No one should die behind closed doors, in silence, servitude
This horrific act of cruelty, committed by a former MasterChef Malaysia finalist and her ex-husband, is not an isolated incident; it is part of a disturbing and persistent pattern of violence, abuse, and systemic neglect that has plagued the lives of domestic workers in Malaysia for decades.
We remember Adelina Lisao, Nirmala Bonat, Siami, Siti Hajar, Mariance Kabu, Mautik Hani, and so many others who suffered severe abuse, neglect, and death in Malaysian homes.
The murder in Penampang is yet another name added to this shameful roll call. It is a sobering reminder that in the absence of meaningful protection, domestic workers remain among the most vulnerable and dehumanised workers in our country.
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The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Friday (Aug 1, 2025)
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New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Five more Malaysians sent to Narathiwat prison for drug-related crimes
NARATHIWAT: Five more Malaysians have been sent to Narathiwat prison this year for drug-related offences, bringing the total number of Malaysians currently held at the prison to 36. Prison director, Superintendent Surin Chantep, said the 36 comprised 28 men and eight women. "After six Malaysians, including the modern dikir barat singer Eda Ezrin, were committed to this prison in November last year, five more have been placed here in stages since January," he told Malaysian reporters during a visit to the prison today. He said most of the Malaysian inmates are from Kelantan, with some already sentenced, while others remain in remand pending court proceedings. When asked about Eda Ezrin's condition, Surin said the prison authorities are awaiting a decision from the Narathiwat provincial court on whether she and five others would be released or have their cases brought to trial. He added that Eda Ezrin is not experiencing any health issues and has not requested psychological assistance. The Narathiwat prison, located in southern Thailand, about 60km from Malaysia's border in Rantau Panjang, is a high-security correctional facility that houses both local and foreign inmates, primarily those involved in drug and cross-border crimes. The prison, which operates under the Thai Department of Corrections, enforces strict security protocols and accommodates inmates in gender-separated wings. The prison also serves as a remand centre for individuals awaiting trial and appeals, particularly those involved in cross-border criminal cases given Narathiwat's proximity to Malaysia. Over the years, the facility has held dozens of Malaysian nationals detained in connection with smuggling, trafficking, and illegal entry. Despite its location in a region with periodic security concerns, the prison maintains cooperation with consular officials, including the Malaysian Consulate in Songkhla, to ensure the welfare of foreign inmates.
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Eda Ezrin denies connection to drug bust involving TikToker
NARATHIWAT: Malaysian dikir barat singer Eda Ezrin, who is currently being held at the Narathiwat prison, has denied any connection to a major drug bust involving a woman known as Yuyu and urged the public not to pass judgement based on a viral video. The 30-year-old, who has been in custody since November last year, said she had no ties to Yuyu, who was recently arrested with five others and found in possession of drugs worth more than RM5 million. In a brief 30-minute interview at the prison today, Eda hoped her fans would not associate her with individuals involved in drug-related activities simply because of a TikTok clip circulating on social media. "I'm just an ordinary singer. I have no connection whatsoever with the woman named Yuyu. "She is not my friend, as claimed online. I've only met her a few times at social gatherings. She is a friendly person and often invites people to join her TikTok live sessions," she said. Eda said prison officers had informed her about the viral content, and she was shocked to learn that her casual interaction with Yuyu in a short video had sparked misunderstanding. "I want to clarify this to my fans so they do not view me negatively. I have never been involved in any unlawful activity," she said. Appearing composed throughout the interview, Eda expressed hope that her family and supporters would continue praying for her, her husband, and the four others detained with them to be released soon. "However, if it is my fate to remain in prison longer, as I've been informed that the Thai prosecutors are still appealing my case, I will accept it with an open heart," she said. Eda, whose full name is Wan Norshaheeda Azlin Wan Ismail; her husband Mohd Affendi Ahmad, 35; and their friends; Eridieka Mohd Noor, 33; Mohamad Alif Deraman, 33; Nur Aida Mamat, 33; and Zuhaira Nasrin, 26; have been in prison for nearly nine months. The six were arrested for allegedly possessing 6,059 methamphetamine pills. In March, the Narathiwat Court acquitted them of jointly possessing the pills with intent to distribute, but allowed prosecutors to appeal the decision.
