South Korea bans travel to parts of Cambodia after student killing

South Korea bans travel to parts of Cambodia after student killing

SEOUL : South Korea has banned travel to parts of Cambodia following the torture and killing of a college student there. The foreign ministry designated the Bokor Mountain area in Kampot Province, Bavet City, and Poipet City as travel ban zones. South Korean nationals visiting or staying in those areas may face penalties under the new restrictions. Citizens planning travel to these areas are strongly advised to cancel their trips immediately. The ban coincides with South Korea preparing to send a special team to Cambodia later on Wednesday. This team will discuss cases involving fake jobs and scam centres that have kidnapped dozens of South Korean nationals. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac revealed about 1,000 South Koreans are believed to be working in Cambodian scam operations. These operations specifically target potential victims within South Korea itself. Wi further stated that around 200,000 people of various nationalities are estimated to work in Cambodia’s scam industry worldwide. Seoul confirmed 63 South Koreans are currently believed detained by Cambodian authorities. Officials have vowed to bring these detained citizens home as soon as possible. “We are arranging a flight to bring them home... We aim to complete this by the end of the week,“ Wi told reporters. The security adviser clarified that among the 63 detained were both voluntary and involuntary participants in scam operations. “Most of them should be regarded as having committed criminal acts” for taking part, he stated. All returnees will be subject to investigation upon arriving back in South Korea. A government official said the South Korean team headed by the vice foreign minister would depart Wednesday evening. Some 330 South Koreans were reported missing or detained against their will in Cambodia between January and August. This number has since been reduced to 80 individuals whose safety cannot be confirmed. The presidential office said Seoul plans to make every diplomatic effort to secure Cambodia’s cooperation. The response team includes officials from the police and South Korea’s spy agency. Police will conduct a joint investigation into the recent death of a South Korean college student. The student’s death from severe torture has deeply shocked the South Korean public. A Cambodian court statement confirmed the student died from multiple bruises and injuries across his body. Three Chinese nationals were charged with murder and online fraud on August 11 in connection with the case. Many Korean victims are lured by fraudulent job offers promising high pay, according to Seoul. Amnesty International says abuses in Cambodia’s scam centres are happening on a mass scale. The rights group reports at least 53 scam compounds in Cambodia where organised criminal groups operate. These groups carry out human trafficking, forced labour, torture, deprivation of liberty and slavery. – AFP

PN’s RM6,000 cash aid proposal called rhetorical and baseless

PN’s RM6,000 cash aid proposal called rhetorical and baseless

KUALA LUMPUR : Perikatan Nasional’s proposal to provide RM6,000 cash assistance to the people is unfounded and merely rhetorical. Political Secretary to the Minister of Finance Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said PN had the opportunity to implement such measures during its time in power but failed to do so. “The people should be cautious of such statements and be realistic about the nation’s financial capacity,“ he told reporters after opening the 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival at MATRADE. He was responding to Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s proposal to reintroduce Bantuan Prihatin Nasional aid of up to RM6,000 annually. Muhammad Kamil noted that aid distributed during PN’s administration was partially funded by the government and sourced from the Employees Provident Fund. He emphasised that total cash assistance distributed by the current government is significantly higher compared to previous years. The previous BPN scheme offered a maximum of RM2,000, while the current Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah allows households to receive up to RM4,600. – Bernama

UMNO Pensiangan Kukuh dan Bersedia Hadapi PRN, Tekad Terus Berjuang

UMNO Pensiangan Kukuh dan Bersedia Hadapi PRN, Tekad Terus Berjuang

PENSIANGAN, 15 Okt — Ketua UMNO Bahagian Pensiangan, Busiau Ampirak, menegaskan bahawa parti kini memasuki fasa penting dalam landskap politik Sabah menjelang Pilihan Raya Negeri (PRN) akan datang dengan semangat yang utuh dan jentera yang bersiap siaga di semua peringkat. Menurut beliau, kekuatan UMNO di bahagian terbabit terbina hasil kepimpinan yang bersih, kestabilan dalaman yang mantap serta kepercayaan akar umbi [...]

Banting dilanda ribut, sebuah sekolah terjejas

Banting dilanda ribut, sebuah sekolah terjejas

KUALA LANGAT: Beberapa kawasan di Banting, di sini dilanda ribut dan angin pusar sehingga mengakibatkan sebuah sekolah rendah di sini terjejas. Tular beberapa gambar dan video di media sosial memaparkan berlakunya kejadian tersebut di sekitar pekan berkenaan termasuk rakaman terbentuknya angin pusar di sebuah kawasan di Banting. Terdapat video lain yang memaparkan sebahagian bumbung sekolah ... Read more The post Banting dilanda ribut, sebuah sekolah terjejas appeared first on Utusan Malaysia .

Teen stabbing tragedy demands unified response, says minister

Teen stabbing tragedy demands unified response, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR : The recent fatal stabbing of a student is a wake-up call that demands a unified response from all sectors of society, said Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She emphasised the need for a collective and compassionate response from parents, teachers, community leaders and government rather than pointing fingers. “With the new challenges facing parents and children today, KPWKM will not cease in its efforts to improve our services,“ she told reporters at the Parliament building. “However, we cannot do this alone; tackling these challenges requires every party to play its part.” She stressed the importance of coming together to strengthen policies and programmes while supporting family and community institutions through empathy. Nancy concurred with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement on social media’s influential role and the need for firm government action. The Cabinet will soon debate decisive action on school safety and student discipline, addressing issues from social media influence to recent incidents requiring urgent intervention. Nancy believed stern action must be balanced with empathy and understanding of root causes including discipline, technology, guidance, communication, and family love and care. “The recent tragedy involving two teenagers is both heartbreaking and deeply concerning,“ she said. “As a society, we cannot view this tragedy as an isolated case.” She said it reflects challenges to values and social pressures children face at home, in school and in the borderless digital world. When asked about parents’ role as primary shapers of character, Nancy said child moral development begins in the home. She called on parents to lead by example, guiding children toward high moral character and discipline. Her comments followed the tragic death of a Form Four girl allegedly stabbed by a 14-year-old male student at a Selangor secondary school. The victim was found with multiple stab wounds outside a classroom at approximately 9.30 a.m. This tragedy follows other disturbing student incidents including a gang rape case in Melaka that led to four Form Five boys and one Form Three girl being expelled. – Bernama

Kenya’s veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga dies at 80

Kenya’s veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga dies at 80

NAIROBI : Kenya’s veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80, according to sources close to him. A family source confirmed he died in India while receiving medical treatment, with the hospital citing a cardiac arrest as the cause. Odinga spent decades at the centre of Kenyan politics, forming alliances with former enemies and serving a term as prime minister. His ability to collaborate with rivals earned him the Luo nickname “Agwambo,“ which translates to “mysterious one.” Kenyan President William Ruto visited the Odinga family home in Nairobi’s affluent Karen suburb following the news. Devoted supporters referred to him as “Baba,“ meaning “father” in Swahili, remaining loyal throughout his long career. Hundreds of grieving supporters from Nairobi’s Kibera slum marched to his home, many crying and waving twigs to ward off evil spirits. His legacy as a democracy activist was instrumental in achieving Kenya’s two major reforms: multiparty democracy in 1991 and a new constitution in 2010. Odinga led protests after the contested 2007 election, which triggered Kenya’s worst political violence since independence. Approximately 1,300 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced during the ensuing ethnic clashes. Much of the violence saw his western Luo tribe targeting the Kikuyu community, Kenya’s largest and most economically dominant ethnic group. Post-election violence also erupted following the 2017 presidential vote, which Odinga disputed. He was the son of Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice-president under independence leader Jomo Kenyatta. Despite his family’s substantial business interests, Odinga began his political life as a left-wing radical. He named his son Fidel after Cuban Communist leader Fidel Castro, reflecting his early ideological leanings. Odinga was first imprisoned in 1982 after a failed coup attempt against then-President Daniel arap Moi. He served a total of nine years in detention, including six years in solitary confinement. Odinga described his time in detention as a formative experience that taught him reflection and tolerance. He first won a parliamentary seat in 1992, representing an area that included the Kibera slum. Odinga held that constituency until 2013, known for his bright orange Hummer that attracted crowds. He lost his initial presidential bid in 1997 against incumbent President Daniel arap Moi. Four years later, Odinga formed a coalition government with Moi, a move some criticised as opportunistic. He defended the decision as pragmatic, comparing democratisation to a gradual process rather than instant coffee. This pattern of breaking and building alliances continued throughout the next two decades of his career. Odinga became prime minister in 2008 under a national unity government headed by his former rival Mwai Kibaki. This power-sharing agreement was designed to end the violent post-election crisis. Following the 2017 election, he reconciled with opponent President Uhuru Kenyatta in the famous “Handshake” agreement. He then lost the 2022 presidential election to William Ruto and unsuccessfully challenged the result in court. Undeterred, Odinga launched street protests against the government despite being in his late seventies. He struck a political pact with Ruto in 2024, effectively leaving Kenya without a formal opposition leader. Some observers viewed this final move as cynical, while others saw it as consistent with his political strategy. African Union commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised Odinga as a steadfast champion of democracy. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a towering statesman in his tribute. Condolences also came from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The Tanzanian leader called his death a tragedy not just for Kenya but for the entire region. – Reuters

Two Indonesians jailed for possessing RM138,920 in counterfeit banknotes

Two Indonesians jailed for possessing RM138,920 in counterfeit banknotes

KUCHING : Two Indonesians were each sentenced to two years imprisonment by the Sessions Court here after pleading guilty to possessing counterfeit banknotes. Wawan Riduanto, 31, and Emi Diansari, 37, were charged with possessing various denominations of counterfeit Malaysian Ringgit banknotes amounting to RM138,920. The offence occurred by the roadside along Jalan Serian-Tebedu, Serian, at approximately 4.45 pm on October 8. They were jointly charged with two other men – local citizen Abang Firdaus Abang Abdul Malek, 29, and Indonesian national Hendra, 32 – who pleaded not guilty to the same charge. All four were accused of possessing 1,200 pieces of RM100 notes, 240 pieces of RM50 notes, 296 pieces of RM20 notes and 100 pieces of RM10 notes. Judge Musli Abdul Hamid ordered the prison sentence for the unrepresented Emi and Wawan to take effect from today. The charge was framed under Sections 489C and 109 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same code, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years upon conviction. Deputy public prosecutors P. Ruvinasini and Asmawi Nur Haqim Mokhtar conducted the prosecution, while Patrick Voon represented Hendra and Abang Firdaus. The court set November 13 for case mention, allowing Abang Firdaus bail of RM20,000 with two local sureties, while Hendra was ordered to be remanded in prison. According to case facts, a General Operations Force Battalion 23 team detained two foreign men riding a motorcycle suspiciously by the roadside, believed to have recently entered through the Tebedu-Entikong border. Upon questioning, they led police to another individual nearby, resulting in the discovery of the counterfeit banknotes. Subsequently, a woman was also arrested in connection with the case. – Bernama

Insiden jenayah di sekolah: Janji siasatan telus, profesional - Saifuddin Nasution

Insiden jenayah di sekolah: Janji siasatan telus, profesional - Saifuddin Nasution

TANJONG MALIM - Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) menjanjikan siasatan yang telus dan profesional terhadap insiden jenayah yang berlaku dalam kawasan sekolah kebelakangan ini.Menteri Dalam Negeri, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail turut menegaskan mereka yang terlibat akan dibawa ke muka pengadilan mengikut lunas undang-undang yang ada.Beliau berkata, keyakinan masyarakat terutama ibu bapa terhadap jaminan keselamatan di kawasan sekolah perlu diperkukuh selaras slogan 'polis dan masyarakat berpisah tiada'."... aspek keselamatan sekolah ini, rakyat berhak untuk memberi tumpuan sebab anak-anak mereka (ibu bapa) dihantar ke sekolah."Soalnya adalah kita harus mengukuhkan keyakinan rakyat, termasuk ibu bapa (dan) kalau ia berkait dengan insiden jenayah di sekolah, maka pelakunya akan kita bawa ke muka pengadilan menggunakan undang-undang yang sedia ada," katanya berucap pada Majlis Penyerahan Projek Pembinaan Ibu Pejabat Daerah (IPD) Mualim di sini pada Rabu.Turut hadir, Menteri Kerja Raya, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.Saifuddin Nasution berkata, selain akta berkaitan kanak-kanak, pihaknya juga akan melakukan siasatan menggunakan Kanun Keseksaan seperti 302, 375 atau 377B terhadap kes berkaitan.Beliau turut menekankan pihak polis tidak akan berkompromi terhadap sebarang insiden jenayah di sekolah walau siapa pun pelakunya, namun peranan itu tidak boleh diletakkan pada bahu pasukan itu semata-mata."Ia kena melibatkan pihak sekolah, pemimpin masyarakat sebab aspek keselamatan ini kita nak gembleng kerjasama semua," katanya.Semalam, seorang pelajar perempuan berusia 16 tahun meninggal dunia dipercayai ditikam pelajar lelaki lelaki berusia 14 tahun di sebuah sekolah menengah di Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.Minggu lepas pula, dalam kejadian di sebuah sekolah di Alor Gajah, Melaka seorang pelajar perempuan Tingkatan Tiga dipercayai dirogol oleh beberapa pelajar lelaki Tingkatan Lima. - Bernama

Myanmar junta chief admits election cannot be held nationwide

Myanmar junta chief admits election cannot be held nationwide

NAYPYITAW : Myanmar’s junta chief has acknowledged that the military-backed administration cannot conduct an upcoming general election across the entire country. Min Aung Hlaing made this admission during a speech broadcast on state television from the capital Naypyitaw. He stated that by-elections would follow in some areas after a new government is formed. Critics and many Western nations view the election as a sham exercise to legitimise the military’s rule. The election is due to start in late December and will be the first since the 2021 coup. Dozens of anti-junta parties are either banned or refusing to participate in the election. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup deposed an elected civilian government. The coup triggered a nationwide armed rebellion that has wrested swathes of territory from the military. The junta conducted a full, on-ground census to generate voter lists in only 145 of the country’s 330 townships. A December census report put Myanmar’s total population at 51.3 million. Current rules require political parties to meet a high threshold of at least 50,000 members. Parties must also have 100 million kyat, approximately $47,762, in funds to be eligible. Only six parties meet these requirements and are eligible to contest the upcoming polls nationwide. The junta has invited ASEAN countries to send observers for the election. The election is due to start on December 28 and will continue in phases into January. The ASEAN bloc is expected to discuss this request during its summit later this month. Malaysia currently chairs ASEAN, which includes nine other Southeast Asian nations. Min Aung Hlaing’s remarks came days after he met Malaysia’s foreign minister. This was his first public admission that the polls cannot be fully inclusive. – Reuters

Jika tiada ‘dealing’ awal, dua lot tanah kerajaan negeri tidak akan terlepas – saksi

Jika tiada ‘dealing’ awal, dua lot tanah kerajaan negeri tidak akan terlepas – saksi

KUALA LUMPUR – Mahkamah Sesyen di sini hari ini diberitahu, jika tiada ‘dealing’ (rundingan) awal antara Lim Guan Eng dengan dua ahli perniagaan, dua lot tanah milik kerajaan negeri tidak akan terlepas secara salah sehingga kerajaan Pulau Pinang mengalami kerugian. Dua ahli perniagaan itu ialah Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd. Zulkifli dan mendiang Datuk Ewe Swee ... Read more The post Jika tiada ‘dealing’ awal, dua lot tanah kerajaan negeri tidak akan terlepas – saksi appeared first on Kosmo Digital .