Whistleblower Act amended, govt mulls future edits to broaden protection
While Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M Kulasegaran did not specifically detail the other platforms being considered by the government, the Act has come under scrutiny after a whistleblower who went to the media was denied protection.
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Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
No more denial: Home minister urges Kedah to act as state ranks among top four in Malaysia for drug abuse
JITRA, July 25 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged the Kedah government to step up efforts to remove the state from the top four nationwide for drug addiction rates. He said that, based on addiction rates per 100,000 population, the most affected districts include Pendang (Kedah), Kuala Krai (Kelantan) and Bachok (Kelantan), while Terengganu recorded the highest rate among states, followed by Perlis, Kelantan and Kedah. 'Data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, Health Ministry and rehabilitation centres, analysed using United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime methods, show Kedah remains among the states with the highest drug abuse rates,' he said. 'We are no longer in an era of finger-pointing or complacency. Every leader, at the level of government, mosques, community organisations, or schools, must play an active role in addressing this drug crisis,' he said at the launch of the 2025 National Anti-Drugs Day Commemoration ceremony at Dataran Darulaman here today. Also present at the event, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stressed that the drug problem is no longer a political issue but a shared responsibility, and tackling it effectively requires three key elements. 'First, we must abandon the denial syndrome and acknowledge the severity of the problem. Second, we must recognise that no single entity can solve it alone. Third, we must show the commitment to adapt and enhance existing approaches for a more integrated and holistic response,' he said. However, Saifuddin acknowledged that logistical challenges remain, particularly in securing maritime routes. 'Eighty percent of drugs enter Malaysia by sea, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is now tasked with monitoring a vast area of 680,000 square kilometres,' he said, adding the Home Ministry has submitted a request to the Prime Minister for additional enforcement equipment. 'The government is also strengthening international cooperation through intelligence sharing and joint regional operations with ASEAN and the United Nations. This year alone, RM480 million has been allocated to AADK operations and the management of rehabilitation centres. We are now seeking an additional RM500 million to further reinforce these efforts,' he said Saifuddin also noted that from an enforcement standpoint, Malaysia already has strong legal instruments in place, such as the Dangerous Drugs Act and the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, which were both amended last year to impose stiffer penalties on traffickers and syndicates. — Bernama
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Anti-Bullying Act needed urgently to prevent another tragedy
Noraini KOTA KINABALU (July 25): Umno Sabah Wanita chief Datuk Noraini Idris is urging for the immediate enactment of the Anti-Bullying Act. 'Do not wait for another student's life to be lost. The Anti-Bullying Act must be enacted without delay,' she said in a statement. The former senator said that the death of young Zara Qairina Mahathir is not merely a sad story. 'It is a heartbreaking tragedy, especially if it is proven true that Zara was a victim of bullying at her school. Although the matter is still under investigation by the authorities, according to the account of the victim's mother, the child had complained to her that she was being bullied at school,' she claimed. She alleged that cases like Zara's — and many others that have gone viral previously, whether at schools or residential higher learning institutions — show that bullying can lead to trauma, emotional distress, serious injury, and even death. 'Without specific legislation, many bullying cases are treated merely as 'disciplinary misconduct', rather than a criminal offence. It is time for the Anti-Bullying Act to be expedited, as it touches on student safety, the responsibility of educational institutions, and justice for victims,' she said. She believes that with the existence of an Anti-Bullying Act, any party involved — including schools, hostels, or educational institutions — would be held legally accountable if they were negligent in addressing or protecting victims of bullying, or in attempting to conceal bullying incidents under their supervision. 'This Act would send a clear message that bullying is not a trivial matter, but a serious offence that will not be compromised under any circumstances. It would also help reduce the culture of silent bullying, which has long been normalised in many institutions,' she stressed. In the case of Zara, since the incident occurred within school grounds, the school must assume full responsibility and not attempt to conceal the facts, she said. 'Society, especially the victim's family, deserves to know the truth behind this tragedy.' 'Imagine if schools were no longer seen as safe places for parents to send their children to learn, due to the failure of those involved in addressing such issues. This requires the accountability of all parties — especially teachers and hostel wardens — to prevent and monitor such incidents from happening to any student under their care. Schools must take greater responsibility in fulfilling the trust placed in them by parents and the government to protect students,' she added. She said that what is needed is swift action through the enactment of the Anti-Bullying Act. 'The complaint system must be independent and protected. Perpetrators must be dealt with fairly and firmly. The loss of a child is not a wound that heals in a day or two. It is a wound that calls for the entire system to bear its weight together. Zara is gone, but let her death be the final limit to our negligence. If we still choose to delay this legislation, then we are leaving the door open to the next tragedy. And this time, we cannot say we didn't know,' she said.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Kedah urged to intensify drug abuse fight as rates remain high
JITRA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has called on the Kedah government to intensify efforts to combat drug abuse, as the state remains among the top four nationwide for addiction rates. Speaking at the launch of the 2025 National Anti-Drugs Day Commemoration ceremony at Dataran Darulaman, he stressed the need for collective action. 'Data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, Health Ministry, and rehabilitation centres, analysed using United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime methods, show Kedah remains among the states with the highest drug abuse rates,' he said. Saifuddin urged leaders at all levels, including government, religious institutions, and schools, to take an active role in addressing the crisis. 'We are no longer in an era of finger-pointing or complacency,' he added. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor also present. Saifuddin outlined three key elements for tackling the issue: acknowledging the problem, recognising the need for collaboration, and adapting strategies for a more integrated response. He also highlighted logistical challenges, particularly in maritime enforcement. 'Eighty percent of drugs enter Malaysia by sea, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is now tasked with monitoring a vast area of 680,000 square kilometres,' he said. The Home Ministry has requested additional enforcement equipment from the Prime Minister. International cooperation is also being strengthened through intelligence sharing and joint operations with ASEAN and the UN. This year, RM480 million has been allocated to AADK operations and rehabilitation centres, with an additional RM500 million sought to boost efforts. Malaysia's legal framework, including the amended Dangerous Drugs Act and Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, imposes stricter penalties on traffickers and syndicates. - Bernama
