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Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Johor teen pleads guilty to sexually assaulting girlfriend, 16
The boy was charged with sexual assault under Sections 14(a) and 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for up to 20 years' imprisonment and whipping. (Pexels pic) PETALING JAYA : A 19-year-old boy pleaded guilty in the Muar sessions court today to two charges of sexual assault earlier this month. He was charged with sexually assaulting his 16-year-old girlfriend at a house in Batu Pahat, Johor at 12.45pm on July 2, Buletin TV3 reported. He was charged under Sections 14(a) and 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for up to 20 years' imprisonment and whipping per charge. The prosecution was managed by deputy public prosecutor Diyana Najihah Fauzi while the teenager was unrepresented. Diyana said she would not offer bail as the accused had already pleaded guilty. Judge Nariman Badruddin allowed for no bail to be offered and set July 23 for case mention and sentencing.
Malay Mail
11-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Johorean fish breeder Sianlon Aquatic dreams of an ‘arowana for every home' after Osaka Expo spotlight
KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — Sianlon Aquatic Sdn Bhd, one of Malaysia's leading ornamental fish breeders, is exploring new export prospects in the Japanese market following its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka. In a statement today, the Johor-based company, renowned for its premium Asian Arowana, was among the Malaysian businesses selected to showcase their products at the global event. 'The exposure allowed the company to engage with potential distributors, buyers and partners from across the region,' it said. Director Charlie Ng said the company is especially grateful to the Malaysian government for allowing it to participate in Expo 2025 Osaka. 'It allowed us to meet like-minded partners and explore new possibilities,' Ng, son of semi-retired co-founder Ng Hang Yong, said. Founded in 1978 in Batu Pahat, Johor, Sianlon Aquatic began as a small family-run operation with just six concrete ponds. Over the past four decades, it expanded into a large-scale aquaculture enterprise with eight farms covering nearly 2,000 acres and two retail aquariums. Brothers Hang Yong and Huan Tong set up the company. Both shared a passion for ornamental fish-breeding. They started with Ranchu goldfish and expanded into other species, including the highly sought-after Asian Arowana. In 1994, Sianlon obtained a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permit, becoming the first registered company globally to commercially breed and export Arowana. It has since expanded its presence internationally, including the establishment of the Xiang Long Fish Farm in Guangzhou, China, the only such farm with both domestic and international operations. Sianlon Aquatic said its farms are designed to support natural breeding conditions, allowing broodstock to reproduce with minimal human interference. — Bernama pic The company's breakthrough in China came in the 2000s after Hang Yong went to China with 50 Arowanas to explore potential demand. Sales were slow, but relationships were built. 'Our philosophy has always been to grow with our partners. We ensured that distributors could earn a fair profit. That approach helped us build long-term, sustainable relationships,' Ng said. He said discussions are ongoing with several prospective partners in Japan. 'If successful, the partnerships could generate a six-figure export revenue. 'The company previously made history as the first to export Arowana legally to Japan, but operations were put on hold following the passing of its former distributor, and now Sianlon is looking to re-enter the Japanese market and plans to expand its reach through online channels,' he said. Sianlon said the company exports tens of thousands of Arowanas each year to markets including China, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. 'The company also breeds other ornamental species such as stingrays, discus, lyretail mollies and parrot cichlids. 'Health and quality remain the cornerstone of Sianlon's breeding operations. Each fish undergoes professional quarantine before export, including disinfection and immune-boosting conditioning. Special attention is given to diet and water quality to ensure optimal growth and resilience,' the statement said. The company also said it upholds environmentally responsible practices. 'Our farms are designed to support natural breeding conditions, allowing broodstock to reproduce with minimal human interference. All discharged water is ultraviolet-sterilised to prevent contamination and protect the surrounding ecosystem,' it said. Sianlon said it has also received support from government-backed initiatives that promote ornamental fish through local and international competitions. 'The company's Arowanas have consistently won top prizes at these events, which further enhances its brand credibility,' it said. Looking ahead, Sianlon aims to appoint a dedicated distributor in every Asian country. 'Our goal is to bring Arowana into every household, not just as a pet, but as a source of relaxation and mental well-being. Watching them swim and feed is a calming, therapeutic experience,' Ng said. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
11-07-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
UNHCR cardholder jailed 5 years for sexually assaulting disabled teen
Muar sessions court judge Sayani Nor ordered the accused to undergo two years of police supervision upon completing his jail term. (File pic) PETALING JAYA : A 23-year-old foreigner has been sentenced to five years' jail and two strokes of the cane for molesting a 17-year-old disabled teenager last week. Ali Monjur Ahammed, a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees cardholder, pleaded guilty after being charged in the Muar sessions court, Berita Harian reported. Judge Sayani Nor also ordered Ali to undergo two years of police supervision upon completing his jail term. Ali, who worked at a sundry shop in Batu Pahat, admitted to committing the offence at his workplace near Jalan Engan at around 6.35am on July 3. The charge was framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for up to 20 years in prison and a whipping, upon conviction. According to the case facts, the victim's mother lodged a police report after her daughter returned from the shop crying. She was at the store to buy groceries when Ali invited her to go to the toilet with him. When she refused and tried to leave, he chased and hugged her, causing her to cry out of fear. Police also found that Ali had previously asked to marry the teen, but that she rejected his proposal. Deputy public prosecutor Othman Affan Ismail led the prosecution while Ali was unrepresented.
Malay Mail
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Johari Ghani: Youths no longer care about party's legacy, Umno must focus on credibility, climate and reform to woo them
BATU PAHAT, July 5 — Umno must adopt fresh strategies targeting younger voters who now represent nearly 40 per cent of the electorate, party vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said today ahead of the 16th general election. He stressed that Umno could no longer depend on its historical role in nation-building to gain support from youth voters, who are more focused on future-oriented issues. 'While we had great success and have an outstanding record of achievement, the younger generation no longer looks at past accomplishments and a party's legacy,' he was quoted saying by New Straits Times. 'They assess leaders' commitment to future issues, including environmental matters and the integrity of the leadership.' Johari, who also serves as plantation and commodities minister, said the younger generation places a high premium on leaders' credibility and commitment to contemporary global and national concerns. He noted that today's youth evaluate political parties based on their ability to address current and future challenges, rather than past successes. He added that there has been a notable shift in the mindset of young voters, who view politics through a different lens compared to older generations. Johari urged Umno's Youth and Puteri wings to act as a bridge between generations and ensure young people are integral to the party's future strategies. He said youth voices must be given space to contribute meaningfully to the party's direction and serve as an inspiration to its leadership. 'Umno must take a serious look at future strategies and how we structure our plans going forward,' he said.
Malay Mail
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘Seats will be recaptured': Zahid says Umno conducting studies to identify PAS, Bersatu-held areas to target next GE
BATU PAHAT, July 5 — Barisan Nasional (BN) has expressed its intention to recapture several seats currently held by Bersatu and PAS in the upcoming General Election (GE). Its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that, for this purpose, various studies and surveys would be conducted to identify potential seats the party has a strong chance of winning. 'We will work hard... and the seats will be recaptured by Umno candidates in the upcoming GE,' he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the Sri Gading Umno Division Delegates' Meeting here today. Also present were Johor Umno Liaison Committee chairman and Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, as well as Sri Gading Umno Division chief Datuk Mohd Lassim Burhan. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, urged all members not to be swayed by the 'UMDAP' narrative propagated by the opposition, stressing that the current political cooperation involves a coalition between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH). 'In BN, we also have MCA and MIC; in PH, there are DAP, PKR, and Amanah. So, let's not fall for the opposition's propaganda aimed at driving a wedge between BN and PH just so they can resort to the 'tebuk atap' (backdoor) tactic again,' said the Deputy Prime Minister. Ahmad Zahid said the political cooperation currently being forged is a reality that all party members must accept and understand to ensure the stability of the government and to pave the way for Umno's return to dominance. 'If we want to win, we must find a way to win. While we are in government, we must work seriously. We cannot expect victory if we are complacent, if we fight among ourselves, if we betray one another, or if we allow others to attack us without defending ourselves,' he said. — Bernama
