LONDON, Oct 17 — Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard will be out for a few weeks with a knee problem, manager Mikel...

• Malay Mail
• 1 gün, 6 saat, 13 dakika

LONDON, Oct 17 — Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard will be out for a few weeks with a knee problem, manager Mikel...

• Malay Mail
• 1 gün, 6 saat, 13 dakika

PUTRAJAYA : The government plans to raise the minimum age for social media usage to 16 in an effort to address social issues among school students. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated the government is also exploring the necessity of requiring social media accounts to be registered using official government documents. He said the proposed registration mechanism may be similar to the e-KYC process currently used in banking apps and e-wallets. To assess the feasibility of this mechanism, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will send a delegation to meet social media platform operators in Singapore next week. Fahmi added that discussions will also be held with Bank Negara Malaysia and other parties experienced with the e-KYC system. He emphasised that the decision to raise the age and explore registration is currently at the policy level. Further updates will be provided after the minister receives the report from the discussions in Singapore. Meanwhile, MCMC has been tasked with reviewing actions against e-commerce platforms found selling prohibited items like narcotics or dangerous weapons. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Domestic Trade periodically issue instructions to remove advertisements for such prohibited products. Fahmi urged MCMC to explore actions against e-commerce companies that fail to cooperate with government directives and laws. He made these comments after being asked about efforts to stop online weapon purchases. This follows police confirmation that weapons seized from a suspect in a fatal school stabbing were bought online. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 14 dakika

KUALA LUMPUR : A Federal Reserve Unit member and four Indian nationals have pleaded not guilty to trafficking seven women for sexual exploitation. Corporal S. Kobinath and the four Indian nationals were jointly charged at the Sessions Court with trafficking the victims aged between 30 and 40. The alleged offence occurred at a hotel on Jalan Ampang in Dang Wangi at 1 am on September 30. They face charges under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code. This charge carries a minimum 15-year prison sentence and maximum 20-year term plus possible fines upon conviction. Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Habibullah Mohammad Shah initially proposed RM20,000 bail with one surety for Kobinath. The prosecution opposed bail for the four Indian nationals because they are foreign citizens. Defence lawyer P. Muniswer requested reduced bail of RM8,000 for Kobinath citing his elderly parents’ financial support. Lawyers R.M. Muniandy and Erickka Farrise Amir sought bail for their clients Thanaletchumy and Vasanthy respectively. Unrepresented accused Muniswary informed the court she stays with friends in Malaysia without local family. Judge Azura Alwi granted Kobinath bail at RM10,000 with one surety instead of the prosecution’s requested RM20,000. Thanaletchumy and Vasanthy received bail set at RM20,000 each requiring two sureties. Mathan and Muniswary were denied bail and will remain in custody throughout proceedings. The court scheduled the next case mention for November 17. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 14 dakika

SHAH ALAM : Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that a political party not inviting leaders from other parties to its general assembly is nothing new. He suggested MIC’s decision not to invite him or other BN leaders could stem from the party’s leadership or members wanting to focus on resolving crucial internal issues. “They are holding their AGM this time to resolve their internal problems, so surely we must give them ample space to do just that,“ he told reporters at the ASEAN Sports Industry Expo 2025 here today. When asked if BN was prepared should MIC decide to leave the coalition, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said BN is open to accepting whatever decision MIC’s leadership makes. “We are open to it. Previously, we had 14 component parties in BN and there was no coercion on whether to stay or leave,“ he said. He added that MIC will definitely make a wise decision about which coalition to join, advising them not to regret it later. MIC president SA Vigneswaran was reported saying the party would not invite any other party leaders, including BN members, to its AGM on November 16. He explained this year’s AGM will be a one-day event focusing solely on internal party matters. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 14 dakika

KUALA LUMPUR : Police have arrested ten men and are tracking down two more individuals to assist in the investigation of a shooting incident in Kuala Selangor on October 7 that left a man injured. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk M Kumar stated that his department received a police report on October 7 involving a 29-year-old lorry driver who was shot in the abdomen at close range. Acting on information obtained through collaboration with the Selangor Police Contingent, the CID conducted several operations in Selangor and arrested ten local men aged between 21 and 40. He said the arrested individuals are believed to be members of an organised crime group. Based on information gathered from the arrests, police conducted a raid on a house in Kuala Selangor on October 10 and recovered a Beretta automatic pistol believed to have been used in the shooting. Kumar said initial investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a territorial dispute over drug trafficking activities. All the suspects were found to have various records of violent and drug crimes. Police are currently tracking down two more individuals to assist in the investigation. One of the suspects being tracked is an individual on the wanted list for involvement in organised crime activities. All those arrested have been remanded until October 20. The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code and Section 3 of the Firearms Act (Increased Penalties) 1971. Kumar also warned that the police would continue to crack down on organised crime activities. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 14 dakika

JITRA : The Ihya ‘Ulumuddin Mosque in Changlun has officially commenced full operations today, bringing joy to residents who had long awaited a spacious and comfortable place of worship. Construction of the new mosque, which replaces the old facility, resumed after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional allocation of RM3.07 million in 2023. The total project cost now stands at RM5.77 million following this crucial financial injection. Deputy chairman Zainol Abidin Mohamad confirmed the mosque was completed early this year but required infrastructure improvements and official approval before opening. He expressed profound gratitude to the Prime Minister for reviving the once-abandoned project that congregation members had eagerly anticipated. Zainol Abidin noted that several facilities still require enhancement for optimal congregational comfort, including air-conditioning installation and expanded parking. The mosque committee plans to request additional allocations from the Prime Minister to further optimise the mosque’s functionality. Imam Hasrul Hasan revealed the new mosque can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers, significantly more than the old mosque’s 600-person capacity. The old mosque will remain operational for daily prayers while Friday prayers and religious programmes will exclusively use the new facility. Congregant Muhamad Nur Amirul Nur Asmadi praised the new mosque’s safer location away from the main road, eliminating previous traffic congestion and safety concerns. He specifically acknowledged the government’s allocation that enabled completion of this more comfortable worship space, particularly benefiting elderly congregants. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 14 dakika

KUALA LUMPUR : Two trucks carrying 40 tonnes of flour from a humanitarian aid convoy dispatched by Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCARE) entered Gaza via the Rafah border crossing on Thursday. MyCARE senior project manager Kamarul Halim Sakrani confirmed the update was provided by its partner NGO Al-Khyr. He stated the aid will be stored in a warehouse in southern Gaza under the supervision of MyCARE’s Gaza office general manager Dr Ziad Shehada. “Following the reopening of the Rafah crossing in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, MyCARE dispatched five humanitarian aid trucks, four carrying 80 tonnes of flour and one transporting 1,000 food packs, with a total value of RM360,000,” he said. Kamarul Halim added that MyCARE has planned a series of projects in Gaza to be carried out in two phases from this month to September 2026. These projects will be led by Dr Ziad and cover areas including mobile clinics, temporary shelters, and maintenance of water wells. The initiatives also include installation of solar-powered wells, restoration of educational infrastructure, and provision of food packs, clean drinking water, and infant formula. Kamarul Halim noted these initiatives include income-generating activities alongside short-term and long-term recovery efforts. “With a total value of RM9 million, the projects are expected to take between three and six months to implement, with the initial six months focused on immediate relief efforts such as food pack distribution, providing temporary shelters, clean drinking water, and infant formula,” he said. He added that the following six months will focus on long-term recovery projects, including the maintenance of water wells, installation of solar-powered wells, and the restoration of educational infrastructure. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 14 dakika

SHAH ALAM: Tindakan sesebuah parti politik tidak menjemput pemimpin parti lain menghadiri mesyuarat agung parti berkenaan bukan suatu perkara baharu menurut Pengerusi Barisan Nasional Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Beliau berkata keputusan MIC tidak menjemput beliau atau mana-mana pemimpin parti lain termasuk daripada BN mungkin kerana kepimpinan tertinggi dan ahlinya mahu memberikan fokus untuk menyelesaikan beberapa isu penting berbangkit yang melibatkan parti itu. “Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan kali ini mereka mahu menyelesaikan masalah dalaman mereka, tentunya kami beri ruang seluas-luasnya untuk mereka menyelesaikan masalah itu,” katanya semasa ditemui pada Ekspo Industri Sukan ASEAN 2025 di sini hari ini. Ditanya jika BN bersedia sekiranya MIC memutuskan untuk keluar daripada gabungan itu, Ahmad Zahid yang juga Timbalan Perdana Menteri berkata pihaknya terbuka dengan apa jua keputusan yang dibuat kepimpinan MIC. “Kami terbuka, dulu kami ada 14 parti komponen dalam BN dan tidak ada paksaan sama ada untuk masuk atau keluar,” katanya. Beliau menambah bahawa tentunya mereka akan buat sesuatu keputusan yang bijak bagi menentukan gabungan mana yang mereka akan sertai asalkan mereka tidak menyesal kemudian hari. Presiden MIC SA Vigneswaran dilaporkan berkata sebelum ini parti itu tidak akan menjemput mana-mana pemimpin parti lain termasuk BN pada Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan yang akan diadakan pada 16 November depan. Beliau berkata ia berikutan mesyuarat itu akan diadakan hanya selama sehari dan memfokuskan kepada hal-hal dalaman parti. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 15 dakika

KUALA LUMPUR : Four former bank officers pleaded not guilty in two Sessions Courts here today to charges of accepting bribes totalling RM177,769.39 involving personal loan applications from customers. The accused are Noor Iskandar Aziz, 44, and Muhammad Najmi Mu’az Pekan, 34, who are now e-hailing drivers, Amir Hafizi Anuar, 29, a salesman, and Syazwan Akmal Badran, 33, an employee of a private company. Before Judge Rosli Ahmad, Noor Iskandar, a former marketing officer at Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad Putrajaya Branch, faced ten counts of accepting bribes totalling RM94,173 from CSA Infinite Consultancy Company, Ong Kim Hock, Ong Mun Ho, Lim Kim Yen and Anas Syazwan Abd Samad. Also charged before Judge Rosli was Muhammad Najmi Mu’az, a former consumer finance executive at Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad PKNS Branch in Shah Alam, who faced two counts of receiving bribes totalling RM5,567 from JWW Titans Trading and Lim. Amir Hafizi, a former marketing officer at Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad Kajang Branch, was charged with seven counts of receiving bribes totalling RM37,347.76 from CSA Infinite Company, JZ Solution Company and Lim. They were accused of accepting bribes as rewards for assisting in processing personal financing applications for customers of CSA Academy Company who had submitted similar applications to several other financial institutions. This resulted in customers obtaining multiple loans that exceeded their eligibility limits. Meanwhile, Syazwan Akmal, a former marketing officer at Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad Petaling Jaya Branch, pleaded not guilty before Judge Azura Alwi to eight counts of receiving bribes totalling RM42,681.63 from JWW Titans Company, CSA Infinite Company, Lim and JZ Solution Company for similar purposes. All offences were allegedly committed at Maybank and RHB Bank in Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur between October 5, 2021, and July 5, 2024. The charges were framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which provides for a maximum 20 years imprisonment and a fine of five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. The court granted Noor Iskandar, Muhammad Najmi Mu’az, Amir Hafizi and Syazwan Akmal bail of RM25,000, RM10,000, RM20,000 and RM15,000 respectively, with one surety each. Additional bail conditions required them to surrender their passports to the court and report monthly to the MACC office. The accused are also prohibited from interfering with prosecution witnesses. The court set mention dates for November 20 for Noor Iskandar’s case and December 10 for the cases involving Muhammad Najmi Mu’az and Amir Hafizi. Judge Azura set December 3 for the mention of Syazwan Akmal’s case. Deputy public prosecutors Nurul Izzati Sapifee, M. Esther Jacyntha and Nidzuwan Abd Latip conducted the prosecution. Lawyers A. Rayveni, Abdul Hakeem Aiman Mohd Affandi and Humaidi Zulkifli represented the accused, except Syazwan Akmal who was unrepresented. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 15 dakika

PUTRAJAYA : Road closures for the 47th ASEAN Summit will be implemented in stages and only at specific times rather than as a 24-hour lockdown. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil clarified that closures would occur temporarily during the arrival of visiting leaders along designated routes. The affected routes will include those from Bunga Raya Complex at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the Royal Malaysian Air Force Subang Air Base to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre or official accommodations. He emphasised that the closures are temporary and not a permanent measure or a full lockdown. Fahmi explained that routes would be closed only while a head of state’s convoy is passing through before reopening immediately afterward. The public is advised to plan their journeys carefully and follow official traffic advisories for smooth travel during the summit period. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 15 dakika

KUALA LUMPUR : New Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee chairman Major General (Rtd) Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Zin Bidin has outlined ten strategic priorities to strengthen the Scouts movement in the region for the next three years. These priorities include empowering the younger generation and innovating education methods. The strategy also focuses on enhancing diversity and inclusivity within the movement. Another key priority involves ensuring the safety and well-being of all Scout members. Dr Mohd Zin emphasised the importance of properly valuing volunteers who support Scouting activities. Strengthening governance structures forms another crucial element of the strategic plan. Expanding the movement’s reach to more communities represents a significant objective. Adapting to digital transformation remains essential for the Scouts’ future development. Advancing peace and sustainability initiatives will be actively pursued across the region. The final priority ensures the movement maintains its relevance and influence among youth. Dr Mohd Zin stated that Scouting needs to lead change rather than simply moving alongside it. He stressed the importance of preparing young people for a world shaped by artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The National Chief Scout delivered these remarks at the 28th Asia-Pacific Scout Conference in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The conference gathered approximately 400 representatives from thirty countries. Organised by the General Association of the Scouts of China, the event celebrated past achievements while planning future directions. Dr Mohd Zin’s appointment recognises Malaysia’s contributions to strengthening global Scout leadership. He expressed hope that this period would be remembered as an era when Asia-Pacific Scouting rose boldly with unity and inclusivity. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 15 dakika

THE Football Association of Malaysia has suspended its Secretary-General Datuk Noor Azman Rahman with immediate effect. This disciplinary decision relates to documentation issues involving the eligibility of seven national heritage players. FAM Deputy President Datuk S. Sivasundaram announced they have also established an independent body to investigate the matter. He stated the suspension aims to ensure transparency and allow the independent body to conduct a thorough probe without interference. “We are appointing an independent committee just to investigate,“ Sivasundaram told a press conference. “We don’t want the secretary-general to be around, so as to ensure a transparent investigation.” He explained that the Secretary-General heads the secretariat and has taken responsibility for the situation. Noor Azman will remain away from his position until the investigation reaches completion. The documentation issue has recently created significant controversy within Malaysian football circles. This move represents FAM’s commitment to addressing the eligibility concerns surrounding heritage players properly. The independent committee will now conduct its probe free from potential internal influences. Also present were Harimau Malaya chief executive officer Rob Friend and FAM legal council, Serge Vittoz, an international sports lawyer from Geneva and London based law firm, Charles Russell Speechlys. Meanwhile, Sivasundaram said the new independent committee, which will not comprise any FAM officials, will be tasked to identify what went wrong in the documentation and submission process that led to FIFA’s sanction against the seven heritage players and the national body. He said they are still awaiting the next stage of the appeal process which was submitted to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) on Oct 14. “FAM maintains that these players were lawfully naturalised in accordance with Malaysian law,” he said. Last month, FAM and seven naturalised players - Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel - were penalised by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee after being found guilty of violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) related to document falsification. In a statement, FIFA said FAM had submitted falsified documents to confirm the eligibility of the players, allowing them to compete in the third-round match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Vietnam on June 10. As a result, FAM was fined CHF350,000 (approximately RM1.8 million), while each player was fined CHF2,000 (about RM10,560) and suspended for 12 months from all football-related activities, effective from the date of notification of the decision. In a previous statement, FAM explained that it had identified a technical error in the submission process involving the seven players’ documents, which was made by an administrative staff member. FAM had also stated that it did not rule out the possibility of taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if the appeal at the FIFA level fails to yield a positive outcome. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 15 dakika

KUALA LUMPUR : Nuclear power is being considered as a potential option to strengthen energy security and support ASEAN’s shift towards a low-carbon energy future. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof highlighted new technologies like small modular reactors as particularly promising for the region. For Malaysia specifically, the government is examining nuclear power’s role in its long-term energy strategy to ensure security, affordability, and sustainability. Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, stated they are taking careful steps guided by international best practices. “We are taking careful and transparent steps to build the institutional, technical, and human resource foundations necessary to make informed decisions on nuclear energy development,“ he said. He delivered these remarks during his keynote address at the ASEAN-Korea Sustainable Nuclear Energy Cooperation Forum. The forum was held alongside the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum in Kuala Lumpur today. Fadillah emphasized the invaluable collaboration with partners in South Korea and across ASEAN. He noted South Korea’s advanced nuclear technology and safety experience provides a strong basis for mutual learning. This partnership opportunity combines with ASEAN’s growing energy demand and sustainability goals. South Korea’s Ambassador to Malaysia Yeo Seungbae highlighted ASEAN’s emergence as an AI and digital hub. He stated rapid organisation and population growth have made the region one of the world’s fastest-growing electricity demand centres. Citing ASEAN Centre of Energy estimates, Yeo noted the region may install approximately 5.2 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050. Many ASEAN members are now taking concrete steps toward nuclear production in partnership with South Korea. He mentioned Malaysia is following a comprehensive feasibility study assessing nuclear power as stable and clean. “As reflected in the 13th Malaysia Plan, the country is now taking preparatory steps to include nuclear energy in its power mix by 2031,“ Yeo added. South Korea’s active involvement in ASEAN nuclear initiatives reflects its proven record in safety and cost-effectiveness. Yeo noted South Korea currently operates 26 nuclear reactors supplying about 30% of its electricity. This positions South Korea as one of the world’s leading nuclear power countries. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 15 dakika

PUTRAJAYA : Malaysia’s gross domestic product in the third quarter of 2025 is forecast to grow 5.2%, demonstrating the nation’s continued strong economic expansion. This growth projection specifically highlights robust performance in the construction and services sectors according to official estimates. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the latest forecast exceeds an earlier 4.8% growth projection despite global uncertainties. “Even with geopolitical and international trade issues that appear unstable, Malaysia’s economy remains on a strong growth path,“ he stated during his weekly press conference. Fahmi added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has requested special attention for the manufacturing sector to better manage current challenges. The 5.2% growth forecast represents a significant increase from the 4.4% expansion recorded in the previous quarter. Department of Statistics Malaysia Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin attributed this growth to strong performance across all major economic sectors. He specifically noted that domestic demand remains the primary driver of Malaysia’s economic expansion. Tourism-related activities during public and school holidays provided particular momentum to the services sector growth. This positive economic outlook comes amid ongoing global political and trade uncertainties affecting many nations. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 15 dakika

PUTRAJAYA : The government is conducting a comprehensive study on social issues in schools according to MADANI Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi, who is also the Communications Minister, said the study is being carried out by a special committee with its report to be presented to the Cabinet for follow-up action decisions. He told a media conference following the Cabinet meeting that the committee will prepare its report as soon as possible. The Cabinet also agreed on the need to increase police presence in schools to ensure safety. Fahmi stated that police personnel presence would demonstrate that schools are safe places with the Home Ministry set to issue a full statement. The Education Ministry will announce a directive for more frequent spot checks in schools. He confirmed that the Education Ministry will issue guidelines for schools to implement weekly spot checks. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier said the Cabinet proposed enhanced security monitoring in schools by police and the Home Ministry. Today’s Cabinet meeting focused on educational matters, disciplinary issues in schools, and family concerns. Recent tragic school incidents include a Form Four girl fatally stabbed by a 14-year-old schoolmate in Selangor. Another case involved four Form Five boys and a Form Three girl in a gang rape incident in Melaka. – Bernama

• theSun
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 16 dakika