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New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Endangered Irrawaddy dolphin found dead in illegal ray net
ALOR STAR: An endangered Irrawaddy dolphin was found dead after becoming entangled in an illegal ray net (pukat pari) in the waters off Kuala Kedah. The tragic discovery was made by a team from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone, during a routine patrol approximately 1.1 nautical miles from the Kuala Kedah estuary at around 11am yesterday. Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone director, Maritime Commander Noor Azreyanti Ishak, said the ray net, with an estimated value of RM2,000, is believed to have been used by irresponsible fishermen. "Ray nets are among the fishing tools that have been officially banned under the Fisheries Act 1985 due to their non-selective nature. They not only trap rays and juvenile fish, but also pose a serious threat to protected marine species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin," she said in a statement. The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), also locally known as empesut, is a unique species that is rapidly disappearing across Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia. The death of even a single individual can have a significant impact on the ecosystem, as the species' current population is extremely small and difficult to track. Azreyanti said the latest seizure marks the sixth case of illegal ray net confiscation carried out by the Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone this year, reflecting intensified enforcement efforts to curb the use of destructive fishing gear that harms marine habitats. She stressed that the use of ray nets not only affects ray populations—key predators in seabed ecosystems—but also disrupts the overall balance of marine biodiversity. "If this activity continues unchecked, not only will rays face extinction, but other marine species that rely on this food chain will also be at risk. This is a deeply concerning situation," she said. She urged the entire fishing community and maritime public to be more aware of the importance of preserving marine biodiversity and to report any illegal fishing activities or suspicious incidents via the emergency line 999 or the Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 04-7310579. "We must act collectively. Every marine life lost due to human greed is a profound loss to nature and future generations. "This tragedy serves as yet another stark reminder of the fragility of ocean life and the urgent need for firm action and collective awareness to protect it," she said.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
Drug trial of French man, 2 M'sians hits setback after cannabis not produced
ALOR STAR: The trial of a French national and two Malaysians hit a minor setback after authorities failed to present 1.9kg of cannabis as evidence. The directive came after a police storekeeper from the Langkawi district police headquarters failed to produce the seized drugs. Judge Evawani Farisyta Mohammad instructed the witness to return tomorrow to resume his testimony. "Just bring everything." Evawani told the witness. The trial, scheduled to span four days, will continue at 2pm, with four prosecution witnesses expected to testify. Proceedings are being conducted with the assistance of a French interpreter. The accused — French national Tom Félix, Muhammad Rusydan Danyal Hussain, 34, and Nor Puteri Farrah Awang, 32 — are jointly facing seven charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Initially charged at the Langkawi Magistrates' Court in 2023, the case was later transferred to the Alor Setar High Court. All three pleaded not guilty when the case was brought up for mention in June last year. They face three charges under Section 39B of the Act for drug trafficking, which carries the death penalty or, at the court's discretion, life imprisonment along with a minimum of 15 strokes of the cane. In addition, Tom faces a separate charge under Section 6 of the same Act. According to the charge sheets, the trio allegedly trafficked three separate quantities of cannabis — 384.8 grammes, 377.7 grammes, and 983.6 grammes — as stated in the first three counts. They also face one charge for possession of 68.2 grammes of cannabis, along with three further charges for possession of 46.5 grammes of the same substance. Tom also faces a charge for possession of an additional 11.7 grammes of the drug. The arrests were made during a raid at 5.40pm on Aug 9 last year at a house along Jalan Batu Asah in Kuah, Langkawi. During the operation, Rusydan and Farrah were found in the upstairs living area, while Tom was discovered lying on a mattress in a second-floor bedroom. Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Rizal Fadzil is leading the prosecution. Rusydan is represented by Kumar & Co., Farrah by M. Thanakumaran & Shan, and Tom by lawyer Collin Andrews. Tom's parents, Sylvie and Jean-Luc Félix — both schoolteachers — were present in court, along with the families of the two Malaysian accused. The trio, dressed in white shirts and in handcuffs, appeared solemn in the dock. Tom, in particular, looked visibly frail and is said to have lost a significant amount of weight since his arrest. As the proceedings concluded, Tom was briefly reunited with his parents, who appeared emotional.
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Kedah dam levels sufficient for padi farming ahead of monsoon dry spell
ALOR STAR: Water levels at Kedah's three main dams for padi irrigation are sufficient ahead of the dry spell expected during the Southwest Monsoon starting this month. The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) said that water levels at its three main dams — Pedu Dam, Muda Dam, and Ahning Dam — were recorded at over 60 per cent capacity as of yesterday. "As of June 5, 2025, water levels at all three of Mada's main dams remain sufficient: Pedu Dam is at 66.34 per cent, Muda Dam at 66.87 per cent, and Ahning Dam at 68.5 per cent. "Current readings indicate that the overall water reserves are still capable of meeting the irrigation needs for the Season 1/2025 padi planting in the Muda area," Mada said in a statement issued by its corporate communications office. On Wednesday, it was reported that several districts in Malaysia experienced extreme heat due to the Southwest Monsoon, which typically brings less rainfall nationwide and leads to higher temperatures during dry periods. Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip was reported as saying that the hot conditions are expected to continue until September. Mada is boosting the use of drainage water reuse and booster pumps to increase irrigation supply and urges farmers to prepare their fields quickly and follow the planting schedule closely. "Mada remains committed to ensuring the continuity of the country's rice production despite the challenges posed by unpredictable weather. All measures taken aim to safeguard farmers' interests and ensure national food security," it said.
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Kedah farm animals free to move ahead of Aidiladha, except Ulu Melaka
ALOR STAR: Farm animals can move freely across Kedah ahead of tomorrow's Aidiladha celebration, with only the Ulu Melaka area in Langkawi still under movement restrictions. The Ulu Melaka area remains a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) control zone following an outbreak last month. Kedah Veterinary Services Department director, Dr Shaharul Amar Talib said: "At present, there are no movement restrictions on farm animals throughout Kedah, except in the Ulu Melaka area in Langkawi." However, the livestock movement ban in and out of Ulu Melaka, imposed on May 19, remains in place, he told NST. Dr Shaharul said livestock movement restriction was being enforced in the area to prevent the disease from spreading and to keep other animals safe. He urged farmers and animal suppliers to follow the rules, adding that if anyone needs to move animals in or out of that area, they must get official permission (a permit) first. Last month, the department restricted livestock movement in and out of Ulu Melaka following an outbreak of FMD, a highly contagious viral infection that affected 37 head of cattle. In preparation for the Aidiladha celebration, Dr Shaharul said the department has issued a total of 442 qurban (sacrificial livestock) movement permits. "We expect this number to keep rising as Hari Raya Qurban approaches. The department will continue to closely monitor livestock movements to ensure smooth operations and a sufficient supply of sacrificial animals throughout the state," he said.
New Straits Times
02-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Caterer tricked by AI deepfake of UiTM deputy rector
ALOR STAR: A young caterer avoided major losses after falling victim to an elaborate scam involving an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video call impersonating a university official. The fraudster, posing as Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang deputy rector Dr Ahmad Asri Abd Samat, contacted 20-year-old Muhammad Danial Azim Mohd Yusof through text and a hyper-realistic AI video call to place a fictitious catering order last Tuesday. Danial said the scam began after he submitted a quotation for 100 meal packages worth RM4,500 for the university's programme at its Merbok branch. The impersonator then made an additional request to include door gifts and insisted that these be procured from a 'preferred vendor'. "I told him I already had a vendor, but he said the university only worked with their appointed supplier and that I needed to follow protocol," Danial told the New Straits Times after lodging a report at the Kota Setar police headquarters yesterday. He was then given the contact number of the so-called vendor, who demanded an upfront payment of RM14,400 and refused to accept a formal letter of order (LO), claiming they only dealt with private arrangements. "I told 'Dr Asri' about the vendor's demand. He said if there were no door gifts, there would be no programme. Later, the vendor offered to accept a 50 per cent payment of RM7,200 instead," he said. Growing suspicious, Danial refused to pay. However, having already prepared the food, he delivered it to UiTM Merbok on Saturday, only to learn he had been scammed. "The university's security guard looked at my LO and told me I'm the third person that day asking for Dr Asri — and the only one who actually brought food." Danial later found out that other vendors across Penang and Kedah had also been targeted in similar scams. The impersonation was so convincing that when the real Dr Ahmad Asri contacted Danial to clarify the matter, the resemblance stunned him. "He said, 'I'm the real one. Want to compare faces?' When I video called him, I was shocked — the AI scammer version looked exactly like him," he added. Danial said UiTM Merbok confirmed no such order had ever been made. The real Dr Asri has also lodged a police report after learning that his identity had been used in several impersonation scams. Meanwhile, Kota Setar police chief Assistant Commissioner Siti Nor Salawati Saad confirmed that a report had been received. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' jail, whipping, and a fine.
