiday within the country.

Early signs suggest this strategy is gaining traction. Participation in the Matta Fair in Kuala Lumpur last month generated nearly RM5 million in domestic tourism package sales, reinforcing Sabah’s appeal among local travellers.

Beyond that, the state is doubling down on more resilient regional markets in Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia, seen as less volatile compared to long-haul segments.

“The government is also leaning into event-based tourism — supporting festivals, cultural showcases and industry-led events — to boost visitor numbers and spending, particularly as spontaneous, short-haul travel becomes more prominent,” he said.

Rising fuel costs and broader logistical challenges are pushing up operating expenses, prompting the state to gather data and feedback to assess the scale of impact and consider targeted support measures.

Looking ahead to next year’s Visit Sabah 2027 campaign, Jafry said his ministry is in the midst of planning several short- and medium-term intervention measures to ensure the sustainability of the tourism sector.

“I also welcome the suggestion by the Honourable Member for N.69 to encourage domestic travel through hotel vouchers. This proposal will be brought to the attention of the Sabah Tourism Board as one of the alternative measures to support the industry,” he said.

KOTA KINABALU, April 29 — Sabah is facing a critical shortage of doctors, with the state government saying the gap to the national average is a significant 4,526 doctors across the state. 

State Minister for Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Julita Majungki said that there are currently 3,431 government doctors and 1,397 private practitioners in Sabah, resulting in a doctor-to-population ratio of 1:775.

The national target ratio is 1:400.

“Based on our calculations, Sabah requires 9,354 doctors. This means there is currently a shortage of 4,526 doctors compared to existing numbers,” she said during her winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.

Concerns about Sabah’s lack of adequate healthcare facilities have been raised by citizens and opposition leaders highlighting the strain on patients and the existing workforce particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Julita said the shortage of specialists remains a major challenge across hospitals in the state, with ongoing efforts to address the issue through training and incentives.

She said Sabah currently has three cardiologists, six cardiology specialists with fellowship training, two paediatric cardiologists, and one cardiothoracic surgeon.

Among the measures are encouraging medical officers to pursue specialist training, with support from the Health Ministry through increased federal training scholarships specifically for Sabah-based doctors.

“Financial incentives such as the Interior Placement Incentive (BIPP) are offered to attract specialists to Sabah and Sarawak, while the ministry has also appealed for the reinstatement of the Regional Incentive Allowance (BIW), which was previously discontinued by the Public Service Department,” she said.

At the same time, the government is pushing ahead with infrastructure upgrades to ease congestion and improve service delivery.

These include plans to upgrade Hospital Queen Elizabeth II into a cardiac centre, the construction of a new Sabah Blood Centre expected to be completed by 2029, and the procurement of two MRI machines for key hospitals in the state.

Julita also highlighted the completion of the Sabah Dental Specialist Centre in Kota Kinabalu, which is expected to reduce patient load at existing facilities by offering specialised non-hospital-based services.

Separately, the government has outlined a strategic plan to upgrade Hospital Duchess of Kent in Sandakan from a major specialist hospital — currently offering over 20 specialist services — into a full state hospital with more than 49 specialist services.

The upgrade project, approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (Rolling Plan 4), will include the construction of a new clinical block, an additional 594 patient beds, new wards, and the creation of more positions, including specialist doctors.

Despite the challenges, she stressed that healthcare costs in government facilities remain among the lowest in the country, with Malaysians receiving subsidies of up to 98 per cent of actual treatment costs.

PUTRAJAYA, April 29 — The Ministry of Finance today confirmed that guidelines have been issued to ministries and agencies to reprioritise operating expenditure in response to global supply chain challenges and rising subsidy commitments.

The ministry said the measure is part of a prudent fiscal management approach aimed at optimising government resources to ensure continued support for the people.

It stressed that spending adjustments will be carried out without affecting critical public services or undermining economic stability.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — Construction company Mamfor Sdn Bhd’s donations totalling RM19.5 million to political party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia in 2021 and 2022 were unusual because of the way the payments were made, the High Court heard today in Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s corruption and money laundering trial.

Bank Muamalat’s PKNS Shah Alam assistant branch manager Norazeanti Miswan said it would not be unusual for an individual, company or institution to make political donations.

But it was unusual in this case, as Bank Muamalat’s customer Mamfor had issued multiple cheques on the same day to the same recipient Bersatu, she said. 

“For example, in November 2021, the customer applied for more than one banker’s cheque at one time and paid to the same recipient. Per cheque RM500,000, but in one day more than two or three pieces [of cheques], at one time.

“That’s what I meant, that it appeared frequent and unusual, out of the ordinary. Because normally, customers do not apply for banker’s cheques to be paid to the same recipient through several transactions on the same day,” she said while testifying as the ninth prosecution witness in Muhyiddin’s trial.

Based on the bank’s records, Norazeanti confirmed that Mamfor did not make any donations to other political parties even from 2023 to 2025.

Earlier today, she also confirmed that Mamfor did not make donations to Umno, PAS or DAP from 2020 until the company closed its Bank Muamalat account in 2025, based on bank records.

Earlier today, when asked by Muhyiddin’s lead defence lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad, Norazeanti agreed that an “unusual” or “questionable” transaction does not necessarily mean that it is an “unlawful” transaction.

Previously, Norazeanti testified that her branch had flagged all Mamfor’s 29 cheques totalling RM19.5 million to the bank headquarters as unusual due to the frequent and large sums involved, adding that this was done through “questionable activity reports” — otherwise known as the bank’s internal suspicious transaction reports (STR). 

She agreed that a transaction cannot be assumed to be “unlawful” just because it was reported internally by her bank branch to Bank Muamalat’s headquarters as a “questionable” transaction. 

Besides the donations to Bersatu, she said her bank branch had also filed internal STRs with the bank headquarters on other Mamfor transactions to other recipients.

Norazeanti agreed with Amer that construction is a legitimate business and that it would mean Mamfor had obtained its funds through legitimate activities, also agreeing that the company is entitled to decide how to spend its money.

She agreed with Amer that it would be up to Mamfor to decide to give donations, and that giving donations is generally not an offence.

She agreed that Bank Muamalat could decide not to carry out any transactions for its customers if false information had been provided or if there was anything unlawful, also confirming that the bank had carried out Mamfor’s instructions to send money as donations to Bersatu.

For the RM19.5 million payments to Bersatu, Mamfor had declared them in banking forms as a “donation” or “political donation” to the party.

Norazeanti agreed that the authorities have not taken action against Mamfor for making false declarations.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s lead defence lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Complex on March 11, 2026. — Picture by Yusof Isa

Norazeanti agreed with Amer that the party Bersatu and its president Muhyiddin are two separate entities, and that a donation to Bersatu does not necessarily mean a donation to Muhyiddin.

Among other things, she confirmed that Mamfor’s cheques were made out to Bersatu instead of Muhyiddin, and that these cheques cannot be described as donations to Muhyiddin.

She confirmed that Mamfor had brought along copies of the company’s letters to Bersatu, when it went to the bank to apply for the banker’s cheques to Bersatu.

Amer showed her these letters, which she agreed were supporting documents and cover letters for the cheques to Bersatu.

Mamfor had addressed those letters to Bersatu’s treasurer, with the letter stating “Sumbangan untuk Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia” (Donation for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia).

She confirmed that Mamfor’s cheques to Bersatu could only go into the political party’s bank account, as the banks would not process the cheques to be deposited into other recipients’ accounts.

She agreed that the banking system would clearly record all transactions made by cheques and there would be no way for these transactions to be hidden.

She agreed that there are other methods to give donations such as through cash, further agreeing that there is no system to mandatorily record cash donations, unlike donations made through banks.

She agreed that donations through the banking process are more transparent than cash donations, further agreeing that the remittance forms, banker’s cheques and supporting letters showed that Mamfor’s donations to Bersatu were transparent.

She agreed with Amer that Bank Muamalat’s headquarters did not instruct for any of the cheques or payments for the RM19.5 million donations to be withdrawn or to be stopped.

In early 2025, Bank Muamalat had issued a notice for account closure to Mamfor, with the written reason stated as the “contractual agreement between bank and customer in terms of terms and conditions” had not been met, she said.

She confirmed the notice did not mention Mamfor’s donations to Bersatu as a reason for the account closure.

She was unable to confirm if this account closure notice was related to Mamfor’s 2021 and 2022 transactions to Bersatu, saying that only Bank Muamalat’s headquarters would know the reason.

Bank Muamalat PKNS Shah Alam assistant branch manager Norazeanti Miswan, the ninth prosecution witness, is seen leaving the courtroom at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex following proceedings for the corruption trial April 29, 2026. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Later when asked by deputy public prosecutor Noralis Mat, Norazeanti explained why she had said Mamfor could choose what to do with the money in its account, saying that bank customers could carry out transactions while bank officers would have the responsibility to report any suspicious transactions.

Asked to elaborate on her agreement that “unusual” transactions are not necessarily “unlawful”, Norazeanti explained that “unusual” transactions would be when it is not for usual situations where a customer pays to suppliers related to the customer’s nature of business.

As for “unlawful”, she said she understood it to mean matters that are not legitimate.

As for why a banker’s cheque is more transparent than a local cheque, she said this is because a customer would need to physically come to a bank branch to apply for banker’s cheques, while the bank would only know when a customer issues a local cheque as the chequebook is kept by the customer. 

Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) assistant registrar Harshini Radhakrishnan, who testified today as the 10th prosecution witness, confirmed SSM’s records on four companies, namely Mamfor, Nepturis Sdn Bhd, Sutracom Sdn Bhd, and KCJ Engineering Sdn Bhd.

In this trial, Muhyiddin is facing seven charges, namely four counts of alleged power abuse to obtain RM225.3m bribes for Bersatu (from Nepturis Sdn Bhd, Azman Yusoff, Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, and RM19.5 million from Mamfor Sdn Bhd) and three counts of alleged money laundering through money that Bersatu received from Bukhary Equity.

The trial before High Court judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin will resume on May 25.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today said investigations are underway into the circulation of an edited image of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah with authorities not ruling out the possibility that a fake account may have been used to upload the content.

He said an individual has already provided a statement to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), denying responsibility for uploading material believed to contain 3R elements that allegedly insulted His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor.

“At present, the MCMC is working closely with Meta and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to conduct forensic examination and analysis in order to verify several matters raised in the individual’s denial.

“Among the issues under investigation is the possibility of a fake account or the presence of an agent provocateur who may have deliberately created a false account to upload such content, thereby implicating another party and provoking public anger,” he said during the ministry’s weekly online press conference.

He said the matter remains under investigation and further statements will be issued by the PDRM and MCMC.

On Monday, the Selangor Council of the Royal Court strongly condemned a social media post that allegedly insulted the Sultan of Selangor, describing the act as irresponsible and potentially disruptive to public harmony.

In a statement, the Secretary of the Selangor Royal Council said its members expressed regret over the offensive post uploaded by a Facebook account identified as “Huayan The Pureland Learning Centre”, which allegedly featured an edited image linked to the issue of pig farming in the state.

The council said such behaviour was provocative and uncivilised, adding that it amounted to a serious insult to the royal institution and could undermine unity within Malaysia’s multiracial society.

It emphasised that the Malay Rulers have long served as a cornerstone of stability and harmony in the country, and that any attempt to insult or undermine the institution should be treated with utmost seriousness.

PUTRAJAYA, April 29 —The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will fully implement the Single Sign-On system for the MyJPJ Smart Application using MyDigital ID effective May 1, 2026.

JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the move is part of the government’s broader public service digitalisation agenda aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and improving service delivery efficiency.

He said the new system will enable users to access a wide range of JPJ services through a secure, valid and officially recognised digital identity.

"Users will only need MyDigital ID as their primary authentication method to access the MyJPJ application, reducing reliance on multiple login credentials while minimising data security risks,” he said in a statement today.

The MyJPJ app serves as an integrated platform offering a variety of services, including checking and renewing driving licences, renewing motor vehicle licences, checking summonses, and accessing other JPJ-related services online.

To date, the application has recorded more than 14 million users.

The latest version of the app will also include several new features, such as MyDigital ID integration, a guest mode that allows limited access without logging in, a 24-hour smart chatbot, and the integration of JPJeBid and JPJeQ services into a single platform.

JPJ is encouraging all MyJPJ users aged 12 and above to register for and activate their MyDigital ID ahead of the full rollout.

For MyPR holders, the existing login method will remain available through designated alternative channels.

Aedy Fadly said the single sign-on initiative reflects JPJ’s continued commitment to advancing digital transformation while ensuring public services are more efficient, secure and user-friendly. — Bernama

KUALA TERENGGANU, April 29 — A lorry attendant was sentenced to 18 years in prison and two strokes of the cane by the Sessions Court here today after pleading guilty to charges related to the death and injury of his adopted son.

Judge Mohd Zul Zakiqudin Zulkifli sentenced Muhammad Firdaus Zamri, 31, to 18 years in prison for causing the death of four-year-old Muhammad Adamdanial Abdul Khafidh, at an unnumbered house in Kampung Banggol Katong, Terengganu, at about 6 pm on April 11.

The charge was framed under Section 304 (a) of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of up to 30 years.

He was also sentenced to four years in prison and two strokes of the cane for causing injury to the child using a cane at the same time, day and location, an offence under Section 324 of the Penal Code, which provides a prison sentence of up to 10 years or a fine or whipping or any two of the punishments.

The prison sentences were ordered to be served concurrently from the date of arrest, which was April 13, meaning the man will only serve a total of 18 years in prison.

Earlier, defence counsel Muhammad Hafizuddin Abdul Haris, from the National Legal Aid Foundation, appealed for a lighter sentence, saying his client had shown remorse and would not repeat the offence, and also had family dependants to support.

However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Aisyah Mohamad urged the court to impose a heavy sentence, stressing that the victim was young, defenceless, and should have been protected by a caregiver rather than subjected to abuse.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Mohd Zul Zakiqudin said public interest must take priority.

He said the victim, entrusted to the accused’s care, was "gradually abused until death,” describing the offence as a serious breach of trust against a helpless child. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the government has decided that all official events must be organised on a moderate scale, as instructed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the matter was raised as a follow-up to earlier briefings and discussions at yesterday’s National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting.

“The prime minister stressed that all official events, workshops, and large-scale activities organised by ministries, agencies, departments, statutory bodies, as well as government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs), should be conducted on a moderate and prudent scale,” he said during the ministry’s weekly online press conference.

Fahmi also clarified that the government has no intention of tabling Budget 2026 in Parliament again, despite ongoing reviews of ministry operating expenditures.

He said the adjustments currently being made involve optimising existing spending without altering the overall budget framework.

On another development, Fahmi said the prime minister also emphasised the importance of coordinating the implementation of the Kampung Angkat Madani programme.

He said the initiatives under the federal government must be closely coordinated. 

“It was emphasised that this effort is a federal-level initiative and should be properly aligned, particularly with members of Parliament, including government backbenchers,” he added.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has informed the Cabinet that he will be meeting Umno–Barisan Nasional (BN) state assembly members in Negeri Sembilan soon, amid political uncertainty in the state.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Zahid conveyed the plan during yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, following reports that 14 BN assemblymen had withdrawn their support for Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, effectively signalling a loss of confidence in the state government.

Fahmi added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the Negeri Sembilan government continues to function as usual, stressing that the federal government will not interfere in matters relating to adat or customary affairs.

“The prime minister emphasised that the Negeri Sembilan government continues to operate as normal, and that the federal government will not interfere in matters relating to adat affairs,” he said during the ministry’s weekly online press conference.

The developments come against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Negeri Sembilan, after 14 BN assemblymen withdrew support for Aminuddin, effectively signalling a loss of confidence in the state government.

Subsequently, five opposition assemblymen from Perikatan Nasional (PN) reportedly declared support for BN, further complicating the balance of power in the 36 seat Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly.

The crisis has also been coloured by a declaration signed and read by Datuk Mubarak Dohak on April 19 to remove His Royal Highness the Yang di Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, at the Balai Undang Luak Sungai Ujong.

On April 20, Aminuddin said the declaration was not recognised and could not be accepted, stressing it had no legal or customary standing as Mubarak no longer held authority as Undang Luak Sungai Ujong. He added the act was inconsistent with Articles 10 to 12 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution (UUTKNS) 1959.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today said the government, through the Ministry of Communications and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is continuing efforts to implement electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification as part of tighter social media controls aimed at users under the age of 16.

He said the primary objective of the measure is to ensure that children below 16 years old do not independently hold social media accounts.

“In cases where accounts are created by parents and remain under their supervision, children may still use them to upload or view content. The key issue is ensuring that parental control can be effectively enforced,” he said during the ministry’s weekly online press conference.

He also emphasised that the effectiveness of the policy ultimately depends on the ability of parents to exercise adequate oversight.

Fahmi added that the initiative is also intended to reduce the risk of children interacting with unknown adults online.

Citing a recent case in Sabah involving a man who was sentenced to imprisonment and caning after committing an offence against a 15-year-old girl, he said investigations found that the initial contact between them took place via TikTok, despite platform rules prohibiting users under 16 from having accounts.

He said the incident highlights the limitations of relying solely on social media platforms to ensure child safety, particularly against threats such as sexual predators and paedophiles.

“As such, the government’s priority is to safeguard children’s welfare and the institution of the family,” he added. 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said crude oil supply remains stable in the immediate term, with no disruptions expected for May and June, particularly involving Petronas.

He said the matter was raised during yesterday’s National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, where current supply conditions were assessed as satisfactory.

“Based on the information presented, supply — particularly for Petronas — remains at a satisfactory level for May and June. InsyaAllah, there should be no issues,” he said during the ministry’s weekly online press conference.

He also said the meeting reviewed and continues to monitor global oil price movements, including crude oil and refined petroleum products such as RON95 and diesel.

He said the situation is closely linked to the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a key factor influencing global energy market volatility.

In light of these developments, Fahmi said the government is reviewing several subsidy-related measures and initiatives, including BUDI Madani RON95, BUDI Diesel and BUDI Individu.

“These mechanisms will be adjusted in line with developments in global supply conditions and oil prices,” he said.

Responding to questions on two vessels reportedly stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and ships said to be returning to Malaysia, he said there are currently no new updates.

“At present, there are no new updates. The vessels chartered or arranged by Malaysian companies remain stranded due to restrictions imposed by the parties involved in the ongoing conflict,” Fahmi said.

On whether diesel subsidy prices in Sabah and Sarawak would be reduced in line with Peninsular Malaysia, Fahmi said the matter has not yet been discussed.

He added that the government’s current focus is on developing a more targeted subsidy mechanism, including proposals similar to BUDI RON95 but adapted for diesel users, which remain under consideration by the Ministry of Finance.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — The High Court today ordered businessman Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri Kamaruzaman to pay RM250,000 in damages to former minister Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir in a defamation suit linked to allegations over an investment debt amounting to tens of millions of ringgit.

Judge Roslan Mat Nor made the ruling after allowing the suit by the former Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister against Aliff Syukri.

In addition to the damages, the court ordered Aliff Syukri to pay cost of RM50,000 to Abdul Kadir.

The court also issued an injunction restraining Aliff Syukri, his officers, agents or representatives from publishing or republishing the defamatory statements, or any similar allegations, against Abdul Kadir.

Judge Roslan further ordered that all defamatory content concerning Abdul Kadir be removed from all of Aliff Syukri’s social media platforms within seven days.

In addition, Aliff Syukri must provide a written undertaking that he will not publish or cause to be published any further defamatory statements against Abdul Kadir.

"The defendant is a well-known influencer and has millions of followers on social media. He is also involved in business," he said.

Judge Roslan said the court was of the opinion that there were legal channels open for the defendant to submit a claim for debt or any rights to the plaintiff, thus allowing the claim to be decided in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Abdul Kadir, 86, filed the suit on Sept 6, 2023, alleging that Aliff Syukri, 39, who is involved in the entertainment industry with a large following on social media, issued a defamatory statement against the plaintiff on Instagram and Facebook on July 2, 2023.

The plaintiff claimed that the statement meant, among other things, that the plaintiff owed the defendant millions of ringgit, in addition to the plaintiff's picture placed on the statement inviting negative comments from readers.

Aliff Syukri, through his defense statement, claimed that he had made an investment payment of RM30 million to comply with the joint venture agreement dated Nov 26, 2018 involving the plaintiff, the defendant and two companies.

He claimed that the parties in the joint venture agreement failed to make the payment of the money that had been invested in addition to all violations of such promises, including the undertaking given plaintiff to him is within the plaintiff's own knowledge." 

Judge Roslan underscored the importance of personal reputation, ruling that a person’s dignity and good name are invaluable and cannot be measured solely in monetary terms.

"The plaintiff is a seasoned Malaysian politician who has long been involved in the political arena. He has served in the Federal Cabinet, held several ministerial portfolios, and remains active in business as well as political party activities even after retirement,” he said.

He also noted that Aliff Syukri is a prominent influencer with millions of followers across social media platforms, in addition to his business interests.

He said that if Aliff Syukri believed he had a legitimate claim over any debt or entitlement, proper legal avenues were available to pursue such claims in accordance with the law.

Abdul Kadir, 86, filed the suit on Sept 6, 2023, alleging that Aliff Syukri, 39, who is involved in the entertainment industry with a large following on social media, issued a defamatory statement against him on Instagram and Facebook on July 2, 2023.

According to the suit, the postings implied that Abdul Kadir owed Aliff Syukri millions of ringgit. The plaintiff also contended that the inclusion of his photograph in the posts invited negative comments and harmed his reputation.

In his defence, Aliff Syukri claimed that he had invested RM30 million under a joint venture agreement dated Nov 26, 2018, involving Abdul Kadir, himself and two companies.

He alleged that the parties to the agreement had failed to fulfil their obligations, including repayment of the invested funds, and that various breaches of the agreement had occurred. — Bernama

JOHOR BAHRU, April 29 — Johor police said they are ruling out criminal elements or the involvement of another party in the shooting incident involving former Johor Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) associate chief Datuk Tan Lek Khang yesterday.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the 40-year-old politician was reportedly injured after his firearm accidentally discharged after training at the Ladang REM shooting range in Kota Tinggi yesterday.

“Initial investigations revealed that the incident did not involve any other party and was believed to have been caused by negligence when handling the firearm.

“Based on witness statements at the scene, the incident is believed to have occurred when the victim was cleaning his firearm after completing a shooting practice session.

“Investigators have ruled out criminal elements or the involvement of another negligent party in the incident,” he told reporters during a media conference at the Johor police contingent headquarters here today.

Ab Rahaman said a total of nine witnesses, including the victim’s 19-year-old stepson, a trainer, five bodyguards and two of the victim’s friends were quizzed by investigators.

“However, the actual cause of the incident on how the victim’s firearm was accidentally discharged is still under probe.

“This will involve a more detailed investigation that will also include a ballistics report,” he said, adding that police will also look at compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP) for safety when conducting training involving firearms.

Ab Rahaman said the victim had a valid firearms license and permit for his guns.

He said police have also seized two Sig Sauer pistols, bullet casings and ammunition used by the victim to assist in investigations.

Ab Rahaman said the victim is currently recovering at the Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) here after surgery last night to remove a bullet lodged in the left side of his chest.

He added that the victim is reported to be in stable condition.

Police are investigating the case under Section 37 of the Arms Act 1960 for causing injury with a firearm without lawful excuse and Section 337 of the Penal Code for causing injury by an act that endangers the life or safety of others.

Yesterday, it was reported that Tan was injured after he accidentally shot himself at the shooting range in Kota Tinggi at 3.30pm.

Popularly known as Datuk TLK, he has recently gained recognition in Johor for his charity work under Skuad TLK, which assists the needy and less fortunate.

He made headlines on February 13 after announcing his resignation from Bersatu following a loss of confidence in Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s leadership.

Tan was also a state candidate representing Perikatan Nasional (PN) for the Bekok constituency in the 2022 Johor state election.