KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — Palestine’s Ambassador to Malaysia Jehad Fouad Alqdra has praised Malaysia as one of Palestine’s most consistent and principled international supporters in its enduring struggle for statehood and self-determination.

He said the country has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, both at the government and public levels.

He reaffirmed that while bilateral ties are firmly rooted in solidarity, mutual respect, and shared humanitarian values, Palestine also seeks to advance cooperation with Malaysia in broader areas such as in economy and trade.

“I come here with clear mandate from by my president, Mahmoud Abbas and prime minister, Mohammad Mustafa. They have instructed me to further strengthen the relationships with Malaysia. 

“And I am lucky in this matter because I do not have any problems conveying the Palestinian narrative to the government and people of Malaysia. Malaysia has long [been] aware of the situation since the beginning and supporting us all the time,” he told Bernama in an interview at his office.

Describing Malaysia as an important partner with strong regional and global linkages, Alqdra believed Putrajaya could further leverage its influence on regional and global platforms, as well as in multilateral forums, to rally stronger support for Palestine and highlight the ongoing humanitarian plights in the occupied territories.

“We hope Malaysia can use its good relations with other countries to support our cause,” he said.

Palestine’s Ambassador to Malaysia Jehad Fouad Alqdra during an interview with Bernama at his office recently. — Bernama pic

On bilateral relations, Alqdra who assumed his position here in October last year, underscored plans to strengthen cooperation, including efforts to operationalise the Joint Committee Meeting, which was established in 2022 to enhance collaboration in tourism, trade, health, and Islamic affairs.

“That said, we also look forward to arranging an official visit by Palestinian Foreign Minister to Malaysia at soonest time possible.

“Malaysia has always been close to us, and we are working to bring this relationship to a higher level,” he added.

The ambassador also invited Malaysia to participate in post-war reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

He highlighted the deplorable situation as a result of Israel’s ceaseless attacks since October 7, 2023, pointing out that more than 80 per cent of the enclave has suffered devastations of key infrastructure and public facilities such as hospitals, schools, and housing blocks.

“We are appealing to governments and friends to participate in rebuilding efforts once the situation stabilised.

“We hoped Malaysia too would be able to take a more active role in the reconstruction process, bringing in their technology and building expertise to help us,” he said.

Alqdra stressed the need for a structured and meaningful approach, adding that participation in rebuilding projects such as housing, hospitals, and educational institutions would benefit the larger Palestinian community in Gaza. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, May 6 — The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) will install two 1.8-metre (m) diameter main pipelines to channel more treated water from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to the Barat Daya district on the island as part of efforts to strengthen water supply by 2030.

PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the project is a key component of Phase 3 of the Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030), with an estimated total cost of about RM416 million involving pipe procurement, installation works, excavation and road reinstatement works, as well as land acquisition costs.

He said the first pipeline will connect the Sungai Dua WTP to the connection point of the Penang Third Undersea Twin Pipeline Project (3rd PTSP) in Butterworth, involving a route of about 13 kilometres on the mainland.

“The second 1.8m diameter pipeline will connect the 3rd PTSP landing point in the Macallum area to the Bukit Dumbar Reservoir and Pump House Complex over a distance of about 3.9 kilometres on the island at a cost of RM56 million,” he told reporters after inspecting the project site at Solok Tengku here, today.

According to him, the two pipelines are crucial to enable PBAPP to pump more treated water from Sungai Dua to the island, particularly to meet rising demand in the Barat Daya district, which is expected to increase from 202 million litres per day (MLD) this year to 301 MLD by 2030.

The installation work of the new Macallum - Bukit Dumbar pipeline in Solok Tengku is expected to be completed by December 2027. — Bernama pic

Pathmanathan said works for the new pipeline from Macallum to Bukit Dumbar are scheduled to begin this month and are expected to be completed by May 2027 due to technical and logistical constraints involving traffic management and relocation of utilities, such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and telecommunications lines.

“In addition, with the cooperation of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), the Public Works Department (JKR) and local authorities, we are confident these challenges can be overcome and the project completed as soon as possible,” he said.

He said the 3.9-kilometre project will be implemented in two phases due to land acquisition constraints, with the second phase involving about one kilometre crossing Sungai Pinang.

According to him, about 400 million litres of water per day are currently channelled to the island and with the completion of the dedicated pipelines, the capacity can be increased to around 600 million litres per day.

He added that the overall RM2.1 billion WCP 2030 is being implemented to optimise raw water resources, increase water treatment capacity and reduce dependency on the Sungai Dua WTP. — Bernama

SINGAPORE, May 6 — School bullies in Singapore face caning under new guidelines, but the education minister said today it would be meted out only as a last resort with strict safeguards.

Human rights groups regularly criticise Singapore for the use of corporal punishment, which remains part of both the school system and criminal justice, but authorities have defended it as a deterrent to crime and serious misconduct.

Caning was discussed in parliament yesterday after legislators asked how it would be used in relation to bullying in schools.

The debate followed stricter guidelines against serious student misconduct, including bullying, unveiled by the education ministry last month.

Under the guidelines, offenders could face between one and three strokes of the cane.

“Our schools use caning as a disciplinary measure if all the other measures are inadequate, given the gravity of the misconduct,” Education Minister Desmond Lee said yesterday.

“They follow strict protocols to ensure safety for the student. For instance, caning must be approved by the principal and administered only by authorised teachers,” he said.

“Schools will consider factors such as the maturity of the student and if caning will help the student learn from his mistake and understand the gravity of what he has done.”

The punishment is given only to boys, per “the Criminal Procedure Code, which states that women shall not be punished with caning”, Lee said.

Caning in Singapore is a legacy from British colonial rule, but Britain has long abolished corporal punishment.

After the caning is meted out, the school will “monitor the student’s wellbeing and progress”, including providing counselling, Lee said.

According to a World Health Organization report last year “there is now overwhelming scientific evidence that corporal punishment of children carries multiple risks of harm and has no benefits”. — AFP

PUTRAJAYA, May 6 — Malaysia has successfully recovered RM31.3 billion, or 74.5 per cent, of the RM42 billion misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds as of last year, according to Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Speaking at a press conference here today, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner said the achievement ranks among the highest asset recovery rates globally for large-scale financial crime cases.

He noted that the amount recovered exceeded earlier estimates of 70 per cent, or RM30 billion, cited in previous reports.

Azam said the progress reflects the government’s strong commitment to reclaiming assets linked to the 1MDB scandal, in line with the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive to ensure all misappropriated funds are traced and returned to the country.

“To date, based on available data, the total funds misappropriated from 1MDB amount to RM42 billion.

“The total value of assets recovered as of 2025 stands at RM31,301,717,268.56, equivalent to 74.5 per cent of the overall amount misappropriated,” he said.

Azam said that 1MDB asset recovery efforts began in 2019, with RM1.155 billion retrieved that year, followed by RM14.257 billion in 2020 and RM5.117 billion in 2021.

“Subsequently, RM400.38 million was recovered in 2022, RM8.088 billion in 2023, RM715.95 million in 2024 and RM1.566 billion in 2025,” he said.

The MACC chief stressed that the recovery process involved extensive international cooperation and legal action with multiple parties, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Justice.

He said efforts were carried out through mechanisms such as mutual legal assistance, financial intelligence sharing, bilateral engagements, and cross-border asset forfeiture, involving jurisdictions including the United States, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

“Among key recoveries were proceeds from the sale of luxury yacht Equanimity amounting to about RM543 million, as well as the return of a private jet and overseas properties,” he noted.

Azam said that Malaysia also secured global settlements with international financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs Group, International Petroleum Investment Company and Aabar Investments PJS, along with audit firms Deloitte and KPMG, collectively contributing billions of ringgit to the country.

The MACC, he said, is also working to recover proceeds from the sale of Claude Monet’s Vétheuil au Soleil, which was sold in Switzerland for about EUR25.2 million (around RM114 million).

“The funds are currently subject to seizure proceedings by US authorities, and efforts to recover them are ongoing through legal channels and cooperation with authorities in the US and Switzerland,” he said.

He stressed that the MACC remains committed to tracing and recovering all misappropriated assets, regardless of location or time frame.

“Insya-Allah, all these assets can be returned to the country in the near future, possibly by 2027. This effort is not only about recovering national assets, but also restoring public trust in our institutions.

“No one will escape legal action, and every sen belonging to the people will be returned,” he added. — Bernama

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 6 — Johor has attracted strong interest from 36 international investors, with potential initial investment commitments worth about RM10 billion, state investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said today.

Speaking during the question-and-answer session at the Johor state legislative assembly, Lee said the investment potential followed the Johor government delegation’s recent working visit to Shanghai, China.

“The working visit, which focused on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), saw strategic engagement sessions with over 150 high-potential investors, including company owners and top-level decision-makers,” he said.

“Out of that total, 36 companies expressed their initial commitments and serious interest to invest in Johor.

“This reflects the continued confidence of global investors in the state’s potential, despite the current uncertainties in the global economy,” he added.

Lee was responding to a question from Andrew Chen Kah Eng (DAP-Stulang) on the findings of the state government delegation’s recent trip to China.

He said the initial investment commitments were valued at about RM10 billion and were focused on strategic sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), battery technology, aerospace, automotive and high-tech manufacturing.

Lee, who is the Paloh assemblyman, said the delegation’s approach was more comprehensive and focused on developing the industrial ecosystem, rather than just promoting conventional investments.

“The state government is also working with financial institutions or major banks including Maybank, AmBank, UOB, OCBC, China Construction Bank and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China to expand access to investor networks in China and the region,” he said.

Lee said the delegation also held comprehensive discussions with several major industry players and their supplier networks to strengthen Johor’s investment potential and supply chain development.

He said this was in line with the state’s strategy to develop integrated industrial clusters involving aerospace, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, while strengthening Johor’s position in the global value chain.

MAY 6 — In Checks and balances in Negeri Sembilan State Constitution safeguard against abuse of power I wrote of the “constitutionalisation” of the adat perpatih on the customary ruling structure in the State.

Chapter 6 is on the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) or The Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling Chiefs. The whole chapter can be explained in the following paragraphs.

The DKU serves “to advise on questions relating to Malay Custom in any part of the State including questions relating to the election or succession to or removal from or vacation of office of any of the Ruling Chiefs referred to in Article 14 or on other matters which may be referred to it by His Highness or any of the Ruling Chiefs and to exercise such functions as may be conferred upon it by this Constitution or any other written law”.

The Menteri Besar (MB) may refer to the DKU for its advice on the custom, and when the DKU gives its advice, the advice “shall be final and shall not be challenged or called in question in any court on any ground”.

The DKU is comprised of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, the Ruling Chiefs – that is, the Undang of the Luak of Sungai Ujong, the Undang of the Luak of Jelebu, the Undang of the Luak of Johol, the Undang of the Luak of Rembau and the Tengku Besar of Tampin, the Tengku Besar of Sri Menanti, Dato Shahbandar of Sungai Ujong and “such other Malay member or members as may from time to time be appointed for such period as may be prescribed by His Highness and the Undangs” provided that where the DKU on State or National policy the MB must be invited to attend.

The DKU must meet at least three times a year. The Yang di-Pertuan Besar presides at all meetings of the DKU and, in His absence, the members must choose one from among themselves to preside. The quorum of the meeting is not “less than one-half of the members present” besides the presiding member.

Subject to the provisions of the State Constitution, the DKU may determine its own procedure and appoint its own Committee to carry out its functions.

The minutes of the meetings must be kept of all the proceedings of the DKU. At every meeting of the DKU, the minutes of the previous meeting must be confirmed with or without amendment as the case may require, before the meeting proceeds to other business.

The official language of the DKU is Malay. The DKU may invite any person to attend any of its meetings if it considers that the presence of such a person is desirable. The Yang di-Pertuan Besar may from time appoint a Secretary to the DKU Dewan. The latter holds office during the pleasure of the former.

Unlike other states in Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan practises the adat perpatih, which has the customary ruling structure in the State. — Bernama pic

From the above, one may say that proceedings of the DKU must be minuted or recorded and that members of the DKU are entitled to the minutes of the proceedings. The minutes can be said to be like Hansard – that is, the official report of all Parliamentary debates.

But that is not all – the DKU is also like Parliament that is mandated to determine its own procedure. And significantly as well, if a proceeding of the DKU is on questions relating to Malay Custom in any part of the State including advice on any question relation to the election or succession to or removal from or vacation of office of any of the Ruling Chiefs, the advice “shall be final and shall not be challenged or called in question in any court on any ground”.

Adat is unwritten law, but law nonetheless if it has the force of law. When adat becomes written law, more so when written into the highest law of the land, it takes precedence over adat the unwritten law.

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

TAWAU, May 6 — A 42-year-old male civil servant was arrested on Monday for allegedly being involved in a house break-in at Tanjung Batu Tengah here last month.

District Police Chief ACP Jasmin Hussin said the suspect was detained at about 10.45am by a team from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Tawau district police headquarters.

The arrest was made at the roadside along Jalan Tungku, Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu.

He said the case was reported by a 61-year-old local woman on March 26 after she discovered her house had been broken into.

“The victim realised the incident after returning home on the night of March 25 and found that the iron grille on the rear window had been damaged,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Police said several items were reported missing, including two laptops, a 60-inch television, a wristwatch, several pairs of shoes, handbags and other personal belongings.

Following the arrest, police also seized several items believed to be linked to the case, including laptops, a watch, bags and a mobile phone.

Jasmin said police take house break-in cases seriously and urged the public to strengthen home security and report any suspicious activity immediately. — Daily Express

MECCA, May 6 — The queue system and quota allocation are the main criteria used by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) to determine Malaysian pilgrims’ eligibility, with no influence from financial capacity or higher package payments.

Licensed Haj operators (PJH) operations director Anwar Ahmad said all prospective pilgrims, including those applying through PJH packages, are subject to the same processes and criteria set by TH.

He said there is a misconception among some members of the public that paying for more expensive packages can speed up one’s queue or improve the chances of a successful Haj appeal.

“That is not true, as all appeals are processed through TH’s system based on priority and the current quota, not on the price of the package selected.

“Package payments only cover additional services after a person has been approved to perform the Haj,” he told reporters here on Tuesday.

Anwar said the approach is crucial to ensure that the principles of fairness and equality are upheld in the management of Malaysian pilgrims, given the high annual demand compared with the limited quota allocated.

He said this situation has also been exploited by irresponsible parties spreading misleading information, including claims of guaranteed or expedited approval through certain packages.

“Syndicates also use various tactics such as promoting (certain packages) on social media, offering exclusive deals and claiming to have special access to attract prospective pilgrims.

“Therefore, the public is reminded that Haj approvals are based on a transparent system and cannot be manipulated by any party,” he said.

Anwar added that prospective pilgrims should verify all information through TH’s official channels, including its website, call centre, or by visiting any TH branch office before making any decisions or payments.

“Ensure that every Haj offer comes from TH and only deal with licensed Haj operators to avoid the risk of fraud,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said TH will continue to strengthen monitoring of PJH companies to ensure all services offered comply with requirements and safeguard the welfare of pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — Former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng’s undersea tunnel corruption trial will continue with an amended charge, after the Sessions Court allowed an application by the prosecution today.

Judge Azura Alwi said the amendment, which removes the word “received” from the first charge, would not prejudice the defence, according to the New Straits Times.

“Parties retain the right to recall any relevant witnesses arising from the amendment,” she was quoted as saying.

The court reportedly accepted the prosecution’s argument that the amendment was necessary to align the charge with relevant legal provisions.

Lim, who is also DAP adviser, maintained his innocence when the amended charge was read to him.

His lawyers, Mohd Haijan Omar and Ramkarpal Singh, objected to the amendment, arguing that it was significant as the defence had consistently challenged the element of “receiving” in the charge.

The trial then continued with testimony from MACC senior investigating officer Zulhilmi Ramli.

Lim Guan Eng faces four corruption charges linked to the Penang undersea tunnel project, which was valued at about RM6.34 billion.

The charges include allegations that he abused his position as Penang chief minister over RM3.3 million and solicited 10 per cent of a company’s profits.

He is also accused of causing two plots of Penang state land, worth about RM208.8 million, to be disposed of to two companies allegedly linked to the project.

CEBU (Philippines), May 6 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be leading the Malaysian delegation to the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings here, from May 7 to 8.

Malaysian ambassador to the Philippines Datuk Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony said Asean leaders are expected to discuss impact of the West Asia conflict on the South-east Asian region and the bloc’s response towards ensuring regional energy and food security.

He said Malaysia’s participation in the event demonstrates its commitment and resolve to strengthening Asean centrality, unity, and resilience in an increasingly complex global environment.

“The 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings will be an opportunity for Malaysia to share and exchange views on various issues on Asean Community building and the way forward.

“Discussions will also be focused on the impacts of the crisis in West Asia to the South-east Asian region and Asean’s response towards ensuring regional energy and food security, as well as safety of Asean nationals in the affected areas,” he told Malaysian reporters Wednesday.

Abdul Malik said Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, will be accompanied by wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Dr Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, and Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah.

Upon arrival on Thursday, Anwar will participate in the Special Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit.

“On Friday, he will participate in the 48th Asean Summit, and is expected to have sideline meetings with some of his Asean counterparts,” he added.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Mohamad will attend the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 31st Asean Political-Security Community Council Meeting, the 38th Asean Coordinating Council Meeting, as well as the Asean Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting.

“The Asean Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting is a continuation of the process that was initiated under Malaysia’s chairmanship to ensure coordination between the political-security and economic pillars.

“It is an approach that is increasingly relevant in light of evolving regional and global developments,” Abdul Malik said.

The Philippines took over the Asean chairmanship from Malaysia on Jan 1, 2026. Themed “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the republic during its tenure seeks to steer Asean’s priorities through three pillars: Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment.

The Philippines will be hosting over 650 Asean meetings, including two summits and 24 ministerial meetings.

Cebu, dubbed the Queen City of the South, is hosting the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings from May 6 to 8, 2026.

The city is ranked as the Philippines’ second major international gateway after Manila, and widely recognised as a primary maritime logistics hub.

Home to over 5 million residents, Cebu serves as a key trading, shipping, and business-processing centre in the southern Philippines.

Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority show Cebu’s economy grew 5.9 per cent in 2024, buoyed by solid performance in the services and industry sectors.

In 2024, Cebu accounted for about 15 per cent of the country’s total full-time information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) workforce, according to industry data from the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines. — Bernama

KENINGAU, May 6 — Police arrested a local man for allegedly possessing homemade firearms and air rifles without a licence during a raid at a house in Kampung Kuala Punteh, Sook, on Monday night.

Acting Keningau District Police Chief DSP Alizam Dalaman said the arrest was made at about 10pm on Monday under Ops Laras by a team from the Criminal Investigation Department.

The 44-year-old suspect, who works as a farmer, was detained at his house.

Police found two homemade firearms known as bakakuk, two air rifles and 20 pellet rounds inside a bedroom of the house.

“Initial investigations found that the suspect did not have any valid licence to possess the weapons,” he said.

The suspect allegedly told police that the bakakuk guns were inherited from his late father, while the air rifles were bought from an acquaintance in a neighbouring country.

He also claimed the weapons were kept for hunting purposes.

The suspect has been remanded until May 9 for investigation under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960 for possession of firearms without authorisation. — Daily Express

SINGAPORE, May 6 — A 30-year-old member of a transnational scam syndicate led by two Singaporean brothers was charged in court today for his role in a massive operation that defrauded victims of over S$53 million (RM164 million).

Ngiam Siow Jui was handed one charge under the Organised Crime Act for allegedly acting as a scam caller at a call centre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

He is accused of being part of a sophisticated network linked to at least 535 reported scam cases in Singapore, The Straits Times reported.

Ngiam was arrested by the Cambodian National Police in Phnom Penh before being repatriated to Singapore on May 4. During his court appearance, the prosecutor requested he be remanded for another week to assist in ongoing investigations, noting that he may be taken on a police raid to recover evidence.

The syndicate’s activities were first disrupted on September 9, 2025, following a coordinated strike by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) across both Cambodia and Singapore.

Authorities have identified the ringleader as 32-year-old Ng Wei Liang, who remains at large. Despite his disappearance, several members of his inner circle have already been apprehended and charged.

These include his brother, Ng Wei Kang, 33; his girlfriend, Christy Neo Wei En, 29; and his cousin, Lester Ng Jing Hai, 29. All three were among the first 15 suspects charged in late 2025.

Malaysian connection

The reach of the Phnom Penh-based group extends across the border. Out of the 34 individuals identified as being involved in the group, seven are Malaysian nationals.

While most of these suspects remain on the run, authorities confirmed that five have since been arrested. Among them is Malaysian national Bernard Goh Yie Shen, alongside Singaporeans Wayne Soh You Chen, Jayen Lee Jian Hao, Brian Sie Eng Fa, and the recently charged Ngiam.

The SPF is intensifying its efforts to track down the remaining fugitives.

On May 5, police announced that Interpol has published Red Notices against two more Singaporean nationals believed to be key players in the syndicate: Jonathan Boneta, 27, and Lee Ding Hao, 33. Both are currently at large outside of Singapore.

The scale of the "Phnom Penh Syndicate" has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the growing threat of Cambodia-based boiler rooms targeting Southeast Asian victims.

If convicted under the Organised Crime Act, Ngiam faces a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to S$100,000 (RM350,000), or both.