GEORGE TOWN, May 1 — The Penang State Government has extended the appeal period for cases arising from the implementation of the new quit rent (land tax) review until May 31, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow said the decision was made through the State Executive Council (MMK) meeting dated April 29, which agreed to extend the appeal period for cases arising from the implementation of the new land tax review until May 31.

“I once again call on landowners to submit all appeals and feedback through official channels, namely to the nearest District Offices or Land and Mines Office for any concerns including confirmation of the use of current land titles for further review.

“In the meantime, MMK has also agreed to provide an exemption from late fees to all landowners who pay taxes after May 31 and the exemption will involve late fees for land tax, parcel tax and temporary block tax,” he said in a statement today.

He said the state government hoped that with the exemption from land tax, parcel tax and temporary block tax after May 31, it would give all landowners the opportunity to pay their land tax as soon as possible and avoid arrears on their tax accounts by 2027.

Chow said the approach was to help all landowners adapt to the new land tax rate changes after more than 30 years of not being reviewed and also to reduce the financial burden on landowners during this transition period.

He said that as of April 30, a total of 10,344 responses or appeals had been received. through official forms covering various aspects received by all district offices throughout the state and of that total, 4,015 cases have been resolved while 6,329 cases are still being processed by all District and Land Offices and the Penang State Land and Mines Director’s Office. — Bernama

Speculative reports say Amazon is considering relaunching the reality show once hosted by the US president, with his eldest son floated as a possible host

• Get our weekend culture and lifestyle email

Amid speculative reports that Donald Trump Jr is being considered by Amazon to lead a reboot of The Apprentice, he’s already received a slightly muted endorsement from the reality show’s former host: his father.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Amazon was considering rebooting The Apprentice, which was hosted by the now US president Donald Trump between 2004 and 2015, for its streaming service Prime Video.

Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — The opening of the Rain Rave Water Music Festival (RRWMF), held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, saw a massive turnout with over 7,000 attendees gathered in the heart of the city.

KL police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus told local media that the number was expected to swell past the 10,000 mark by midnight.

“The atmosphere is incredibly vibrant, and we anticipate this momentum to continue through tomorrow afternoon, which will conclude on May 2.

“My officers are stationed throughout the venue. We are committed to ensuring this programme runs smoothly and safely,” he said last night when met by reporters. 

He added that 500 officers and personnel, including reinforcements from Bukit Aman and all district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, were deployed for the opening night alone.

Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the three-day music festival has transformed the streets of Bukit Bintang into a massive, high-energy wet dance floor.

In light of that, Fadil reminded the public to pay close attention to official traffic updates and to plan their journeys accordingly, as numerous roads in the area are currently closed.

He also issued a firm reminder about social conduct, warning against drug use and any immoral behaviour at the event.

“Numerous roads are currently closed. Please pay close attention to official traffic notices and plan your journeys accordingly to avoid congestion.

“To those visiting, I want to emphasise: please prioritise your safety. Ensure there is no involvement with drugs or any immoral behaviour,” he said.

MERSING, May 1 — Police have arrested two army personnel to assist in investigations into an incident that left a soldier seriously injured, including a fractured skull, at Kem Iskandar, here.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the two suspects, both 24 and from the same camp, were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Mersing district police headquarters at about 11.45 pm on March 14.

“We also seized a 72-centimetre cane, believed to have been used as a weapon,” he said in a statement here last night. 

Ab Rahaman said checks found that the suspects had no prior criminal records, and both tested negative for drugs.

The case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt using a weapon.

He said the investigation papers have been referred to the State Prosecution Director’s Office on Wednesday for further instructions from the Attorney General’s Chambers.

“At the same time, the public is advised not to make any speculation or comments that could interfere with the investigation process,” he said.

He added that the 25-year-old victim is currently receiving treatment at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Kuala Lumpur.

Earlier, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said appropriate action against those involved would be determined based on the outcome of investigations by the authorities.

It was earlier reported that the victim, Abdul Hamid Talib, 25, from Bum Bum, Semporna, Sabah, who serves with the 22nd Commando Regiment, is now unable to speak and dependent on breathing assistance after suffering serious injuries in the incident. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Since Jamun opened its second location in Bangsar, I have been slowly eating my way through its vast menu. 

Their glossy menu will tempt you to dive into their selection of North and South Indian food. 

Diners here are usually families, flooding the place in big groups for a communal meal. 

Some visit the nearby temple, decked in their finery for a special occasion, seeking a more comfortable dining environment with air conditioning, and Jamun fits the bill in this area. 

For an introduction to what’s on offer, try their banana leaf rice set featuring South Indian food for RM11.90 which is available from 11am until 5pm. 

Add protein in the form of Chicken 65 which uses boneless chicken (left). Fried Bitter Gourd is cut thinly for crisps with  the crunchy bite (right) . — Picture by Lee Khang Yi

The spread includes three types of vegetables, your choice of rice (plain or Indian), various curries including crab curry, two pieces of pappadum, pickles, curd chili and rasam. 

So far, from what I have tried, they have cooked vegetables with different textures, such as deep-fried snake gourd, potatoes cooked with eggplant, and stir fried vegetables with okra, or carrot and green bean poriyal.

Apparently the crab curry is a favourite with many but I do find it has a strong taste of curry powder, which may not suit everyone’s palate.  

You can order dishes from an add-on menu with smaller portions to bulk up your set meal, like Chicken 65 for RM11.90 or Fried Bitter Gourd for RM6.90. 

For the Chicken 65, there are no pesky bones to deal with since they use boneless chicken. 

Prawn Varuval from the ‘à la carte’ menu features juicy prawns paired with a mildly spicy tomato sauce. — Picture by Lee Khang Yi

What’s good about this version is that each small piece is still juicy, probably from a yogurt marinade, but I find the crust not crispy enough.  

Fried bitter gourd resembles thinly sliced, spiced chips that are nice to crunch on. 

However, because it’s prepped ahead, the texture varies, ranging from crunchy to a softer bite. 

Korma Mutton has a rich, creamy taste paired with fork tender pieces of mutton. — Picture by Lee Khang Yi

For larger groups, the main menu offers bigger portions, ideal for sharing.

For instance, the Prawn Varuval on the à la carte menu costs RM30.90, compared with RM19.90 on the add-on menu, which offers a smaller portion.

The prawns are big and juicy and pair well with the tomato-based sauce that surprisingly isn’t too spicy.

Since they cover both types of Indian dishes, adventurous eaters can mix and match tandoori chicken or a rich Mutton Korma (RM30.90) with their banana leaf rice meal.  

Northern Indian set meals, featuring a choice of protein like this Keema Mutter, can be ordered for lunch. — Picture by Lee Khang Yi

The highly recommended korma dish hits the spot with a rich, creamy decadence and fork tender pieces of mutton.

Even the North Indian food has a set menu for lunch, running from 11am to 5pm. 

Pick from Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Mutton Rogan Josh or Keema Mutter, priced from RM22.90 to RM26.90.

Going vegetarian after prayers at the temple? There are also meat-free options, including Paneer Tikka Masala and Palak Paneer,

The set is served with either plain naan or plain basmati rice, dhal, crackers, a refreshing cucumber carrot salad and a vegetable of the day.  

Snack on this Crispy Paper Ghee Dosa with the amazing tomato chutney. — Picture by Lee Khang Yi

Other naan types can also be ordered for an additional charge.

Keema Mutter Set (RM26.90) is packed with minced meat cooked with peas, which you scoop up with their fluffy naan. 

Tiffin menu covers lighter bites suited for tea time from 3pm to 7pm. 

Do order the Crispy Paper Ghee Dosa (RM8.90) for that enticing combination of crispy dosa dipped in their tomato chutney. 

Most places usually serve it with just coconut chutney but this version beautifully uses tomatoes tempered with spices for a slightly sweeter flavour. 

Poori Masala is a fun way to eat puffy deep fried bread with potato masala. — Picture by Lee Khang Yi

It’s that kind of chutney, I would happily buy a bottle of to eat with everything. 

Poori Masala (RM6.90 for two pieces) is one of those items that forever fascinates me: how it puffs up in hot oil to look like a small pillow with a crisp exterior and airy insides. 

This version is classically paired with a rather substantial potato masala made from boiled potatoes cooked in spices. 

And remember to end a meal here with their Masala Tea made with fresh cow’s milk; it’s fragrant with spices and contains much-needed caffeine to keep you awake afterward. 

The fully air-conditioned eatery offers a comfortable dining space (left). Find the eatery at the corner of Lucky Garden (right). — Picture by Lee Khang Yi

Jamun Restaurant

1, Persiaran Ara Kiri, 

Lucky Garden, Bangsar, 

Kuala Lumpur.

Open: 11am to 11pm. Closed on the second and fourth Monday of each month. The next date they will be closed is May 11. 

Tel: 012-9115957

* This is an independent review where the writer paid for the meal.

* Follow us on Instagram @eatdrinkmm for more food gems.

PUTRAJAYA, May 1 — The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has proposed that all entry points in the north of Peninsular Malaysia at risk of being exploited for smuggling activities be led by senior police officers.

AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the agency required an Entry Point Commander who was well-versed in transborder crime and capable of acting swiftly to strengthen operational capabilities at the relevant entry points.

“I am appealing to the government for all northern entry points with risk of smuggling to be placed under such leadership by police officers because at this early stage, we need those who are experienced in transborder crime operations,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme yesterday. 

Mohd Shuhaily also expressed appreciation to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for its swift action in a shooting incident involving the AKPS Bukit Kayu Hitam commander early this year.

“Many thanks to Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail for the assistance rendered to my commander recently, which was prompt and decisive, ensuring that the confidence of my personnel was not severely affected.

“This is also where, if an Entry Point Commander comes from PDRM, he would have a more structured network and support system to respond swiftly and effectively,” he said.

In the 5.40 am incident on Feb 25, a vehicle driven by AKPS Bukit Kayu Hitam commander SAC Mohd Nasaruddin M Nasir was shot at about one kilometre from the Malaysia-Thailand border by a suspect on a motorcycle.

On the recruitment of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans into AKPS, he said it was an effective measure to strengthen the country’s border control while safeguarding the welfare of former military personnel.

Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS and the Defence Ministry (MINDEF) were also studying a more comprehensive and structured mechanism to expand the involvement of MAF veterans in the agency.

“I, together with the Chief of Defence Force and the secretary-general of MINDEF, are trying to explore something more robust, something more conclusive that can resolve AKPS issues.

“At the same time, it can serve as a platform for veterans to work while ensuring their welfare is taken care of, as they are still young,” he said.

Despite being a new agency, Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS had already recorded major achievements, including nearly RM82.1 million in seizures throughout 2025, proving the integrity of its workforce. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — In the hours following the apprehension of a suspect, before any formal charges are filed, a court process determines whether the person in custody can be held longer to facilitate ongoing police investigations.

This formal process — a remand proceeding — is an important part of the Malaysian criminal justice system in which magistrates decide if police have sufficient grounds to continue detaining a suspect.

However, because the process largely occurs out of public view except in cases of public interest, it may be unfamiliar to many.

Past instances have arisen where suspects are widely identified or speculated about online through viral footages or posts following an arrest.

However, legal safeguards remain in force at this stage, including media restrictions on public identification such as revealing a suspect’s face or name.

So why the secrecy then?

It is important to understand what leads to a remand in the first place.

Under Section 28 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), the police cannot hold a person in custody for more than 24 hours for investigation without a magistrate’s authorisation.

If investigations cannot be completed within this period and police seek to detain a suspect beyond 24 hours on the basis that the allegations are well-founded, they must apply to the Magistrate’s Court within that timeframe for further detention.

This application — typically made for a remand order — is provided for under Section 117 of the CPC.  

A person is therefore “remanded” when the magistrate issues a remand order to extend the suspect’s detention beyond 24 hours.

In short, the purpose of a remand is to give the police more time to complete the investigation and to decide whether there is enough evidence to charge the suspect with the suspected offence.

Most importantly, a suspect is still considered innocent at the remand stage.

TLDR: Individuals on remand have not been formally charged, and restrictions on naming them or publishing identifiable images are meant to protect the integrity of investigations and uphold the presumption of innocence.

Okay, so what happens if I am remanded?

According to the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court of Malaysia, several steps take place during a remand proceeding.

First, the police must give the magistrate reasons justifying why they need to detain the suspect beyond 24 hours and the court then considers these reasons and later issues the remand duration.

If the offence investigated relates to imprisonment of less than 14 years, detention shall not exceed four days for the first application and three days for any subsequent application.

If the offence relates to imprisonment exceeding 14 years, detention shall not exceed seven days for the first application and seven days for the second application.

During remand, a suspect in custody at a police lockup may make several requests according to their rights enshrined under Article 5 of the Federal Constitution and further codified under Section 28A of the CPC.

This includes being represented by a lawyer of their choice, contacting their family members to inform them of their whereabouts, getting reasonable medical attention and even lodging complaints of ill-treatment.

The magistrate can either allow or refuse a remand order, and if allowed, the police must then charge the suspect or release him/her.

TLDR: Police must justify continued detention by applying for a remand order, with the duration subject to legal limits depending on the offence being investigated, and if no remand is granted, the suspect must be released within 24 hours.

Mark Rowley defends officers who arrested suspect in Wednesday’s incident and calls on Green party leader to show solidarity

The Metropolitan police chief has said that Green party leader Zack Polanski sharing a post about the arrest of the Golders Green terror suspect will have a “chilling effect”.

Met officers arrested a 45-year-old man after two Jewish people were stabbed in the suburb of north-west London on Wednesday. Police said the suspect was shot with a stun gun to subdue him.