TMR

IPOH — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two oil tankers suspected of conducting unauthorised ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering activities near Pulau Jarak, Lumut, yesterday.

Its Perak director, Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob, said the vessels were intercepted at 8 pm, some 11 nautical miles east of the island.

“Checks revealed that both tankers were suspected of carrying out bunkering activities without a permit and anchoring in an area not authorised by the Director-General of the Malaysia Marine Department.

“An estimated 750 metric tonnes of Marine Fuel Oil (MFO) is believed to have been transferred between the tankers,” he said in a statement today.

He said both vessels were ordered to anchor 11.5 nautical miles east of Pulau Jarak for handover to  investigation officers, with monitoring assisted by the Lumut Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA).

Mohamad Shukri said the case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for unauthorised oil transfer and anchoring in prohibited areas. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — The Immigration Department stressed that enforcement operations against illegal immigrants are carried out continuously and are not seasonal, even during festive periods.

Immigration deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli said firm action is necessary to ensure that the rule of law and national security are always preserved from any violations.

“The law must be obeyed by all parties, including foreigners. The Immigration Department always respects the right of foreigners to celebrate festivities in harmony, but the law remains the priority,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier, the media reported that several individuals criticised the department for conducting inspection operations at locations frequented by foreigners during the Aidilfitri holidays.

Meanwhile, Lokman Effendi gave assurance that no action will be taken against those who possess valid travel documents and comply with the stipulated regulations. 

He said that enforcement operations during festive seasons are necessary to prevent irresponsible parties from taking advantage of any lapse in monitoring.

“If enforcement is relaxed, there is a risk of unlawful activities occurring, including an increase in the number of illegal immigrants. Public safety and order are priorities that cannot be compromised under any circumstances,” he said.

He added that every enforcement action is carried out consistently, prudently and with integrity as a preventive measure in the interest of overall national security, and not to cause inconvenience to any party. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — Police have arrested a local man suspected of impersonating an Immigration officer to rob foreign nationals.

Dang Wangi police chief ACP Sazalee Adam (picture) said the 32-year-old suspect was arrested at 1.30 pm yesterday at a location here.

“During the arrest, police also seized clothing, a motorcycle, a helmet and a food delivery bag believed to have been used by the suspect to carry out the crimes,” he said in a statement today.

Sazalee said the suspect’s modus operandi was to pose as an Immigration officer, approach foreign nationals and demand their passports before fleeing with their wallets and cash.

“With the arrest, police have solved two reported robbery cases. The investigation paper is being finalised and will be referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further action,” he said. — BERNAMA

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ALOR SETAR — The Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) has received 142 complaints on open burning from Jan 1 to March 22, indicating a rising trend in such activities statewide.

Its director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the actual number of incidents may be significantly higher, as not all cases are reported to the department.

“This situation is deeply concerning, given the current dry spell. Such activities can cause fires to spread easily and become uncontrollable, further exacerbated by diminishing water sources.

“Uncontrolled open burning poses a risk of severe air pollution as well as safety hazards to the community,” she said in a statement today.

She said that in addressing the issue aggressively, the state DOE had intensified field monitoring by conducting 109 enforcement patrols during the same period. 

“Patrols will continue throughout the festive season, and Kedah DOE is working closely with the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department to identify high-risk areas prone to open burning.

“This measure aims to detect fire sources at an early stage, particularly at waste disposal sites, agricultural land, and residential areas. These patrols also serve to raise awareness and issue direct warnings to the public regarding the dangers of open burning to the environment and public health,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sharifah Zakiah said the department would not compromise with any individual or company found committing the offence.

“Kedah DOE is currently in the process of taking legal action against several open burning cases, including at an illegal dumpsite in Baling. Open burning is a serious offence under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

“All Kedah residents are urged to cease any waste burning activities to avoid action and risks to air quality and safety. Members of the public can provide information via the toll-free line 1-800-88-2727 or online through the DOE e-Aduan portal,” she added. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) has called for a review of the existing legal framework on fireworks, which is largely outdated, to better tackle current challenges such as online sales and weaknesses in supply chain monitoring.

ABIM secretary-general Ahmad Fawwaz Ahmad Shukri said uneven enforcement could open the door to misuse and increase risks to public safety.

He said a firmer, more coordinated approach is needed, including reclassifying fireworks based on risk levels, tightening purchase controls, designating suitable usage zones, and strengthening proactive enforcement ahead of festive periods.

“A reactive, seasonal approach is no longer sufficient. It is time to shift towards a more effective, prevention-based policy centred on public safety,” he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Fawwaz also raised concerns over a growing culture of showing off with fireworks costing thousands of ringgit, describing it as wasteful and at odds with societal values, particularly in the period following Ramadan, which emphasises moderation. 

Expanding on the issue, he noted that the increasing use of fireworks, which often leads to injuries and public disturbances, is a recurring safety concern that can no longer be treated as a seasonal matter.

“Fireworks are no longer just a matter of tradition; they are a public safety issue and a reflection of our failure to curb a high-risk culture.

“Celebration should never come at the cost of lives or community safety,” he emphasised.

He added that licensed sales of fireworks do not guarantee safety, pointing out persistent gaps between policy and enforcement, including the uncontrolled sale of hazardous materials and easy access by children.

He also highlighted the responsibility of parents and guardians to monitor their children playing with fireworks to prevent serious injuries. 

In response, ABIM encourages safer and more constructive alternatives for celebrations, urging the public to uphold values of decorum, responsibility and compassion during festive occasions.

Yesterday, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming directed the Fire and Rescue Department and the Local Government Department to review the standard operating procedures for temporary fireworks stalls nationwide, ensuring that festive celebrations are conducted safely. 

The directive follows several recent fires involving fireworks stalls, including in George Town, Penang and Johor Bahru, which caused property damage and destruction. — BERNAMA

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by AKMAR ANNUAR

SAHABAT Alam Malaysia (SAM) and the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) have called for greater transparency over the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) investigation into the Department of Environment’s top leadership over alleged corruption in e-waste management.

In a joint statement, the groups said the public still did not know whether the department’s director-general and deputy director-general had been suspended, despite MACC earlier submitting investigation papers in early March to the Deputy Public Prosecutor with a recommendation for charges to be filed.

They said the lack of clarity raised concerns over possible interference with evidence and could undermine public confidence in environmental governance and anti-corruption enforcement.

The statement also referred to earlier media reports that 16 bank accounts containing RM10.2 million had been frozen, alongside another RM1 million in related corporate and individual accounts, while cash and valuables were also seized.

“Malaysia’s environmental leadership cannot be compromised by opacity or delay,” the statement said.

SAM and C4 said MACC and the Attorney-General’s Chambers should disclose the current status of the case, including when the officials would be charged, if at all.

They also urged the ministry to explain what interim administrative measures had been taken to prevent conflict of interest or further abuse of power while investigations remain ongoing.

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