Latest news with #UniversitiSainsMalaysia
New Straits Times
18 hours ago
- New Straits Times
'Institutional decay' driving immigration corruption
GEORGE TOWN: The recent arrest of enforcement officers at several airports has revived concerns over corruption and systemic failure in Malaysia's immigration system. The officers were allegedly involved in "counter-setting," where immigration counters were pre-assigned to enable the illegal entry of foreigners in exchange for bribes. Criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said this pointed to a quid pro quo system involving corrupt officials and transnational syndicates. "This is not a rogue act. This is a reflection of institutional decay — where illegality is procedural, and corruption is operationalised," he said. Sundramoorthy, from Universiti Sains Malaysia's Centre for Policy Research, said what stood out was not the act itself but its predictability, with officers using coded terms like "lembu," "kicap," "durian" and "limau" in their notes to signal nationalities or bribe amounts. He said this informal language reflected wider institutional deviance where corruption at the front lines allowed the steady flow of undocumented migrants. A major crackdown in late 2024 revealed over 300 immigration officers involved, 47 smuggling syndicates dismantled and more than 1,285 individuals arrested, including middlemen and recruiters. "The system isn't merely exploited. It is actively complicit," said Sundramoorthy, who studies Southeast Asian border corruption. He said migrants, mostly from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, Nepal and Pakistan, often paid up to RM12,000 to enter Malaysia on tourist or social visit passes and were later absorbed into informal labour sectors. Though voluntary, the smuggling model was distinct from human trafficking, he said, and remained transactional despite its legal and ethical implications. Sundramoorthy said such corruption rendered security tools useless. "When officers become facilitators, the border becomes just another business transaction," he said. He warned this undermined national security and public trust, and called for institutional reform, noting that enforcement alone would not resolve the problem.
The Star
a day ago
- General
- The Star
Penang Neolithic gallery to open this year, says CM
Chow (in batik shirt) having a go at 'sepak raga bulatan'; at below, colourful display of Malaysiana as children take part in a costume contest at Penang2030 Festival X Seberang Perai Heritage Day 2025. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star 41 skeletons from Guar Kepah site to be displayed alongside 'Penang Woman' once repatriation complete Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery in Kepala Batas, Seberang Perai, is expected to open in the third quarter of 2025. The opening will take place once all 41 Guar Kepah site's Neolithic human skeletons are returned to Penang from the Netherlands where they have been stored for 152 years. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the skeletons would be handed to Universiti Sains Malaysia for assessment before being placed in the gallery. These will then be displayed alongside the 5,700-year-old skeleton known as 'Penang Woman' who is believed to be their ancestor. While Penang Woman was found in an ancient burial ground on mainland Penang in 2017, the other skeletons are believed to have been excavated by British archaeologists between 1851 and 1934. 'Once the remains are back, we can officially open,' Chow said, adding that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was expected to launch the gallery. Funded by a RM10mil Federal Government allocation, the double-storey gallery was built on nearly a hectare of land. Minimalist in design, it houses a research centre, lab and artefacts storage facilities. The gallery, which covers the spot where Penang Woman was discovered, will serve as a tourist attraction and centre for research and heritage preservation. There will be exhibits such as shell middens and interactive displays on early human settlements, while visitor facilities will include cafe, souvenir kiosks, and surau. According to previous reports, the Guar Kepah site was the first in Malaysia to have been studied by Western researchers, from the mid-19th century to 1936. The site yielded human remains, stone tools, food remnants, beads and pottery shards that offer insights into prehistoric life in the area. Between 1936 and 1960, the 41 skeletons were transferred to Naturalis Biodiversity Centre which in 1984 became part of the National Museum of Natural History in Leiden city. The remains are now stored at the Collection Centre Netherlands in Amersfoort. A delegation from Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is expected to travel to Leiden soon to complete the repatriation process, following Cabinet approval and final paperwork. Earlier, Chow launched Penang2030 Festival X Seberang Perai Heritage Day 2025 in Kampung Agong, Penaga, which drew some 5,000 participants. 'Amid the greenery and village traditions, this celebration strengthens the harmony we already have among Penang's diverse communities,' he said. 'It is a recognition of all we have achieved together over the past seven years.' He said this year's edition was special as it was the second time Penang2030 Festival was being held, with it moving out of Komtar for the first time into Kampung Agong in conjunction with Seberang Perai Heritage Day. He said the celebration also showcased Penang's cultural wealth as a shared asset. Visitors enjoyed activities such as batik painting, silat, wayang kulit and traditional games like sepak raga bulatan. There were also sack races, costume and colouring contests and a handicraft market. Guests enjoyed a 'Kenduri Rakyat' which had plenty of free food and drinks while a two-minute fireworks display concluded the event at 8pm. Also present were state executive councillors Jason H'ng Mooi Lye, Datuk Rashidi Zainol, Fahmi Zainol and Daniel Gooi Zi Sen along with state secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long.
The Star
2 days ago
- General
- The Star
Standing tall and proud of her roots
It was a difficult start, but for this Orang Asli educator it was all worth it IPOH: Growing up, Rasila Yas would ride in a police truck to get to school. It was a 13km journey, starting at 5am, from her home in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, with the truck making its way through jungle roads and crossing the border to her school in Baling, Kedah. Her family had moved to Pengkalan Hulu when her father, a member of the Senoi Praaq unit (Polis Gerakan Am), was posted there. 'Since there were police trucks heading to Kedah and back, my father decided to send us to study in Baling, so we travelled daily,' said Rasila, who was born in Baling from the Temuan tribe. Her childhood wasn't easy. She had to put up with kids who poked fun at her as they did not understand her Orang Asli background. They questioned her appearance and the food she ate. 'I was told I looked 'too fair' to be Orang Asli. Some asked why my hair wasn't curly. 'Others laughed at me, saying that my community eat squirrel or mousedeer. 'I told this to my father but he taught me to respond with pride, not shame,' she said. She remembered her late father's advice: 'If anyone mock you for eating squirrel or mousedeer, don't deny it. Instead, describe exactly how it tastes. Stand tall.' And she was slighted for wearing torn shoes. The fourth of seven children, she came from an impoverished family who relied mostly on vegetables such as kangkung, fern and potato shoots that grew near their house. They would go fishing at a nearby river everyday. 'We ate chicken just once a month,' said Rasila, 54. She went through her schooldays with few friends. But that did not break her resolve of wanting to pursue a sound education. In 1991, Rasila took up a humanities degree course at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Eventually, she also completed a postgraduate Diploma in Education in 1995, thanks to a lecturer who encouraged her to take up teaching to serve her community. And for those who had ridiculed her in the past, Rasila has the last laugh now. She became Malaysia's first Orang Asli secondary school principal when she was appointed to lead SMK Menglembu in Ipoh on Feb 1, 2023. (There have been several Orang Asli headmasters in primary schools.) And earlier this month, she was honoured with the Orang Asli Icon Award, given to her by Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Rasila, who is married with five sons aged 19 to 29, paid tribute to Liew Swee Fong, a former principal of SMJK Ave Maria Convent where she once taught. Liew had mentored her and had seen her leadership potential early on, she recalled. Also, she said her geologist husband, who is from the Semai tribe and a fellow USM graduate, had been unwavering in his support. Rasila's passion for education extended beyond the classroom. Since 2008, Rasila has volunteered with the Perak Orang Asli Association. On weekends, she travels to schools in rural Perak, Pahang and Selangor motivating Orang Asli students to pursue their studies. 'Education is life-changing. That is what I want to instil to the pupils from the community. 'I tell them, if I can be in this position as a teacher, so can you,' she said. 'Although I never aimed to be a secondary school principal, maybe this is my calling to lead and to help open doors for others from my community. 'We should give back, guide others and show that we can rise, too,' she said.
The Star
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
USM student body not taking part in July 26 rally, urges members to focus on final exams
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) student body has announced that it will not be involved in the 'Turun Anwar' rally scheduled to take place this Thursday (July 26), here. In a statement on Wednesday (July 23), the USM Student Representative Council reaffirmed its commitment to remaining 'an independent, neutral, and inclusive body that serves all USM students regardless of political affiliation.' ALSO READ: Chief Secretary reminds civil servants not to join 'Himpunan Turun Anwar' While acknowledging the open invitation extended to university students nationwide to join the protest, the council said it respects the diversity of opinions among students, including differing views on national leadership and policies. However, it urged that all expressions of opinion be carried out respectfully, peacefully and within the law. 'We uphold the principle that every student has the right to express their views, whether in support of or against any party, provided it is done respectfully, peacefully, and through legal and proper channels,' the statement read. ALSO READ: 2,000 police personnel to manage July 26 public rally The council also highlighted that USM is in the midst of its final examination period and called on students to prioritise their academic responsibilities. 'We urge all USM students to remain focused and committed to their ongoing exams,' it added. The rally is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (July 26).
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Rosnani Jamil hopes to publish late husband's poetry collection
BENTONG: Veteran actress Datuk Rosnani Jamil is determined to publish a collection of 137 poems penned by her late husband, film legend Datuk Jamil Sulong, before she passes away. Berita Harian reported today that the poems, written during Jamil's tenure as a guest writer at Universiti Sains Malaysia, have been carefully stored in a grey folder at their home in Janda Baik. One of Rosnani's particular favourites is 'Tiga Ros' (Three Roses), a touching dedication to three women who once held a special place in Jamil's heart, including Rosnani herself. Other notable works include 'Bila Hari Tua' (When Old Age Comes) and 'Ram', a poignant tribute to Tan Sri P. Ramlee. The latter was penned to remind the iconic director to remain humble and wary of envy after achieving success. Rosnani, 90, has long harboured the wish to publish these poems but has faced significant financial and logistical challenges. However, a recent meeting with Tan Sri Johan Jaafar at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair has opened a crucial door for the project, with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) now stepping in to provide assistance. The publication process is anticipated to take approximately three months. Rosnani, who directed the 1987 hit film 'Mawar Merah', expressed her fervent hope that the book will be completed while she is still alive. "Whether it happens or not is up to God. But if possible, I want to see the book published before I'm gone," she said. Johan underscored the significance of the poems, describing them as a cultural treasure, and urged DBP to help preserve Jamil Sulong's invaluable literary legacy.
