IN the spirit of sharing and spreading happiness this Raya, SK magic, South Korea’s leading home appliances brand recently launched the JIKSOO Ria, its latest tankless water purifier that is affordable to all.

True to its commitment to inspire all Malaysians to live a quality and healthy lifestyle, the JIKSOO Ria is affordably priced to encourage Malaysians to start caring about their water intake and stop drinking from stagnant water sources, a known bacteria and algae breeding pool, commonly found in tanked purifiers.

Priced at RM3,800, this latest addition to SK magic’s range of advanced JIKSOO technology water purifiers comes with innovative nanotechnology filtration system and water tab UV sterilisation system that filters viruses, bacteria, microplastics and heavy metals, while allowing essential minerals to pass through.

As the pioneer in tankless technology, SK magic advocates that clean and fresh drinking water is not a luxury and should be accessible to all Malaysians, because everyone deserves the best.

IN celebration of Earth Month, global prestige skincare brand, Origins, proudly announces the establishment of the Origins Green The Planet Fund and its inaugural non-profit partner, One Tree Planted, upholding the brand’s longstanding commitment to the well-being of people and our planet.

As a brand rooted in nature, Origins believes it is its responsibility to give back to the earth while also striving to make decisions that help limit our impact on the planet. Which is why, for over a decade, Origins has partnered with various environmental non-profit organisations to Green The Planet, planting one tree at a time to aid global reforestation initiatives and helping combat the effects of climate change.

In celebration of Earth Month 2021, Origins designed a limited-edition Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion to help Green The Planet and support future tree-planting projects. One US dollar has been donated for every limited-edition Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion available at Origins stores and online at Lazada Origins Flagship Store which allows one tree to be planted and cared for in partnership with Origins Green The Planet Fund.

BERJAYA SOMPO INSURANCE BERHAD (Berjaya Sompo) is set to provide complimentary daily hospitalisation income benefits to all SOMPO Health, SOMPO MedicNow, and SOMPO CashNow policyholders to help them navigate uncertainties from possible side effects of Covid-19 vaccination.

Berjaya Sompo policyholders who are covered under the above-mentioned policy can claim up to RM1,000 if they are required to be hospitalised resulting from sickness due to Covid-19 vaccination as advised by a medical practitioner.

Berjaya Sompo has three individual insurance products that cater to different needs - SOMPO Health offers comprehensive medical insurance coverage with higher annual limits up to RM500,000 from as low as RM2.50 per day.

SOMPO MedicNow is a medical insurance that provides coverage for hospitalisation, surgical expenses, kidney dialysis, cancer treatment, and other related benefits up to RM100,000 annual limit from as low as RM1.20 per day. SOMPO CashNow is ideal for customers with a lower budget as it offers basic insurance coverage for death and bodily injury resulting from accident, daily hospitalisation income as a result of injury or illness, and hospitalisation allowance due to Covid-19 from as low as RM0.31 per day.

Berjaya Sompo is committed to caring for and protecting Malaysians who are facing temporary financial setbacks during these challenging times. The brand remains steadfast in providing the necessary health insurance protection for its customers during this pandemic.

For more details on SOMPO Health, policyholders are advised to contact their servicing agents or visit www.berjayasompo.com.my. For SOMPO MedicNow and CashNow which are exclusively available online, you can visit https://online.berjayasompo.com.my/medicNow/ and https://online.berjayasompo.com.my/cashNow/ respectively.

I APPLAUD the government’s plan to introduce targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol as announced in Budget 2025. In the long run, this approach will ensure that subsidies reach those who need them most.

This targeted move means funds can be better spent on essential services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure. It also avoids wasteful spending where the wealthiest and even foreign nationals currently benefit disproportionately from subsidies meant to help the average Malaysian.

However, the communication surrounding this important change has been a complete mess.

Since the announcement, various government figures have given conflicting messages, leaving the public confused and anxious.

For instance, while the prime minister mentioned that around 85% of Malaysians would still benefit from the subsidies, other officials have added confusing layers.

We have Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli suggesting a
two-tier pricing system that differentiates prices based on income, introducing the concept of a “T15” group. Days later, he conceded that the definition of T15 is still in the works.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke further added a suggestion of using MyKad at petrol stations to restrict subsidies to Malaysians only. Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican then weighed in, saying the government is “considering” a tiered subsidy similar to electricity. So, which is which?

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah has asked the public to avoid speculation as the income threshold is still undecided.

With these overlapping, sometimes contradictory statements, Malaysians are left wondering: What exactly is happening? Is there even a clear plan? Or is each ministry proposing its version, leaving the people in limbo?

These confusing signals do more harm than good. They create a sense of uncertainty and give the impression that there is no cohesive approach to implementing an important policy.

A unified, single message
is essential, especially when dealing with subsidies that affect people’s daily lives.

The government must assign a clear project leader to this subsidy reform. Is it the Finance Ministry, the Economy Ministry or the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry?

Once the lead is determined, all communications should flow directly from this designated ministry to avoid confusion.

A good example of effective communication was seen in the recent diesel subsidy rationalisation.

Information was straight-forward, easy to understand and delivered consistently. People knew what to expect and who to turn to for information.

If the government does not get its act together on communicating the RON95 subsidy reforms, it will only cause anxiety, confusion and distrust.

Getting communications right is not just a matter of public relations – it is crucial for gaining public support and making this beneficial change work smoothly.

Abdul Latiff Abdul Hakim

THE recent debate over Chinese flags being waved at the Guan Gong Cultural Festival in Teluk Intan, Perak, has reignited the age-old question of how symbols can be easily twisted into points of division.

Flags, gestures and other symbols carry deep meaning, but they are also open to interpretation. While this flag-waving may have seemed harmless for some, for others it quickly became a “threat” to Malaysian identity.

The real question is: How should we respond rationally as a community?

Symbols are powerful tools. They help us express complex emotions, shared histories and cultural pride in one glance.

A flag represents much more than just colours or designs; it is about pride, history and unity. Interestingly, symbols do not mean the same thing to everyone. A gesture with deep meaning for one group may seem completely neutral to another.

At the festival, participants from China were simply celebrating their cultural pride by waving their own flags. There was no explicit intent to disrespect Malaysia. However, for some, this act took on a different meaning as if it was a direct challenge to Malaysian values. This shows how easily symbols can be misunderstood and used to support narratives that may not match their true intent.

Symbols are meant to bring us together, but they can just as easily be used to pull us apart. This “lightning rod” effect – a simple act like waving a flag – can quickly become a point of conflict. People start to view it not as a celebration but as a challenge or a threat, especially when it aligns with pre-existing fears or biases.

Responding rationally

In a world where symbols can be so easily twisted, how do we keep a level head? Obviously ignoring them is not the solution, but neither is reacting without thinking.

Instead, we should aim for a balanced, proactive response. First, knowledge is our best defence against manipulation. When we know the origins and intentions behind symbols, we can better interpret them. In this case, knowing that the Guan Gong festival is about cultural pride, not politics, may have eased some of the outrage.

Equally important is pausing to consider intent before jumping to conclusions. Asking ourselves why certain people are pushing a negative view is a vital step – are they genuinely worried or is someone stirring the pot for personal gain? Taking a moment to think about these motivations helps us respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally.

There is the importance of open conversation. Talking openly, whether online or in person, helps clear misunderstandings and in turn keeps divisive ideas from taking root. Discussing rather than accusing allows people to see different sides of an issue, helping to break down conflict.

Even when we do not agree with a particular symbol or action, choosing respect over anger shows strength.

By setting a tone of respect, we establish that rash reactions will not weaken our unity but instead solidify it.

Finally, in a time when headlines are crafted to stir us up, we need to promote media savviness. Supporting media literacy helps us all recognise exaggeration and bias, making it harder for negative views to spread. This allows us to stay focused on what truly matters, safeguarding our unity against the noise of sensationalism. “Tak pasti, jangan kongsi.”

Strengthening unity

Malaysia’s richness lies in its diversity, and tackling issues rationally is not just crucial but fundamental in keeping that strength alive.

Symbols will always be part of our identity but they should not be used to drive us apart. In this case, rushing to react may only deepen divides, moving us further from the values
of tolerance and unity that our country was built on.

As a society, we need to keep our guard
up against attempts to use symbols for division, and focus instead on promoting understanding and connection.

By adopting a balanced, calm and thoughtful approach, we can make it clear that Malaysia’s strength is not in uniformity but in the unity that comes from respect, open dialogue and shared empathy. Now is the time to remember that our strength as a nation lies in standing together, with each
of us working to build a Malaysia where diversity is celebrated, not feared.

In The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho writes: “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” Much like Santiago’s journey to discover his own truth, we also have a choice in how we respond to events around us.

In times of tension, it is easy to let initial reactions drive our actions. However, the real strength lies in taking a step back, viewing each situation as it is, and choosing not to let outside forces manipulate us.

What if in moments of tension we choose patience over impulsiveness, looking beyond the surface to seek a deeper meaning? Perhaps, only then we can strengthen our
so-called unity.

Ir Dr Nahrizul Adib Kadri is an associate professor of biomedical engineering and the former director of Corporate Communications Centre, Universiti Malaya. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

WE have all experienced it – engaging in a discussion where new information or an opposing viewpoint makes us feel like doubling down on our beliefs rather than reconsidering them. This phenomenon, known as the backfire effect, occurs when people react
to contradictory information by holding more firmly to their existing beliefs.

The backfire effect can create a barrier to constructive dialogue, fostering defensiveness and preventing us from learning, evolving and understanding each other. With complex social issues on the rise, understanding the backfire effect and learning how to counteract it is essential to creating productive and respectful conversations.

The backfire effect is most common in debates involving personal values or issues closely tied to identity, such as opinions on social, environmental or political matters.

For example, in Malaysia, discussions on humane stray management or environmental policy can often spark passionate debates where each side becomes more rooted in their stance.

Recognising when the backfire effect is influencing a conversation can help us redirect it, moving from argument to dialogue and creating spaces for understanding and potential solutions.

At its core, the backfire effect is rooted in psychological defensiveness. When people’s beliefs are challenged, particularly on issues they are deeply invested in, it can feel like a threat to their sense of self.

Psychologists suggest that this is because we tend to intertwine certain beliefs with our identity, making it difficult to separate disagreement with an idea from a personal attack. This effect is more pronounced when discussing issues tied to social identity, politics or moral values.

Additionally, the fear of admitting error can make us cling to our views. If we have championed a particular idea or belief, admitting that we may have been mistaken can be uncomfortable. The backfire effect is a subconscious way of defending against this discomfort by rejecting new information and doubling down on previous beliefs.

Techniques for engaging in constructive debates

Understanding the backfire effect is the first step towards overcoming it, but real progress requires adopting strategies that can help us and others engage in more open, constructive discussions.

Here are several techniques to help foster productive dialogue,
reduce defensiveness and encourage open-mindedness:

Lead with curiosity, not conviction

Entering a conversation with a desire to understand rather than persuade is essential. Leading with curiosity helps set a collaborative tone, showing others that you are genuinely interested in their perspective.

For example, if someone disagrees with humane stray management practices like trap-neuter-release (TNR), you may start by saying, “I’m interested in your view – what experiences shape your opinion on this?”

This approach can disarm defensiveness and invite the person to share their experiences, making them more likely to reciprocate by considering your perspective.

Share stories, not just statistics

Facts and figures are essential but they often fail to connect emotionally. To counter the backfire effect, try sharing personal stories or experiences instead of relying solely on statistics.

For instance, in conversations about environmental policy, instead of only quoting data about pollution or deforestation, share a personal story about how environmental changes have affected your community or family. Stories humanise issues, making it easier for others to empathise and consider different viewpoints.

Emphasise shared goals and values

Even when opinions differ, finding common ground can help make the conversation more collaborative. For instance, both sides of a debate on environmental policies may share the same goal – a cleaner environment and a better quality of life – but disagree on how to achieve it.

By highlighting these shared values, you shift the conversation from an “us vs them” dynamics to a joint problem-solving approach. Statements like “we both want what is best for future generations; we just have different ideas about how to get there” can help bridge divides and reduce defensiveness.

Introduce new information gradually

Presenting too much information at once can make people feel overwhelmed, triggering a defensive response. Instead, offer new ideas or evidence in small, manageable pieces.

For example, if discussing environmental laws, introduce one or two key points rather than a long list of statistics. Gradual information- sharing allows individuals to process new perspectives without feeling pressured to accept them immediately, which can reduce the likelihood of the backfire effect.

Reframe disagreements as learning opportunities

Changing the way you frame a discussion can help mitigate defensiveness. Rather than seeing a debate as a “battle” to be won, approach it as a chance to learn.

This mindset shift encourages openness and reduces the need for defensiveness. When someone feels that a discussion is about sharing knowledge rather than proving a point, they are more likely to listen and engage constructively.

Know when to step back

Not every debate will lead to agreement, and that is okay. If a discussion becomes heated or begins to feel unproductive, it may be time to disengage respectfully.

Try phrases like, “I appreciate hearing your perspective, and I think we may have to agree to disagree for now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.”

This approach allows both parties to leave
the conversation without feeling pressured, preserving the relationship for future discussions.

In Malaysia, topics like stray animal management and environmental policies are prime examples of where the backfire effect
often arises.

On one side, many advocate for humane and sustainable stray management practices, such as TNR, which can reduce stray populations over time. Others, however, may believe in stricter measures, fearing that strays could pose health or safety risks.

In such debates, the backfire effect can quickly escalate, with both sides becoming more entrenched as they try to defend their views.

To move forward constructively, a focus on shared goals – like safer communities and reduced stray populations – can shift the conversation from debate to dialogue.

In Malaysia, environmental policies are at a crossroads, often sparking strong opinions due to their impact across different economic levels.

Stricter policies aimed at protecting natural resources are crucial, yet they also raise concerns about their potential economic burden on lower-income communities, who may rely heavily on resource-based jobs.

Balancing the urgent need for environmental protection with the livelihoods of these communities is complex but essential.

A sustainable path forward lies in building
a common ground around shared values – a commitment to a clean, healthy environment alongside economic stability for all. This inclusive approach can help foster productive dialogue and more resilient, equitable policies.

Ultimately, overcoming the backfire effect requires us to approach conversations with empathy, open-mindedness and a willingness to understand where others are coming from.

Constructive debates are less about changing someone’s mind on the spot and more about creating a space where learning and growth are possible.

By leading with curiosity, sharing personal stories and finding common ground, we
can transform difficult conversations into opportunities for connection and progress.

Dr Praveena is a certified
mental health and awareness practitioner specialising in narcissistic abuse recovery.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

IT is sickening to read about students and cadets in educational institutions or military academies being subjected to ragging and bullying, often resulting in grievous injuries and even deaths.

The archaic and pernicious practice of ragging, often referred to as fagging in elite boarding schools, or simply as ritualistic hazing in military academies, persists today as a toxic relic of colonial-era power structures.

This practice can be traced to the cloistered halls of upper-class English boarding schools. It is a ritual of bullying and humiliation that has long been wielded as a tool for enforcing hierarchical dominance and conformist obedience.

The prevalence of such practices, even in post-colonial, democratic societies like Malaysia, is not merely an anachronism but a stark contradiction to the principles of egalitarianism and care that should underpin modern educational systems.

I remember how it was so prevalent in the sixties when we were in sixth form as well as in the universities.

Origins of ragging/bullying: An elite tradition of oppression

Ragging finds its roots in the so-called prestigious institutions of Victorian England – Eton, Harrow and Winchester – where the upper classes refined a system of abuse disguised as character-building.

The concept of fagging emerged in these schools to establish a rigid social hierarchy among boys, where younger students were essentially forced into servitude by older ones.

The practice was framed as a means of instilling discipline and preparing young men for leadership roles.

In reality, it was a mechanism to perpetuate elitism, dominance and subservience – indoctrinating children into a culture of abuse under the guise of tradition.

When these elite practices were exported to colonial territories, they were often adopted by local institutions eager to emulate the supposed prestige of their British overlords.

In this way, ragging became an insidious form of cultural imperialism, embedding colonial power structures within the social fabric of post-colonial nations.

The toxic legacy in post-colonial societies

In countries like Malaysia and other former British colonies, ragging has been adopted and adapted, often becoming even more extreme and violent than its original form.

In military academies and universities, what began as a series of petty humiliations has escalated into physical, sexual and psychological abuse.

There is a perverse justification offered for this brutality: that it fosters camaraderie, resilience and esprit de corps. Yet the reality is far more disturbing.

The sheer brutality of these practices has led to multiple instances of severe injury, trauma and even death.

In Malaysia, there have been numerous cases of young cadets and students suffering injuries that have left them physically and emotionally scarred for life.

The veneer of tradition masks the fact that ragging is simply systematic bullying, an exercise in power and control that normalises the abuse of the vulnerable.

We have just seen yet another bullying case at the National Defence University where a 19-year-old cadet was allegedly stomped on by a senior, fracturing his spine and ribs.

Last month, a hot iron was pressed on the chest of a student at a military university, just months after courts handed the death penalty to six former students over the killing of a fellow cadet at the institution.

There have been other cases such as J. Soosaimanicckam, a 27-year-old navy cadet officer, who died of homicide at the KD Sultan Idris Lumut naval base on May 19, 2018.

Beyond universities, bullying is also on the rise in public schools.

Nearly 5,000 cases of bullying were reported over the first 10 months of 2023, according to the latest data from the Education Ministry, a sharp rise from 3,887 cases for the whole of 2022.

Failure of institutional accountability

The persistence of ragging is compounded by the complicity of educational institutions, which often turn a blind eye to the abuse, framing it as a rite of passage.

Administrators and faculty, many of whom are former students of the same institutions, perpetuate a culture of silence.

This lack of accountability only emboldens the perpetrators, creating an environment where victims feel powerless to speak out.

Military academies are notorious for their strict hierarchical structure, which leaves little room for dissent.

The emphasis on blind obedience and unquestioning discipline suppresses the voices of those who are most affected.

The rhetoric of “toughening up” young recruits masks the reality that many leave these academies with lifelong trauma, not strengthened resolve.

In this way, the very institutions tasked with building national character are guilty of undermining the values of respect, empathy and human dignity.

Call for cultural, institutional reform

It is both ironic and tragic that post-colonial nations like Malaysia, which fought for independence and the promise of a fair and just society, continue to perpetuate a colonial legacy that embodies the worst aspects of imperial rule.

Ragging and its equivalents are antithetical to the values that should define modern, democratic societies.

Instead of reinforcing outdated and oppressive traditions, Malaysia should be leading the way in promoting caring, compassionate and egalitarian values in its educational and military institutions.

A modern educational system should focus on mentorship, mutual respect and leadership through empathy rather than through intimidation and violence.

The true strength of a society lies not in its ability to produce individuals hardened by abuse but in its capacity to cultivate individuals who are resilient, confident and empathetic because they have been nurtured, not beaten down.

By fostering a culture of inclusivity and care, Malaysia can become a beacon of progress in a world where too many institutions are still mired in the shadows of a brutal, colonial past.

Conclusion

It is time to consign ragging to the dustbin of history where it belongs.

This practice, born of elitist arrogance and colonial condescension, has no place in the educational institutions of a modern, independent nation.

Instead of clinging to the trappings of colonial tradition, Malaysia should embrace its role as a leader in creating an educational environment that promotes equality, dignity and mutual respect.

By doing so, it can offer its youth something far more valuable than the scars of ritualistic abuse: the chance to learn and grow in an environment free from fear and filled with the promise of genuine support and solidarity.

It is time we banned this hideous practice in our institutions once and for all.

Kua Kia Soong is a former MP and director of Suaram. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

TOY manufacturer Mattel have removed thousands of its ‘Wicked’-branded dolls off the shelves after discovering a x-rated printing error on the packaging.

The dolls were made in collaboration with the movie adaptation of the award-winning musical ‘Wicked’, fashioned after the characters.

CNBC reported that the website link printed on the dolls’ packaging lead to a pornographic website instead of the ‘Wicked’ movie adaptation’s official website.

Quoting Mattel’s apology statement, the company stated it was “aware” of a misprint on the doll’s packaging, mainly sold in US, intended to direct consumers to the movie’s landing page.

ALSO READ: M’sian netizens mock local uni for spelling ‘exercise’ as ‘eksesais’ in congratulatory post

“We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children,” Mattel was quoted as saying.

The company also advised consumers who have already purchased the dolls with the misprint to throw away the packaging or “obsure”, as quoted, the website link.

Following the misprint revelation, several online retailers across the US have pulled the dolls off their shelves as of Monday (Nov 11).

However, it is unclear if the toy manufacturing company will release the dolls with the correct print details or provide stickers to cover the mistakenly printed link.

ALSO READ: ‘Rail My Life’: KTM’s free ride campaign poster leaves netizens amused at mistaken wording

KYIV: Russia escalated its attacks on Kyiv early Wednesday, launching waves of drones and missiles in its first combined aerial assault on the capital in more than 70 days, authorities said.

The broadside came as Washington and Seoul echoed warnings from Ukraine that North Korean troops had begun “engaging in combat operations” alongside Russian forces on the border between the warring countries.

A security source in Kyiv meanwhile told AFP that Ukraine was behind the assassination of a high-ranking Russian naval officer in a car bombing on the annexed Crimean peninsula.

Ukraine’s air force said its units had downed four missiles and 37 drones launched by Russia over eight regions of Ukraine overnight and into Wednesday morning.

“It is important that our forces have the means to defend the country from Russian terror,“ President Volodymyr Zelensky said in response to the attack.

Ukraine has for months been appealing to its Western allies to provide more air-defence systems to fend off Russian attacks on cities and critical infrastructure.

The large-scale bombardment comes at a critical moment on the battlefield. Russian forces are advancing in the east and concerns are growing over future aid for Ukraine after US Donald Trump’s victory in presidential elections.

Explosions in Kyiv, residents shelter

AFP journalists heard explosions ring out over Kyiv and saw dozens of residents seeking shelter in an underground metro station in the centre of the capital.

Kyiv officials said one man was wounded by falling debris from a downed drone in the suburb of Brovary, while emergency services distributed images of firefighters battling flames at one impact site.

A separate drone attack in the Ukrainian-controlled southern region of Kherson, which the Kremlin claims is part of Russia, killed a 52-year-old woman, the regional head said.

Multiple air raid sirens rang out early Wednesday as authorities said missiles were closing in on Kyiv, which was home to nearly three million people before Russia invaded in February 2022.

“As missiles were approaching Kyiv, the enemy simultaneously launched a ballistic missile attack on the capital. The enemy attack ended with another drone strike,“ city authorities said.

The attack is the latest in an uptick in escalating strikes on Ukrainian cities, mainly in the south of the war-battered country.

A Russian strike this week on Kryvyi Rig, Zelensky’s hometown, killed a 32-year-old mother and her three children.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied its forces target civilians in Ukraine, a claim its spokesman repeated Wednesday in response to a question over whether Russian forces were working to minimise civilian casualties.

Crimea assassination

“Russian forces treat the civilian population with great care,“ Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that Russia would continue its attacks.

Last week, Moscow and Kyiv launched record overnight drone attacks on each other.

Russian ground forces have been making rapid advances in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, which the Kremlin claims is part of Russia.

On Wednesday, the Russian defence ministry said its troops had wrested control of the village of Rivnopil, where an estimated 98 people lived before the invasion.

As the Kremlin’s forces advance westwards, Kyiv has warned that Russia has amassed a force of 50,000 troops -- including North Korean soldiers -- to push out Ukrainian forces from the Russian border region of Kursk.

In Brussels, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday warned about the deployment of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces fighting on the Ukrainian border.

Blinken said he discussed with NATO chief Mark Rutte the fact that North Korean forces had been “injected into the battle, and now, quite literally, in combat which demands and will get a firm response.”

South Korea’s spy agency said North Korean soldiers were “engaging in combat” in Kursk, hours after US officials confirmed Pyongyang’s troops were actively fighting for Moscow against Ukraine.

Separately,a source in the Security Service of Ukraine said the agency had orchestrated a car bomb attack in the city of Sevastopol that killed a senior naval officer in the Black Sea Fleet.

The killing of Valery Trankovsky, which was confirmed by Moscow, is the latest in a string of targeted attacks on Russian military officers and pro-Kremlin public figures in occupied Ukrainian territory and within Russia.

Crimea was seized by Russia in 2014 in the wake of pro-democracy protests in Kyiv that sparked fighting in the east with Kremlin-backed separatists.

KUALA LUMPUR: A mother and her friend were sentenced to three years in prison by the Sessions Court today for confining a young boy in a cat cage in February.

Judge Siti Shakirah Mohtarudin imposed the sentence on the 20-year-old fast food worker, who is also the victim’s mother, and 35-year-old housewife Adibah Mohd Zaini after they pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court ordered the prison sentences to begin immediately, placed them under a five-year good behaviour bond without surety, and required them to complete 240 hours of community service within six months of completing their sentences.

The duo were accused of abusing the three-and-a-half-year-old boy by locking him in a cat cage, which could cause both physical and emotional harm, at an apartment in Taman Danau Desa, Brickfields, at 8.16 pm on Feb 10.

They were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a maximum penalty of RM50,000 in fine, up to 20 years in prison, or both upon conviction.

The victim’s mother was also sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to another charge under the same Act and section, of abusing her son by wrapping him in adhesive tape at the same location at 3.58 pm on Feb 21.

Judge Siti Shakirah ordered both sentences to run concurrently.

Deputy public prosecutor Nidzuwan Abd Latip urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, emphasising that as the victim’s mother, she had a duty to protect her child from harm.

“The court should take into account the evidence, especially the photos of the child confined in a cat cage, which is clearly not meant for human use,“ he stated.

The mother, unrepresented, pleaded for a lighter sentence, expressing deep regret for her actions. Similarly, Adibah, also without legal representation, requested a reduced sentence on the basis she had to care for her two young children, aged one and eleven.

“I deeply regret my actions. Being in detention has made me realise my mistake, and I promise I will never repeat this,“ said Adibah, tearfully.

On Monday, Bernama reported that the victim’s mother, Adibah, and another accomplice Nor Azlin Fatin Najihah Lokman, 25, were each sentenced to 14 days in prison and fined RM10,000 by the Sessions Court after pleading guilty to kicking the boy.

KOTA BHARU: Police have confirmed that the whistleblower who sent an open letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong regarding allegations of corruption in Sabah has received death threats.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the case is being investigated by the Bukit Aman Classified Crime Investigation Unit under Section 507 of the Penal Code, which addresses criminal intimidation through anonymous communication.

The 36-year-old male informant received a threatening call via WhatsApp from an unknown number.

“During the call, the suspect, believed to be a local man, threatened the informant in Mandarin, claiming to be from a hitman group and demanding the informant stay silent.

“The suspect warned that if the informant did not comply, he would be killed within 24 hours and called it a final warning,” Razarudin told Bernama today.

Razarudin said the suspect also sent two images, one of a pistol with ammunition and another showing a person shot in the street.

The informant expressed deep fear for his own safety and that of his family, he said.

“After receiving the WhatsApp message, the informant reported the incident and blocked the number. Since then, no further threats have been made,” Razarudin said, adding that the informant initially suspected that the phone number might belong to a scammer or was dialed incorrectly.

He said further checks revealed that the phone number was no longer in service and had no registered owner.

Razarudin added no other reports had been filed regarding this number, and the investigation returned no relevant records.

ALOR SETAR: An officer of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) was fined RM25,000 after pleading guilty at the Sessions Court here today to five charges of accepting bribes amounting to RM2,300 two years ago.

Judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini imposed a fine of RM5,000 for each charge faced by Muhamad Abdul Hadi Abdullah, 35 and the court ordered the accused to be jailed for five months for each charge if he failed to pay the fine.

According to all the charges, the accused, who holds the rank of Senior Maritime Officer at the MMEA Kedah and Perlis Headquarters, received money amounting to RM2,300 with no reply from the owner of LGH Maju Trading Company, Lim Kian Chong, who knew that he had an official working relationship with the individual.

The money was received by the accused through five money transfers from the Maybank account of a middleman, a woman, which was then deposited into the accused’s RHB Bank account and all the offences were committed at RHB Bank Bhd Langkawi Island Branch on Jan 2, April 10, May 11, July 7 and Oct 8, 2022.

The charge was filed under Section 165 of the Penal Code (Act 574) which carries a jail term of up to two years or a fine or both.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers Abd Muntaqim Abdul Aziz and Mohd Syahzada Azad Sanusi led the prosecution while the accused was not represented.

What gets you going? From the moment Alison von During set up her Airbnb in the studio apartment and private, leafy patio of her newly-acquired house in Vredehoek, on the slopes of Table Mountain, this was the question that drove...

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened marginally higher against the US dollar today despite the US Dollar Index’s (DXY) strengthening, which should accelerate demand for the greenback.

At 8 am, the local note traded slightly better at 4.4330/4465 against the greenback compared with Tuesday’s close of 4.4365/4400.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said higher demand for the US dollar is expected as comments from US Federal Reserve (Fed) officials indicated that the prospect of an interest rate cut highly depends on upcoming economic data.

“Minneapolis Fed president Neel Kashkari suggested that he will look at the upcoming inflation data before making any decision on the interest rate.

“As such, ringgit and other emerging market currencies will likely stay weak in the near term,” Mohd Afzanizam told Bernama.

He added investors will monitor the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) print tonight, with consensus pencilling in a 2.6 per cent rise in October from 2.4 per cent previously, while Core CPI may be sustained at 3.3 per cent.

At the opening, the ringgit traded higher against a basket of major currencies.

It was higher against the British pound at 5.6463/6635 from 5.6889/6934 at Tuesday’s close, better against the euro to 4.7061/7204 from 4.7111/7148 and firmer against the Japanese yen to 2.8661/8752 from 2.8788/8812.

The ringgit also traded higher against ASEAN currencies.

Against the Thai baht, it rose to 12.7162/7637 from 12.7456/7608 at Tuesday’s close and strengthened against the Singapore dollar at 3.3107/3210 from 3.3143/3174.

The local unit marginally increased vis-a-vis the Philippine peso to 7.53/7.56 from 7.54/7.55 and was slightly higher against the Indonesian rupiah to 280.8/281.9 from 281.0/281.5 previously.

Volkswagen Group is seeking significant cost reductions as it faces declining demand, rising expenses, and mounting competition. The automaker has proposed a 10 per cent wage reduction for its union employees after IG Metall, the union representing Volkswagen’s workforce, requested a seven per cent raise. This wage cut comes as part of broader measures Volkswagen is considering to address financial difficulties, which include restructuring bonuses and possibly eliminating anniversary and monthly bonuses.

Despite these proposed changes, Volkswagen’s CEO Thomas Schafer has not ruled out more drastic options, such as plant closures, if cost-cutting goals are not met through negotiations. “Successful operations are a prerequisite for job security,” said Arne Meiswinkel, VW’s lead negotiator, highlighting the necessity for lower labour costs to stabilise the company.

Volkswagen reported a steep 42 per cent drop in third-quarter operating profits, and its core brand posted only a two per cent operating margin through September. According to CFO and COO Arno Antlitz, this underscores the need for “significant cost reductions and efficiency gains” to sustain the company’s operations.

Rumours of potential plant closures in Germany have circulated as the company confronts inefficiencies across several domestic sites. Schafer remarked that the issues cannot be resolved by “simple cost-cutting measures,” indicating deeper structural challenges within the automaker’s German manufacturing operations.

Volkswagen and IG Metall will resume negotiations on November 21.

JAGUAR LAND ROVER’S (JLR) ambitious “Reimagine” strategy, announced nearly four years ago, is fast approaching a major milestone: transforming Jaguar into an all-electric luxury brand by 2025. While the company has not yet unveiled any new electric models, the transition away from combustion engines is in full swing. As of this November, Jaguar has officially stopped selling new cars with conventional powertrains in the UK.

In a recent statement, JLR confirmed the halt: “From November 2024, new Jaguar sales will come to an end. We have now ceased allocation of our current generation of Jaguar vehicles.” This decision means that models like the E-Pace, XE, XF, and F-Type—already phased out—are now joined by the F-Pace SUV, the final model of Jaguar’s internal combustion era in the UK.

While the F-Pace and other models are still available in some markets abroad, their production days are numbered. British customers, however, can still acquire certified pre-owned Jaguars. Notably, the F-Pace was Jaguar’s best-selling model in 2023, with 21,943 units sold globally—though this figure underscores the brand’s recent struggles in today’s competitive SUV market.

Looking ahead, Jaguar’s transformation will see it target an entirely new echelon of luxury. Instead of competing with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, the brand is positioning itself against ultra-luxury names like Bentley and Aston Martin. The first model of Jaguar’s electric lineup will be a high-performance saloon, aimed at rivaling the Porsche Taycan, followed by an SUV set to compete with the Bentley Bentayga in 2026. Both models will be built on the Jaguar Electrified Architecture, with a flagship sedan expected later in the decade.

Meanwhile, Jaguar plans to debut a concept vehicle in the United States by year-end. This ultra-luxurious four-door grand tourer will lay the groundwork for a production model starting at over £100,000 (RM565,858). According to Jaguar’s Managing Director, Rawdon Glover, the transition to an electric-only brand has been “hugely frustrating,” yet the focus remains on moving into the ultra-luxury market with fewer, more profitable sales.

With the first new electric Jaguar not set to launch until 2026, the UK will see an unusual absence of new Jaguar vehicles over the coming year.

[…] Update vom 10.2.2017, Karen Blakeman’s Blog: New Creative Commons image search – back to the drawing board I’m afraid […]

As soon as it was certain that Trump had won the elections, business news media started publishing a lot of stories about worried investors in China-based manufacturing facilities as well as US marketing companies dependent on their China supply chain.

Member savings collections of the Home Development Mutual Fund, commonly known as Pag-IBIG, reached almost P100 billion as of the third quarter, allowing the agency to finance the higher demand for home loans.

Jared Bahay hit timely shots down the stretch to help the Ateneo Blue Eagles deal the free-falling University of the East Red Warriors their fourth straight loss in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, 71-67, Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Locating images that can be re-used, modified and incorporated into commercial or non-commercial projects is always a hot topic on my search workshops.  As soon as we start looking at tools that identify Creative Commons and public domain images the delegates start scribbling. Yes, Google and Bing both have tools that allow you to specify … Continue reading New Creative Commons image search – back to the drawing board I’m afraid →

Random Photo: It's Monday Once Again

Comodo Dragon is a Chromium technology-based Browser that offers you all of Chrome's features. [License: Freeware | Requires: 11|10|8|7 | Size: Size Varies ]

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Frustrating Xbox owners around the globe, reports are flooding in across the web that Xbox Live is currently down. Whether you're looking to jump into a game, stream your favorite shows, or navigate the dashboard, users are finding themselves locked out of any functionality. Users from Reddit to Twitter to my own living rooms are reporting that accessing any service is impossible. This includes playing games, accessing cloud saves, using apps, or even browsing the Xbox Store. The crux of the problem seems to be tied to the Xbox Live login. X...

Hey Geeks! Some big news hitting the wires today. A massive tech outage has thrown a wrench into major services worldwide, messing with everything from public transport to hospitals and banks. Here's the scoop: What's Causing the Outage? The chaos seems to be linked to a software update from Crowdstrike, a well-known player in cybersecurity, providing services to Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, that affected Microsoft cloud systems. This update caused a glitch in Falcon; their cloud file protection system effectively blocke...

Move over, Dr. Evil; Russia has just hit Google with a fine that would make even him laugh maniacally. That’s right: a whopping $20 decillion! For context, that’s $20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. It’s the kind of number so absurd that it stops being math and starts becoming pure science fiction. ...

Vehicle prices have been causing sticker shock for the past couple of years, but money expert Clark Howard says used cars have normalized recently. A recent report from vehicle research site iSeeCars indicates that shoppers are still throwing their dollars toward older used cars as the price of new cars remains stubbornly expensive. Here are […]

The post New Report: The Average Price of a Used Car appeared first on Clark Howard.

Car shoppers have been dealing with inflated vehicle prices for a few years now. With the average price of a new car still pretty high, one option that may have crossed your mind is to buy a car with a salvage title. In the vehicle marketplace, there’s a major stigma attached to buying salvaged cars, […]

The post Should You Buy a Car With a Salvage Title? appeared first on Clark Howard.

The average price for a new vehicle rose over the past month, but the increase was only negligible, according to the latest sales figures from car valuation site Kelley Blue Book (KBB). How Much Does a New Car Cost Right Now? The average price for a new vehicle was $48,397 in September 2024 — 0.4% […]

The post Report: The Average Price of a New Vehicle appeared first on Clark Howard.

To help protect you from criminals online, let's look at some tools that store, secure and let you manage all your passwords in one place.

The post 4 Free and Cheap Tools to Safely Manage Your Passwords appeared first on Clark Howard.

If you're in trouble with collection agencies, you have strong rights under federal law to prevent those agencies from harassing you.

The post How To Send a ‘Drop Dead’ Letter to a Collection Agency appeared first on Clark Howard.

Travel expert Clark Howard holds deep convictions when it comes to travel. Shop the deal first and then figure out what you want to do at the destination. Be flexible on travel dates. Take early flights if you can. Never check a bag. You also won’t find Clark with designer luggage that costs hundreds of […]

The post What Luggage Does Clark Howard Recommend? appeared first on Clark Howard.

If you’ve traveled enough, you’ve experienced a horror story with lost or misplaced luggage. Money expert Clark Howard says that airlines often struggle to get baggage from Point A to Point B. Airlines have gone through a roller coaster of sorts. The onset of COVID-19 sank travel demand in 2020 and 2021. When restrictions were […]

The post Should I Buy an AirTag for My Checked Airport Luggage? appeared first on Clark Howard.

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Ducati achieved a fourth-place finish at the Suzuka 8 Hours last weekend, and plans for the future could include Pecco Bagnaia.

The post Could Francesco Bagnaia Race the 2025 Suzuka 8H Hours? appeared first on BikeSport News.

The WorldSBK race at MotorLand Aragon has been renewed until 2027 following the signing of a new deal between the circuit and Dorna.

The post WorldSBK Confirms Aragon Round Until 2027 appeared first on BikeSport News.