​KAJANG, May 3 — The remains of a nine-year-old girl who was found drowned in Sungai Langat at noon today will be laid to rest at the Sungai Long Muslim Cemetery in Hulu Langat tonight.

Earlier, a post-mortem on Nur Qaseh Deandra Mohd Qayyum was completed at the Kajang Hospital Forensic Department at 3.47pm.

Her body was then bathed and shrouded at the hospital before being transported by hearse at 6pm to Taman Rakan Mosque in Cheras for funeral prayers.

The victim was found by the search and rescue (SAR) team at 12.17pm, about 10.6 kilometres from where she was reported to have fallen.

Last Friday, she was believed to have been swept away by strong currents while trying to retrieve a ball that had fallen into a drain as she was playing with friends at an apartment area in Bandar Mahkota Cheras. — Bernama

BEIJING, May 3 — China accused the Philippines of landing personnel on a disputed reef in the South China Sea today as Manila said it would dispatch ships to drive off Chinese vessels it said were conducting research illegally.

The exchange extends a run of heightened tension between China and the Philippines, a US ally, over Sandy Cay, an unoccupied sandbar in the South China Sea.

Today, China’s Coast Guard said it had identified five Philippine personnel who had landed on Sandy Cay, an action Beijing termed “illegal,” according to state-run media outlet Global Times. The report did not specify what — if any — further action China had taken.

Manila said last week it had dispatched its coast guard to Sandy Cay after state media reports showed Chinese coast guard personnel arriving on Sandy Cay holding a Chinese flag.

Ties between China and the Philippines are strained over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire waterway.

Also today, a spokesman for the Philippine Coast Guard said Manila had identified four Chinese vessels conducting what it called illegal research in its waters and threatened to deploy aircraft and ships to force them to move away.

China’s foreign ministry and the Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately reply to requests for comment. — Reuters

 

LONDON, May 3 — The Rolling Stones have confirmed that the title of their upcoming music project is Foreign Tongues.

It comes after months of teasing by the rock group, through mysterious billboards and posts, which sparked rumours that the band would release a new album – their first since their 2023 Grammy Award-winning record Hackney Diamonds.

The Press Association understands the Stones will release their new album on July 10, after band members Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards shared the artwork for the upcoming record on Saturday, with each musician posting a different portion of the cover.

Jagger shared a photograph which covered the bottom part of the cover and showed an illustration of what appears to be his mouth and chin.

Wood shared the middle portion of the cover which revealed his eyes and nose.

Richards completed the puzzle and shared the top half which featured an illustration of the head – some messy hair wearing a multicoloured bandana.

On Friday, the band shared a snippet from an unnamed song over a 13-second video to their 4.2 million fans of their signature tongue and lips logo on a moving background.

The caption consisted of two emojis, including one of a CD, leading fans to believe they are hinting at a new record.

Rumours of new music were first sparked last month when a series of cryptic messages including posters and QR codes linked to The Cockroaches popped up around London believed to be connected to the band.

The Rolling Stones have also reportedly released music and performed gigs under the pseudonym, The Cockroaches, with teaser videos hinting at the name shared on their Instagram.

The Cockroaches later released a limited-edition vinyl single, titled Rough And Twisted on April 11, which was reportedly only sold exclusively at independent record stores.

Formed in London in 1962, The Rolling Stones have a long history of chart-topping albums and number one singles, including (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, Paint It Black and Start Me Up.

After long-serving member Charlie Watts died in August 2021 at the age of 80, Steve Jordan has stepped in as the group’s drummer with its current line-up consisting of Jagger, Richards and Wood.

Throughout their decades-long career, The Rolling Stones have had 14 UK number one albums and eight number one hits.

The rock band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. — Bernama-PA Media/dpa

 

SUNGAI PETANI, May 3 — An elderly man is feared drowned after he was believed to have fallen into a river in Kampung Padang Tengah, Tikam Batu, today. The victim has been identified as Mohamad Khalid @ Halim Salleh, aged 83.

Kedah Fire and Rescue Department Zone 2 officer and senior operations commander, Fire Supt Bryan Del Bungkias, said an emergency call was received at 8.55 am.

He said the victim is suspected to have fallen into a drainage ditch near his home, based on his blanket found at the edge of the water. The distance from his house to the ditch is approximately 30 metres.

A team of officers and firefighters from the Tikam Batu Fire and Rescue Station was deployed to the scene to conduct search-and-rescue operations.

Bryan said the Water Rescue Team and the Royal Malaysia Police K9 unit have also been called in to help.

He added that members of the Water Rescue Team conducted dives in the area where the victim is believed to have fallen at 10.44 am, while searches along the riverbank are actively underway. — Bernama

BACHOK, May 3 — The government will continue to monitor suspicious offers related to badal haji services, particularly at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and on social media platforms.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the monitoring is being carried out continuously to ensure Malaysians do not fall victim to scams, especially at the last minute ahead of the Haj season.

“To date, no complaints have been received regarding badal haji fraud. Nevertheless, Tabung Haji has deployed personnel to monitor activities on social media as well as at KLIA.

“I advise Malaysians, particularly Muslims, to always refer to the relevant authorities to verify any offers or information and avoid potential losses,” he told reporters after officiating a Bakery and Pastry Business Empowerment Programme in Kampung Telong here today. Also present was Tabung Haji group managing director and chief executive officer Mustakim Mohamad.

Zulkifli noted that the cost of performing the Haj is high, and unrealistic offers may not fulfil the required pillars and obligations of the pilgrimage.

Earlier, Malaysian consul-general in Jeddah Tengku Mohd Dzaraif Raja Abdul Kadir also cautioned Malaysians against dubious badal haji services, particularly those offered at unusually low prices compared to actual costs.

Meanwhile, 30 women from the Kelantan Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Disabilities took part in the programme to improve their skills and generate income by producing and selling their products. — Bernama

JERTIH, May 3 — An elderly woman was killed when the van she was in skidded and crashed into a tree in Kampung Anak Ikan here at 1.50 am today.

Besut district police chief Supt Mohd Rozaime Ab Rahman said Munah Awang, 76, died while being treated at the Besut Hospital’s emergency unity at 4.30 am.

“The victim was aboard a Toyota Hiace van with 10 other people, aged 12 to 60, and were on their way from Perak to Kampung Alor Serdang, Setiu.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the van driver, a man, lost control of the van, which was headed from the direction of Kota Bharu, Kelantan to Kuala Terengganu, and skidded off the road and hit a tree,” he said in a statement today.

Several other passengers who had minor injuries were also sent to Besut Hospital for treatment, he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 —The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) has agreed to propose that the National Velodrome in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan be renamed the Velodrom Azizulhasni, in appreciation of Datuk Azizulhasni Awang's great contribution to the country's cycling sport.

MNCF president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said the proposal was unanimously agreed by MNCF affiliate members at the parent body's Annual General Meeting today.

According to him, the proposal will be brought to the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) for consideration since the velodrome is a government property.

"Today, we unanimously agreed to bring this wish (changing the name of the National Velodrome) to the management of KBS and MSN. Azizul's potential should be reflected in the building

"However, changing the name is not a decision that we as a federation can make on our own because it involves logistics and it may take one or two years," he said when met by the media today.

According to Amarjit, if the name change is successful, he said the Azizulhasni Velodrome in Dungun Terengganu will change its name to avoid any confusion.

Meanwhile, at the AGM, Amarjit also informed that MNCF is now demanding from the buyer of the Cheras Velodrome land to build a new velodrome as in the original agreement.

However, the situation is now quite complicated since the original buyer of the land, Jakel, has sold it to another party.

"From what I know, Jakel has bought the land and promised to build a new velodrome in exchange for the Cheras land. But now I hear it has been sold and sold again.

"I hope the developer or whoever bought the property keeps their promise. If we can get a velodrome for "free” in KL, it will make it easier for our affiliates in KL,” he said.

In other developments, the MNCF committee election for the 2026-2030 term which took place today saw Norazman Abu Samah elected as the new deputy president after getting 44 votes, to defeat his challenger Mohd Saiful Abdul Jalil who got 21 votes.

The vice president positions were won by Muhammad Firdaus Dawod, M Rezal Abu Bakar, Firdaus Arshad, Mohd Zairi Badderul and Irawan Sudarsono.

"For the other positions of secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer and assistant treasurer I will discuss this matter.

"I don’t want to make a hasty decision and will consult with my colleagues. I want appointments based on those who can do the job not political appointments,” said Amarjit. — Bernama

 

SIBU, May 3 — Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (Central Region) has warned of possible low water pressure in several areas here following the theft of an earthing cable at the Salim Phase 1 Water Treatment Plant substation.

In an urgent notice posted on its Facebook page last night, the utility company said Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) will carry out a temporary electricity shutdown for about one to three hours from 11pm to facilitate immediate replacement works.

During the shutdown, the plant will operate using generator sets.

“This may result in low water pressure in certain areas, particularly during the shutdown period,” the utility company said.

Consumers are advised to store sufficient water and use it prudently while the works are underway.

Sarawak Water said supply is expected to recover gradually once electricity is fully restored and plant operations return to normal.

It added that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the works are completed safely and in the shortest possible time.

The public is encouraged to obtain updates through Sarawak Water’s official communication channels.

Sarawak Water also apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked consumers for their patience and cooperation. — The Borneo Post

 

MIRI, May 3 — A 43-year-old man was killed in a two-vehicle collision early today at a traffic light junction at Jalan Miri Bypass, near Miri Hospital.

Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the accident occurred when a four‑wheel‑drive (4WD) vehicle, driven by a man in his mid‑twenties, lost control while travelling from Permyjaya towards Taman Tunku and veered into the opposite lane.

He added that a car, driven by a 39-year-old man with three passengers, collided the 4WD after being unable to avoid the oncoming vehicle.

“The front passenger of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and two other passengers were sent to Miri Hospital for treatment. The 4WD driver also sustained injuries and was referred to Miri Hospital for treatment,” he said in a statement.

Mohd Farhan said the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

He urged witnesses to contact the traffic investigating officer Insp Mohd Faizul Ab Rahim at 014-858 2582 / 085-430 479, or approach the nearest police station. — The Borneo Post

 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a severe weather alert, warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds across 13 states until 7.00pm today.

Issued at 4.30pm, the short-term advisory cautions residents across the peninsula, as well as parts of Sabah and Sarawak, to brace for imminent heavy downpours.

In Peninsular Malaysia, the warning covers the entirety of Perlis, Penang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor.

Several districts in other states are also expected to be affected. In Selangor, the alert applies to Sabak Bernam, Klang, Kuala Langat, and Sepang.

In Kedah, affected areas include Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap, Kuala Muda, Sik, Baling, Kulim, and Bandar Baharu.

On the east coast, the warning extends to Kelantan (Jeli, Tanah Merah, Kuala Krai, and Gua Musang), Terengganu (Dungun and Kemaman), and Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, Bentong, Temerloh, Maran, Kuantan, Bera, and Rompin).

Across the South China Sea, the alert covers multiple divisions in Sarawak, including Sri Aman, Betong (Pusa, Betong, and Saratok), Sarikei (Sarikei and Meradong), Mukah, Bintulu (Tatau), Miri (Miri and Marudi), and Limbang.

In Sabah, the Interior, West Coast, and Tawau divisions, along with Kota Marudu in Kudat, are expected to experience similar weather conditions.

MetMalaysia issues these short-term warnings, which are valid for a period not exceeding six hours, whenever there are signs of a thunderstorm with a rainfall intensity exceeding 20mm per hour that is either imminent or expected to last for more than an hour.

SEOUL, May 3 — South Korean police have placed a travel ban on a Japanese trainee of a K-pop boy group on fraud charges, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station recently banned the trainee from leaving South Korea after the group’s management agency had filed a complaint over his having previously signed with another company.

According to police and the agency, the man, whose identity is being withheld, walked out on a six-member boy group last December, two months ahead of its debut, citing “broken trust”.

The group had already shot a music video and released its first single on streaming platforms. 

The agency had also unveiled all six members of the group, which is currently working as a quintet sans the Japanese member.

The agency belatedly learnt that the missing member had already signed a deal with another management company, but he reneged on his commitment with that company as well.

“He had signed with Korean agencies and made them spend large amounts of money on him, and then gone missing just before his groups were about to make their debuts,” the agency that filed the police complaint said.

“Smaller agencies may not pursue legal action in these instances because doing so can be time-consuming and costly, and this person is taking advantage of that.”

That company claimed that the Japanese man’s disappearance incurred estimated damage of about 57 million won (US$38,590; RM153,669), including costs for training, choreography, recording, music video filming and rent for the group’s residence.

Police believe the Japanese person is still in South Korea at present.

According to the Korea Creative Content Agency (KCCA), 42 out of 963 K-pop trainees were foreign nationals at the end of 2024. 

The KCCA noted K-pop agencies are shouldering increased responsibility for managing foreign members’ careers and providing legal protection for them. — Bernama-Yonhap

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — Umno will adopt ‘out-of-the-box’ approaches, including non-verbal communication methods, to win over young voters who now form the majority in the country’s political landscape.

Its president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said this reality must be acknowledged, as voters below 40, including those under the Undi18 initiative, are more open-minded and no longer bound by party loyalty alone.

“They are very open in their thinking, and they do not necessarily choose parties. They choose candidates and those who can deliver agendas that matter to them, and what they stand to gain from the candidates they support,” he said in a special interview in conjunction with Umno’s 80th anniversary celebration here today.

Ahmad Zahid said the strategy is crucial as voting trends have shifted, with voters increasingly assessing candidates based on service delivery and personal credibility rather than the political party they represent.

On the 16th General Election (GE16), Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, did not rule out contesting solo but remained open to cooperation to avoid overlapping seats with parties in the Unity Government coalition.

The deputy prime minister said the current political reality makes it difficult for any single party or coalition to emerge dominant and form a government on its own without support from others.

“That is why I mentioned the possibility of going solo. It does not mean we reject cooperation. We may still work together to avoid seat overlaps even if we contest on our own. In this matter, we are not rejecting any coalition partners,” he said.

Reflecting on the hung Parliament situation following GE15, Ahmad Zahid described the formation of the Unity Government as a reality that must be accepted in the interest of national stability, despite initial perceptions surrounding the cooperation.

“Such a situation may arise again, and I do not see any coalition in GE16 becoming dominant enough to form a government on its own. That is a reality we must acknowledge,” he said. — Bernama