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Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Malaysia records first Covid-19 death of 2025
To date, a total of 21,738 Covid-19 cases have been recorded. PHOTO: AFP PETALING JAYA - Malaysia has recorded its first Covid-19 death in 2025. The Health Ministry said that the death occurred during Epidemiological Week 24, that spanned from June 8 to June 15. 'The individual had serious comorbidities, which were heart disease and diabetes, with the deceased also not taking the second booster vaccine shot,' the ministry said in a statement on June 19. The ministry added that this was a drastic drop compared to the 57 deaths in 2024. 'The last Covid-19 related death was recorded on May 26, 2024. This shows the effective control steps taken by the ministry,' it said. It added that six Covid-19 cases had been admitted to ICU wards with patients suffering from comorbidities. 'All cases were closely monitored with care, with all patients discharged from ICU wards. Four were allowed to return home, with two transferred to normal wards,' it said. To date, a total of 21,738 Covid-19 cases have been recorded. 'However, there has been an increase in Week 24 with 3,379 cases compared to the 2,011 cases recorded during the prior week. This is a 68 per cent increase,' it said, adding that the situation remains controlled. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Straits Times
Suspect accused of hurling chilli powder at staff in Langkawi goldsmith robbery
The suspect, wearing a face mask, entered the premises and hurled chilli powder at one of the goldsmith employees. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Suspect accused of hurling chilli powder at staff in Langkawi goldsmith robbery LANGKAWI - A 45-year-old man was arrested by the Malaysian police after he was involved in the daylight robbery of a goldsmith in Langkawi on June 19. Langkawi police chief Shariman Ashari said the incident took place around 11.48am when the suspect, wearing a face mask, entered the premises and hurled chilli powder at one of the goldsmith employees. 'After disabling the victim with the chilli powder, the man proceeded to smash the display glass with a machete and grabbed a quantity of gold jewellery,' he said in a statement. Assistant Commissioner (AC) Shariman said the suspect attempted to flee but members of the public nearby immediately gave chase. He said the suspect was eventually subdued and arrested by policemen on patrol in the area. AC Shariman said that initial investigations revealed the stolen jewellery was worth about RM50,000 (S$15,130). He said the case is being investigated under Sections 392 and 397 of the Malaysian Penal Code for robbery and armed robbery. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Straits Times
Killing elephants is ‘murder', says Sabah minister in plea for info over recent decapitation cases
The Borneo pygmy elephant, native to Sabah, is a fully protected species under state law, with an estimated population of just 1,500. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM FENDYALWI91/TIKTOK Killing elephants is 'murder', says Sabah minister in plea for info over recent decapitation cases KOTA KINABALU - Sabah's Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew has issued an emotional plea to villagers to come forward with any information related to the recent spate of Borneo pygmy elephant killings in Tawau. Describing the brutal act as 'murder', Datuk Seri Liew said the perpetrators must be brought to justice, stressing that such cruelty must not go unpunished. 'I have spoken to the director of the Wildlife Department. Despite our efforts, we have not been able to identify the persons responsible for this cruel act, although there are some suspicions,' she told reporters at the Asean Travel Exchange 2025 launch on June 19. She noted that no one has yet come forward, and there have been no takers for the RM10,000 (S$3,025) reward offered for information on the killings. 'We offered a RM10,000 reward for any information, but so far, no one has come forward. I have clearly instructed the department that this kind of act cannot go unpunished. Killing an elephant is murder. We absolutely cannot allow this to happen again,' Ms Liew stressed. However, she believes the local community may hold the key to solving the case but suspects many are afraid to speak up. 'We are working with village heads and the district police in the area to try and obtain more information. I suspect the kampung (village) people know more, but they are very hesitant to say anything. Still, I am hopeful,' she said. When asked whether an organised syndicate could be behind the killings, Ms Liew dismissed the theory. 'I don't believe it is a syndicate. They did not take anything valuable, not the tusks, not the organs. They just cruelly chopped off the elephant's head. Very cruel,' she said. Asked whether the government would consider increasing the RM10,000 reward to encourage potential witnesses to come forward, she replied: 'Let's negotiate on that.' 'There have been no new incidents like this recently, and I truly hope it stays that way. I get very upset when these things happen… I am an animal lover myself, and I cannot bear to see this kind of cruelty.' At least three cases of beheaded elephants were reported between January and April 2025. Investigations so far have yielded no solid evidence, and a post-mortem was not possible in the latest case due to the advanced decomposition of the carcass. The Borneo pygmy elephant, native to Sabah, is a fully protected species under state law, with an estimated population of just 1,500. Anyone convicted of harming or killing the animal faces a fine of up to RM250,000 and a five-year jail sentence. Ms Liew urged the public not to turn a blind eye to the situation and come forward if they had any information on the matter. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Security in Kuala Lumpur assured despite recent shooting incidents: Malaysia police
Both shooting cases are believed to have specific targets due to feuds. PHOTO: SIN CHEW DAILY KUALA LUMPUR - Despite two open shooting cases reported within four days in Brickfields and Cheras recently, police assure that the security level in the capital is still under control and peaceful. Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, stated that both shooting cases are believed to have specific targets due to feuds. He mentioned that the public in the capital need not worry about safety and public order. 'As stated by the Kuala Lumpur Police Chief earlier, both incidents are believed to have occurred due to feuds. 'I want to emphasise that both incidents were not random shootings but had specific motives. 'So, the public need not worry because the security level around the capital is still under control,' he said on June 18. However, he stated that the police, through the Kuala Lumpur Contingent along with various other elements, will continue to enhance control and intensify operations to ensure the security around the capital is guaranteed. 'Kuala Lumpur is still safe, and the police will ensure the public's safety remains guaranteed. 'There is no need to worry, and (members of) the public who have information are also asked to come forward to assist the police,' he said. Sinar Harian previously reported two shooting incidents occurring within four days in the capital believed to be due to feuds between suspects and victims. Kuala Lumpur Police Chief, Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, stated that both criminal shooting cases that occurred were due to issues outside the Kuala Lumpur Contingent which were brought to the capital. He said, based on the police's initial investigations, the shooting incident involving two men in front of a shopping complex in Jalan Loke Yew, Cheras, at midnight on June 17, is believed to have stemmed from smuggling activities in Sibu, Sarawak. 'As for the shooting incident that occurred in Brickfields on June 13, it is believed to have resulted from a conflict in criminal activities occurring in Selangor,' he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Two men shot dead outside Kuala Lumpur shopping mall, second fatal shooting in 5 days
Two men shot dead outside Kuala Lumpur shopping mall, second fatal shooting in 5 days KUALA LUMPUR - Two men were shot dead by a group near the lobby of a shopping mall along Jalan Loke Yew in Kuala Lumpur's Cheras district shortly past midnight on June 17. At about 12.15am, the victims were heading to their car, which was parked nearby. A group of men wearing helmets then ran towards them and fired several shots. The suspects then escaped in a vehicle. The victims were reportedly shot in the body and head. Both died at the scene. Officers from the Cheras district police headquarters, together with the forensics unit, investigated the crime scene. It is believed both victims were in their 40s and from Sibu, Sarawak. Kuala Lumpur police are gathering information from witnesses and CCTV footage to identify the suspects. The police are expected to issue a statement on the incident soon. On June 13, a man died and two others were injured after being shot by assailants on motorcycles in Brickfields. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
