KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — The Meteorological Department has issued a thunderstorm warning covering the Klang Valley and several other states, with heavy rain and strong winds expected until 6pm today.

Affected areas include Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya, as well as multiple regions across Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak.

Other states under the alert include Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor, covering several districts in each state.

In East Malaysia, the warning also extends to parts of Sarawak including Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri, as well as multiple divisions in Sabah including Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Tuaran.

The alert also covers Labuan, with thunderstorms expected across all listed areas.

The MetMalaysia said thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected or occurring in areas where rainfall exceeds 20mm per hour and may last more than an hour.

It added that thunderstorm warnings are short-term advisories valid for up to six hours per issuance.

PUTRAJAYA, May 2 — The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) today refuted claims that a purported Malayan Tiger was spotted in a weak and sickly condition at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, as seen in a viral video circulating on social media.

In a statement issued today, Perhilitan clarified that the animal in the video is an Amur Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), not a Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni). In fact, no Malayan Tigers exist at the said zoo.

“The video shows a tiger that has been falsely identified as a Malayan Tiger in a thin and unhealthy state at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan.

“This has sparked public concern and negative reactions, particularly regarding wildlife welfare and the perceived image of Malayan Tiger conservation,” the statement read.

Perhilitan also clarified that the Amur Tiger does not belong to the department or the Government of Malaysia.

The department added that the spread of this misinformation has caused public confusion and damaged public perception of Malaysia’s conservation efforts for its endangered wildlife.

In light of this, Perhilitan reminded the public to be responsible by verifying facts before sharing any information, particularly on social media.

“The dissemination of inaccurate or unverified information can create confusion, trigger negative perceptions and undermine wildlife conservation efforts at both the national and international levels.

“The public is also encouraged to refer to official government sources or authorised bodies for accurate and reliable information, and to avoid making baseless speculations,” the department said.

Perhilitan remains fully committed to preserving the nation’s wildlife and will continue working with stakeholders at home and abroad to ensure the welfare of endangered species, including the Malayan Tiger. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 2 — Police have confirmed that a Chinese national died after falling from Level 3 of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA Terminal 2) in an incident that went viral on social media yesterday.

KLIA Police Chief ACP M. Ravi, in a statement today, said the incident occurred at 2.20 pm.

He said a medical team that arrived at the scene provided emergency care before the woman was pronounced dead at 5.09 pm at Putrajaya Hospital while receiving further treatment.

“Investigations revealed that the 27-year-old woman was scheduled to board a flight back to China tomorrow. The case has been classified as a sudden death report (SDR), and the cause of the incident is still under investigation,” he said.

Those with information regarding the incident are urged to contact the KLIA District Police Headquarters at 03-8776 8222 to assist in the investigation. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 2 — Police arrested two foreign men early yesterday morning, suspected of being involved in begging activities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal.

KLIA Police Chief ACP M. Ravi said the suspects, aged 28 and 45, are believed to be the individuals shown in a viral social media video of begging at the terminal.

He said investigations found that the suspects are from Tajikistan and Palestine, and both failed to show valid passports or travel documents.

“The suspects’ modus operandi was to approach visitors at the airport to ask for money by eliciting sympathy,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The case is being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for staying in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit.

The section provides for a fine of up to RM10,000, or a maximum jail term of five years, or both, and liability to not more than six strokes of the cane upon conviction.

Ravi advised the public, especially airport users, to be careful when approached by strangers to avoid becoming victims of scams. — Bernama