Johor police bust drug syndicate, seize RM5.33 million in narcotics

Johor police bust drug syndicate, seize RM5.33 million in narcotics

JOHOR BAHRU : Johor police have dismantled a drug distribution syndicate and seized narcotics valued at RM5.33 million in a series of raids. The operation, conducted on October 10 and 11, resulted in the arrest of four local men aged between 35 and 54. Police confiscated 37.62 kilogrammes of various drugs during three separate raids across the city. In the first raid at a Taman Delima condominium, officers detained two men and seized 10 kg of MDMA powder, 2 kg of ecstasy pills, 735 g of ecstasy powder, 110 g of syabu, 60 g of Erimin 5 pills and drug processing equipment. A second operation along Taman Sri Tebrau roadside led to another arrest and the discovery of 1.44 g of methamphetamine. The third raid at a Jalan Larkin condominium netted one suspect and 15.31 kg of MDMA powder, 3.46 kg of ecstasy powder, 3.49 kg of ecstasy pills, 1.72 kg of ketamine, 430 g of Erimin 5 pills, 260 g of ganja and 38 g of syabu. Johor police chief CP Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the seized drugs could have supplied approximately 115,948 individuals if they had reached the local market. He revealed the syndicate had been active since March and used heavily guarded apartments as storage locations before distributing drugs to nightclubs. All suspects tested positive for methamphetamine in urine screenings, with two having prior drug and criminal records. Police have remanded the suspects for seven days until October 17 under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction. Authorities also seized three vehicles and jewellery worth RM123,200 under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, bringing the total seizure value to RM5.45 million. Ab Rahaman emphasised that the success resulted from continuous intelligence gathering and public cooperation, vowing no compromise against drug distribution activities. – Bernama

Budget 2026 empowers youth with free education and economic initiatives

Budget 2026 empowers youth with free education and economic initiatives

KUALA LUMPUR : Budget 2026 demonstrates the government’s commitment to new economic approaches and initiatives designed to empower the people, especially the youth. Political secretary to the Finance Minister Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim stated that educational initiatives like free education for underprivileged and middle-income groups provide significant relief. “Although some quarters have mocked the government when we spoke about free education, today the MADANI government has proven that it can be achieved, provided it is aligned with the government’s current financial capability,” he said. Muhammad Kamil spoke after officiating the 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival at the MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on October 10 that the government would offer free education to 5,800 children from low-income families at public higher learning institutions. He said this initiative involves an annual allocation of 120 million ringgit for poor families with a household income below 2,705 ringgit. Muhammad Kamil added that Budget 2026 introduces many new benefits for the people, including tax exemptions regardless of social background or economic status. “The government has demonstrated that this 2026 budget can be implemented with strong political will, integrity-driven governance and efficient management. “If all these elements are realised, the resulting savings can be redirected for the benefit of the people,” he said. Muhammad Kamil also highlighted that the 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival offers a valuable opportunity for young entrepreneurs to showcase their business potential domestically and globally. “This platform should be optimally utilised not only to build networks but also to explore new business opportunities and potentials, especially for the youth. “Participating in this platform are the World Economic Forum, as well as partners from ASEAN and European countries,” he said. – Bernama

High Court grants injunction to businessman in defamation suit against rapper

High Court grants injunction to businessman in defamation suit against rapper

KUALA LUMPUR : The High Court has granted an inter partes injunction to businessman Datuk Seri R. Jeyenderan in his defamation lawsuit against rapper Caprice. Judge Roslan Mat Nor ordered Caprice, whose real name is Ariz Ramli, to pay RM8,000 in costs to Jeyenderan within two weeks. The court scheduled December 1 for case management following submissions from both legal teams. This follows an August 5 ad-interim injunction requiring Caprice to immediately remove defamatory posts from his Instagram account. Jeyenderan filed suit on July 21 alleging the rapper made posts on July 10 linking him to criminal activities without credible evidence. The businessman claimed the posts included photographs and videos alleging gangsterism and armed threats. He asserted the defendant never contacted him for verification before publishing the serious allegations. Jeyenderan noted Caprice commands significant influence with over 1.5 million Instagram followers. The shipping CEO claimed his reputation as a global maritime expert was damaged by the publications. He alleged losing several keynote speaking contracts in Dubai, Turkey and India worth RM1 million. Jeyenderan’s lawyers issued a letter of demand on July 15 which the rapper subsequently rejected. The plaintiff is seeking RM3 million in damages for reputational harm and financial losses. He also seeks an injunction preventing further defamatory statements and requiring a public apology. The lawsuit aims to compel permanent removal of all defamatory content from social media platforms. – Bernama

Lim Guan Eng granted permanent passport release for official duties

Lim Guan Eng granted permanent passport release for official duties

KUALA LUMPUR : The Sessions Court has granted former Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng permanent release of his international passport for official duties. Judge Azura Alwi maintained the RM1 million bail but varied conditions to require monthly reporting to the Penang MACC office during the first week of each month. Lim’s lawyer Mohd Haijan Omar told the court his client was appointed an Honorary Chairman of the ASEAN-China Association for Promotion of Industrial Cooperation and Development. “The applicant is required to travel abroad frequently to attend meetings, conventions or international exhibitions,“ said the lawyer. He argued repeated temporary passport applications would “belittle and embarrass the accused” given Lim’s official government representation role. Deputy public prosecutor Julaila Jamaludin objected, citing the seriousness of charges and potential flight risk. “The applicant has the opportunity to interfere with prosecution witnesses with the applicant’s position as an influential politician,“ she said. She maintained that temporary passport applications are normal court procedure that don’t embarrass accused persons. Lim faces amended charges of abusing his position to receive RM3.3 million in bribes related to Penang’s RM6.34 billion undersea tunnel project. The Bagan MP also faces charges of soliciting a 10% bribe from future project profits from businessman Zarul Ahmad. Additionally, he is charged with improperly disposing of two state land lots worth RM208.8 million to a tunnel project-linked developer. – Bernama

Dua lelaki dalam perjalanan ke tempat kerja maut kemalangan

Dua lelaki dalam perjalanan ke tempat kerja maut kemalangan

KEMAMAN – Perjalanan dua lelaki ke tempat kerja berakhir tragedi apabila kedua-duanya maut selepas motosikal dinaiki mereka bertembung dalam kemalangan di persimpangan lampu isyarat berhadapan sebuah kilang besi keluli di Teluk Kalong, di sini, hari ini. Dalam kemalangan yang berlaku di Kilometer (KM) 145, Jalan Kuala Terengganu-Kuantan di sini pada pukul 8 pagi itu, kedua-dua ... Read more The post Dua lelaki dalam perjalanan ke tempat kerja maut kemalangan appeared first on Kosmo Digital .

CCTV installation in 200 boarding schools to be completed by November

CCTV installation in 200 boarding schools to be completed by November

KUALA NERUS : The installation of closed-circuit television cameras in 200 boarding schools under the Ministry of Education nationwide is expected to be completed by November. MOE’s deputy secretary-general for Planning and Development Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Rahim said the project began in August with a RM3 million allocation. He explained this initiative aims to enhance student safety in both school and dormitory areas while addressing issues such as bullying. “This installation targets high-risk boarding schools, including those with a history of bullying incidents.” “The installation process is ongoing, and we expect the entire CCTV system to be fully operational by early December.” Wan Hashim added that the CCTV system would play a crucial role in improving investigations. He noted many incidents in school and dormitory areas have been difficult to substantiate in the past. CCTV footage will assist both the police and MOE in investigating and taking necessary actions regarding incidents in school premises. Regarding the installation process, Wan Hashim said the number and placement of cameras in each school would be determined based on specific needs. This will be done in collaboration with the office of the Chief Government Security Officer and police to ensure privacy protection. “Each school is unique, so the installation will be tailored to the specific needs of each institution.” “Some schools may require eight or 10 cameras, depending on their circumstances.” “We will consult with CGSO to ensure cameras are installed at appropriate angles.” While the current focus is on boarding schools due to high installation costs, Wan Hashim added that plans exist to expand CCTV coverage to other schools in the future. “Though the installations may not be extensive, cameras will be placed in key areas within schools to facilitate investigations and enhance overall security.” – Bernama