SINGAPORE, May 1 — A crocodile was spotted near Keppel Bay here on April 29, prompting fresh monitoring by authorities, news outlet CNA reported.

The reptile is believed to be an estuarine crocodile, a species commonly found in both the Straits of Johor and the Singapore Strait, the Singapore-based news outlet reported National Parks Board (NParks) wildlife management group director How Choon Beng as saying.

“We have also shared advisories with relevant stakeholders to exercise caution when planning any water activities,” he was quoted as saying.

NParks has since stepped up surveillance in the area and installed warning signs urging the public to stay alert near the water’s edge, while also coordinating advisories with marine and waterfront operators.

Singapore authorities have advised the public to remain calm if they encounter a crocodile, keep their distance, avoid provoking or feeding it, and strictly follow safety signage and instructions on-site. Reports can be made to NParks at 1800-476-1600.

On January 31, water activities at Sentosa’s Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches were halted for a week after a crocodile was spotted off Sentosa Cove while another sighting was reported five days later near Changi Naval Base, though it was unclear if the same animal was involved.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Tamil film Karuppu will be the first major release under Five Star Trading’s (FST) newly rebranded identity, marking a key milestone in the company’s renewed direction for Malaysia’s cinema industry.

Karuppu is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by RJ Balaji from a screenplay he co-wrote with Ashwin Ravichandran, Rahul Raj, T. S. Gopi Krishnan and Karan Aravind Kumar.

Produced by Dream Warrior Pictures, the film stars Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, alongside RJ Balaji, Indrans, Natty Subramaniam, Swasika, Sshivada, Supreeth Reddy and Yogi Babu.

The movie is expected to be released on May 14. 

Distributed by FST in collaboration with Heartworks Pictures, the film is positioned as a culturally resonant production aimed at delivering impactful storytelling for audiences in Malaysia and the region.

Its release marks FST’s renewed commitment to bringing diverse, high-impact cinema to local screens under its new identity.

The announcement was made during FST’s rebrand launch event, which brought together industry partners, media representatives and guests as the company unveiled what it described as a transformative new chapter for Malaysia’s cinema and entertainment landscape.

The rebrand also reflects FST’s evolution into a modern, community-driven brand while honouring its 40-year legacy as a family-run business founded by Garuna Murthee.

The programme began with a welcome address by Master of Ceremony Carey Ng, who welcomed chief guest Datuk Hans Isaac, chairman of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), and set the tone for a session focused on the future of cinema in Malaysia.

Dr Sai Suthan Krishnan said the rebrand also introduces a refreshed visual identity featuring a bold black-and-white foundation accented by vibrant purple and orange tones. — Picture courtesy of FST

Dr Sai Suthan Krishnan then delivered a keynote speech outlining the vision behind the rebrand, followed by the presentation of FST’s official launch video, which introduced the group’s refreshed identity, philosophy and direction before the chief guest was invited on stage.

“The rebrand introduces a unified identity across FST’s three core divisions: film exhibition, distribution, and productions, anchored by the group’s overarching purpose of delivering wholesome, infotainment-driven entertainment for Malaysians.

“Central to this transformation is FST Cinemas’ new positioning as ‘Your Friendly Neighbourhood Cinema’, that is, bringing cinema closer to audiences who seek meaningful, shared experiences as a community, beyond the home,” Dr Suthan said.

He added that the rebrand introduces a refreshed visual identity featuring a bold black-and-white foundation accented by vibrant purple and orange tones.

The FST Cinemas logo, which is minimalist and designed as an ambigram, reflects the idea that art can be consumed from different perspectives.

“With the tagline ‘FEEL STORIES TOGETHER’, FST Cinemas places communal connection at the heart of its offering. This will be accompanied by a focus on enhancements in seating, sound, projection quality, overall ambience, and expanded concession offerings,” he said.

In line with its expansion strategy, FST also plans to open a new cinema by the third quarter of 2027, in collaboration with YKL Capital Sdn Bhd as part of “The Hub Business Park” development in Muar, Johor.

The group said its focus will be on suburban and underpenetrated markets, alongside plans for fully multilingual programming across all cinemas.

It also intends to invest in digital transformation to improve operations and customer experience.

FST said it aims to strengthen its position in both film production and distribution, with ambitions to become a top-tier player in the industry.

It added that its new brand philosophy, rooted in its founding values and multicultural identity, will guide its efforts to redefine the cinema experience in Malaysia.

PETALING JAYA, May 1 — It may not have ended in glory, but Malaysia’s women’s team left the Uber Cup Finals with something just as valuable — belief.

Captain M. Thinaah, who was rested for the quarter-final clash against China in Horsens, Denmark, could only watch from the sidelines as her teammates went down fighting in a 3-0 defeat at Forum Horsens on Thursday (April 30).

The Malaysian squad featured singles players K. Lethanaa (22), Wong Ling Ching (22), Siti Zulaikha Azmi (19) and Goh Jin Wei (26), alongside doubles pairs Carmen Ting/Ong Xin Yee (19), Low Zi Yu/Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan (15, 18), and Chong Jie Yu (20).

Despite the defeat, Malaysia pushed the 16-time champions and showed notable grit and maturity in what marked the nation’s first Uber Cup quarter-final appearance in 16 years.

For Thinaah, 28, who arrived in Horsens without regular partner Pearly Tan due to injury, the campaign reshaped her view of leadership.

“Definition of a captain: leader of a team. But my team taught me otherwise,” she said in a heartfelt post on social media.

“It’s not an easy role because there are many aspects to consider and a lot of responsibilities to be accounted for. But being here with them made my role as a captain one of the easiest and most exciting ever.”

Thinaah also expressed disappointment at not being able to contribute a point during the campaign, but was quick to praise her teammates’ fighting spirit.

“I am disappointed and sad that I couldn’t contribute a point for the team in this tournament, for that I am sorry.

“But the fighting spirit and determination each and every one of you showcased had me thinking of what our women’s team can do when we are one.”

She added that she was proud of the squad, many of whom were making their Uber Cup Finals debut.

“I am very proud of every single one of you and I’m very lucky to have all of you as teammates.

“Thank you for trusting me to be your captain, but to be honest, all of you are leaders too.”

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — The maritime industry is urging regulators to provide clearer guidance on cargo handling practices, particularly involving oil commingling in shore tanks, following key lessons from past corporate failures in Singapore.

Maritime Network Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jeyenderan Ramasamy, in a statement, said the collapses of Hin Leong Trading and Ocean Tankers (Pte) Ltd exposed serious weaknesses in how physical oil inventories are reconciled with documentation and financial records.

With over three decades of industry experience, the maritime expert said there is a need for greater clarity in how cargo is handled once it is blended or reclassified at storage facilities.

“The cases exposed weaknesses in reconciling physical oil stocks with paper records across trading, storage and vessel operations, underscoring broader risks related to inventory verification, documentation integrity and traceability within the petroleum supply chain,” he said.

He added that without proper alignment between physical cargo conditions and documentation, the industry risks ongoing compliance gaps.

Against this backdrop, he called for clearer regulatory frameworks to ensure cargo handling practices, particularly post-discharge commingling, are properly reflected in official records.

He also stressed the need for stronger standards in record-keeping and audit trails to ensure declared cargo quantities and classifications remain consistent with actual physical movements.

He further said inconsistencies between physical cargo and documentation could lead to valuation disputes, compliance risks, and reduced confidence in regulatory oversight of the petroleum sector.

The renewed push for clarity comes as regional trading hubs continue to tighten scrutiny over oil storage, blending, and transshipment practices to prevent similar systemic failures.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the government strongly condemns the interception of vessels under the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission by Israeli forces in international waters en route to Gaza.

Fahmi said he has received a detailed briefing from Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, Director‑General of the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC), on the incident involving 22 vessels.

“As of 7pm yesterday, the SNCC Director‑General confirmed that contact had been re‑established with one of the 22 vessels. The ship, named TamTam, had lost communication for more than 10 hours after its equipment and engines were sabotaged. However, the remaining 21 vessels have yet to be reached,” he said in a Facebook post.

Fahmi noted that the incident also involved 10 Malaysian citizens. 

“The government strongly condemns this blatant violation by the Zionist regime in international waters, particularly as the incident involves 10 Malaysians,” he said.

He added that the Communications Ministry would continue monitoring media coverage to ensure information disseminated is accurate and verified.

“The public is urged to rely on official sources — specifically SNCC, government agencies and mainstream media — to avoid confusion and the spread of false reports,” he said.

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.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Datuk Mubarak Dohak has been ordered to immediately vacate the official residence at Balai Luak Undang Sungei Ujong, where he has stayed for more than three decades.

A notice dated April 29 issued by the Negeri Sembilan State Secretary’s Office (SUK) began circulating on Thursday, according a report published by Sinar Harian today. 

The letter, signed by Management Services Division secretary Akmal Farid Rizal Noordin, stated that the directive follows a Special Sitting of the Council of Justice and Custom (Dewan Keadilan dan Undang, DKU) held on April 17.

“In view of this, you are instructed to vacate the official residence and Balai Undang Luak Sungei Ujong with immediate effect. All state government assets registered at the premises must be kept in good condition for future inspection,” it said.

However, state secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim declined to confirm the eviction order when contacted.

Sources said state staff serving at the premises have also been instructed to be reassigned.

A check at the location showed no sign of eviction activity, and Mubarak is understood to still be residing there.

Previously, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said Mubarak’s actions in signing and reading out a declaration purportedly removing the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, could not be recognised.

He said Mubarak no longer had authority or function as Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, adding that the move was not in line with Articles 10 to 12 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution.

The dispute over the Sungei Ujong adat institution surfaced after Waris Luak Sungei Ujong issued a statement on March 18 announcing Mubarak’s removal as Datuk Klana Petra Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, alleging breaches of religious and customary law.

The statement was issued by Tua Lembaga Waris di-Darat, Datuk Andulika Mandalika Zainol Ariffin Ibrahim, following consent from senior customary representatives.

However, the Sungei Ujong Adat Lembaga Datuk-Datuk later issued a counter statement on April 18 declaring unanimous support for Mubarak.

It said the March 18 declaration was invalid under adat rules, as Zainol Ariffin had already been removed from his position in November 2024.

The group stressed that any appointment or removal of an Undang must follow customary procedures in line with the Negeri Sembilan Constitution (1959), Clause 14 (1) and (3).

It also urged external parties not to interfere in Sungei Ujong adat affairs.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Cross border taxi services between Singapore and Malaysia will be expanded from May 4 to give travellers more flexibility while ensuring fair competition among operators, the transport ministries of both countries announced today.

The enhancements, agreed following the 12th Singapore Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in December 2025, will allow licensed taxis to drop passengers anywhere in Singapore and in Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai. 

Pick ups in the foreign country will be limited to three designated points via e hailing bookings, while street hail services remain available at Ban San Street Terminal and Larkin Terminal.

Both governments will also raise the quota of cross border taxis by 100 each, bringing the total to 300 per country initially, with plans to gradually expand to 500. Larger vehicles such as six seaters and premium models will be introduced to cater for families and business travellers.

To curb illegal services, taxis must be clearly identifiable with special livery, plate prefixes and signage, and vehicles must be under 10 years old. 

Malaysian taxis entering Singapore will be required to install the city state’s ERP2 on board unit.

Vacant carriage entry will generally be prohibited, except during specified exemption periods — Fridays for Malaysia registered taxis entering Singapore, and Sundays for Singapore registered taxis entering Malaysia.

“These enhancements to the Cross Border Taxi Scheme will provide greater convenience and better connectivity for travellers between Singapore and Malaysia,” said Land Transport Authority chief executive Ng Lang.

Land Public Transport Agency director general Ahmad Radhi Maarof added: “The movement of people across the Causeway is a vital thread in the fabric of our bilateral relationship, and we are determined to make that experience as smooth and convenient as possible.”

The ministries said the changes reflect a joint commitment to safe, reliable transport while protecting the livelihoods of local drivers.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — The Malaysian Bar today called for the immediate withdrawal of remaining reservations linked to gender equality under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), saying they are inconsistent with the Federal Constitution.

Full compliance with Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution is necessary to ensure meaningful gender equality, Malaysian Bar President Anand Raj said in a statement.

“These reservations are inconsistent with the constitutional guarantee of gender equality enshrined in Article 8(2) of the FC, which expressly prohibits discrimination on the grounds of gender. They must be withdrawn forthwith,” he said.

He said Malaysia’s continued retention of certain reservations under CEDAW undermines efforts to achieve full gender equality despite earlier reforms and advocacy efforts by civil society groups and institutions.

He noted that although some reservations have been removed over the years, key ones remain in place despite being incompatible with constitutional principles and international obligations.

He said the United Nations CEDAW Committee has also previously recommended that Malaysia withdraw its remaining reservations within a set timeframe after reviewing the country’s periodic report.

He singled out the provisions under CEDAW Articles 9(2) and 16(1) as being inconsistent with both the convention’s purpose and international treaty standards.

“Equality is not aspirational; it is a constitutional imperative. The continued existence of these reservations undermines public confidence and delays the realisation of substantive gender Equality,” Anand Raj said.

“It is only a matter of time before these reservations are subject to constitutional challenge,” he added.

PETALING JAYA, April 30 — Melaka Bersatu information chief Datuk Hishamuddin Abdul Karim has apologised to state executive councillor Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman after a party assemblyman posted an image of him online with a dog sticker covering his face.

According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), Hishamuddin said he viewed the Facebook post by Sungai Udang representative Dr Mohd Aleef Yusof as inappropriate and disparaging.

“I take full responsibility in extending a sincere apology to the people of Melaka, the state leadership, and all parties affected.

“In particular, I apologise to Razak, the Melaka tourism, heritage, arts and culture exco, for any offence, discomfort, or implications arising from this incident,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that he strongly condemned any form of communication that insulted, demeaned or humiliated others.

Earlier, Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin criticised Mohd Aleef over the Facebook post, saying it was inappropriate for both a Muslim and an elected representative.

SINGAPORE, April 30 — A 54-year-old man in Singapore was sentenced to one year and seven months in jail today after pleading guilty to three counts of committing obscene acts on a young person with special needs.

The victim, who cannot be named due to a gag order, suffers from attention deficit disorder, learning difficulties, and severe dyspraxia, a condition affecting physical coordination.

The offender had been trusted by the girl's parents since around 2014 to serve as her physical trainer, helping her manage her dyspraxia through sessions multiple times a week, The Straits Times reported.

Over nearly a decade, he became a confidant to the girl, who grew to trust him deeply, a trust he would later exploit when she was between 16 and 17 years old.

During a training session between May and June 2023, he took advantage of the girl's complaint of body tension by sliding his hand under her top and touching her chest while massaging her.

In a second incident in June 2023, he pressed a measuring tape and his fingers against her bare chest during what was supposed to be a routine physical measurement session.

On September 30, 2023, he groped the girl's chest again while massaging her shoulder, and was caught in the act by the family's domestic helper, who shouted at him.

The helper informed the girl's parents, who confronted the offender on October 5, 2023, and he confessed to his actions before the father reported the matter to police three days later.

The offender was arrested on January 31, 2025, and was charged in court shortly after, with two additional similar charges taken into consideration during sentencing alongside the three he pleaded guilty to.

He was offered bail of S$20,000 (RM63,000)0 following sentencing and is expected to begin serving his jail term on May 18.

PETALING JAYA, April 30 — Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin has criticised Sungai Udang assemblyman Dr Mohd Aleef Yusoh over a Facebook post showing a Melaka exco member’s face covered with a cartoon dog sticker.

According to The Star, she said the post was inappropriate for both a Muslim and an elected representative.

“Of all the stickers available, why was that particular one your choice? 

“This is an action that does not reflect our manners as Muslims and Malays,” she wrote in a Facebook post today.

Mohd Aleef had earlier uploaded a photo believed to show Melaka tourism, heritage, arts and culture committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, with the sticker placed over his head.

The post followed a heated exchange between the two men during the state assembly sitting on Wednesday, when Mohd Aleef accused Abdul Razak of failing to answer his additional question on the status of a floating market project, The Star reported.

Mohd Aleef said that his Facebook post was in response to Abdul Razak’s TikTok video about him after the assembly session.