The victim alleged that the suspect touched her cheek and took several photos of her using a mobile phone before fleeing, leaving her behind in a state of terror. FILE PIC
MELAKA: A 12-year-old girl was found traumatised and in her underwear in a bush near her school in Melaka Tengah yesterday after allegedly being molested by an unidentified man.
The victim was discovered at about 7pm, lying in the undergrowth and crying, following a search that began when she failed to attend an afternoon extra class.
It is believed that a teacher noticed her absence after regular school hours ended at 1.05pm.
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"Teachers initially searched the school grounds before checking closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, which showed the pupil leaving the premises around noon.
"The victim later explained that she had left the school compound after spotting a car she thought belonged to her mother," a source said.
However, upon approaching the vehicle, she realised the driver was a stranger.
Frightened, she attempted to flee when the man began chasing her, leading her to hide in the nearby bushes.
The suspect managed to locate her and ordered her to strip, leaving her in only her undergarments.
"The victim alleged that the suspect touched her cheek and took several photos of her using a mobile phone before fleeing, leaving her behind in a state of terror," the source added.
Family members, who had been searching for the girl after her brother arrived to pick her up and found her missing, discovered her seven hours later.
She was immediately taken to Melaka Hospital for a medical examination.
Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar confirmed the incident and said investigations are being conducted under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
Reports of the girl's disappearance had gone viral on social media earlier yesterday after her family appealed for help in locating her. - NST
The education minister says the nearly 50,000 applications nationwide signal strong confidence among parents.
Parents will have the option of enrolling their children in preschool from age five, and Year 1 from age six, from next year.
PETALING JAYA: Johor has recorded one of the highest numbers of registrations so far for six-year-olds entering Year 1 for the 2027 school session, says education minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Fadhlina said within two weeks of the registration opening, nearly 50,000 applications had been received nationwide, Bernama reported.
She said the figure is an early positive signal because the early Year 1 admission is part of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026-2035.
“When Johor became among the states with the highest figure in terms of registration, it shows that parents are ready to commit and have confidence in the system that is being implemented,” she was quoted as saying after an event at SMK Agama Maahad Muar.
Fadhlina said the registration period runs until March 31, but the ministry would continue to accept late applications to give parents time to decide.
She added that the ministry projects up to 700,000 registrations nationwide, and preparations are under way for infrastructure planning and teacher recruitment.
“Although preparations are being made at the highest level, the latest development enables the ministry to draw up more detailed planning according to states and schools based on registration patterns,” she said.
Starting next year, preschool education will begin at age five, while Year 1 will begin at age six. Early primary school admission is voluntary.
The ministry previously said it plans to recruit 20,000 teachers and add new classes to accommodate a larger intake of Year 1 pupils.
Year 1 registration for the 2027 academic session remains open until March 31. - FMT
CORRUPTION cases involving senior public sector officials, including those linked to national defence institutions, have once again shaken public confidence in the integrity of public governance in Malaysia.
While public debate often centres on individual wrongdoing, this focus is insufficient to address the problem in a meaningful and sustainable way.
A more compelling explanation lies in systemic and structural weaknesses that allow corruption to recur. In public governance and public-sector accounting, corruption is fundamentally a form of fraud, involving the abuse of power, manipulation of processes, and diversion of public resources for personal or group gain.
Against this backdrop, the fraud triangle that comprising pressure, opportunity, and rationalisation offers a powerful framework for understanding why corruption persists in the public sector.
In the public sector, pressure does not necessarily arise from personal financial distress. It often takes the form of political expectations, organisational performance demands, and the urgency to deliver projects, particularly in strategic sectors such as defence.
Large budget allocations, national security considerations, and compressed timelines can create environments in which speed and discretion are prioritised over diligence and control.
While such pressures do not excuse misconduct, they help explain why ethical boundaries may be tested when institutional safeguards are weak.
Among the three elements of the fraud triangle, opportunity is the most decisive. Opportunities arise when internal controls are weak, oversight is fragmented, and accountability mechanisms are not effectively enforced.
Defence procurement is typically complex, high in value, and protected by confidentiality, is especially vulnerable to these conditions. Weak segregation of duties, opaque supplier selection, inadequate contract monitoring, and poor documentation create space for abuse of power and process manipulation.
These vulnerabilities demonstrate that corruption is not merely an individual moral failure but a manifestation of governance and control failures.
The third element, rationalisation, allows misconduct to be internally justified. Corruption is often framed as a temporary act, a reward for service, or a necessary compromise in the interest of the organisation or the nation.
When audit findings are repeatedly raised without firm corrective action, such justifications become normalised. Over time, fraudulent behaviour is institutionalised, integrity culture erodes, and public trust deteriorates.
Understanding corruption through the fraud triangle highlights the need for preventive and structural solutions.
Strengthening internal controls must be a priority. This includes tightening procurement processes, enforcing segregation of duties, clarifying approval hierarchies, mandating conflict-of-interest declarations, and conducting rigorous supplier due diligence.
Integrating financial, procurement, and asset management systems is also critical to enable effective oversight, particularly in high-risk institutions.
Equally important is audit follow-up. Audits lose their deterrent effect when identified weaknesses are left unresolved. In recent years, Malaysia’s National Audit Department has placed increasing emphasis on follow-up audits to ensure that audit findings translate into corrective action rather than recurring annually in audit reports.
Structured, time-bound, and transparent audit follow-up helps close the “opportunity” element of the fraud triangle by ensuring that identified weaknesses do not become persistent system leakages.
Corruption in the public sector is not inevitable; it stems from system weaknesses that can be corrected. Three priorities are clear.
First, policymakers must recognise corruption as a form of fraud that emerges when pressure, opportunity, and rationalisation coexist, and that reforms fail when this interaction is ignored.
Second, internal controls must be strengthened comprehensively, especially in high-risk areas such as procurement through enforced segregation of duties, transparent approvals, and effective contract monitoring.
Third, auditing functions as a preventive mechanism only when supported by firm, accountable, and time-bound audit follow-up.
Ultimately, public trust depends not on the number of regulations or audit reports produced, but on confidence that identified weaknesses are taken seriously and rectified without compromise.
Dr Noor Adwa Sulaiman is an Associate Professor at the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
YOU wait all day for that first bite. The aroma of freshly-prepared kuih, rich gravies, and sweet drinks fills the table. After hours of fasting, it is tempting to indulge. But by midnight, you are bloated, uncomfortable, or struggling with heartburn again.
For many, Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal, and an opportunity to embrace a more mindful, balanced approach to physical well-being. However, some may experience digestive discomfort.
Acid reflux, bloating, constipation and fatigue can sometimes occur during the fasting month because of their dietary choices between iftar and sahur.
Dr Sheikh Anwar Abdullah, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, encourages those observing the fast to approach Ramadan as an opportunity to reset their gut health rather than strain it.
“The digestive system experiences a period of rest when people choose to fast. The body produces less acid and experiences decreased inflammatory triggers which lead to improved gut health,” he explained.
“But we often undo those benefits by overeating at iftar or neglecting hydration and fibre.”
Why digestive issues spike during Ramadan
Asian doctor visit and examines on young adult woman at hospital with stomach ache. The doctor checking up and consulting for health care, wearing a mask to protect covid-19 pandemic.
Research supports what many experience firsthand. A study found an increase in gastrointestinal complaints such as bloating, acid reflux, and constipation during Ramadan.
The reasons are familiar: heavy meals, oily and spicy food, dehydration, and long gaps between eating.
“The biggest culprits are usually overeating at iftar, consuming deep-fried or spicy foods, not drinking enough water, and skipping fibre. Another contributing factor is reduced physical activity,” Dr Sheikh Anwar said.
“With altered sleep patterns and lower energy levels, many people move less during Ramadan, which slows digestion and worsens constipation.”
Start with sahur to combat digestive issues
Skipping sahur or opting for fast food may seem convenient, but it often backfires. Dr Sheikh Anwar advises a balanced, slow-digesting sahur that sustains energy and protects the gut.
“The ideal sahur includes complex carbohydrates like oats or brown rice, protein from eggs, fish, or tofu, and water-rich fruits such as watermelon or cucumber.
“Yogurt can also benefit gut health due to its probiotics, provided you do not have lactose intolerance. The major thing to avoid during sahur is spicy, greasy food that irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of reflux later in the day,” he says.
At iftar, Dr Sheikh Anwar recommends easing the stomach back into digestion. Sugary drinks, excessive fried food, and salty dishes may feel satisfying in the moment but often lead to bloating and indigestion.
“Start with water and a few dates, then pause perhaps for Maghrib prayers before eating a proper meal. Eat slowly. A balanced plate with complex carbs, lean protein, and some healthy fats is ideal,” he advised.
Late-night eating is another common issue. Moreh, the post-tarawih supper often shared among family and friends, is a cherished Ramadan tradition in Malaysia should also be done moderately.
“Keep it light during moreh. Try to leave two to three hours between your last meal and bedtime to reduce acid reflux or further digestive issues,” he added.
Hydration is non-negotiable
Constipation is one of the most frequent Ramadan complaints, often caused by inadequate fluid intake. Global health guidance shows many people consume less than their daily water intake needs during fasting month.
Proper hydration not only supports digestion but also helps prevent headaches and fatigue.
“Aim for at least 2 to 2.5 litres of water between iftar and sahur. Sip regularly instead of drinking large amounts at once. Include water-rich fruits, and avoid too much caffeine, which can worsen dehydration,” Dr Sheikh Anwar continued.
While fasting is safe for most healthy adults, a study shows that fasting may aggravate preexisting gastrointestinal conditions.
For those managing conditions such as ulcerative colitis, duodenal ulcers, upper GI bleeding, and moderate-to-severe liver cirrhosis, could have a higher risk of developing flares and complications associated with fasting and require careful monitoring and guidance from healthcare professionals.
“If you are on gastric medication, take it about 30 minutes before sahur for maximum effect. If you develop persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or see blood in your stool, please do not feel pressured to continue your fast and seek medical attention,” Dr Sheikh Anwar advised.
Fibre could be the missing piece to healthier Ramadan
(Image: Khazanah Research Institute)
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024, only 17% of Malaysian adults and 13% of adolescents meet the recommended daily intake of fruits.
While just 12% of adults and 5% of adolescents get enough vegetables, the rest are well below the recommended daily fibre intake. During Ramadan, this shortfall can worsen constipation and bloating.
“Fibre is essential for bowel regularity. It can also lower cholesterol, stabilises blood sugar, and keeps you full longer. Increase it gradually through fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to avoid gas and discomfort,” said Dr Sheikh Anwar.
Ramadan does not have to be a temporary reset. Dr Sheikh Anwar encourages Malaysians to maintain healthier routines even after the fasting month ends.
“Continue eating mindfully, staying hydrated, and spacing out meals. Older adults especially should ensure enough protein and fibre to maintain muscle strength and digestive health,” he remarked.
“Fasting and health go hand-in-hand. Eat in moderation, hydrate well, and listen to your body. If something feels off, do not push through the pain and immediately get it checked.” ‒ Focus Malaysia
