GEORGE TOWN, June 5 — The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) issued 17 compounds last month to individuals found feeding pigeons and crows as part of efforts to curb the growing population of pest birds in urban areas.

In a statement today, MBPP said feeding birds was among the key factors contributing to the increasing population of pest birds, particularly pigeons and crows, on the island.

“The compounds were issued under Section 47(1)(g) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 against individuals who failed to comply with the prohibition.

“Throughout May, MBPP also conducted continuous control operations, during which 1,817 pigeons and 2,607 crows were culled, while 125 crow nests were destroyed to prevent a further increase in their population,” the statement said.

MBPP also said it would continue to step up control operations and enforcement activities from time to time to ensure a clean, safe and conducive urban environment for all Penangites.

The city council also reminded the public not to feed wild birds, as such action could contribute to an increase in the population of pest birds and adversely affect public hygiene and health. — Bernama

A local couple arrested on suspicion of child neglect has been confirmed as the biological parents of an infant born with no medical records, according to local media.

According to DNA test results, Tsang Wai-bong and Kwan Pui-sin are the parents of two-month-old Danny, local media reported on Thursday, citing unnamed government sources.

The parents, who at first opposed the DNA tests, finally agreed to take them on Wednesday, a day after they were arrested on suspicion of child neglect. The government had demanded that they undergo the tests to register the baby’s birth.

According to media reports, Tsang and Kwan were taken to the Immigration Department headquarters to assist with the investigation on Wednesday after they were released from police detention on a HK$1,000 bail.

The baby boy had not had any medical check-ups since birth, which constituted child neglect, security chief Chris Tang said on Tuesday, when he announced the arrests.

The couple said they practised “free births” and that their baby boy was born in Hong Kong around two months ago. His birth has not been registered, although Hong Kong law stipulates parents must register the birth of a newborn within 42 days of delivery.

Free birth, also called unassisted birth, involves a conscious decision to undergo pregnancy and give birth without professional maternity care or medical intervention. The trend has put the lives of mothers and babies at grave risk.

Infant in gov’t care

Stephanie Lee, a senior social work officer at the Social Welfare Department (SWD), said at a press conference on Wednesday that a court had granted the department a child protection order to care for the baby boy.

She said that Danny remained at the Caritas Medical Centre and would be sent to a care home under the child protection order to ensure his well-being. “We can all rest assured that he is now in the care of professionals,” Lee said.

The SWD will submit a report to the court to determine further welfare arrangements, she added.

Speaking to the press at midnight on Thursday outside the Immigration Department headquarters, the parents said they could apply to visit the child, and that they believed he would be safe with the authorities.

“The arrest was well-intended, as [the authorities] helped us clarify the parental relationship and whether we had committed child abuse,” Tsang said. “They were rather concerned about our son, whether medical care had been inadequate and that his parents’ identities had not been confirmed.”

Prior to their arrests, the couple launched a social media campaign in an attempt to regain custody of their daughter, Lily, from the Swedish government. Their admission of practising “free births” gained widespread attention and sparked concern over Danny’s well-being.

According to local media, the couple’s eldest daughter was born at home in Finland but died in infancy, and the Swedish government removed the second child, Lily, from their care due to health conditions.

GEORGE TOWN, June 15 — The federal government has guaranteed that no vernacular schools will be closed under its administration, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said today.

He reaffirmed Putrajaya’s commitment to protect the existing Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools in Malaysia.

Wong said vernacular schools remain an important component of the national education system and dismissed long-standing concerns among communities over the fate of schools facing enrolment, land or infrastructure challenges.

“Under the Madani government, we guarantee that no school, whether a national school, SJKC or SJKT, will be closed,” he said in his speech after attending a handing over ceremony of an approval letter for the construction of a new building for SJKT Rajaji in Air Itam here.

He said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had repeatedly stressed since 2023 that vernacular schools are part of Malaysia’s education landscape and would continue to receive government support.

The deputy minister also announced that maintenance allocations for Tamil vernacular schools nationwide have been increased to RM50 million this year, more than double the annual allocations provided in recent years.

“The funding will benefit about 527 SJKTs nationwide,” he said adding that the Education Ministry is finalising the distribution of the allocations based on the schools’ individual needs and enrolment levels.

“We will not simply divide the allocation equally because some schools are larger, some are smaller, and their maintenance requirements differ,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said 22 government-aided SJKTs in Penang will receive furniture worth RM1.156 million through an initiative funded by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra).

On SJKT Rajaji, Wong officially handed over the ministry’s approval letter for the construction of the school’s new location in Farlim.

The 76-year-old school, which currently has about 100 pupils and 20 preschoolers, will relocate to a 2.3-acre site provided by the Penang state government.

He said construction is expected to cost about RM8 million and will be fully funded by a private developer.

The project is targeted for completion within 18 months, with the school expected to begin operating at its new premises by the 2029 academic session.

Wong said the approval reflected the government’s commitment to developing schools across all education streams, including national, Chinese vernacular and Tamil vernacular schools.

“Whether it is a national school, SJKC or SJKT, all are under the focus and radar of the Ministry of Education,” he said.

Australia has secured three shipments of jet fuel from China totalling 600,000 barrels, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday, doubling the national supply.

The Middle East conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have caused fuel prices to soar and left many Asia-Pacific nations facing an energy crisis.

Tourism and freight exports in the island continent are reliant on air travel, a sector heavily impacted by the climbing prices.

The jet fuel shipments are expected to arrive in June and follow talks between Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on energy security last month.

China supplied a third of Australia’s aviation fuel last year and is a major importer of Australian iron ore, coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Canberra has highlighted to Beijing that jet fuel supports the Australian resources sector, officials said.

See also: Australia foreign minister says China agrees to collaborate on jet fuel exports

Australia’s Trade Minister Don Farrell is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao in Suzhou this week on the sidelines of an APEC trade ministers meeting in the Chinese city.

Trade between Australia and China reached Au$326 billion (US$233 billion) last year, dominated by Australian commodities exports.

Farrell is expected to arrive in Tokyo on Tuesday to discuss energy security and trade.

Japan is another major buyer of Australian LNG and coal.

Australia said this month it will reserve the equivalent of 20 percent of gas exports for the domestic market to avoid supply shortfalls.

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KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit five states until 3pm today, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

It said that the areas involved are Perlis, Penang, and Kedah (Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Yan, Pendang and Kuala Muda).

“Similar weather conditions are also expected in Sarawak, involving Sibu (Sibu and Selangau) and Mukah (Tanjung Manis and Daro),” MetMalaysia said in a statement.

It added that in Sabah, the affected areas include the interior (Sipitang, Tenom, Beaufort, Keningau and Tambunan) and the west coast (Papar and Penampang). — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Gas Malaysia Bhd has deployed the first LOOP system in Asia Pacific, using technology developed by Levidian Nanosystems Ltd to produce graphene and capture carbon from methane.

This breakthrough reinforces Gas Malaysia’s transformation under its GM32 growth strategy, evolving beyond its traditional role as a gas distributor into a provider of high-value solutions and an ecosystem builder in advanced materials.

Developed in collaboration with United Kingdom-based Levidian, the LOOP technology transforms methane into high-quality graphene and hydrogen-rich gas, creating new value from existing gas infrastructure while enabling cleaner and more efficient industrial applications.

Speaking at the launch of the “From Methane to Graphene: Revolutionising Industry with Graphene” initiative here today, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said the strong collaboration between Malaysia and the UK, as evidenced by the partnership between Gas Malaysia and Levidian, will complement NanoMalaysia Bhd’s (NMB) ongoing efforts and further galvanise the national advanced materials ecosystem.

He said the deployment of Levidian’s LOOP technology in Malaysia, marking its first installation in the Asia Pacific, reflects growing international confidence in the country’s industrial ecosystem.

“The new graphene production technologies, such as Levidian’s LOOP, can complement existing graphene production facilities in Malaysia, thereby increasing national graphene output, strengthening supply

security and supporting broader downstream adoption by Malaysian industries.

“More importantly, such partnerships create opportunities beyond technology deployment alone. They facilitate knowledge exchange capability development, talent enhancement, and collaborative innovation, thereby strengthening Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness,” said Chang.

Also present were Gas Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, British High Commission Kuala Lumpur Trade and Investment director Richard Colley, and Levidian United Kingdom chief commercial officer Ian Hopkins.

Chang highlighted the role of NMB in advancing the development and commercialisation of graphene-based solutions through the National Graphene Action Plan 2020 (NGAP 2020) and the Graphenovation Programme under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans.

He said that through these initiatives, NMB, an agency under his ministry, has brought together industry players, universities and research institutions on a triple-helix platform to stimulate market demand and accelerate the growth of Malaysia’s graphene ecosystem. 

Chang said the ministry also provides further support to NMB to establish the local supply side of graphene through the Strategic Research Fund for the Biomass Innovation Circular Economy Programme (BICEP).

He said that, via BICEP, NMB has been working with a local university on developing local technology to convert palm-based biogas, specifically biomethane, into hydrogen and graphene to support Malaysia’s emerging Hydrogen Economy and National Industrial Master Plan aspirations.

“This effort is important because it demonstrates how Malaysia’s natural and biomass-based resources can be upgraded into higher-value outputs.

“Instead of treating methane merely as a fuel or an emission source, it can be converted through a locally patented hydrogen pyrolysis process, which produces graphene, supporting the development of high-value industrial applications.

“As a byproduct, the technology also enables its conversion into hydrogen. By the same token, if methane from fossil fuel sources is used, the process can be interpreted as a carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) mechanism, thereby supporting the clean energy agenda,” he said.

Chang said this is significant as Malaysia remains the only country in Asean with a national-level graphene programme, positioning the country as a regional frontrunner in graphene application development, industrial adoption and commercialisation.

“To date, these efforts have also contributed to a growing portfolio of graphene-related intellectual property (IP), including 92 IP filings and 16 patents granted, demonstrating Malaysia’s progress in translating graphene research and development into protectable, commercially relevant technologies,” he said. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, June 16 — The Penang state government is fully supportive of more systematic and controlled management of refugees in the state, particularly the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) mechanism, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said the DPP is not a policy to increase the number of refugees in Penang, but a federal mechanism to know who they are, where they are located and how they can be monitored more effectively.

“For the state government, our priority is to ensure public safety, the well-being of local communities and compliance with the law are always preserved,” he said in a statement issued today.

Earlier, during a press conference, he was asked to comment on the Rohingya community in Penang.

Chow said he would release a statement to ensure accuracy in his remarks on the issue.

“The Penang state government has always adopted a pragmatic, prudent and responsible approach in dealing with the issue of refugees and asylum seekers in the state, in line with the policies and decisions set by the federal government,” he said.

Citing data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Chow said there were an estimated 20,022 refugees and asylum seekers in Penang as of August 2023.

He said the state government would not compromise on any violation of the law, including criminal activity, document abuse, human trafficking, immoral activities or immigration offences, regardless of those involved.

He said these will be dealt with by the authorities in accordance with the provisions of the law in force without any exception.

At the same time, he called on all parties to assess this issue objectively and based on facts.

“The issue of refugees is a challenge faced by many countries around the world, and requires a balance between humanitarian considerations, national security and the interests of the local population,” he said.

He said the state government will continue to work closely with security agencies and the federal government to ensure that the management of refugees and asylum seekers is carried out in an orderly, registered and controlled manner so that it does not affect the safety, social stability and well-being of the public.

HONOLULU, June 15 — Veteran Mandopop singer David Huang has died at the age of 61, his family said in a statement issued through a lawyer.

The Straits Times reported that Huang died on June 2 at his sister’s home in Honolulu, Hawaii, although the cause of death was not disclosed.

His sisters Consulina Wong and Joann Wong said in their statement that “for decades, Mr David Huang has enriched countless lives with his extraordinary musical talent, boundless passion and innate ability to connect people across the world.”

“On behalf of his family, we would like to express our sincere gratitude once again for everyone’s love and support for Mr Huang over the years.”

Huang, who was hospitalised in August 2022 for sudden cardiac discomfort and underwent a cardiac catheterisation, had previously said he did not suffer from chronic illness.

He was born in Hong Kong and moved to Hawaii at the age of three before entering the Mandopop industry in 1988.

He became known for hits such as You Make Me Drunk and Let Everyone Heartbroken, and he won accolades including Best Arranger at the Golden Melody Awards.

According to the family statement, Huang relocated from Taiwan to Hawaii in December 2025 to live with his sisters, who are listed as the sole heirs to his estate.

The statement also said that his musical assets are being managed by the law firm that issued the announcement.

Huang’s long‑time girlfriend and manager Vicky Chao disputed the statement when contacted by a Chinese media outlet, saying the appointment of the law firm and the statement itself “are not legal,” and she vowed to pursue legal action. 

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KUANTAN, June 5 — The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today officiated the opening of the Mahkota Gymnasium at the Indera Mahkota Fire and Rescue Station, a reflection of His Royal Highness’ concern for the fitness and well-being of rescue personnel.

The Pahang Ruler arrived at about 3pm and was welcomed by Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department director-general Nor Hisham Mohammad, Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Mohd Razam Taja Rahim and Universal Fitness & Leisure Sdn Bhd (UFL) managing director Datuk Radha Krishnan.

The Sultan later received a briefing from Mohd Razam on the development and operation of the gymnasium, which is equipped with exercise equipment donated by His Royal Highness.

Speaking to reporters, Al-Sultan Abdullah said the donation of the fitness equipment was intended to provide firefighters, as part of the nation's front-line workforce, with more comprehensive training facilities and to ensure they remain in peak physical condition while carrying out their duties.

“This facility enables them to train more thoroughly and intensively so that they remain fit and ready to fulfil their responsibilities in assisting those in need of help,” the Sultan said.

Al-Sultan Abdullah also expressed appreciation for the vital role played by firefighters in assisting the public, particularly during emergencies and various incidents.

“The fire and rescue force is undoubtedly a very important front-line service for the state of Pahang. Whenever the people face problems, they are among the agencies that arrive at the scene and provide assistance, whether involving fires, accidents, or even animal disturbances such as snakes.

“My hope is to see members of the security and emergency services remain healthy and physically fit,” His Royal Highness added.

At the same time, the Sultan of Pahang encouraged the public to continue practicing a healthy lifestyle by actively participating in sports and recreational activities to maintain good fitness and health.

During the event, Al-Sultan Abdullah also toured the gymnasium facilities and interacted with the firefighters, affectionately referred to as the brigade’s “muscle men” (abang sado).

The Mahkota Gymnasium, which operates daily from 9am to 10pm, is equipped with 15 pieces of fitness equipment, including treadmills, spinning bikes, leg press machines, a Smith machine, battle ropes, and dumbbells. — Bernama