Wolves in sheep’s clothing

PM: billions were stolen by so-called race champions

Party unity: (From left) Roslina Abu Bakar, Tan Chiam Yi and Nurul Ain Natasha Sahar taking a wefie during the Selangor PKR Convention. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star

GOMBAK: The era of hiding corruption behind ethnic loyalty must end, as billions were siphoned off by those claiming to champion a particular race, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said racial slogans have long been used to deceive Malaysians and that they should not be misled by rhetoric cloaked in ethnic sentiment.

He added that there were some leaders who once claimed to champion Malay interests but had in reality amassed vast personal wealth, worth billions allegedly stashed in accounts under their control.

He said such leaders had betrayed the very community they professed to defend.

“People spoke about fighting for Malays but when you looked at their accounts, there were billions.

“They claimed to protect the community while siphoning off funds here and there,” he said in his speech at the Selangor PKR Convention yesterday.

Anwar said such leaders are uncomfortable with the current unity government not because they are misunderstood, but because they fear accountability under a federal administration anchored in justice and principles.

“This is a government that does not compromise. The country must be saved, must stand firm on principles and must reject all attempts to deceive and plunder national wealth,” he said.

Anwar added that the current administration had shown unprecedented resolve in acting against corruption involving figures at all levels, including ministers, former ministers and senior officials.

He reiterated that the unity government also rejected politics based on ethnic supremacy and remained multiracial and multireligious in its approach.

“We have never claimed to be champions of any one race. We are champions of justice, giving people what is rightfully theirs,” he said, adding that the government had recorded its strongest performance in tackling hardcore poverty across all communities.

Anwar also said Cabinet meetings consistently examined the full range of national challenges, with particular focus on socio-economic concerns such as employment and education.

“This government makes a deliberate effort to discuss and resolve every single issue affecting every single person in this country,” he said.

Anwar noted that previous efforts by other political leaders to form multiracial parties had failed, with many dismissing in the late 1990s the idea that Malaysia could succeed under a genuinely multiracial political platform.

In this respect, the PKR president said PKR had proven its commitment and remained steadfast in representing and safeguarding the interests of all communities by ensuring inclusive representation within the party.

Anwar assured members of the Indian community present at the gathering that PKR would continue to stand firm in defending their rights and ensuring their voices are heard within the political system.

“I want all Indians present to know, this party will fight and defend your rights,” he said to applause from delegates.

While acknowledging that the Malays form the majority and Islam is the religion of the federation, he said this must be balanced with fairness and respect.

“To live in Malaysia, we must safeguard Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban and Kadazan. To succeed as a united force, there must be a voice representing everyone,” he added.

Anwar also assured that the future of the Malays would be protected through firm and transparent policies, with the Chinese having a role to play in the party’s vision for the nation.

By ARFA YUNUS ,the Star

Functional cards crucial for govt aid

 

Spoilt chips: (From left) Saravanan and Batumalai showing their MyKads while waiting to replace them at UTC Selangor in Shah Alam. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

SHAH ALAM: With the government set to introduce the targeted RON95 fuel subsidy scheme at the end of this month, many Malaysians have begun checking the condition of their MyKad chips to ensure they remain functional.

Queues at National Registration Department (NRD) counters have seen not only first-time applicants and routine renewals but also individuals seeking to verify whether their cards are still in working order.

R. Saravanan, 46, who works in the private sector, said he was planning to renew his card after realising the chip was no longer functional.

“I intend to renew my IC because the chip has spoilt. To participate in government programmes, it is necessary to have a valid IC, so we must proceed with the renewal.

“These initiatives like MySara make our lives easier, so the duty to ‘repair’ is on us,” he said when met here yesterday.

For retirees such as K. Batumalai, 72, the subsidies and other cash assistance schemes make maintaining a functional MyKad even more essential.

“I have retired. The government is giving help, like the RM100 MySara, so I can use this money for myself and the home. My IC chip is also spoilt, so I am here to replace it,” he explained.

Parent Zam Azri Muhamad, 46, said he took the opportunity to confirm the status of his own MyKad while visiting NRD counters to register his son’s identity card.

“I came for my son’s IC – he’s 12 years old – but at the same time I will ask officers if they can check my IC to prepare for the RON95 subsidy rollout at the end of this month,” he said.

Lecturer Lim Wee Leek, 46, shared the same sentiment.

“I use my IC regularly, so I am confident that the chip is working well. But since I am here for my son’s IC, and if I don’t need to queue too long, I intend to ask the officers if I could check whether my IC chip is still working,” he said.

Shahida Shohairy, 44, an operations executive, said she had already updated her card in anticipation of the subsidy rollout.

“I am here for my son’s MyKad. He turned 12 recently, so it’s time for him to have his own MyKad,” she said, adding that she wants to avoid last-minute issues.

Housewife Noor Ain Abu Bakar, 35, said her family has made early preparations.

“We checked our IC chips earlier to make sure they are fine. We use them for all government initiatives, like MySara, MyKasih and others, so we already know they are in good condition,” she said.

A JPN employee at the counter reassured visitors that the process was quick.

“You can just check your IC here, and I will swipe it on the device at the counter. It is literally one swipe, which takes a second,” the officer said.

For those whose cards are damaged, the repair process involves visiting the nearest JPN office, filling in a form, submitting fingerprints, getting a new photo taken, paying the replacement fee, and waiting for the new card to be processed.

Fees range from RM10 for normal wear and tear to RM50 for negligence, while replacements due to manufacturing defects are free.

Processing takes about five working days in Peninsular Malaysia and up to 10 in Sabah and Sarawak.

Applicants will be given a temporary slip while waiting and must collect their new MyKad in person.

By ARFA YUNUS

Related stories:

• ‘Subsidy mechanism could pose challenges’

Danger and Health risks thriving in dirty fridges - from food poisoning to liver damage

 

Worth the effort: A restaurant worker inspecting a freezer to ensure raw items are stored correctly. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Contaminated refrigerators pose significant health risks, including food-borne illnesses and exposure to harmful chemicals, warns a health expert.

Prof Dr Mohd Hasni Jaafar, a public health specialist at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), said contaminated refrigerators carry microbiological and chemical risks that can have severe health consequences.

“Biological risks are particularly concerning, as they can lead to illnesses such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, E. coli infections and mould-related conditions,” he said when contacted.

He said Listeria bacteria often grow with poor temperature regulation, leading to contamination spreading in refrigerator interiors.

Salmonella is typically linked to unclean raw meat and eggs, and E. coli contamination can occur when cooked and uncooked foods come into contact, he added.

The health implications of these risks can be severe, ranging from food poisoning, characterised by vomiting and diarrhoea, to allergic reactions from mould spores.

“Some moulds can even cause liver damage,” Prof Mohd Hasni said, adding that chemical contamination, which is often overlooked, is another significant risk.

Food packaging materials, particularly newspapers used to wrap vegetables, fish or meat, can expose consumers to harmful substances.

“Newspapers may contain heavy metals like cadmium and lead, commonly found in printing pigments and solvents.

“Prolonged exposure, even at low doses, is associated with chronic non-communicable diseases,” he said.

Therefore, maintaining a clean refrigerator is crucial to preventing cross-contamination during food storage.

Prof Mohd Hasni said while newer refrigerators with proper temperature regulation may require less frequent cleaning, signs such as visible stains, temperature fluctuations or pest infestations are a signal for immediate attention.

In Malaysia, there isn’t a universal protocol for refrigerator cleaning, he said.

However, the Health Ministry’s Food Safety Regulation (2009) requires food establishments to adhere to strict hygiene guidelines, ensuring refrigerators and freezers are clean, well maintained and fit for purpose.

Prof Mohd Hasni said cold-stored foods must be kept at specific temperatures – below 4°C for chilled items and below -18°C for frozen goods.

He added that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide a detailed five-step protocol for cleaning refrigerators.

This includes disposing of spoiled food, emptying the refrigerator, cleaning removable parts and the interior, as well as reassembling and restocking clean parts.

“This process is particularly critical when dealing with spoiled food, contamination from animal blood, or mould growth,” he said.

Routine inspections by health officers, he said, play a key role in maintaining food safety, especially in densely populated areas.

Inspections may occur monthly or yearly, depending on the location, or in response to food quality complaints or poisoning incidents.

During inspections, he said, several critical aspects are assessed, including refrigerator and freezer cleanliness, temperature control, and food storage practices.

“These inspections use a demerit-based evaluation system, with specific attention to refrigerator and freezer hygiene,” said Prof Mohd Hasni, adding that regulations require freezers to maintain temperatures below 0°C to ensure food safety.

For veteran restaurateur Zainun Rahman, 64, the cleanliness of refrigerators and freezers reflects a restaurant’s dedication.

“Keeping fridges and freezers clean isn’t just about meeting regulations. It’s essential for food quality and trust,” she said.

Her restaurant follows a strict weekly cleaning routine, which includes removing stains, checking for spoiled items, sanitising surfaces and ensuring proper food storage to prevent cross-contamination.

“Temperature control is key,” Zainun said, adding that her team monitors refrigerators and freezers daily to maintain optimal levels – below 4°C for chilled items and below -18°C for frozen goods. Regular maintenance, like checking door seals, helps avoid issues.

“It’s not just about avoiding fines; clean equipment ensures safe, high-quality food and reduces energy costs,” she added.

Restaurant owner Mohd Azmi Yusuf, 51, said his emphasis on clean refrigeration stems from a bad experience at a previous workplace, where poor hygiene practices led to food spoilage and contamination.

“When I opened my own restaurant, I promised never to let that happen.

“Customers might not see the effort, but they can taste the difference,” he said, stressing that trust starts behind the kitchen doors.

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