MAY 5 — As Malaysia ages, the question of elderly care is becoming more urgent. But the issue is not only legal or financial. It is also deeply psychological. Filial piety is often understood as duty: children should care for ageing parents. But care is not produced by duty alone. It is shaped by attachment, empathy, family history, emotional capacity and the support available to the caregiver. In many Asian societies, including Malaysia, filial piety carries strong cultural expectations.

Children are expected to repay parental sacrifice, provide emotional support, contribute financially and remain present when parents grow old. These expectations are deeply embedded in social norms, religion and upbringing. They serve an important purpose. They promote respect, interdependence and a sense of responsibility across generations. While support systems are essential, individual responsibility towards ageing parents remains a core expectation that should not be overlooked.

However, these expectations are increasingly being tested by changing social realities. The structure of families is different today. Households are smaller. Many young adults migrate to cities or even abroad for education and work. Dual-income households are common, leaving less time for caregiving. At the same time, life expectancy is increasing, which means care-giving responsibilities may last longer and become more complex.

From a psychological perspective, Malaysia should be careful about treating elderly neglect only as a failure of values. In many cases, the issue may not be that young people do not care. It may be that they are overwhelmed. Youths and young adults today are navigating a prolonged transition into adulthood. Financial independence is often delayed due to rising living costs, job market uncertainty and housing affordability. Many are managing work stress, career instability and, in some cases, debt. At the same time, they are still forming their identity, relationships and future plans.

When caregiving responsibilities are added to this already demanding phase of life, the burden can become significant. This creates what psychologists describe as role conflict. A young adult may simultaneously occupy multiple roles such as employee, partner, parent and caregiver. Each role carries expectations, and these expectations can clash. For example, the need to work longer hours to sustain income may conflict with the need to spend time caring for an ageing parent. Over time, this tension can lead to stress, guilt and emotional exhaustion.

There is also the issue of emotional readiness. Caregiving is not only about performing tasks. It requires patience, empathy and emotional resilience. Not all young adults are equally prepared for this role, especially if they have not been exposed to caregiving responsibilities earlier in life. In families where there is a history of conflict, neglect or emotional distance, caregiving may feel even more difficult. In such situations, the expectation to provide care can trigger unresolved emotions, including resentment or ambivalence. Cultural expectations can intensify this pressure. Filial piety is often framed in absolute terms, where caring for parents is seen as a moral obligation that should not be questioned.

As Malaysia's population ages, the question of who carries the burden of care — and whether they are supported enough to carry it well — grows more urgent by the day. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

While this reinforces responsibility, it can also discourage open discussion about the challenges of caregiving. Young people may feel that admitting difficulty is equivalent to admitting failure. As a result, stress remains hidden and unsupported. When responsibility is experienced as pressure rather than choice, it can affect the quality of care. Care that is driven by guilt or fear may become mechanical or inconsistent. In contrast, care that is supported and willingly given tends to be more sustainable and emotionally meaningful.

This does not mean neglect should be tolerated. Severe abandonment, abuse and exploitation must be addressed firmly. A legal framework may be necessary as a safeguard in extreme cases. It can provide protection for vulnerable elderly individuals and signal societal expectations.

However, the law should not become the primary solution to what is fundamentally a complex human and relational issue. Neglect itself is not always straightforward. It can range from clear abandonment to more subtle forms such as emotional withdrawal or inconsistent support. Defining neglect in legal terms can be challenging, particularly when family circumstances vary widely. There is also a risk that legal mechanisms may be misused, especially in situations involving family disputes or financial disagreements.

More importantly, punitive approaches may not address the root causes of neglect. If young people lack the time, financial resources or emotional capacity to provide care, punishment alone will not resolve these limitations. In some cases, it may even worsen family relationships by introducing fear and resentment.

This is why Malaysia needs a balanced and psychologically informed approach. Any law on elderly neglect must be carefully designed. It should clearly define neglect, focus on severe cases, and include safeguards against misuse. At the same time, it must be complemented by strong social and psychological support systems. Families need access to affordable eldercare services, caregiver training, counselling and respite care. Community-based support can reduce isolation and share the burden of caregiving. Employers can also play a role by offering flexible work arrangements for employees with caregiving responsibilities. For young caregivers, access to mental health support is particularly important, as they navigate stress, guilt and role conflict.

At a deeper level, filial piety should be nurtured long before caregiving becomes necessary. Adolescence is a critical period for developing empathy, responsibility and family connectedness. Values such as respect and care are not formed suddenly in adulthood. They are shaped gradually through family relationships, socialisation and lived experience. When these foundations are strong, individuals are more likely to provide care willingly and meaningfully later in life. In the end, filial piety cannot simply be legislated. It must be developed, supported and sustained within a broader social context. Malaysia’s challenge is not only to prevent neglect, but to create an environment where care is possible. This means recognising both the cultural importance of filial piety and the modern realities faced by younger generations.

Make care possible first, then make neglect punishable.

* Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslina Muhamad is from the Department of Anthropology & Sociology, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, and can be contacted at haslina_m@um.edu.my

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — The Democratic Action Party (DAP) has reaffirmed its support for Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, rejecting any proposal to replace him amid the ongoing political uncertainty in the state.

In a statement issued after its Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting last night at the party’s headquarters here, DAP said it would continue to fully back Aminuddin’s leadership following what it described as a failed attempt to topple the existing unity government.

The statement, signed by secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, said the party also reaffirmed its respect for the constitutional monarchy and stressed that any matters involving the royal institution and Negeri Sembilan’s Adat Perpatih customs must be handled with due respect and in accordance with the law.

DAP further expressed its appreciation to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, for his decree that the state government should continue functioning as usual under Aminuddin’s administration.

“The party will not agree to any proposal to change the Menteri Besar at this time,” the statement said.

At the same time, DAP said it has instructed its party machinery to be on standby for the possibility of snap elections in Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor should their respective state assemblies be dissolved in the near future.

The party’s position comes amid heightened political tensions in Negeri Sembilan, following recent developments involving support for the state government.

KOLKATA, May 5 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party swept to victory yesterday in key elections in opposition-held West Bengal state, conquering a bastion long held by its adversary.

Votes were still being counted under tight security in the state of more than 100 million people, one of five states and territories that held elections in April and May where results were also being announced on Monday.

But latest results by the Election Commission of India showed Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had won a landmark 206 out of 294 seats in the legislative assembly, marking its first-ever electoral victory in West Bengal.

The BJP returned to power in the northeastern state of Assam for a third time in a row, and in the small coastal territory of Puducherry, where it was a part of the ruling coalition.

The results should put Modi on a stronger footing while he battles a series of economic and foreign policy challenges, including high unemployment rates and a pending US trade deal, ahead of a general election in 2029.

“The 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections will be remembered forever,” Modi, 75, said on social media. “People’s power has prevailed and BJP’s politics of good governance has triumphed.”

“BJP’s record win in West Bengal would not be possible without the efforts and struggles of countless Karyakartas (workers) over generations,” Modi said.

Senior party leaders and thousands of supporters celebrated on the streets of the state capital Kolkata, joyously swaying to victory tunes.

The BJP, the ruling party in the national parliament, waged an aggressive campaign to dislodge the powerful regional party of firebrand leader Mamata Banerjee, in power in West Bengal since 2011.

The campaign was marked by protests over the purge of millions of names from voter rolls, billed as removing ineligible voters but which critics said was skewed against marginalised and minority communities.

A visibly agitated Banerjee, 71, alleged that the BJP was in cahoots with the election commission.

“BJP looted more than 100 seats. The Election Commission is the BJP’s commission,” she told reporters in Kolkata, promising to “bounce back”.

Banerjee also lost her own seat of Bhabanipur to BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari by more than 15,000 votes.

‘New face’ 

Political analyst Sushila Ramaswamy said BJP’s victory in West Bengal would consolidate the party’s hold in eastern India.

“It’s a tremendous victory,” she told AFP.

“It also shows the electoral machinery of the BJP, how effective and how much detailing goes into their election campaign. And it establishes the BJP as the dominant party in the country.”

Modi, in his address to BJP members and supporters in Delhi, urged peace and calm across the election zone.

“Today, when the BJP has won, the talk should not be of ‘revenge’, but of ‘change’. Not of fear, but of the future”, he said.

In another major electoral shock, veteran politician MK Stalin, chief minister of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, lost his seat to an unheralded rival.

Stalin’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) came a distant second behind a debutant party floated by the actor-turned politician C. Joseph Vijay.

Vijay, 51, one of India’s most bankable actors, launched his TVK party in 2024 on the plank of youth employment and good governance in Tamil Nadu, a key industrial hub with more than 80 million people.

Results showed that Stalin, 73, had lost in his Kolathur stronghold to TVK’s V.S. Babu.

“This result (in Tamil Nadu) shows that the youth want a new face. It is not just anti-incumbency,” political scientist Ramu Manivanan told AFP.

“Vijay as an actor has a large female fan base as a cinema star. All that has influenced the outcome,” Manivanan said.

In neighbouring Kerala, an alliance led by the Congress party defeated the Left Democratic Front after two consecutive terms, ending the last remaining Communist-led state government in India.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi thanked the people of Kerala for a “truly decisive mandate”. — AFP

LEIPZIG (Germany), May 5 — A car ploughed into a crowd in the historic centre of the eastern German city of Leipzig yesterday, killing two people and injuring several others, authorities said.

The driver, a 33-year-old German man, was arrested at the scene and officials said his motivation was unclear.

Germany has been shaken by a series of car-ramming attacks in recent years, including one targeting a Christmas market in 2024 in Magdeburg, and also in Berlin and Munich.

In the latest incident in Leipzig, a Volkswagen Taigo car careered from a major square in the old town down a busy pedestrian zone, travelling hundreds of metres.

Hosam Algaer, a Leipzig resident originally from Libya, told AFP he narrowly avoided being hit by the vehicle before running after it to try and help the injured until the car came to a stop.

“The car braked, it stopped,” he said. “There was a woman on top and she ended up under the car, dead. She fell from the roof.”

“Luckily, things were not worse than they were thanks to the screaming,” he added. “People understood very quickly that an idiot was driving and they fled.”

Michael Kretschmer—the leader of Saxony state, where Leipzig is located—said two people were killed, adding that the incident “shakes me to the core”.

“We will do everything in our power to investigate it quickly and fully,” he said. “The rule of law will act with all due rigour.”

While officials did not draw firm conclusions on his motive, several described the incident as an “Amokfahrt”—a German term suggesting a rampage driven by some kind of madness.

This kind of act was “often associated with psychological instability,” said Armin Schuster, the interior minister in the Saxony state government.

Police said late yesterday said there was “no basis on current knowledge” to assume a political or religious motive on the part of the perpetrator.

A 63-year old woman and a 77-year old man, both German citizens, died in the incident, they added.

At least two people were seriously injured and about 20 others were more lightly hurt, according to the fire service.

Police said the car ploughed into people on Grimmaische street, a major pedestrian zone in the old town lined with shops and historic buildings.

The driver stopped of his own accord, they added.

Series of rammings 

TV pictures showed a white vehicle with a badly damaged windshield and hood, and the street cordoned off and surrounded by emergency vehicles.

Police deployed in large numbers in the city, which has a population of around 600,000, along with firefighters, emergency medical personnel and two helicopters.

Authorities said the driver was being investigated on suspicion of offences including murder and attempted murder.

He was believed to have acted alone, police said, and there was no ongoing danger in the city.

Leipzig appeared to be coming back to life quickly, with people sitting at outside tables a short distance from where the incident happened, an AFP correspondent at the scene said.

Germany has been on high alert for vehicle ramming attacks since December 2016, when an Islamic State group sympathiser ploughed a truck through a Berlin Christmas market.

In 2024, a Christmas market in Magdeburg was targeted by a Saudi man, who drove a car into the crowd, killing six people and injuring more than 300.

The Saudi man, now on trial, was a psychiatrist who adhered to conspiracy theories, held strongly anti-Islam views and repeatedly expressed his fury at German authorities.

In February 2025, a mother and her daughter were killed and around 30 people injured by the Afghan driver of a vehicle that rammed into a march in Munich.

The attacks come as sensitivities around migrants have grown in parts of Germany following a large influx of asylum seekers and refugees in 2015.

Immigration and security have risen up the political agenda in German political debate, helping fuel the rise of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). — AFP

KUANTAN, May 5 — Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong began his official visit to Pahang yesterday by visiting the Malayan Tiger Conservation Centre (MTCC) in Lanchang, Temerloh.

Pahang Investment, Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib, in a Facebook post, said he welcomed Lee and a 41-member Singaporean delegation to the centre.

“This visit reflects the ongoing commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in wildlife conservation, particularly regarding Malaysia’s iconic species, the Malayan tiger,” the post read.

Also present were Temerloh District Officer Datuk Khairur Rizal Ramli and Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) Peninsular Malaysia deputy director-general (conservation) Datuk Fakhrul Hatta Musa.

Lee is on a five-day visit to Pahang and Terengganu from today until May 8.

He is accompanied by his wife, Ho Ching; Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong; Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim; and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During his visit to Pahang, Lee is also expected to have an audience with the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, at Istana Abdulaziz here today. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — The ringgit opened nearly unchanged against the US dollar from yesterday’s close as markets await the latest decision by Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), scheduled for May 7.

At 8am, the domestic unit traded at 3.9540/9590 against the greenback compared with 3.9540/9575 at yesterday’s close.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said while the market adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of the MPC meeting, the exchange of fire in the Persian Gulf erupted between United States (US) and Iranian forces, potentially compromising the ceasefire.

“Escalation in West Asia has consequently seen global oil benchmark WTI and  Brent crude prices jumped 4.39 per cent and 5.80 per cent to US$106.42 per barrel and US$114.44 per barrel, respectively.

“Today, the ringgit is expected to depreciate against the US dollar in light of the latest developments. Clearly, market sentiment will continue to revolve around the war in West Asia and the ensuing oil supply shock, which would exert upward pressure on inflation,” he told Bernama.

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

It rose against the Japanese yen to 2.5151/5184 from 2.5186/5210 at yesterday’s close, appreciated versus the British pound to 5.3498/3565 from 5.3612/3660, and strengthened vis-a-vis the euro to 4.6230/6289 from 4.6329/6370 previously.

The local currency was firmer against regional peers.

It advanced against the Singapore dollar to 3.0963/1005 from 3.1019/1049 at Monday’s close, gained versus the Thai baht to 12.0740/0963 from 12.1460/1631, edged up versus the Indonesian rupiah to 227.3/227.6 from 227.3/227.6, but  was flat vis-a-vis the Philippine peso at 6.42/6.43. — Bernama

NEW YORK, May 5 — Actor Blake Lively and “It Ends with Us” co-star Justin Baldoni on Monday settled their acrimonious years-long legal battle, avoiding a costly civil trial.

A joint statement provided to AFP said the parties had resolved their dispute – launched after Lively accused Baldoni of inappropriate on-set behaviour – without disclosing any settlement figure.

Lively’s initial complaint had said Baldoni – who also directed the film – had spoken inappropriately about his sex life and sought to alter the film to include sex scenes that were not in the script and had not been agreed to.

It also said producer Jamey Heath had watched Lively while she was topless, despite having been asked to turn away. It further said Baldoni waged a PR campaign to wreck Lively’s reputation.

“The end product – the movie ‘It Ends with Us’ – is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life,” Baldoni and Lively’s attorneys said in a joint statement.

“We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognise concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard... It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace.”

Hours after the announcement that the case was settled, Lively was all smiles as she unexpectedly appeared at the Met Gala in New York in a full ball gown that erupted in a cloud of pink, purple and yellow tulle.

Baldoni and the studio Wayfarer had previously countersued Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds with claims of extortion and defamation – but a judge dismissed those claims last year.

Wayfarer previously insisted that neither the studio, its executives, nor its PR team did anything to retaliate against Lively.

A judge dismissed some of Lively’s claims, but upheld her allegations of retaliation, which would have proceeded to trial on May 18.

Based on a best-selling novel by the US writer Colleen Hoover, “It Ends with Us” made more than US$350 million (RM1.3 billion) at the box office in 2024, making it one of the biggest hits of the year. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday expressed his highest appreciation to all firefighters for their significant role in minimising national losses through their speed and efficiency in handling emergencies.

He said that the services and sacrifices of firefighters go beyond saving lives and property, serving as a crucial pillar in supporting the nation’s continued development and well-being.

“The speed and efficiency of firefighters in executing their mandate and responsibilities have successfully minimised damage, thereby supporting the nation’s continued development and well-being,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday in conjunction with International Firefighters’ Day.

Anwar also prayed that all personnel of the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) remain protected and be granted the resilience to shoulder their responsibilities tirelessly.

Meanwhile, Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir also expressed his appreciation to all JBPM personnel for their high level of dedication and commitment in serving the community, regardless of the situation.

In a Facebook post, he described firefighters as “true heroes” who are always ready to provide assistance in various emergency situations, including unique rescue missions.

“When a fire occurs, we call the fire department. When a cat gets stuck in a tree, the fire department comes to the rescue. Even when someone gets stuck in a toilet bowl, the fire department comes to assist.

“When accidents, disasters, floods, or any emergency occur, they are always present without question. That is what a true hero is — always ready in any situation,” he said.

Zambry also extended his Happy International Firefighters’ Day wishes, expressing appreciation for the courage and tireless service rendered by the team.

International Firefighters’ Day is celebrated on May 4 every year to honour the services and commitment of rescue teams worldwide. — Bernama 

LIVERPOOL, May 5 — Jeremy Doku’s stoppage-time strike salvaged Manchester City a 3-3 draw at Everton, but a second half collapse handed the destiny of the Premier League title back to Arsenal yesterday.

The Gunners now just need to win their final three games to end a 22-year wait to become the champions of England.

City remain five points adrift of Mikel Arteta’s team, with a game in hand, and will struggle to recover from the manner of their implosion at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side appeared to be cruising to victory when Doku opened the scoring at the end of a dominant first half.

However, an error-strewn second period was punished as Thierno Barry scored twice for the Toffees, either side of Jake O’Brien’s header.

Erling Haaland and then a sensational effort from Doku in the 97th minute did however rescue a point which could ultimately keep City in the race.

“It’s better than losing, It shows what type of team they are,” said Guardiola on City’s fightback.

“It’s not in our hands. Before it was, now it’s not. We have games left. We will see what happens.”

Arsenal visit relegation-threatened West Ham on Sunday before hosting Burnley and visiting Crystal Palace on the final day of the campaign.

Keane escapes red 

Two Arsenal victories since City last played in the league had ramped up the pressure on Guardiola’s side.

City’s first team had gone the best part of two weeks without a proper outing after Guardiola heavily rotated for last weekend’s FA Cup semi-final win over Southampton.

The visitors looked fresh rather than rusty as Everton were penned back inside their own box for practically the entire first half.

City’s pressure finally found its reward two minutes before half-time when Rayan Cherki found Doku, who curled a shot into Jordan Pickford’s top right-hand corner.

Things could have been even worse for the Toffees before the break as Michael Keane escaped with just a yellow card for a wild lunge on Doku.

That decision proved to be vital as City paid a heavy price for a serious of basic defensive errors.

Twice Guardiola’s men did not heed a warning that an Everton equaliser was coming.

Gianluigi Donnarumma parried Iliman Ndiaye’s effort back into the danger area but Merlin Rohl was not alive to the rebound.

Ndiaye then had a glorious chance after an error from Matheus Nunes but again could not beat the giant Italian in the City goal.

When the equaliser finally arrived, City were again architects of their own downfall.

Marc Guehi’s underhit passback handed Barry the simple task of slotting past the stranded Donnarumma.

Another casual City mistake moments later led to Everton’s second.

This time Abdukodir Khusanov was caught in possession by Ndiaye and bailed out by a last-ditch challenge from Guehi.

But from the resulting corner, O’Brien rose highest to power home a header.

Barry prodded home a third for Everton from Rohl’s deflected cross with City all at sea from a rapid counter-attack.

Within seconds they had a lifeline, though, as straight from kick-off Mateo Kovacic played in Haaland to halve the arrears.

Doku delivered a dagger to Everton’s hopes of European football next season right at the death.

But it may have come too little, too late to rescue City’s chances of a seventh title in nine years. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — As Umno marks its 80th anniversary, the party remains relevant in Malaysia’s political landscape but must be more responsive and agile in addressing public views and criticism, said its Vice-President Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

He said the party is no longer as dominant as before, requiring a more mature and renewed approach in line with shifting political dynamics and a new generation of voters with different expectations.

Wan Rosdy said Umno must not take criticism lightly, but instead carefully assess public feedback and translate it into improvements.

“Some views are valid and need to be addressed. As leaders, we must continuously improve. If Umno fails to adapt to these changes, it may face greater challenges in the future,” he said on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme aired last night.

The Pahang Umno Liaison Committee chairman added that the party is taking a more proactive approach in engaging young people, particularly voters aged 18, by focusing on their aspirations rather than relying solely on historical narratives.

Among recent developments is the introduction of online registration, which saw about 4,000 youths signing up to join the party within 24 hours.

“For young people, we must offer hope for their future with Umno, not just talk about history. We are working to enhance engagement with youths to build their confidence in the party,” he said.

Wan Rosdy said that throughout its 80-year history, Umno has gone through various phases, including the struggle for independence, nation-building and political challenges, while remaining a key institution in the country’s development.

He said the party continues to champion religion, race and nation through a moderate approach that prioritises harmony and stability without compromising its identity and core principles.

“Previously we were dominant, now we are part of the Unity Government. This is not about compromising principles, but about responsibility. After the 15th General Election, no single party had a clear majority to form the government,” he said.

“Umno has taken a mature approach by placing the interests of the people and the nation above narrow political considerations. This does not mean we have lost our identity.

“There are four core principles we will not compromise on, namely Islam as the religion of the Federation, the rights and position of the Malays, the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers and Bahasa Melayu as the national language.”

On efforts to strengthen future leadership, Wan Rosdy said the party is establishing the Umno Patriotic School, or Sekolah Pengkaderan Umno, an initiative inspired by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the school aims to produce future leaders with strong identity, resilience and commitment to religion, nation and country through a dedicated syllabus designed to develop political leadership.

The approach equips participants with a strong sense of identity, understanding of the party’s struggle and readiness to face current challenges, enabling them to communicate effectively with the public.

“The module is developed based on studies, including visits to countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, to identify suitable political training approaches.

“In the next 20 years, when Umno turns 100, those trained through this programme are expected to emerge as the party’s future leaders,” he said. — Bernama 

POPAYAN (Colombia), May 5 —A Colombian girl celebrating her 10th birthday was among three people crushed to death at a monster truck display when a vehicle veered out of control and plowed into spectators, authorities said Monday.

Hellen Velarde was attending Sunday’s exhibition in the southwestern city of Popayan as a birthday gift when she was crushed by the truck in an incident that caused widespread anger.

A second girl and a young woman were also killed, local media reported.

Images circulating on social media showed the truck performing a wheelie before swerving off the track and crashing into the barriers separating the public from the track.

Chaos erupted as spectators attempted to get out of harm’s way.

Over 40 people were injured, some seriously, according to the local fire department.

Local media said several children were among the injured.

Hellen’s grandfather Miller Velarde said the event had “practically no safety measures,” which he called a “crime.”

Another of his grandchildren is in intensive care after undergoing surgery for a head injury.

Popayan Mayor Juan Carlos Munoz ordered an investigation into the disaster, saying it “should never have happened.” — AFP

ALOR SETAR, May 5 — The Muda Agricultural Development Authority  (MADA) appeared to explain the real situation regarding the delay in rice planting in Kedah, while emphasising that the institution is always closely monitoring the situation of padi fields, which are affected by the lack of water supply and increasing operating costs.

Its chairman, Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh, said that several cases raised at farmers’ gatherings previously were seen as inappropriate and required explanation so that the public would understand the real situation of managing rice planting in the Muda Region.

According to him, the water supply for irrigating padi fields depends on four main sources, namely dams, rivers, rain and water recycling, with approximately 50 per cent depending on dam storage.

“The three main dams, namely the Muda Dam, the Pedu Dam and the Ahning Dam, are important sources, but the current level is insufficient to release water for irrigation purposes.

“This water shortage is a big challenge that does not originate from MADA. Therefore, blaming MADA is not appropriate,” he told reporters here today.

He said the total rainfall until April 30, 2026 was recorded at only 790 millimetres (mm), much lower than the 1,545 mm last year and the 20-year average of 1,272 mm.

He said the situation caused the dam levels to be at a low level of around 39 per cent overall, with the Muda Dam at a critical level of less than 10 per cent.

“In this situation, we are not able to release water as usual. This is a big challenge that stems from weather factors, not management weaknesses,” he said.

Explaining further, he said that late planting also occurred because they were waiting for sufficient rainfall at padi fields to reduce the risk of loss, even though the land preparation work had exceeded 50 per cent.

In this regard, he urged farmers to take advantage of the rain that has started to fall at this time and to use pumps in areas near the canals to begin planting by wet broadcasting while waiting for the release of water from the dam.

He also reminded farmers not to delay planting for too long considering the risk of the El Nino phenomenon which is expected to begin around June, in addition to the possibility of floods at the end of the year that could affect the harvest.

Meanwhile, he admitted that the increase in diesel costs had an impact on agricultural machinery operations but emphasised that the increase figures previously reported were incorrect.

“Data shows that the increase in diesel costs affects machinery by around 27 to 30 per cent, while the overall increase in costs for farmers is around 10 per cent,” he said.

He added that the government had increased plowing incentives to RM300 per hectare to help reduce the burden on padi fields, while the application for diesel subsidies through the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) was still under consideration.

Yesterday, the media reported that approximately 90 per cent of padi fields in the country, including in the MADA area, were still suspending rice planting activities for the 1/2026 season due to increased operating costs and water supply constraints. — Bernama