GENEVA, May 6 — The United Nations today called on Israel to immediately release two activists taken from a Gaza-bound flotilla, and demanded an investigation into “disturbing accounts” they had been severely mistreated.

Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila, who are held in a prison in Ashkelon, were among dozens of activists on a Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off the coast of Greece last Thursday.

“Israel must immediately and unconditionally release Global Sumud Flotilla members Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who were detained in international waters and brought to Israel where they continue to be held without charge,” UN rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan said in a statement.

“It is not a crime to show solidarity and attempt to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza, who are in dire need of it,” he insisted.

The flotilla’s vessels set sail from France, Spain and Italy with the aim of breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

Representatives for Avila and Abu Keshek have accused Israeli authorities of abusing the two men, who have been on hunger strike for the past six days.

Kheetan decried the “disturbing accounts of severe mistreatment”, calling for an investigation and insisting “those responsible must be brought to justice”.

“We call for an end to Israel’s use of arbitrary detention and of broadly and vaguely defined terrorism legislation, inconsistent with international human rights law,” he said.

“Israel must also end its blockade on Gaza, and allow and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance to the besieged Palestinian strip, in sufficient amounts,” the spokesman said. — AFP

JAKARTA, May 6 — An Indonesian court sentenced the former chief ‌executive of the now-bankrupt textile giant Sritex to 14 years in jail today for laundering money ‌via bank loans to the firm, state news agency Antara reported.

Below are the details of the verdict:

Judges in the Central Java court said that Iwan Setiawan Lukminto has been found guilty of manipulating Sritex’s financial reports between 2017-2019 in order to secure loans, Antara reported, citing ‌the judges.

The loans were first ⁠intended to pay the ⁠company’s debt, but were redirected ⁠back to Sritex using ⁠fabricated ⁠invoices, the judges said.

The money was then used to purchase company assets such ⁠as land and rice fields.

The malpractice had caused estimated state losses of 1.3 trillion rupiah (RM293 million).

The lenders include a regional bank owned by the ⁠Jakarta provincial government, and Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Barat dan Banten, owned by another provicial ⁠authority.

Sritex was declared bankrupt at the end ⁠of ⁠2024 after it failed to service its US$1.6 billion (RM6.2 billion) debt. It ceased operations on March 1 ‌this year after losing its appeal against the bankruptcy ruling. — Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — Heavy rain since 4pm today has triggered flash floods in several areas across the Klang Valley, disrupting traffic flow.

A spokesperson for the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) said the agency received reports of flash flooding at KM48.0 of the Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS) heading from Kinrara towards Awan Besar, causing congestion stretching up to four kilometres since 4.27pm, according to national news agency Bernama.

Flooding was also reported along the Kuchai Link towards the New Pantai Expressway, as well as at KM18.9 towards Maju Jaya, resulting in slow-moving traffic and one lane being inundated.

A food court along Jalan 51a/223, Section 51A in Petaling Jaya inundated with flood water. — Pictures from X/Bernama

Meanwhile, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department operations assistant director Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar said the department received a report of flash flooding at a food court along Jalan 51a/223, Section 51A in Petaling Jaya at 4.15pm.

“The flash flood at the food court area was estimated at 121 centimetres, with several vehicles submerged in the parking area.

“No evacuations were carried out and water levels are receding,” he said in a statement today.

He added that six personnel from the Petaling Jaya Fire and Rescue Station were deployed to the scene.

Baniir kilat di Jalan 223, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Kredit: hijri d.aceran pic.twitter.com/LG8fXfqTK4

— Bencana2026 (@bencanamalaysia) May 6, 2026

KOTA KINABALU, May 6 — A growing water supply deficit in Kota Belud, now short by about 4.4 million litres daily, emerged as the key concern raised by Tempasuk Assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari.

He told the State Assembly that the district’s three water treatment plants — Kota Belud town, Bayayat and Pandasan — currently produce about 43 million litres per day against a demand of about 47.4 million litres. He urged immediate plans to boost supply including studies for mini dams at Babagon river and Takutan Rosok river.

Mohd Arsad said the proposal could also support irrigation for paddy fields and unlock small-scale hydroelectric potential, while stressing the need to resolve electricity connection delays caused by cable shortages, especially for new homes.

On cost of living pressures amid global geopolitical uncertainties and rising oil prices, he called for a comprehensive state response plan focusing on strategic food reserves, real-time price monitoring, stronger local supply chains and reduced reliance on imports.

He also welcomed the expansion of the Rahmah Madani Sales Programme to 600 State constituencies, including Tempasuk, and urged closer coordination to widen its reach to more communities.

Highlighting Sabah’s low rice self-sufficiency rate of around 20 to 25 per cent, he proposed increasing it to between 30 and 40 per cent within five years, alongside raising poultry and egg production to 80 per cent through mechanisation, smart farming and high-yield varieties.

He backed the government’s paddy revolution and biotechnology initiatives, as well as the Kitchen Garden Programme under the Rural Economic Revolution (RAER) 2026-2030.

He suggested expanding it from household to community scale with structured collection and marketing systems to reduce waste and boost farmers’ income.

Mohd Arsad also proposed a housing repair scheme for low-income families living in ageing inherited homes that are increasingly unsafe but too costly to fix, despite the State’s move to increase SMJ housing quotas to 50 units per constituency from 2026.

On sports, he called for urgent upgrades to the ageing Botong Sports Complex hall in Kota Belud, built in 1982 and widely used by the community, as well as the construction of an athletes’ hostel and installation of floodlights to support local talent development.

He further highlighted infrastructure needs, including upgrading village roads from Kg Rinig, Taman Morul Tempasuk to SK Tempasuk 2, and proposed a new road linking Mukim Taun Gusi to Kota Belud town via Mukim Gunding.

He also welcomed the Pirasan-Kinasaraban road project as a potential alternative route during floods and urged attention to rural bridge upgrades, including Tindud bridge in Bangkahak-Tempasuk and the Topuh river concrete bridge in Kg Bugaron.

Turning to rural economic potential, he proposed developing freshwater aquaculture involving species such as tilapia, patin and “puyu kukum”, with youth and local entrepreneurs as key drivers to generate income, jobs and strengthen food security.

Mohd Arsad also stressed the importance of strengthening the capacity of Sabah’s civil service, proposing enhanced training in public policy, economics, data analysis, artificial intelligence, strategic communication and digital governance to match federal-level administrative standards.

He expressed appreciation to the State leadership, ministers and civil servants for their continued commitment, and reiterated his full support for the government’s policy direction, emphasising that effective implementation is key to ensuring benefits reach the rakyat.  — Daily Express

MECCA, May 6 — A 70-year-old male pilgrim died of a heart attack yesterday.

This is the second death recorded, following the demise of a 65-year-old male pilgrim from Pahang who collapsed while on his way to perform Friday prayers at the courtyard of Masjidil Haram (Grand Mosque) on Friday (May 1).

Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) said in a statement today that the septugenarian, from Senggarang, Johor, died at Ajyad Hospital at 6.16pm local time (11.16pm Malaysian time).

“The deceased had travelled to the Holy Land with his wife and was part of the KT34 group organised by a pilgrimage operator, staying at the Elaf Al Bait hotel.

“The deceased was confirmed to have died of a heart attack while undergoing treatment at the hospital,” the statement said.

TH said the remains were taken to Masjidil Haram for funeral prayers after the Subuh (dawn) prayer before being buried at Al Sharayea Cemetery. — Bernama 

SEREMBAN, May 6 — The Ministry of Works (KKR) launched the Design and Installation Guidelines for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Systems in conjunction with the 2026 Senior Officers’ Conference (SOC) of the Public Works Department (JKR).

Its deputy minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan, said that the effort is to support the green mobility agenda and is seen as a strategic initiative in driving JKR’s smart reform, in line with the government’s policy to expand the use of EVs nationwide.

He said the guidelines are the first of their kind in Malaysia and serve as a comprehensive reference for all parties, including contractors, designers, government agencies, petrol station operators, and individuals who wish to install EV charging facilities.

“Until now, we have had no specific guidelines regarding the installation of EV charging systems. So this book will serve as a document that will help ensure installations are made in appropriate locations and comply with the specified safety aspects.

“This initiative aims to accelerate the development of EV charging infrastructure, not only at Rest and Service (R&R) areas along highways but also to be expanded to federal, state and municipal roads under JKR’s supervision,” he said to reporters here today.

File picture of an electric vehicle (EV) charging at an EV charging station in Putrajaya June 18, 2024. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

Ahmad Maslan said that the JKR needs to be proactive as a facilitator in the development of EV charging stations, especially on federal and state roads, to support the transition to more sustainable energy use.

He said that the current lack of charging stations has been identified as one of the main factors limiting the increase in the use of EVs in the country.

The JKR in a previous meeting recommended that they (EVs) should not only be placed at R&R highways and R&R petrol stations but also on federal and state roads managed by the JKR, including municipal roads under the management of local authorities.

“This effort can help the government and the people to use electric vehicles, whether motorcycles, cars or buses... of course, charging stations are very much needed... the lack of charging stations hinders the use of electric vehicles in the country,” he said.

He said that currently, EV charging facilities are more concentrated on highways operated by concession companies, while development on other road networks is still limited.

In addition to the launch of the guidelines, SOC 2026 also witnessed several other launches, namely the FlexRevive product “Wrap it Right, Flex It Bright”; the Online Mechanical Complaint System (SAMAT); the Malaysia Site Investigation Data Online System (MySIDOS application); and the Road Technical Document.

The 24th edition of the conference, themed ‘Driving JKR’s Smart Reforms,’ reflects JKR’s commitment to strengthening professionalism through a reform approach based on integrity, innovation and delivery efficiency, gathering around 380 senior JKR officers from across the country, including Sabah and Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Ahmad said the global energy crisis also affects economic stability, supply chains, and rising costs, causing the government to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to ensure the well-being of the people is continuously preserved.

He also said that KKR remains committed to strengthening service delivery capabilities by ensuring that every project planning and implementation is carried out meticulously, efficiently and with integrity.

“All arising challenges will be addressed with a strategic and prudent approach, including optimising resource use, accelerating work processes and enhancing field implementation efficiency.

“What is most important ... the ministry’s priority is to ensure that the people continue to benefit from every development initiative implemented under any circumstances by providing the best service, ensuring projects run smoothly, and that the needs of the people are always given due attention,” he added. — Bernama

TAWAU, May 6 — Two men were charged in the Magistrate’s Court here today with trafficking in 130.57 kilogrammes of methamphetamine into the country last month.

Ng Chuan Tong, 51, who works at a licensed moneylender, and dispatch rider Herman Patte, 35, nodded in after the charges were read out to them before Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin.

No plea was recorded from the two accused as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

According to the charge sheet, the two men were jointly charged with trafficking 130,575.18 grammes of Methamphetamine at about 9.30 pm at Batu 15 Jalan Apas here on April 21.

They were charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which provides the death sentence or life imprisonment and a maximum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.

The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Haikal Hazwan Md Yatin, while both accused, who were not allowed bail, were unrepresented.

The court set June 2 for mention. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today the dispute surrounding the Negeri Sembilan government has been resolved following a meeting between the top leadership of Umno and Pakatan Harapan yesterday.

Fahmi said the state government would remain under the leadership of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

“Any issues arising hereafter will be referred to the top leadership based on the agreement signed between the Unity Government’s component parties,” Fahmi told the media during his weekly press conference today.

He also said there were no talks or discussions on snap state elections during the top leadership meeting yesterday.

The Negeri Sembilan political crisis began after 14 Umno assemblymen from BN, led by state Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, withdrew support for Aminuddin as menteri besar.

The move was reportedly linked to Aminuddin’s handling of a dispute involving territorial chieftains’ attempt to remove Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

The group later reversed course before the matter could be tested through a vote of no-confidence, although some in Umno have continued to call for the party to break its alliance with PH.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi later said all assemblymen had agreed to continue supporting the state Unity Government to ensure political stability.

DAP has also placed its machinery on standby for the possibility of snap elections in Negeri Sembilan, even as the PH-BN-led coalition government has regained its footing.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — A man accused of assaulting his pregnant wife, causing her to miscarry last month, will be charged at the Sungai Petani Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

Kuala Muda district police chief ACP Hanyan Ramlan confirmed the matter today, according to a report published by Harian Metro.

The 43-year-old suspect is expected to be charged under Section 326 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt using a weapon or dangerous object.

Media previously reported that the woman sustained multiple injuries after allegedly being beaten by her husband, resulting in a miscarriage when she was 12 weeks pregnant.

The victim, a civil servant, is still receiving treatment at Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim in Sungai Petani.

She was believed to have been punched, kicked and beaten with a clothes hanger, rubber hose and curtain rod, leaving her with serious injuries including fractured ribs on both sides, a spinal injury, as well as swelling and wounds across her body.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — The High Court today dismissed Syarul Ema Rena Abu Samah’s bid to refer two questions of law to the Federal Court over being denied legal representation during questioning by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Judge Mahazan Mat Taib made the ruling on the grounds that the facts as to whether Syarul Ema Rena, also known as Ratu Naga, was detained or not remain disputed and require a full trial.

Therefore, the court ruled that Syarul Ema Rena’s application did not meet the threshold under Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964. The court then set May 11 for an e-Review case management to schedule the trial date.

Today’s proceedings were attended by lawyer Latheefa Koya representing Syarul Ema Rena, while senior federal counsel Nur Irmawatie Daud represented the Attorney General.

On Jan 14, Syarul Ema Rena filed an application to refer two questions of law under Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964.

The first was whether Sections 28A(3), (8) and (9) of the Criminal Procedure Code (Act 593) are void or unlawful or unconstitutional for contravening Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution.

The second was whether restricting a detained person’s access to a lawyer under Sections 28A(3), (8) and (9) of the Criminal Procedure Code is disproportionate to police investigation needs and therefore violates Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution.

Syarul Ema Rena filed an originating summons on Feb 26, 2024, naming MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, MACC and the Government of Malaysia as the first to third defendants.

She sought a declaration that she has a legal right under Article 5 of the Constitution (liberty of the person) to be represented by a lawyer when being examined orally and questioned under Section 30(1)(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

She sought a further declaration that the denial of her right to a lawyer is unlawful and unconstitutional for violating Articles 5 and 8 (equality before the law) of the Constitution. — Bernama

The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.