
Cops wrap up Zara death probe, to hand over findings to AGC
Saifuddin said statements were recorded from around 60 witnesses over the death of the Form One student from SMK Agama Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, Sabah.
'The police investigation is complete. We called nearly 60 witnesses, and I believe...
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New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Parents fear sending children to boarding schools in Sabah
KUALA LUMPUR: Kinabatangan member of Parliament Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin says many parents in Sabah are now afraid to send their children to boarding schools due to growing concerns over bullying. He said bullying has become increasingly rampant, especially in boarding schools — including religious, vocational, and national secondary institutions. As such, he urged the Education Ministry (MoE) to explore new approaches to tackle the issue of bullying more effectively. "In Sabah, many parents are now afraid to send their children to boarding schools because they say, 'We are sending our children to be killed'. "These students go to school to gain knowledge, yet their children are dying, being mistreated... this is unacceptable," he told the Dewan Rakyat when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan today. Although he did not directly reference any specific case, his remarks are believed to be related to the recent death of 13-year-old Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir in Papar, Sabah, which drew public attention due to its alleged links to bullying. On July 16, Zara Qairina — a Form One student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tun Datu Mustapha Limauan in Papar — was found unconscious in a drain near her school's dormitory at around 4am. She was pronounced dead the following day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. Bung Moktar added that the shaping of student character should begin in schools, referencing a Malay proverb: "Melentur buluh biar dari rebungnya" (Inculcating good values should start at an early age). "The Education Minister must take this issue seriously. We talk about transformation, but if we can't even transform our schools, how can we expect change?" he said.


The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia considers law changes to tackle online drug sales
KAJANG: The government is reviewing potential amendments to existing laws or the introduction of new legislation to combat the growing issue of online drug sales. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted the urgency of addressing this trend, which has become increasingly difficult to monitor due to discreet transactions and courier-based deliveries. The matter was discussed during a Cabinet Committee Meeting on Combating Drug Abuse in June, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. 'We examined the need for legal updates, including drafting new laws specifically targeting small-scale online drug sales,' Saifuddin Nasution said during a press conference after closing the National Anti-Drugs Agency's (AADK) i-DEEN Programme. The minister noted that online drug sales pose a unique challenge as they involve multiple regulatory bodies. While the Home Ministry oversees drug-related offences, online transactions fall under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. 'Platforms like e-commerce sites are easier to regulate, but social media sales combined with courier deliveries make detection harder,' he explained. Saifuddin Nasution also stressed the need for AADK officers to adapt to evolving drug trends, particularly the shift from conventional to synthetic drugs. 'Forty years ago, synthetic drugs were unheard of. Now, they dominate among users, requiring updated rehabilitation methods,' he said. Officers must now handle varying addiction cases with tailored approaches, considering factors like symptoms, severity, and user backgrounds. - Bernama


New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Unregistered drug rehab centre faces action after client's death
KAJANG: Enforcement action has been taken against an unregistered drug rehabilitation centre following the death of a client, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said that amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 last year empowered the government to take measures against errant private centres. "We are taking action against the one in Negri Sembilan that involved a death. "If there are violations of National Anti-Drugs Agency's (AADK) guidelines, now we can take action. We couldn't before." Saifuddin was responding to a media report alleging that several unregistered private drug rehabilitation centres were operating in violation of AADK regulations. He said that amending the act was essential to ensure private rehabilitation centres comply with treatment standards. On July 18, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Bill 2024. This is the first revision to the law in two decades, and it allows AADK to recognise voluntary treatment and rehabilitation services for drug addicts, including those provided by medical officers.