Latest news with #Khairul
New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
With durian deluge, trader sells spiky gold for a steal
JITRA: An excess of durians has prompted a durian trader to sell the fruit at bargain prices at his stall near the Kubang Lembu petrol station in Jitra. Khairul Anuar Ahmad, better known as Harun Buah Jitra, auctions off kampung durian and hybrid durian varieties every evening at RM50 for three baskets, with a total weight of between 15kg and 20kg. He said the move was necessary to prevent the fruits from going unsold and rotten. Khairul said the auctions are held in the evening to coincide with the after-work crowd, typically around 5pm. "I sell the durians at affordable prices so that everyone can enjoy the fruit during its peak season. "Sometimes, I move up to 10 tonnes of durian a day — all sold out within two hours. Thankfully, the demand has been very encouraging. "There's currently a large supply of kampung durians from Balik Pulau in Penang and Perak, which has led to an oversupply. "That's why I've chosen to hold auctions to clear the stock. People from all walks of life come to buy here," he said. Khairul added that many of his customers also contribute to charitable causes by purchasing durians for donation to those in need. In addition, he donates durians to orphanages and non-governmental organisations to ensure that everyone, regardless of their status, can enjoy the king of fruits. He said he sources between eight and 10 tonnes of durians daily from Penang or Perak for sale at his stall. "If customers buy in bulk, we'll throw in extra fruits, especially if it's for a kenduri or donation. "Besides kampung durian, we also sell other varieties such as IOI, Musang King, Black Thorn, Red Prawn, D2, and D24 — all at reasonable and competitive prices. Most of the durians sold here are locally grown," he said.
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Experts warn bamboo barriers unsafe without further testing
KUALA LUMPUR: Civil engineering experts have cast doubt on the Kedah government's proposal to use live bamboo as a roadside safety barrier, saying it lacks compliance with safety standards unless properly engineered and tested. Deputy Dean of Research and Industry Networking at Universiti Teknologi Mara's Faculty of Civil Engineering, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Khairul Kamarudin said that while bamboo has potential, it must be structurally engineered and rigorously tested before it can replace steel guardrails. "Live bamboo does not meet global standards for energy absorption or vehicle containment. It cannot function as a certified vehicle restraint system," he said. He added that processed or engineered bamboo could eventually serve such purposes, citing a trial in India where a 200-metre bamboo barrier known as Bahu Balli was installed along the Vani–Warora Highway in 2023. "Bamboo has impressive tensile strength, close to mild steel, and its fibrous structure helps absorb low to moderate impact. But these qualities only apply under controlled conditions and need to be verified through technical research," he said. However, Khairul said relying on raw bamboo planted by the roadside would not offer adequate crash protection, especially at higher speeds. "Using bamboo for roadside safety must go through proper material treatment and design evaluation. Without this, it may pose more risks than benefits," he said. Senior lecturer and transportation engineering specialist at the same faculty, Dr Rusdi Rusli, said combining earth embankments with vegetation might be feasible in rural areas with narrow roads and lower speed limits, but even this requires planning and reinforcement. "Bamboo may offer flexibility compared to hardwood trees, but it cannot be treated as a direct safety barrier unless supported by structural measures," he said. He added that while bamboo may be cheaper, the long-term costs of maintenance and the need for chemical treatment must be considered before any widespread implementation. "Further studies are needed before this can be proposed as a practical safety feature. The idea is innovative and sustainable, but safety must come first," said Rusdi. The federal government had earlier announced plans to study the installation of guardrails and streetlights along the Sungai Korok stretch. In response, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor proposed planting buluh madu (honey bamboo) as a more affordable alternative to steel guardrails, which can cost up to RM400,000 per kilometre. The bamboo buffer suggestion would be brought to the Public Works Department in light of the recent tragedy, where six family members were found dead inside a submerged vehicle that had plunged into Sungai Korok.
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
150 from 25 NGOs gather in Cherok Tokkun to voice support for Anwar
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Some 150 people from 25 non-governmental organisations (NGO) gathered at Jalan Kulim, Cherok Tokkun, here to voice support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Chanting "Hidup Anwar", "Hidup PMX" and "Tolak Walaun", they put up a strong and united front towards a group of about 30 counterprotesters at the site. Sekretariat Bara Juang chairman Khairul Ishak said the groups had gathered to defend Anwar's leadership. "As such, we gather today to defend the prime minister. He has done many things for the country and the people. We should continue to support him until the very end," he said after the peaceful gathering. Elaborating, Khairul said they heard that the opposition had wanted to gather at Anwar's family home in Cherok Tokkun here to protest against his leadership. "They are trying many ways to bring him down but he continues to stand steadfast and strong. They have run out of ideas on how to topple the prime minister. "We will not allow this to happen. The majority of people are standing firm behind the prime minister," he added. Khairul said if the issue was with the hike in the sales and service tax (SST), they would go all out to explain to the people. "We have clear facts and not base on 'auta' facts (lies)," he said. The gathering by both sides ended peacefully at 6.30pm. There was strong police presence throughout to ensure orderliness. Although the gathering did not involve politicians, several from the government side were seen, namely Penang state executive councillor Fahmi Zainol and Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon.
Daily Express
10-07-2025
- Daily Express
Raping girl, 14: Jail, rotan for carwash worker
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: The offence under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping, on conviction. Kota Kinabalu: A 27-year-old carwash worker was sentenced to nine years in prison and three strokes of the cane for raping an underaged girl who then gave birth to a baby girl as a result from the rape. Sessions Court Judge Elsie Primus meted out the sentence to Khairul Nizam Pilok who was found guilty of raping the girl on Wednesday. The court ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt against Khairul. Khairul was convicted of raping the 14-years and two-months-old girl between 10pm on May 5, 2023 and 5am on May 6, 2023 in the bedroom of a house in Sipitang. The offence under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping, on conviction. Khairul was ordered to serve the jail sentence from the date of conviction on Wednesday. In mitigation, Khairul who was not represented, asked for leniency saying that he was remorseful. He claimed that it was a consensual sex as the victim came to him. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Shafeerah Mad Iskim urged the court to impose the heaviest sentence on Kahirul considering that he had wasted the court's time as the trial had been ongoing for some time. She added that the witnesses brought forward by Kahirul did not have any relevance to the case and further delayed the trial. Nurul also submitted that it should be noted by this Honourable Court that the victim was pregnant and had given birth to the child. 'Khairul's act had caused this child to be raised without her biological father. Though Khairul had sought for an apology from the victim, the trauma will forever remain as a dark chapter in the victim's life. 'A heavy punishment would also act as a deterrent because the prosecution submits that victim especially children must at all costs be protected by the Law against any offence especially sexual offence,' she said. The prosecution had called four witnesses and only two defence had testified during the hearing. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Daily Express
Carwash worker jailed for nine years over rape
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: A 27-year-old carwash worker has been sentenced to nine years in jail and three strokes of the cane for raping an underage girl. Sessions Court Judge Elsie Primus on Wednesday delivered the verdict to Khairul Nizam Pilok after finding him guilty of the rape charge. The court determined that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt against Khairul. The offence occurred between 10pm on May 5, 2023, and 5am on May 6, 2023, at a house in Sipitang, involving a 14-year-old girl who later gave birth to a child. Khairul, who was unrepresented, sought leniency during mitigation, expressing remorse and claiming the act was consensual. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Shafeerah Mad Iskim pressed for a severe sentence, highlighting the defendant's prolonged trial and the victim's resulting pregnancy and childbirth. The prosecution emphasised the lasting trauma inflicted on the victim and the necessity of protecting children from sexual offences through robust legal deterrents. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
