Latest news with #Amalina
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Obscene post about infant: Accused pleads for leniency, says won't repeat it
SEPANG: An oil palm harvester pleaded for leniency after pleading guilty to a charge linked to an obscene posting about an infant girl three years ago. Ahmad Nasir Kadiri, 58, apologised for committing the offence and promised never to do it again. Sessions judge Ahmad Fuad Othman ordered Nasir to pay a fine of RM3,000, in default six months' jail. The accused was said to have made the obscene posting about the infant daughter of Malaysian-borh surgeon Dr Nur Amalina Che Bakri three years ago. Dr Amalina now works in the United Kingdom but was known for holding the record of 17 A1s in her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations in 2004. Before delivering the sentence, the judge admonished Nasir, advising him to be more cautious when making comments on social media, emphasising that every action carries consequences. "With a phone in hand, it's easy to post all kinds of comments, even to slander or defame others. But as your case shows, every action is monitored by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission," the judge said. According to the charge, Nasir used the Facebook account "Bro Nasir" to knowingly post and share an obscene comment with the intent to offend or hurt the feelings of others. The link was accessed on the eighth floor of the MCMC Tower in Cyberjaya at 11.52am on Jan 3, 2023. The charge against Nasir was framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum penalty of a RM50,000 fine, up to a year in prison, or both. Additionally, a daily fine of RM1,000 may be imposed for each day the offence continues after conviction. Earlier, MCMC deputy public prosecutor Fadhli Ab Wahab urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence to serve as a lesson for the accused and a warning to the public against repeating such offences. "The accused must be reminded that social media should not be used as a platform for making obscene remarks. "In this case, the comment targeted a baby who couldn't even speak for herself. It was the baby's mother, Dr Amalina, who filed the complaint with the MCMC," he said. Fadhli also urged the court to take into account current sentencing trends under Section 233, where fines for cases involving obscene comments typically range between RM7,000 and RM9,000. Nasir, who was not represented by a lawyer, appealed for a lighter fine, citing financial difficulties and the responsibility of supporting a child who is still studying at university.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
From ITE to poly: Dad of 3 who once disliked school earns diploma at 47
Mr Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari with his daughter Nur Amalina on his graduation day. From ITE to poly: Dad of 3 who once disliked school earns diploma at 47 Teo Yan Ting TNP May 15, 2025 School was not his top priority. The young Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari would rather spend his time rock climbing than hitting the books. "I was very playful," Mr Shaiful, now 47, told The New Paper. "I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy, but because I wasn't interested in school. It wasn't fun. "I told my mum I would get my NTC-2 but that would be all. "There were acquaintances who laughed at me for having 'nothing' to my name. They looked down on me because of the path I chose." On May 13, the father of three went on stage at Temasek Polytechnic to receive his Diploma in Engineering (Aerospace) - fulfilling a promise he had made to his mum, who died in 2017. "I'm not academically inclined but I told myself that if I wanted to set a good example for my kids, this is one way to do it." Mr Shaiful's graduation was witnessed by his 18-year-old daughter Nur Amalina. "It is cool to see how far my dad has come, having juggled years of work and school," said Amalina, beaming with pride. In 2021, a colleague encouraged Mr Shaiful to enrol in a part-time course. "I really wasn't sure back then," said Mr Shaiful. "I was already comfortable where I was but the pandemic gave all of us a lot of extra time, so I gave it a shot." Going back to school was no walk in the park for a man who loves the great outdoors and would rather be spending his time cycling. "There were times I really felt like quitting," admitted Mr Shaiful. Even his daughter Amalina was surprised to hear her dad's intention to pursue a diploma. "I was a bit confused when he first told me about his decision to go back to school. But the more he talked about it, the more I was assured this was what he wanted and he would get it." And his children had his back. Amalina, along with her 20-year-old sister Iman Natasha and 14-year-old brother Muhammad Zakir, helped Mr Shaiful with whatever they could, such as showing him how to use a scientific calculator. Now, with a diploma in hand, Mr Shaiful is eligible for promotions and received a $10,000 CPF top-up under the ITE Progression Award. "I feel good. I kept the promise I made 30 years ago. Even though my mum is no longer around, I still did it," revealed Mr Shaiful. "Don't limit yourself. Just try, especially now when there are so many alternative routes to further your education." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
New Paper
15-05-2025
- General
- New Paper
'I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy... I wasn't interested in school'
School was not his top priority. The young Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari would rather spend his time rock climbing than hitting the books. "I was very playful," Mr Shaiful, now 47, told The New Paper. "I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy, but because I wasn't interested in school. It wasn't fun. "I told my mum I would get my NTC-2 but that would be all. "There were acquaintances who laughed at me for having 'nothing' to my name. They looked down on me because of the path I chose." On May 13, the father of three went on stage at Temasek Polytechnic to receive his Diploma in Engineering (Aerospace) - fulfilling a promise he had made to his mum, who died in 2017. "I'm not academically inclined but I told myself that if I wanted to set a good example for my kids, this is one way to do it." Mr Shaiful's graduation was witnessed by his 18-year-old daughter Nur Amalina. "It is cool to see how far my dad has come, having juggled years of work and school," said Amalina, beaming with pride. In 2021, a colleague encouraged Mr Shaiful to enrol in a part-time course. "I really wasn't sure back then," said Mr Shaiful. "I was already comfortable where I was but the pandemic gave all of us a lot of extra time, so I gave it a shot." Going back to school was no walk in the park for a man who loves the great outdoors and would rather be spending his time cycling. "There were times I really felt like quitting," admitted Mr Shaiful. Even his daughter Amalina was surprised to hear her dad's intention to pursue a diploma. "I was a bit confused when he first told me about his decision to go back to school. But the more he talked about it, the more I was assured this was what he wanted and he would get it." And his children had his back. Amalina, along with her 20-year-old sister Iman Natasha and 14-year-old brother Muhammad Zakir, helped Mr Shaiful with whatever they could, such as showing him how to use a scientific calculator. Now, with a diploma in hand, Mr Shaiful is eligible for promotions and received a $10,000 CPF top-up under the ITE Progression Award. "I feel good. I kept the promise I made 30 years ago. Even though my mum is no longer around, I still did it," revealed Mr Shaiful. "Don't limit yourself. Just try, especially now when there are so many alternative routes to further your education."
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Call for legislation to protect ageing population
PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia's elderly population continues to grow rapidly, experts are urging the government to introduce a Senior Citizen Act, warning that older adults remain vulnerable under a healthcare system already strained by a severe shortage of geriatric specialists. Universiti Putra Malaysia's Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing director Assoc Prof Dr Rahimah Ibrahim said the absence of comprehensive legislation has led to weak accountability and increasing vulnerability among the elderly. Rahimah highlighted the critical shortage of geriatricians as one of the most pressing issues. 'As of 2024, there are only 60 such specialists nationwide. With Malaysia projected to have 5.49 million elderly citizens by 2030, we would need at least 549 geriatricians to meet the ideal ratio of one per 10,000 seniors. 'Currently, we're producing just eight geriatricians a year. That will only bring the total to 108 by 2030, far below what's needed,' she said. She explained that Malaysia's ageing population faces a range of challenges, including limited access to healthcare, weakening family support structures and increasing financial insecurity. Noting a rise in elderly abandonment cases at hospitals and care homes, Rahimah said such incidents are often the result of urban migration, dual-income household pressures and the erosion of traditional family support systems. She also referenced Employees Provident Fund data from October 2024, which showed that only 36% of active members met the Basic Savings threshold of RM240,000 by age 55, raising concerns about retirees' ability to support themselves. Universiti Teknologi Mara senior lecturer Dr Nur Amalina Aziz echoed these concerns, observing that elderly individuals are increasingly being left at hospitals and welfare homes, sometimes permanently. 'When contacted, these families are often unreachable. Abandonment is frequently due to a lack of family support, financial hardship, strained relationships or disputes,' she explained. Amalina, who also researches issues affecting older persons, stressed the urgent need for legislation that explicitly protects senior citizens from neglect and abuse. 'The law must include clear obligations, mandatory reporting procedures and definitions of abuse, neglect and abandonment. 'It should also provide emergency shelters, professional medical support, a dedicated helpline and a one-stop agency for the protection of older persons,' she noted. She pointed out that although Malaysia introduced the National Policy for Older Persons in 1995 and revised it in 2011, there is still no specific law prioritising the needs of senior citizens. 'Many rural areas lack proper facilities. Attention and resources remain concentrated in urban zones, leaving many older people underserved and at risk. 'The rights of the elderly are often generalised in existing policies, without tailored approaches to address their unique needs,' she added. Amalina highlighted Japan and Singapore as models in addressing the challenges of an ageing population. 'Japan's Elder Abuse Prevention Act and Employment Stabilisation Act help prevent mistreatment and promote job opportunities for older individuals. 'Singapore introduced the Vulnerable Adults Act in 2018 to protect those, especially seniors, who are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves. 'Both countries go beyond welfare. They focus on freedom from abuse, financial security and access to lifelong learning and employment opportunities.' She emphasised that older Malaysians are not a burden and should be empowered to live independently, remain active and feel included in society. 'Older people have given so much to the country, yet many now feel unsafe and unsupported at home. 'Family and community support are key to preventing elder abandonment, but families need proper training to care for their ageing loved ones,' she said. 'With the right knowledge, they can give better, more respectful care. Many elderly victims stay silent due to poor health or fear of losing their career, which is why public awareness and mandatory reporting are so important.'
