Latest news with #MohdFaizal


The Star
10-07-2025
- The Star
'Yuyu', husband and three family members accused of distributing ‘pil kuda', face the death penalty
PASIR MAS: A salon and restaurant operator known as 'Yuyu' 'along with her husband and three other family members were charged in the Magistrate's Court here on Thursday (July 10) on three charges of distributing more than 20kg of 'pil kuda' in three separate locations near here on June 27. Sinar Harian reported that during the trial, no confession was recorded by all the accused, namely Mohd Faizal Ismail, 35; his wife, Nur Ayu Fatihah Zaudi, 34, who is the owner of a salon and restaurant; Mohamad Farid Ismail, 33; Mohd Khairu Azani Mohd Lawi, 39; together with Mohamad Asmawi Janudin, 25, after the charges were read before Magistrate Syed Farid Syed Ali. Mohd Faizal is the brother of Mohamad Farid, and they are both uncles of Mohamad Asmawi. Confessions were not recorded as the case fell under the jurisdiction of the High Court. According to the first charge, Mohd Faizal was charged with trafficking 115g of methamphetamine in a Perodua Axia car at the intersection of Jalan Gajah Mati in Kampung Banggol Chicha here at about 11.15am on June 27. For the second charge, Mohd Faizal and Nur Ayu Fatihah were accused of trafficking 112 grams of methamphetamine at a house in Kampung Banggol Chicha here at about 11.30am on the same day. Based on the third charge, the five accused were charged together with distributing methamphetamine weighing 19,866 grams in the cowshed area behind a house in Kampung Banggol Chica here at about 4.30pm that day. The five accused are charged according to Section 39B (1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and can be punished according to Section 39B(2) of the same act which provides for life imprisonment or hanging to death and if not sentenced to death, must be whipped a maximum of 15 lashes, if convicted. Deputy Public Prosecutor Syazalia Che Suhaimi handled the prosecution, while Mohd Faizal and Nur Ayu Fatihah were represented by lawyer Mohd Norazihan Adnan. The other three accused were not represented by a lawyer. The court set Oct 26 for the mention of the case and the chemical report.


Rakyat Post
09-07-2025
- Rakyat Post
The RM2,600 Louis Vuitton Lesson: Malaysian Doctor's Paris Shopping Calculations Meet KLIA Reality
Subscribe to our FREE Dr. Mohd Faizal Ahmad, a reproductive and oncofertility specialist, had done his homework. Five hours navigating Paris Metro stations, comparing prices, calculating value-added tax (VAT) refunds – the kind of meticulous planning that would make any bargain hunter proud. When he finally committed to that Louis Vuitton purchase, the math seemed to work out perfectly. Then he landed at KLIA. 'On the spot, had to pay RM2,600 tax,' the doctor shared on social media, posting photos of both his pristine LV box and the less-than-pristine customs receipt. 'There goes my VAT refund.' His candid post about the experience has resonated with Malaysian travellers, generating hundreds of comments from people sharing their own customs encounters and offering advice that ranges from practical to borderline creative. The Irony of International Shopping The situation captures a uniquely modern travel paradox: in an age where we can research exchange rates, compare international prices, and even calculate tax refunds to the sen, the one variable that often gets overlooked is the tax waiting at home. Mohd Faizal's meticulous Paris planning – complete with VAT calculations that would make an accountant proud – met its match in a straightforward customs assessment that wiped out his careful savings in minutes. 'I wonder,' he mused in his post, 'when wealthy people buy luxury items overseas, do they also get taxed on the spot like us regular folks?' His post has become an accidental public service announcement, with the comment section serving as a crowdsourced guide to the realities of luxury travel shopping, complete with strategies that operate in the grey area of customs regulations. The Traveller's Underground Guide The Repackaging School : 'Always disassemble – flatten the box, fold the paper bag, pack in checked luggage,' advised one seasoned shopper. 'Use the new bag as hand carry, stuff it with clothes.' The Boutique Loophole : Multiple commenters have revealed that luxury brands are replacing their packaging. 'Just bring the bag and receipt. You can claim the box and paper bag at any Malaysian LV store,' shared one frequent traveller. The Camouflage Method : 'Never travel with luxury items in their original packaging. Start using them immediately to avoid looking like you just bought them.' One pragmatic commenter did the math: 'Should've paid RM200 for extra luggage instead of RM2,600 in tax.' The Voice of Experience Not everyone was offering sympathy. Several commenters pointed out the economic reality: 'If you can afford Paris shopping and LV bags, you can afford the tax that comes with it.' Others questioned the value proposition entirely, with one noting that luxury bags are largely A customs-aware commenter provided the legal perspective: 'Import tax on foreign goods is standard policy to protect the local economy. There's some discretion for personal use items.' The responses revealed the inconsistent nature of customs enforcement. Some travellers reported carrying luxury purchases from Korea, Japan, and Thailand without issues, while others noted that direct flights from Paris seem to attract more scrutiny. 'Customs doesn't check every bag,' noted one commenter, while another observed: 'Direct from Paris, they always seem to be waiting.' For Malaysian luxury shoppers, Mohd Faizal's experience offers a reminder: sometimes the most expensive part of international shopping isn't the exchange rate or the VAT refund calculation – it's the tax bill waiting at home. READ MORE : READ MORE : READ MORE : Customs duties and enforcement policies vary. Travellers should consult official guidelines for current regulations. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.


The Sun
24-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Safety measures taken during Lima '25 pay off
KUALA LUMPUR: Ground safety planning and execution during the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima '25) went well without any major glitches or fatalities. 'So far, the safety aspect has been well planned and executed. We have not encountered any issues or hiccups and everything is running smoothly, just as planned from the beginning,' Aerospace Secretariat spokesman Royal Malaysian Airforce (RMAF) officer Lt-Kol Mohd Faizal Md Jani told theSun. He said ground safety is managed by the Air Display Safety Cell. 'Our responsibility covers the entire area from the tarmac to the aircraft parking zones, ensuring the safety of ground operations, aircraft displays and all aircraft movements related to the air display. 'A key aspect of our morning routine is monitoring and mitigating bird activity around the airfield. Bird strikes pose a significant risk to aircraft, potentially causing serious damage and disrupting operations. 'Therefore, we conduct proactive measures each morning, such as dispersing birds from the runway and surrounding areas, to minimise this risk and maintain operational integrity. 'We operate a long-range acoustic device to drive away birds from the area, ensuring a safer airspace and reducing the risk of bird strikes.' Mohd Faizal said for aircraft taxiing during the air display, the ground safety team has designated and gazetted routes for both taxi-in and taxi-out operations which all pilots are aware of. 'Additionally, a designated master is responsible for instructing and guiding us on where to park the aircraft after the air show.' Mohd Faizal said crowd control around the aircraft area is handled by Air Defence units within the RMAF, including units like Paskal, an elite special forces unit of the Royal Malaysian Navy. He said their responsibility is to ensure that the public does not encroach into restricted zones near the aircraft. As for pyrotechnics, Mohd Faizal said all necessary safety measures within the airfield are strictly enforced before any activity takes place. He said for areas outside the airfield, such as where the public gathers, crowd control falls under the responsibility of the police, as it is beyond the organisers' direct control. 'From the very beginning of our planning, about six to eight months ahead of Lima '25, we incorporated safety criteria as a core component in preparing for the air display event.' Mohd Faizal said one of the main challenges faced during Lima '25 was managing the civilian crowd outside the airfield, particularly those who did not heed safety advice. He said these individuals often ignored warnings related to potential hazards. 'For instance, during aircraft start-up, the exhaust blast can pose a danger, yet some onlookers refused to move even after being asked repeatedly, only reacting after experiencing the blast firsthand. 'This lack of seriousness towards safety remains a recurring issue.' Mohd Faizal said Lima '25 implemented several new technologies and monitoring tools to enhance safety and control during the air show. 'One example is the use of the Stripe system, which employs cameras to monitor key parameters such as the aircraft's position relative to the foul line and minimum height limits during the display. 'This technology allows officials to track whether an aircraft crosses these safety boundaries and to promptly alert the pilot if necessary. 'Additionally, we have an anti-drone unit in place that can jam or intercept any unauthorised drones operated by civilians near the airspace. 'So far, we have not encountered any drone intrusions and this security measure will remain active for the next two to three days.'


The Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Kedah AKPK restructures over RM400 mln in bank loans last year
ALOR SETAR: The Kedah Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) has restructured bank loans totalling RM411 million throughout 2024. Head of Alor Setar AKPK, Mohd Faizal Mohd Salleh, stated that the loan restructuring through the Credit Management Programme involved 7,668 bank financing facilities. 'This initiative offers a respite for many people to regain control of their finances in a more organised and realistic manner, offering repayment plans that suit their means. 'These numbers are not just statistics but reflect AKPK's efforts in providing effective assistance to those in need of financial support,' he said in a statement today. According to him, the credit restructuring statistics in AKPK Kedah for 2024 show that credit cards are the largest contributor to debt issues, accounting for 43 per cent, followed by personal loans at 38 per cent. Mohd Faizal said the restructuring of housing financing was seven per cent, while vehicle financing was five per cent. He emphasised that early intervention is crucial, especially for debtors under the age of 45, who make up the highest percentage of AKPK clients—64 per cent or 4,885 cases, totalling RM269 million. 'At this stage of life, they are building their families as part of the sandwich generation (simultaneously caring for ageing parents and raising their children), and it is essential to prepare early for retirement. 'Beyond just avoiding bankruptcy and asset repossession, Alor Setar AKPK focuses on restoring the quality of life affected by debts,' he said. He also urged the public not to let themselves remain trapped in financial difficulties but to seek solutions and work toward recovery with the agency's help.


The Sun
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
N. Sembilan records increase in tourist arrivals last year
SEREMBAN: Negeri Sembilan recorded an increase in tourist arrivals last year, of about 20 million tourists, compared to 5.5 million recorded in 2021, the State Assembly was told today. State Tourism, Culture and Arts Action Committee chairman Nicole Tan said that in conjunction with the 2026 Visit Negeri Sembilan Year (TMNS 2026), the state's promotional efforts will be expanded. 'To attract more foreign tourists to Negeri Sembilan, various strategic initiatives have been planned, including intensifying international promotions through participation in tourism exhibitions and sales missions abroad, leveraging digital platforms, and collaborating with both domestic and international travel agencies,' she said. She said various promotional activities have been scheduled to be held in stages throughout this year through the Negeri Sembilan Tourism Board, starting with the pre-launch of TMNS 2026 in June and culminating with the official launch of TMNS 2026 in December, to be held in Port Dickson. Meanwhile, State Heritage, Technology, Innovation and Digital Action Committee Chairman Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli said the state was committed to moving towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in various sectors, in line with efforts to strengthen the state's digital transformation. Mohd Faizal said that among the key areas where artificial intelligence (AI) could be applied are the enhancement of the digital economy, public service delivery, urban management planning, and other related sectors. However, he said, the challenges remain, particularly in terms of inadequate technological infrastructure. 'In this regard, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is committed to expanding internet coverage through the National Digital Network (JENDELA) initiative. 'This includes the construction of new telecommunications structures, the development of fibre optic broadband for fixed-line connections, and extending 5G network coverage across populated areas,' he said. He added that under the JENDELA project, 90 out of 105 new transmitter structures have been completed and are now operational, while 1,666 existing transmitter stations have been upgraded to 4G network technology. Additionally, 220,444 out of 221,627 fixed-line connections have been equipped with fibre optic infrastructure, he added. As for the development of the 5G network, Mohd Faizal said that through the collaboration between MCMC and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), 229 out of 232 targeted sites, representing 77.6 per cent coverage, have been completed through the construction of new structures and upgrades to existing infrastructure in key areas within each district.