KOTA KINABALU, April 30 — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor pushed back against assumptions that he was not assertive in pursuing Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement, insisting he has “never been afraid” in negotiations with Putrajaya.

Rejecting a move by Kepayan assemblyman Chin Tek Ming for a special motion, Hajiji said that he was not afraid to negotiate with Putrajaya for Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of federal revenue derived from the state.

The chief minister dismissed claims that the state leadership was not pushing hard enough on the long-standing demand, describing such assertions as politically motivated.

“I think this is a political move, they assume we are not fully pushing for it,” he said during a heated exchange in the State Legislative Assembly between Chin and speaker Datuk Kadzim Yahya.

“Sometimes they make it seem as if the state government, particularly I, am not pushing for it. They think I’m afraid. I’m not afraid. I’ve never felt undermined in those meetings,” he said.

Hajiji stressed that negotiations with the federal government have been conducted without pressure, including discussions with the prime minister.

“To be honest with you, the federal government or the prime minister, has never pressured me or the state government. When we talk about the 40 per cent, it’s not just us — all Sabahans are fully supportive. Don’t use this as a political game,” he said.

His remarks came in response to concerns raised by Chin who questioned the lack of updates on negotiations and called for greater transparency, including a formal mandate from the assembly through a special motion on the issue.

“We do not know anything, no update. We do not know what is happening during meetings,” Chin said, urging the House to unite for a stronger and more visible stance.

However, Hajiji maintained that broad consensus within the assembly was already clear and sufficient.

“It is enough for everyone that everyone in this House supports it,” he said, adding that the state government has gone further by engaging King’s Counsel to strengthen Sabah’s legal position in its claim.

“That’s the issue. If we really think we are going to get it, why the need to engage King’s Counsel?” he said.

The exchange prompted intervention from the Speaker, who questioned what additional action the assembly could realistically take, noting that support for Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement was already unanimous.

Assistant minister to the chief minister had the last word Datuk Joniston Bangkuai also weighed in, warning against attempts to portray the government as insincere.

“It’s clear everyone is supportive. What is the intention of giving the impression that we don’t support it? It seems malicious. It is loud and clear that we want the 40 per cent. Please don’t doubt our sincerity in getting it,” he said.

The exchange came at the end of a four-day session which covered debates and four bills passed today. Kadzim did not accommodate Chin’s request and officially ended the sitting shortly after. 

Sabah’s constitutional claim under Articles 112C and 112D has long been a contentious issue, with both sides of the aisle publicly affirming support for securing the state’s full entitlement.

KOTA KINABALU, April 30 — The Sabah State Legislative Assembly today passed two Bills aimed at overhauling the state’s property and housing governance framework particularly for condominiums or buildings with shared common areas.

The Assembly approved the Building Management Enactment 2026 and the Land (Subsidiary Title) Enactment 2026, both designed to modernise how strata developments are managed, improve accountability and streamline the issuance of subsidiary titles amid rapid urban growth in the state.

Tabling the Building Management Bill, State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Ariffin Arif said the existing legal framework under the Land (Subsidiary Title) Enactment 1972 was not comprehensive enough and had not been updated to current needs.

“There are issues such as delayed establishment of Management Corporations, weak financial management including maintenance and sinking funds, lack of transparency and inadequate regulatory control during the interim management period,” he told the House.

Ariffin said the new law seeks to address these gaps through a more structured governance system, including the establishment of a Building Commissioner, stricter financial reporting requirements, and a mandatory timeline for developers to hand over management to property owners.

The Bill also introduces a tribunal for building management disputes, with the objective to ensure a more efficient, transparent and accountable building management system that protects the interests of owners and buyers.

Meanwhile, the Land (Subsidiary Title) Enactment 2026, tabled by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, introduces a broader and more modern legal framework governing the subdivision of buildings and land into subsidiary titles.

The new law expands beyond the 1972 Enactment by covering not only buildings but also land with multiple structures, reflecting more complex and mixed development models in Sabah today.

It also restructures the legal framework into eight comprehensive divisions, introduces electronic land registers, strengthens documentation requirements, and allows for provisional subsidiary titles to accommodate phased developments.

The enactment further tightens enforcement provisions and imposes heavier penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to RM1 million for failure to apply for subdivision within the stipulated period.

Both Bills were passed after debate in the House and were largely lauded and welcomed by both sides of the political divide.

Lawmakers described the reforms as long overdue and necessary to address long-standing inefficiencies in strata management, improve investor confidence, and safeguard the interests of thousands of property owners in the state.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) announced today the seizure of 498,694 digital files in a single sweeping crackdown on online child sexual exploitation in Malaysia, carried out as part of a recent seven-country operation targeting cross-border networks involved in the sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said 69 out of 101 identified CSAM enablers were tracked down and arrested in Malaysia following extensive intelligence-sharing with regional and international law enforcement partners.

The transborder operation, dubbed Operasi Cyber Guardian 2026, saw participation from six other countries, namely Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore.

With the main operation taking place from March 23 to April 17, Mohd Khalid said PDRM alongside its state contingents conducted simultaneous arrests nationwide between April 6 and April 8.

“Searches were performed on the premises and electronic devices of those targeted and our profiling of the identified perpetrators found that they came from various backgrounds.

Those arrested were aged between 15 and 66, with all except one being male.

“A total of 124 electronic devices alongside 204,934 CSAM and 293,760 adult pornography files were also seized,” he told a press conference at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman here.

A total of 339 personnel from the PDRM, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) which provided technical support, were mobilised.

According to Mohd Khalid, 171 online platforms and groups were found to be involved in the distribution and sale of CSAM in Malaysia following the crackdown.

“Some of those arrested were group administrators who offered paid access to CSAM via e-Wallet and QR payment which showed element of commercialisation by utilising the digital ecosystem to access, store and distribute CSAM,” he said.

The breakdown of arrests according to states was Selangor (22), Kedah and Johor (10); Penang, Perak and Pahang (9); Perlis and Negeri Sembilan (8); KL (5); Kelantan, Terengganu and Sarawak (3); Sabah and Melaka (1).

Following the arrests, Mohd Khalid said 67 investigation papers (IPs) were opened, with 62 leading to prosecutions, two still under investigation, and three classified as requiring no further action.

Mohd Khalid said the latest crackdown demonstrates PDRM’s consistent, uncompromised and stern enforcement against online child sexual exploitation crimes.

“Such crimes are no longer individual in nature, but have evolved into more organised, profit-driven networks operating across borders.

“PDRM views these developments seriously as online child sexual exploitation is becoming more complex, structured and wide-ranging, requiring a comprehensive approach involving intelligence, enforcement and strategic cooperation at both national and international levels,” he said.

Mohd Khalid also reiterated that strict and uncompromising action will be taken against any party involved, while urging the public to strengthen digital awareness and closely monitor children’s use of digital devices to reduce exposure to online threats.

“We are committed to strengthening strategic collaboration with local and overseas agencies to ensure children are protected from any form of exploitation and abuse,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The 30 per cent discount offered under the Madani30 promotional code for Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) Electric Train Service (ETS) and Ekspres Rakyat Timuran (ERT) services has been extended until May 14.

The Ministry of Transport (MOT), in a statement today, said the extension was made following encouraging public response, reflecting the public’s readiness to shift towards more affordable and convenient rail transport.

“For the travel period from May to October 2026, a total of 1.2 million seats are being offered under the Madani30 initiative, providing ample opportunity for the public to plan their journeys early at more reasonable fares.

“In this regard, MOT urges the public to take advantage of this opportunity by planning their trips in advance and using KTMB services to their preferred destinations,” it said.

According to MOT, the initiative remains available for the purchase of adult tickets across all ETS sectors as well as ERT services on the JB Sentral-Tumpat-JB Sentral route, for travel up to Oct 14 this year.

The discount is valid for travel from Mondays to Thursdays, except for school holidays and public holidays.

MOT said the initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the ‘road to rail’ agenda, which is the transition from road to rail, which is more sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly.

“The use of rail transport is not only more comfortable and safe, but also contributes to environmental sustainability and reduces traffic congestion.

“This approach is in line with the Madani Government’s aspirations in reducing road congestion, reducing carbon footprint, and improving the quality of life of the people through a more integrated public transport system,” the ministry said.

The public can get more information via KTMB’s official social media page and make advance purchases via the KTMB Mobile application, KITS Style, KTMB’s official website or ticket kiosks at selected stations.

MOT also stressed the government’s commitment to continue strengthening the national rail transport ecosystem as the backbone of Malaysia’s future mobility.  — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The Sessions Court was told today that there were elements of misappropriation of Perlis state government property when Datuk Seri Azlan Man received funds resulting from the cancellation of overseas travel packages for trips that never took place.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Senior Superintendent M. Theenmoly, 41, testified that investigations revealed Azlan — through his then-Senior Private Secretary, Herwardy Hashim — had instructed the agencies Sri Kedawang Travel & Tour (W) Sdn Bhd (SKTT) and Aidil Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd to cancel the travel bookings.

“Datuk Seri Azlan Man then made claims for the money paid by the Perlis State Government, which was subsequently deposited into his bank account,” she said during the trial of the former Perlis Menteri Besar, who faces 10 charges of submitting false claims and receiving proceeds from illegal activities.

The 20th prosecution witness stated that, acting on Azlan’s instructions, the two travel agencies returned the funds from the cancelled vacations — totalling RM1.06 million — into Azlan’s bank account via four cheques and cash between February 14, 2014, and January 24, 2017.

“My investigation is based on documentary evidence such as local orders, bank statements from both parties, and witness testimony. Therefore, I found evidence showing that Datuk Seri Azlan Man received money from illegal activities, namely the cancellation of overseas vacation packages,” she said.

Theenmoly added that according to testimony from the then-Secretary of the Perlis State Executive Council, Norazlan Yahya, no consideration papers were presented to obtain approval to convert the overseas leave facilities approved for Azlan into cash for the years 2013 to 2017.

“Based on my investigation, Datuk Seri Azlan Man could not opt for cash payments for overseas leave facilities (Kuala Lumpur to London) and hotel accommodations for the years 2013 to 2017,” she said.

Responding to questions from Deputy Public Prosecutor Haresh Prakash Somiah regarding verification of the non-existent trips, the witness said the information was obtained from both travel agencies involved.

According to Theenmoly, the agencies reported that the accused cancelled the trips on confirmed dates under the pretext of managing the travel himself, while also requesting that the funds be deposited into his personal account.

“The travel agencies also confirmed that no tickets were purchased for Datuk Seri Azlan Man’s overseas vacation claims for the years 2014 to 2017,” said Theenmoly, who now serves as an investigating officer at the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ Integrity Unit.

When questioned by lawyer Burhanudeen Abdul Wahid, representing Azlan, about the need to investigate the accused’s passport, Theenmoly explained that there was no need to do so as the investigation was already solidified by leave application documents, local orders, price quotations, and invoices.

Azlan, 67, faces five charges related to false claims for overseas leave facilities totaling over RM1.18 million, allegedly committed at the Perlis State Secretariat Office between December 2013 and December 2017.

These claims involved flight ticket quotations to London, United Kingdom, as well as invoices from SKTT and Aidil Travel & Tours.

He is also facing five charges of receiving proceeds from illegal activities amounting to RM1.06 million between February 19, 2014, and December 2017 at various locations, including the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman Maybank branch, CIMB Bank Putrajaya branch, and the Sheraton Imperial Hotel here.

Additionally, Azlan faces five alternative charges of misappropriating RM1.06 million belonging to the Perlis State Government that was paid to SKTT and Aidil Travel & Tours.

The trial before Judge Azura Alwi will resume on June 19. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA, April 30 —  The family of a Grup Gerak Khas (GGK) personnel from the 22 Commando Regiment, Trooper Abdul Hamid Talib, has urged the government to provide an explanation and conduct a thorough investigation into the severe injuries he sustained while at camp.

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) adviser N. Surendran, who is also the family’s spokesperson, said at a press conference today that the family had yet to receive a reasonable explanation as to how the 25-year-old victim suffered such serious injuries, leaving him in a vegetative state.

He said the victim, who was previously healthy, was reported to have sustained severe injuries on March 11 while at a military camp in Mersing, Johor.

“The victim is currently receiving treatment at the University of Malaya Medical Centre after being transferred from several other hospitals,” he said during the press conference held at the LFL office here today.

Also present were the family’s legal representative Suzana Norlihan Alias, the victim’s mother Josmah Duim, 54, his brother Saifudin Talib, 30, and his sister Noreliana, 29.

Surendran said a police report was lodged by Saifudin on March 14, but there had been no significant progress in the case so far.

As such, he said the family wanted the Ministry of Defence and the leadership of the Malaysian Armed Forces to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the actual incident, and also called on the police to carry out an immediate investigation.

“The family is also demanding that all officers and personnel involved be suspended pending investigations to ensure transparency,” he said.

Meanwhile, Josmah demanded justice over what had happened to her son, describing the incident as unacceptable.

“I sent my son in a healthy condition, and suddenly he ended up like this. I cannot accept it,” she said.

Petaling Jaya District Police chief Shamsudin Mamat, when contacted, confirmed that family members had lodged a second police report at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters today. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The Kuala Lumpur City Hall today said all of its 10,000 CCTV cameras have been upgraded with high-resolution facial recognition technology that could help authorities monitor, identify lawbreakers and respond swiftly.

The upgrade, announced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and DBKL Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud here, is part of a large‑scale rollout of an integrated system that would connect monitoring, enforcement and city management capabilities.

“This is part of efforts to make the city safer,” Yeoh said at a press conference to unveil the system.

“If you think about doing crime in KL, don’t.”

Also present was Kuala Lumpur Police Chief CP Datuk Fadil Marsus.

Fadil said CCTV monitoring has been shown to be effective in increasing suspect detection and investigation capabilities by 50 per cent, contributing to more effective case resolutions. 

With the upgrade, the police can now monitor suspicious behaviour, track suspects’ movements and respond early if needed.

“What this means is that it gives us (the police) quicker time to respond if, say, civilians have any concerns about suspicious behaviour... the immediate effect from this is we expect to see a reduction in physical crimes,” Fadil said.

Yeoh said the integrated system enables stronger coordination between DBKL and the police, as well as other agencies.

Fadlun said talks with the Ministry of Transport to integrate the system for their own enforcement work is already in the pipeline.

This could mean quicker response by agencies like the Road Transport Department to traffic violations like encroachment of bus lanes or other forms of obstructions.

Fadil, on the other hand, expects the integrated system would help the police manage traffic better.

At the moment, traffic management by the police is still done “manually”, he said.

Other advanced technical suite from the upgrade includes “geo-fencing” for high-risk areas and behavioural analytics designed to flag suspicious movements to the Kuala Lumpur Command and Control Centre (KLCCC).

Police currently have officers stationed at DBKL’s command centre but Fadil said the force is in the process of mirroring the system with its own computers at the KL Contingent Headquarters’ command centre.

Some of the cameras placed at hotspots are also capable of blasting out audio messages. For example, a CCTV within the KLCC vicinity has been sending out regular warnings to tourists not to hire illegal photo touts.

Facial recognition also means the touts’ identities can be recognised, making arrests and press charges easier.

SHAH ALAM, April 30 — The body of a 10-year-old boy, who went missing after reportedly falling into a drain in Bandar Puncak Alam on Tuesday (28), was found in Sungai Buloh today.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations assistant director Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar said the body was found at about 1 pm, about six kilometres (km) from where he was reported to have fallen at Lorong Cakera Purnama 12/27.

He said the boy’s body was recovered by rescue personnel and handed over to the police.

“For the third day of operation, which began early this morning, the rescue personnel conducted surface water searches, as well as diving operations at two key areas leading towards the river.

“This integrated operation also involved the JBPM’s Water Rescue Unit (PPDA) and K9 Tracker Dog Unit,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier, the victim was reported to have been swept away by strong currents during heavy rain in an incident that occurred at about 3.30 pm on Tuesday, before firefighters received an emergency call at 7.47 pm. — Bernama

LONDON, April 30 — Scott Parker has left his position ‌as coach of Burnley ​by mutual consent, the Premier League club said on Thursday after ‌their relegation to the second-tier was confirmed ​last week.

Burnley’s relegation was confirmed when they lost 1-0 to Manchester City at Turf Moor ​last week, their 22nd loss of the season.

They sit 19th in the standings with 20 points from 34 games, joining bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers ‌in the Championship next season.

“Following confirmation of ⁠the club’s relegation ⁠from the Premier League last ⁠week, Parker and the ⁠Board ⁠held discussions and mutually agreed that his time at Turf Moor would conclude,” ⁠the club said in a statement.

“During his tenure at Turf Moor, Parker guided the Clarets to a record-breaking season in the 2024-25 campaign, securing Burnley promotion from ⁠the Championship to the Premier League, with a 31-match unbeaten run, keeping a ⁠remarkable 30 clean sheets.”

Burnley said Mike Jackson and ⁠existing ⁠backroom staff would take interim charge for ​the remainder of the ​season while they hunt ‌for a new head ​coach. — Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has urged for calm and restraint amid an ongoing political crisis in Negeri Sembilan, as law enforcement work to ensure public order.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said what is currently taking place in Negeri Sembilan relates to customs practiced and the public should allow due process to proceed without interference.

“I am urging all parties to remain calm and refrain from making unnecessary comments.

“As a law enforcement agency, PDRM will always ensure the safety and harmony of the state remains intact,” he said during a press conference at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman here.

Mohd Khalid said numerous police reports have been lodged by relevant parties, mostly related to dissatisfaction, but did not provide their breakdown.

“We will conduct the necessary investigations on them,” he said.

The state’s administrative crisis was triggered when all 14 Umno and Barisan Nasional assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan unanimously declared a loss of confidence and withdrew their support for the state government led by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun following a leadership conflict.

However, Aminuddin was given the mandate to continue leading the state administration after receiving the consent of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

KOTA BHARU, April 30 — A mentally disabled man was charged in the Magistrate’s Court here today with murdering his father last week.

Mohd Azwan Muhammad, 41, was charged with murdering Muhammad Ishak, 83, at a house in Kampung Baung Bayam here at 10.30 am on April 20 under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or a maximum prison term of 40 years and not less than 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Nadzir Abdullah said the post-mortem report had not yet been received and asked for the man to be sent to undergo a psychiatric assessment.

Magistrate Rais Imran Hamid ordered the accused, who is represented by lawyers Tengku Shazuan Tengku Shariffudin and Ahmad Nizam Mohamed, to be sent to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, Perak, for a psychiatric assessment under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The court fixed June 30 for mention.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat was quoted as saying that preliminary investigations found that the suspect, who has been confirmed to suffer from schizophrenia, punched his father after he was reprimanded for relieving himself. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A viral social media post showing a visibly underweight Malayan tiger in a Japanese zoo has stirred concern among Malaysians, intensifying debate over the welfare of Malaysian wildlife sent overseas.

The clip, circulating widely on Threads, showed the tiger pacing slowly inside its enclosure before sitting and lying down on a patch of grass, with its ribs and hip bones clearly visible.

Alongside the video, a user identified as gazelle.64528627 wrote: “Just look at the tigers in Japanese zoos…I can’t bear to watch. They really don’t know how to take care of animals. Is DAK going to end up like this too? So cruel, extremely cruel… I hope they get what they deserve!”

The post quickly went viral, with users sharing comparisons between animals in Japanese and Malaysian zoos and questioning welfare standards. Some described the tiger’s condition as distressing, while others speculated about illness or environmental stress factors.

The discussion has since expanded to the welfare of three Malaysian elephants — Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK) — currently housed at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan.

According to a report published in The Star yesterday, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup has said the elephants should be brought back to Malaysia and relocated to the Taiping Zoo and Night Safari.

He said the proposal to repatriate the animals has gained public attention amid concerns over their condition, including claims that Japan’s climate may be unsuitable and reports alleging that Kelat had sustained injuries, based on a memorandum submitted to the ministry following a recent protest.

The memorandum was presented by about 20 individuals led by social activist Datuk Dr Kalai Vanar during a gathering outside the ministry’s office on April 24, calling for the elephants’ return.

Kurup said the ministry views the proposal as a “significant and reasonable” option in the public interest, and confirmed that the memorandum has been forwarded to the Taiping Municipal Council and Zoo Taiping & Night Safari for further action.

The issue has further fuelled online debate over animal welfare standards abroad, with many Malaysians questioning whether wildlife transfers are adequately monitored and whether the animals’ long-term wellbeing is being safeguarded.

Meanwhile, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, in a Facebook post yesterday evening, also urged Zoo Taiping & Night Safari to bring the elephants back to Malaysia and relocate them to the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, Temerloh.

Wan Rosdy said he was closely monitoring concerns raised by the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, NGOs and members of the public, stressing that the animals form part of Malaysia’s biodiversity heritage.

He said the matter should not be taken lightly and called for the elephants’ immediate return, arguing that Kuala Gandah offers a more suitable environment for their long-term welfare, including space, social interaction and psychological well-being.

The three elephants were originally sent to Japan following discussions between Zoo Taiping & Night Safari, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and Tennoji Zoo that began in 2022.

Perak authorities had previously said the relocation formed part of a bilateral cooperation and animal exchange programme, formalised through a memorandum of understanding between the institutions involved.

State officials had also assured that the elephants’ welfare would be monitored, with zoo representatives expected to conduct follow-up visits to assess their condition after relocation.

However, public concern over the transfer had already emerged earlier, including an online petition opposing the move that attracted tens of thousands of signatures.