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New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- New Straits Times
NST photographer among five Malaysians at Batam photo event
KOTA KINABALU: Five photographers from Sabah and Sarawak, including New Straits Times Press (NSTP) freelancer Lano Lan, took part in the Kepri Photo Community Gathering 2025 held in Indonesia. Others included Tawau-based photographer Muslianshah Masri, freelance photojournalist Herry Naha, and landscape photographer Bani Hasyim, among others. The regional event, held from July 14 to 16, drew over 100 photographers from across Southeast Asia. Supported by Kepulauan Riau (Kepri) Governor Ansar Ahmad, it showcased the province's tourism appeal through photography. Participants visited Batam city, Pulau Belakang Padang and nearby islands, capturing daily life, cultural landmarks, and natural scenery. Among the highlighted sites were Vihara Budhi Bhakti, Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo, Masjid Agung Batam and Jembatan Barelang. Lano's work included shots of schoolchildren commuting by boat, villagers at kopitiams, and fishermen at dawn. The event ended with a gala attended by Deputy Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, who praised the effort to strengthen regional ties. Lano, 50, from Kiulu, also visited Penyengat island, known for its historical significance as the seat of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate and birthplace of Raja Ali Haji. "It was a journey of stories, poetry, and Malay pride," said Lano, a contributor to NSTP for over a decade. The event, first held in 2024, is part of Kepri's strategy to develop itself as an Asean cultural and photo tourism hub.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Immigration detains 171 foreigners in Masjid India blitz
KUALA LUMPUR: There was tension in the air amid provocations when 171 foreigners were detained for various offences during an Immigration Department operation at Jalan Masjid India here today. Immigration Department enforcement division director Basri Othman said 14 business premises were inspected in the operation, which involved 160 officers and began at 10am. "The inspections were carried out to ensure that employers comply with regulations by hiring foreign workers with valid work passes. "This is also part of our ongoing efforts to educate the public to only employ foreign workers who have been approved or possess a valid work permit," he said in a press conference after the operation. Basri said 758 individuals were checked, comprising foreign workers, expatriates and Malaysians. Of that number, 171 foreigners were found to have violated immigration laws. "Some attempted to escape, while others provoked our enforcement personnel in an effort to obstruct inspections. "The heavy rain further complicated our task, especially when pursuing those who tried to flee through the back of the premises," he said. He added that among the common tactics used by undocumented migrants was disguising themselves as customers in the area to avoid detection. "Based on initial checks, several individuals were found without valid work passes, travel documents, or had overstayed. "The majority of those detained were from India and Bangladesh, with a smaller number from Indonesia," he said. The foreigners will be sent to the Immigration Detention Depot in Beranang, Selangor. Basri reminded foreigners in the country without valid permits to take advantage of the government's voluntary return programme to leave Malaysia before action is taken against them. "At the same time, we warn employers not to hire undocumented workers. Employers who are found guilty of hiring them will face prosecution in court," he said. — NSTP/HAIRUL ANUAR RAHIM
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Today's news in pictures - Saturday, July 26, 2025
MISSED what happened today? Here's a glimpse at what happened throughout the country in photographs. KUALA LUMPUR – A Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ) staff member pours used cooking oil into a special container during the Trash to Cash programme at Dewan JPKK Kampung Pandan. NSTP/NABILA ADLINA AZAHARI GEORGETOWN – A customer shops for school uniforms with their child at Kimnovak, a store on Jalan Magazine that will close on July 31 after 56 years of service. NSTP/MIKAIL ONG JERANTUT – Inside the Kota Gelanggi Cave complex, Gua Sanding is linked to a legend featuring limestone formations believed to resemble a wedding couple and symbols of traditional Malay warrior spirit. BERNAMA KUALA LUMPUR – Participants gather peacefully outside the Sogo shopping complex and take the opportunity to have lunch before joining the 'Turun Anwar' rally. NSTP/AHMAD UKASYAH IPOH – Perak FA's Reima Mayser (left) kicks the ball under pressure from Melaka FC's Mohammad Fahmi Faizal during a friendly match at Perak Football Complex. Melaka FC won 1-0. BERNAMA
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Parents seen bringing young children to opposition rally at Dataran Merdeka
KUALA LUMPUR: Several parents were seen bringing their young children to the opposition rally at Dataran Merdeka today. Although the rally was scheduled to begin later in the afternoon, children accompanied by their parents were already present as early as 10.30am. A single mother who declined to be named said she came all the way from Muar, Johor, to support the cause. "I lost my husband in a hit-and-run accident last year and have been receiving RM1,100 from his pension since. "I have two young children aged three and four, and my youngest is autistic," she said, adding that she was having trouble receiving aid from the current administration. She claimed that all requests for aid, be it from the Welfare Department or Zakat, had failed as they said she was receiving a pension. "How can I survive with two young children on such a low income? "I'm not asking for a handout. I just want help in getting my food business operating well so I can take care of my family," she said when met outside a restaurant along Jalan Tun Perak today. Meanwhile, when approached by NSTP reporters, one of the children said he was simply following his father, who was on duty as a member of Pas' volunteer corps, Jabatan Amal. "I don't know much. I'm just following my dad who's on duty here," the child said. Meanwhile, at Masjid Jamek, another rally participant who was seen with a small child claimed he was only there to shop for clothes. When asked if he was aware of the prohibition against bringing young children to the rally at Dataran Merdeka, the man said he planned to return home around noon as he had to go to work. "I won't be bringing my child to Dataran Merdeka later for the rally. I need to go home first because of work. I'll come back in the evening after I'm done," said the man, who lives in Gombak. Police anticipate a turnout of between 10,000 and 15,000 people at today's rally. Participants are set to gather at Masjid Negara, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, and Kompleks Sogo – before converging at Dataran Merdeka. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the police would facilitate the assembly. A total of 16 roads will be closed for the rally, which is expected to end after 5.15pm.
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Today's news in pictures – Saturday, July 5, 2025
MISSED what happened today? Here's a glimpse at what happened throughout the country in photographs. KOTA KINABALU — Trainees who successfully completed their training during the Basic Policing Training Programme (PLAK) Series 5/2025 Number 78 Graduation Parade Ceremony at the Sabah Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) Parade Ground. NSTP/MOHD ADAM ARININ SEREMBAN — People making the most of the weekend by jogging and doing light exercises at S2 City Park, Seremban 2. BERNAMA TANJUNG MALIM — Members of the public donating blood during the World Blood Donor Day Appreciation Programme organised by the Perak State Health Department at Slim River Hospital. BERNAMA KUANTAN — A Road Transport Department (JPJ) officer inspecting the tyres of an express bus during the Seat Belt Advocacy Programme for Express and Tour Buses at Terminal Sentral Kuantan. NSTP/MUHAMMAD DELIMA ATAN KUALA LUMPUR — Four Takaful Malaysia staff members holding rambutans and mangosteens during a local fruits fiesta at Lanai, Matic recently. NSTP/AZIAH AZMEE
