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BUILDINGS contribute 80-90% of the world’s carbon emission; they thus represent the biggest opportunities for climate-change mitigation through carbon reduction.

Universities, as owners of buildings that remain theirs for years to come, have a special responsibility to arrest climate change through sustainable operation. Management and Science University (MSU) recently achieved a Diamond-2 rating in the SEDA Malaysia Sustainable Energy Low Carbon Building Assessment 2020.

Recording 24.21% less emission against baseline measurements in 2019 – an annual saving of 5,646,661 kWh or 3,918.78 tonnes less carbon dioxide in 2020 – MSU is well on its way to supporting governmental target of 40-45% less CO2 in 2030.

In honour of this achievement, MSU President Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid was presented with the University’s first green certification by SEDA Acting Chief Strategic Officer TS Steve Anthony Lojuntin.

With the Green Pass, MSU emerged the first private institution of higher education in Malaysia to receive the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Diamond-2 rating.

COFFEE lovers in Malaysia will have something to look forward to as Nescafe Ready-to-Drink brings all things Malaysian with the rebranding of its local coffee drinks to the Nescafe Kopitiam Series and the introduction of two new variants, the Nescafe Kopi-C, and Nesaafe Kopi Cham.

The new Nescafe Kopi Cham is a combination of tea and coffee, while Nescafe Kopi-C has a smoother blend of coffee and milk. These two flavours are recognised as popular coffee choices in the local coffee shops.

CLOSE to one million youths have successfully claimed their eBelia credit via ShopeePay. As of June 7, the programme has succeeded in generating sales amounting to 120% of the total amount disbursed by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) through ShopeePay. Additionally, some 140,000 sellers and traders that accept ShopeePay have already benefited from the eBelia programme.

Head of ShopeePay Malaysia Alain Yee said: ”As one of the newest mobile wallets to enter a crowded space, it is indeed humbling to receive the resounding support from eligible eBelia participants. When compared against MOF’s announcement, the bulk of the 1.7 million successful applicants have chosen ShopeePay. This is possibly because our e-wallet can be used both online and offline nationwide, with a reach as far and wide as Semporna, Sabah; Miri, Sarawak; Kemaman and Gong Badak in Terengganu and Bachok, Kelantan.”

Yee added that based on the preliminary data from June 1 till 7, user behaviour amongst eBelia recipients suggest that the programme has driven adoption of e-wallets and is likely going to lead to long term usage.

“Of the total successful eBelia applicants via our mobile wallet, about 40% are new ShopeePay users that activated their e-wallet just for eBelia. Additionally, we are positive that customer retention rate amongst these new users will be high as over 20% have already topped up their e-wallet at least once within the first week of using ShopeePay,” he explained.

On what the recipients have been spending on, Yee shared that many were seen to be using the eBelia credit on very practical purchases: daily necessities, food and beverages, books, as well as home and living items, among others. A closer look into the spending pattern of these eBelia youths for the past week reveals the following (Observations are made based on top 100 merchants by transactions recorded offline, online (merchants’ webstores and Apps), and on Shopee.

THE term “trial by media” gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
It refers to the impact of television and newspaper coverage on an individual’s reputation, often shaping public perceptions of guilt or innocence before a court has rendered its verdict.

Trial by media creates a reality shaped more by perception than by objective truth, where opinions are formed before verified information can be fully assessed.

The delicate balance between sense and sensationalism, news and noise, civility and chaos, and balance and extremism can also become increasingly distorted.

The Ulu Tiram and GISBH cases have driven the media into a frenzy as both are considered matters of public interest. From broad overviews to minute details, nothing has been spared in the reporting.

Public comments reflect feelings of anger, resentment, frustration and disappointment toward the accused
or state institutions. Even the names of witnesses are often anticipated, jeopardising the confidentiality of the case.

A lackadaisical attitude in handling high-profile cases can ultimately lead to witnesses becoming hostile or biased.

The current situation illustrates how trial by media can create its own narrative, potentially undermining fair judicial proceedings and damaging the reputations of those involved.

It can also contaminate and influence witnesses’ memories, stances and views. Even if an accused individual is acquitted, the public may still perceive the person as guilty, leaving the individual’s reputation tarnished despite a verdict of innocence.

While the creation of social media has given us an extensive space to express our opinions, the lack of policing and regulations has allowed the widespread of rumours and prophecies in court cases.

The news disseminated through mainstream and social media can create multiple ideas, often leading to the presumption of guilt or innocence for the accused before the trial even begins. This is the exact definition of trial by media.

The principle of sub judice (under judicial consideration), though relevant, appears to be overlooked in the public discourse surrounding ongoing trials. The rule on sub judice seeks to safeguard the sanctity of court proceedings and ensure a fair trial for the accused in criminal cases.

Therefore, it would be apt for lawyers, prosecutors and the judiciary to take cognisance of the current situation and devise certain measures to ensure the impartiality of witnesses, and to avoid any spillage or contamination of evidence.

Expert witnesses, if appointed under section 45(1) of the Evidence Act, should not only be someone who is qualified in “science or art” but have a track record of being impartial and have not or will not mislead the court.

Impartiality here refers to individuals who abide by the law and do not have a track record of promoting repealed laws or overruled cases.

Although the court has the discretion to decide whether the expert evidence
is admissible, it is imperative for
experts to be scrutinised by the courts before accepting their views and opinions. In any event, it is trite law that expert opinion is not binding upon the court.

While the media shapes public debate and highlights cases of public interest, the unparalleled capacity of social media also offers lawyers an opportunity to volunteer and represent offenders who are in dire need of representation. Beyond concerns about legal fees, this is about striving to uphold justice. Some cases are simply meant to be pro bono.

With the proliferation of information available through mainstream and
social media platforms, lawyers and prosecutors should seize the opportunity to scour important details from these channels.

Unfortunately, very few lawyers have taken the bold step to assist those in desperate need of legal representation.

With the National Legal Aid Foundation unable to represent detainees under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 during their trials and its potential dissolution, what would become of the poor and marginalised groups in need of legal representation?

Where are the pro bono lawyers
who are expected to uphold justice
and ensure the right to a fair
trial as enshrined in the Federal Constitution?

Legal advocates would do well to remember Martin Luther King Jr’s quote: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

While no one can deny the media’s sterling role as the keeper of conscience and unraveller of wrongdoings, it is equally undeniable that the media has been able to entice vast reporting and responses from the public.

Therefore, it is essential to establish clear rules and regulations to safeguard individuals’ right to a fair trial, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution. Ultimately, what we seek is justice for all.

The writer is a criminologist and the deputy dean (Higher Degree) of
Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

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

I HAD the privilege of attending a lecture by Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University at Universiti Malaya in early January this year.

His candid critique of US economic and foreign policies was both striking and inspiring.

Remarkably, his criticisms were delivered without hindrance and were even appreciated.

Our nation’s highest leaders, the prime minister and higher education minister, were present to listen to his insights.

Ironically, in Malaysia, the academic freedom of our local scholars is still curtailed by Act 605.

The developments at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and the continued existence of legislation that can be used against critical voices within academia should be taken seriously by the academic community and academic unions nationwide.

We cannot allow academic freedom – a cornerstone of the intellectual tradition – to be so easily stifled.

Academic freedom must be preserved, defended and enshrined in law.

In this context, it is crucial to remember that every Oct 5, Malaysia celebrates Academia Day, an annual reminder to appreciate the contributions and struggles of academics worldwide.

On this significant day, stakeholders such as the government, higher education institutions and academic unions should redouble their efforts to uphold and promote the principle of academic freedom.

Academia Day is not merely a celebration of knowledge but a reminder to ensure that the rights of academics continue to be respected and protected.

As public servants are paid with taxpayers’ money, the views of academics should be publicly accessible to the people.

The public has a right to hear their criticisms, research findings and direct commentaries on policies and decisions that affect the nation.

In today’s post-modern era, social media serves as a platform for both local and international academics to constructively express their views on national policies.

If these voices are silenced, all that remains is content that does not contribute to the nation’s development, such as shallow entertainment or sensational issues of no value.

Academics do not merely engage in idle chatter; they share research findings funded by public grants, using validated research instruments to critique and improve existing systems.

For instance, academics are among the critical voices that are actively voicing concerns about the state of the country’s education system based on the findings of their research, using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process and Product) model of curriculum evaluation.

Academics are specifically trained to think critically and analytically, and they are accountable for whatever they produce as my PhD supervisor once reminded me, “Question everything, even the accepted wisdom.”

If this critical thinking is stifled, it is a waste of public funds that finance the higher education of these scholars.

Returning to Sachs’ lecture, our nation will not be able to produce scholars of his calibre if the mouths and hands of our academics are tied by restrictive laws and regulations.

Therefore, academic freedom should be enshrined in stronger laws, such as amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act.

Certainly other academics and I welcome the statement by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who supports the amendment of Act 605, and we are aware that this amendment effort has gone through important processes as initiated by former education minister Dr Maszlee Malik. Therefore, it should not take long to implement.

This is important so that there are no more circulars or instructions from higher education institutions that attempt to silence legitimate dissent.

If local academics are prevented from voicing their opinions and criticisms for the good of the nation, then there is no point in talking about efforts to educate the people.

Without academic freedom, we will not be able to produce academic figures of the calibre of Sachs, Professor Joseph Stiglitz or Professor Noam Chomsky, who dare to go against the grain and champion the truth.

Freedom of expression for academics is the cornerstone of a nation’s intellectual and moral development.

If we want this country to produce outstanding scholars, we must loosen the bonds of restrictive regulations.

Only with true academic freedom can we ensure that the nation’s intellectual future continues to grow and be competitive on the international stage.

The writer is a senior lecturer at the Department of Building Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

MALAYSIA, like many Southeast Asian countries, faces the challenge of balancing sustainability, reliability and affordability in its energy goals. Is the country ready for renewables?

The country has set ambitious targets: net-zero emissions by 2050 and increasing the share of renewable energy in its power mix. These goals are impressive and align with the global push towards sustainable energy. However, achieving them requires more than ambition. We need strategic planning, significant investment and innovative technologies.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Berlin in March was not just ceremonial; it highlighted the importance of international collaboration and technology transfer in supporting Malaysia’s renewable energy goals. Global partnerships are essential for advancing the nation’s energy future.

Malaysia’s Renewable Energy Roadmap aims for 31% of the country’s power capacity to come from renewable sources by 2025 and for carbon emissions to be reduced by 45% by 2030. As of 2022, renewable energy capacity has grown to over 9,000 megawatts – a 50% increase since 2013.

However, renewable sources only produced 3.1 terawatt-hours of electricity, compared with 77.3 terawatt-hours from coal. Clearly, there is room for growth.

Imagine a seamless flow of electrons from renewable sources such as solar and wind into the national grid. These sources are often in remote areas, far from the high-demand city centres. The challenge is transporting this energy efficiently and ensuring a stable supply despite the variable nature of renewables.

Intermittency, the fluctuation in energy production from sources like solar and wind, can cause instability in the power grid, which traditionally relies on consistent output from fossil fuels. If the grid is not ready to handle these fluctuations, it could lead to blackouts or energy shortages.

To avoid stranding existing assets, Malaysia can repurpose peaker plants or retired thermal power plants using the Rotating Grid Stabiliser solution. This cost-effective solution ensures a reliable energy supply during the transition.

Stabilising voltage and frequency with synchronous condensers enhances the grid’s reliability, making it easier to integrate renewable energy. This approach supports the grid and maximises existing infrastructure, making the transition more practical and economically viable.

As mentioned, some sources of energy are far from high-demand city centres. This is not just a challenge for Malaysia but for the entire Southeast Asia. Efficient energy transport would ensure secure energy for Malaysia and nearby countries, making the region more resilient.

The Asean Grid ambition aims to create an interconnected electricity system among member states. By developing this integrated network, we can enhance energy security, promote renewable energy use and ensure a more reliable power supply across borders.

Long-distance power transmission requires a strong grid infrastructure. High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology can efficiently transmit large amounts of power over long distances with minimal energy loss.

Think of HVDC as a superhighway for electricity. This technology will allow Malaysia to export surplus renewable energy to neighbouring countries like Singapore, fostering regional cooperation and energy security.

Modernising the grid with HVDC will enhance Malaysia’s energy system, allowing it to accommodate more renewable energy and reduce environmental impact. This interconnected grid will support Malaysia’s renewable energy goals and set a precedent for sustainable development in the region.

However, these goals come with challenges. The energy sector is still developing and needs substantial investments – up to US$10.8 billion (RM47.33 billion) for solar PV alone. There is also a lack of awareness about the financial returns on these investments, which can hinder progress.

Public-private partnerships, supported by a strong regulatory framework, can help overcome these obstacles. Key actions include improving the financing landscape, reducing project approval times and ensuring policy transparency.

We recognise the complexities of this transition. With every step, we can make progress.

Malaysia’s journey will involve expanding renewable energy use, transforming conventional power, strengthening electrical grids, securing the supply chain and driving industrial decarbonisation. Each action contributes to a greener Malaysia.

Thorbjorn Fors is the group senior
vice president and managing director of
Asia Pacific Siemens Energy.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

JAKARTA: Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday and offered his congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump by phone during an official visit to Washington.

“I will work very hard to strengthen Indonesian-United States relationship, and I would like to work towards this end that we have a strong cooperation,“ said Prabowo.

Prabowo, who has said he will pursue a non-aligned foreign policy, met with Biden in the Oval Office after posting a video of his call to Trump.

He arrived in Washington straight from China, where he had met with President Xi Jinping on his first overseas trip since taking office last month.

Washington sees Indonesia, the most populous country in Southeast Asia, as an important partner in a region where its rival Beijing has deep trade and investment ties. Indonesia is also the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

While China is a key economic partner for Indonesia, Jakarta has also become a big buyer of U.S. arms, and it wants to sell the West more metals from its mines.

At the White House, Biden said the two leaders were discussing climate, conflict in the Middle East and the South China Sea.

Indonesia said on Monday it does not recognize China's claims over the vast majority of the South China Sea, despite signing a maritime development deal with Beijing.

“We continue to encourage Indonesia to work with their legal experts to make sure any agreement they make with (the People’s Republic of China) is in accordance with international law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,“ said White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre at a press briefing.

TRUMP CALL

Prabowo's office said he made the call to Trump on Monday after arriving in Washington. It did not immediately respond when asked if he is scheduled to meet Trump in person.

“Wherever you are, I’m willing to fly to congratulate you personally, sir,“ Prabowo said in the video of the call posted on his social media accounts.

“We’ll do that, anytime you want,“ Trump replied.

Trump described his own election victory as amazing, and said it gave him a big mandate.

He also said the Indonesian president was “very respected,“ and praised his English, to which Prabowo, a former special forces commander, replied: “All my training is American, sir.”

Prabowo also met with several U.S. company representatives in Washington, his office said, including from Freeport McMoRan and energy company Chevron, and urged the companies to invest in Indonesia. (Reporting by Stanley Widianto in Jakarta and Jeff Mason in Washington; Writing by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by John Mair, David Gregorio and Rosalba O'Brien)

CAIRO: Sudan has seen a surge in extreme violence in recent weeks as the warring military and paramilitary push for a decisive victory, with no political solution in sight.

Fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified since late October, with reports of attacks on civilians including sexual violence against women and girls raising alarm.

The war that erupted in April 2023 has created what the UN calls the world’s worst displacement crises, with more than 11 million people forced from their homes.

It has put the country on the brink of famine, and sparked warnings of intensifying violence in a war that has already killed tens of thousands.

“Over the last two weeks, the situation in the country has been marked by some of the most extreme violence since the start of the conflict,“ according to Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

“Let me stress that both warring parties bear responsibility for this violence,“ she said, adding that both sides “seem convinced they can prevail on the battlefield.”

Since October 20, at least 124 civilians have been killed in central Al-Jazira state and another 135,000 have fled to other states, according to the UN.

With global attention focused on other wars, chiefly in Ukraine and the Middle East, civilians in Sudan are paying a steep price for the escalation.

“All indicators so far show that both sides are committed to military solutions, with no genuine interest in political resolutions or even easing the suffering of civilians,“ according to Mohamed Osman of Human Rights Watch.

Amani al-Taweel, director of the Africa programme at the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies in Cairo, agreed.

“There is no political solution on the horizon,“ she told AFP, adding that both sides were seeking a “decisive military solution”.

Split

The war in Sudan has pitted army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against his erstwhile ally Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leader of the RSF.

The country is split into zones of control, with the army holding the north and east, and the government based in Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.

The RSF controls much of the capital Khartoum, the Darfur region in the west and parts of Kordofan in the south, while the centre is split.

With no mandatory military conscription, the Sudanese army includes Islamist-leaning forces as well as other factions.

The RSF is primarily made up of tribal militias from Darfur’s Arab communities.

According to local reports, the army has about 120,000 troops while the RSF has 100,000.

On the battlefield, Sudan’s air force gives the military an advantage.

Rights groups have accused both sides of committing atrocities.

The UN population agency published on Tuesday horrific accounts of women and girls fleeing the violence, including one who said she was urged to kill herself with a knife rather than be raped.

‘Deadlock’

Successive rounds of talks have been held in Saudi Arabia, but the negotiations have yet to produce a ceasefire.

In August, the Sudanese military opted out of US-brokered negotiations in Switzerland and an African Union-led mediation has also stalled.

“The deadlock in peaceful channels, whether regionally or internationally, is exacerbating the violence,“ said Mahmud Zakaria, a professor of political science at Cairo University’s Faculty of African Postgraduate Studies.

Since October, the RSF escalated its attacks in Al-Jazira state, south of Khartoum, following what the military said was the defection of one of its commanders to the army.

Before the war, Al-Jazira was known as Sudan’s breadbasket, hosting Africa’s largest agricultural project, yielding 65 percent of the country’s cotton, according to Zakaria.

Proxy war?

Some areas have been scarred by conflict before.

Darfur saw a major war two decades ago, during which the then-government’s allies in the Janjaweed militia faced accusations of ethnic cleansing and genocide.

With roots in the Janjaweed, the RSF became a force in its own right in 2013.

Sudan’s conflict has increasingly drawn in regional powers, prompting the United States to urge all countries to stop arming rival generals.

Former Egyptian deputy foreign minister for African affairs Ali el-Hefny said progress will require global willpower.

Instead, foreign powers are “fuelling the violence, delaying Sudan’s return to stability”, he said.

The army has accused the United Arab Emirates of backing the RSF -- a charge it strongly denies.

In December, UN experts monitoring an arms embargo on Darfur described as “credible” allegations Abu Dhabi had funnelled weapons to Daglo’s forces on cargo planes.

The RSF has in turn alleged Egyptian support for the army, which Cairo has also denied.

Army chief Burhan has historically been close to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who pledged his “continued support” earlier this month.

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.

KUALA LUMPUR: The man who allegedly murdered a woman believed to be his mother and stuffed her body in a freezer about three years ago at a house in Taman OUG, Jalan Klang Lama here has been remanded for seven days starting today.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the 53-year-old unemployed suspect will be remanded until Nov 19.

He said the suspect has no prior criminal record, and the police are still awaiting a health report from the hospital as well as the autopsy report on the victim’s body.

“The suspect himself contacted the police to surrender, and his actions are still under investigation,” he said in a statement today.

At about 8.45 am yesterday, police were alerted about the discovery of a woman’s body at a house in Taman OUG, leading to the arrest of the suspect.

The victim’s body was sent to the University Malaya Medical Centre for a post-mortem and the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

GEORGE TOWN: Three local men, active in firearms smuggling, house break-ins, and luxury vehicle thefts that resulted in losses exceeding RM4 million, were shot dead during a shootout at Jalan Changkat-Pulau Burung, Nibong Tebal, earlier today.

Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said that at 5.30 am, a team from the Penang Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) and Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS) district police were conducting a crime prevention operation when they noticed two suspicious vehicles in the area.

“The police approached the two vehicles, a Honda Accord and a Perodua Myvi, which were acting suspiciously. Upon identifying themselves as police officers, the suspects suddenly fired several shots at our vehicles.

“The police team then returned fire in self-defence, and the three men, aged between 30 and 42, were found dead at the scene,“ he said in a press conference at the Penang Police Headquarters today.

He added that a search at the scene revealed a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, a box of Master bullets containing 50 rounds of 9mm Luger A USA ammunition, a box of 9mm Luger D62 ammunition containing 44 rounds, two machetes, a crowbar, a sledgehammer, and various other tools used in vehicle theft.

Hamzah said checks revealed that the Honda Accord used by the suspects was a stolen vehicle, which had been reported missing in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

He added that during the incident, the suspects were believed to be on their way to commit a robbery at a location they had already identified, which was not far from the site of the shootout.

“Initial investigations found that the three men were actively involved in luxury vehicle and 4x4 vehicle thefts, as well as house break-ins across the state since the start of this year.

“Their modus operandi was to target luxury homes, break in, and steal valuables, while the stolen vehicles would be smuggled into neighbouring countries and sold,“ he said, adding that the firearms used by the suspects were also smuggled from abroad.

He explained that none of the suspects had regular employment. The first suspect, aged 42, who was the gang leader, had 35 prior criminal offences and eight drug-related convictions; the second suspect had six previous drug-related offences, while the third suspect had no identification, and all three were believed to be criminal associates.

“With the elimination of these three criminals, police believe they have successfully solved 33 cases of vehicle theft, robbery, and house break-ins that have occurred in Penang since the beginning of this year,“ he said.

PUTRAJAYA: Active collaboration from industry players is needed for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution to offer programmes that are of a higher quality and more relevant to market needs.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said strong cooperation between the industry players and the TVET institution was crucial to ensure the comprehensive matching of demand and supply.

He said consistent input from the industry players on the workforce skills and needs was also needed by the TVET institution to develop suitable curricula and programmes.

“Forging close cooperation with industry players can create a new skilled workforce to master the latest technology, which will have a spillover effect on encouraging economic growth.

“I call for the active involvement of industry players in Malaysia to collaborate with the government in supporting the agenda to empower TVET,” he said at the 2024 Prime Minister’s Gold Hand Award and Skilled Person Award ceremony here today.

Meanwhile, Fadillah said the government is aware that the TVET stream in Malaysia needs to be improved for it to be more systematic and effective.

He said the organisation of skills competitions was one of the government’s efforts to promote and ensure the quality of delivery of TVET training in Malaysia is in line with international standards.

“I call on all TVET agencies to hold skills competitions at institutional levels so that we can pick the best talent for national and international-level competitions,” he said.

In his speech, Fadillah also thanked and congratulated the national contingent which made sure the Jalur Gemilang was hoisted proudly at the WorldSkills Competition Lyon 2024 at the Euroexpo Lyon in France from Sept 10-15.

In the competition, Malaysia, represented by 15 participants across 14 categories, captured five medals - one bronze medal in the Beauty Therapy category through Wong Hsun Wei and four Medallion for Excellence.

The four Medallion for Excellence recipients were Muhammad Nasran Ahmad in the Hairdressing category; Ahmad Muizuddin Mohd Razi in the Bricklaying category; Muhammad Hakimi Abu Bakar in Electrical Installations; and Stephen Sim Shan Siong in the IT Software Solutions for Business category.

Published on behalf of SAP Concur. Are companies relieved of their duty to care for the wellbeing of their employees during this lockdown period? Angelique Montalto, Regional Sales Director at SAP Concur, clarified the situation: “Organisations owe it to their employees...

PETALING JAYA: TM Global, the wholesale business arm of Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), will expand its Klang Valley Data Centre (KVDC) in Cyberjaya and Iskandar Puteri Data Centre (IPDC) in Johor, addressing the growing demand for domestic and international data hosting services.

This is the next phase in TM’s strategic roadmap to grow its infrastructure ecosystem and position Malaysia as a preferred digital hub in Southeast Asia, aligning with its aspiration to become a digital powerhouse by 2030.

These expansions and TM’s partnership with Nxera to develop a hyperconnected, artificial intelligence-ready data centre, lays the foundation for digital services such as cloud, advanced analytics, AI and the Internet of Things.

Scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2025, the second phase of both KVDC and IPDC will deliver a combined IT load of about 20MW. The expansion will meet Uptime Institute’s Tier-III standards, and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Rating for long-term sustainability, a globally recognised green building certification.

TM Global executive vice-president Khairul Liza Ibrahim said, “KVDC and IPDC are integral infrastructures in Malaysia’s digital ecosystem, serving as international gateways and interconnected points to support 5G networks. This second phase of our data centre expansion will feature sustainable designs, boosting our capacity to support hyperscalers,

OTT players, cloud and next generation AI providers, as well as enterprises.”

TM Global’s data centres are complemented by seven regional Edge Facilities located throughout the country. These support high-performance computing and co-location services to bring content closer to end-users with minimal latency.

“We have enhanced our data hosting services with a recent acquisition of the Facilities-Based Operator licence in Singapore, allowing us to provide seamless, secure data centre-to-data centre connectivity through our extensive domestic fibre optics network and international submarine cable systems. This enables us to meet the growing connectivity demands across the region, linking data centres from Thailand to Malaysia, Singapore, and Batam in Indonesia,” Khairul Liza said.

TM Global offers a comprehensive suite of platform-based services, including multi-edge computing and content delivery, to elevate data hosting solutions. These services are tailored to optimise performance and efficiency, ensuring a robust and reliable data-driven network for customers. Leveraging its extensive network infrastructure, TM Global equips carriers, enterprises, hyperscalers, over-the-top services, and next-generation AI application providers with the tools necessary to drive innovation and seamless digital integration.

SAIC MOTOR MALAYSIA is wrapping up the year with a remarkable promotion for the MG4 EV and MG ZS EV, offering exclusive deals to make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible. In honour of MG’s 100th anniversary, buyers can enjoy up to 20 months of free instalments, offering savings of up to RM26,000, making this an ideal time to join the MG family.

Here’s a breakdown of the promotion:

MG ZS EV: 20 months of free instalments worth RM26,000

MG4 EV Lux: 12 months of free instalments worth RM16,000

MG4 EV Standard: 8 months of free instalments worth RM8,500

This limited-time offer provides substantial savings and financial ease for MG’s new EV owners. Interested buyers can experience the MG4 EV, MG ZS EV, and other models with test drives at their nearest MG Motor Authorised Dealer Showrooms.

For more details, visit mgmalaysia.com or contact the MG Careline at 1800-28-3636.

HYUNDAI’S recent acknowledgement of the challenges with touchscreens in vehicles highlights a growing trend that some are calling the “Tesla Effect.” Following in Tesla’s footsteps, many automakers have phased out traditional physical controls for digital interfaces on touchscreens, aiming to create sleek, tech-centric cabins. However, Hyundai has found that American buyers aren’t entirely on board with the touchscreen-only setup.

According to HDNA Vice President Ha Hak-soo, Hyundai’s experience with touchscreen-based controls revealed that drivers often feel frustrated when trying to quickly adjust settings on the go, especially when physical dials or buttons could have made adjustments more straightforward. Hyundai’s internal testing with focus groups found that drivers found it stressful to control certain functions on a touchscreen when needing immediate responsiveness.

Touchscreens undoubtedly allow designers more flexibility to achieve minimalist interiors and offer a greater range of functions than physical controls alone. But when it comes to real-world driving, bumping along a rough road can make it challenging to find and tap digital controls accurately. A simple adjustment that could once be handled by feel now demands more focus, taking the driver’s attention off the road.

In response, Hyundai has started reintroducing physical controls on some models, including the facelifted Ioniq 5. While Hyundai’s North American team believes driver attitudes might shift once advanced driver-assistance systems become more common, allowing drivers to focus less on the road, for now, it seems Hyundai is listening to the call for a balance between digital and physical controls.

Best solution: learn Dutch. This is the best * on the internet only results in 3 hits on google.nl, but when I repeat the search in Dutch (dit is de beste * op het internet) I get 158.000.000 results. Lucky me/gelukkige ik!

Higher system-wide sales and contributions of recently acquired South Korean value coffee brand boosted earnings of Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. by nearly a quarter in the nine months ending September.

The Keepers Holdings Inc. of tycoon Lucio Co is gobbling up a local beer importer, further boosting the company’s extensive portfolio.

Jollibee posted a Q3 net income of P2.98 billion, up 18% y/y from its Q3/23 net income of P2.53 billion, and down 6% q/q from its Q2/24 net income of P3.19 billion.

The Keepers is planning to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Booze On-Line Inc (BOLI).

College of St. Benilde continued to make a case for the top seeding in the Final Four as it downed San Beda, 70-62, Wednesday in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball action at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Edited highlights from my recent workshop on search tools for research information are now available. Please note that not all of the services, search tools, examples or issues covered in the workshop are included in this version. Slides can be viewed on Slideshare  or authorSTREAM. 

Random Photo: Sweet N' Salty Caturday

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Veterans Day - Land of the Free Because of the Brave