SNAPSHOT | Fuel prices go up; MCMC probing alleged Quran desecration case

KINI SNAPSHOT | What’s going on in the news today, with updates at 9am, 2pm, 6pm and 9pm.

9pm

Fuel prices

• The government announced that retail prices for RON97 and diesel have shot up 60 and 80 sen per litre, respectively, in Peninsular Malaysia following oil price shocks due to the war in West Asia.

  This makes RON97 available at RM3.85 per litre while diesel is priced at RM3.92 per litre between March 12 and 18.

  As for RON95, the Finance Ministry said retail prices for unsubsidised fuel will go up to RM3.27 per litre within the same period. Currently, RON95 is priced at RM2.67 per litre.

  

  However, the ministry stressed that it will maintain the subsidised RON95 fuel price at RM1.99 per litre.

  It also announced it is increasing the Budi Diesel aid scheme from RM200 to RM300 starting this month to assist the logistics and agriculture sectors.

Quran desecration case

• A social media post allegedly showing someone desecrating the Quran has been deleted, while the account associated with it cannot be traced, said the MCMC.

  “Preliminary checks found that the original post has been deleted and the account involved, believed to be named ‘Dickie Borneo’ cannot be found. However, further investigations are ongoing,” the commission said in a statement.

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  READ MORE: Another Quran desecration case, Sabah Umno urges action

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  The MCMC also found other inflammatory postings about religion believed to be linked to the same individual in a social media group.

  

  “All postings have been saved as evidence for further investigations. MCMC is working with social media platforms to gather information on the account owner to identify the individual involved.

  “MCMC is also working with the police to ensure that stern action will be taken immediately.”

Jelutong landfill project

• The Penang government will address the rejection of the environmental impact assessment for the Jelutong landfill rehabilitation and reclamation project, Bernama reported.

  State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairperson H’ng Mooi Lye said the matter was decided at the state executive council meeting today.

  He added that the government will meet with the Penang Development Corporation to discuss next steps after the rejection.

  

  The proposed reclamation at the 34.4ha landfill site involves excavating and rehabilitating the landfill as well as reclaiming the adjacent coastal area north of the Penang Bridge.

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  READ MORE: EIA report for Jelutong landfill rehab project rejected

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  However, the project has drawn objections from residents and environmental groups, who argued that land reclamation next to the old Jelutong landfill could affect public health and damage the nearby Middle Bank marine ecosystem.

6pm

Religious tension

• PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has urged the public to reject attempts to sow hate and mistrust among communities in disputes over unauthorised houses of worship.

  He described such attempts as highly irresponsible.

  “Accurate explanations, fair and impartial law enforcement, and clear crisis communication from the authorities are crucial to prevent misunderstandings, speculation, and prejudice, or any unnecessary escalation of tensions.

  “PAS urges all parties - leaders, organisations and media platforms - to always act with greater maturity and responsibility when commenting on or reporting such issues,” he said in a statement.

  Takiyuddin added that PAS remains committed to preserving harmony and unity among people of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, while upholding the rights and dignity of all as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.

Court

• The Kuala Lumpur High Court learned today, during Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin’s corruption trial, that RM6 million was deposited via 10 cheques into Bersatu’s AmBank account between February and November 2022.

  The prosecution's third witness, Nor Paizah Osman, who is Amcorp Mall AmBank branch assistant manager, confirmed the matter.

  The witness also testified that transactions involving Bersatu’s AmBank accounts “seem proper” and were normal account activities, when cross-examined by Muhyiddin’s lawyer, Amer Hamzah Arshad.

  

  Paizah testified that she had given her statement to MACC in 2023, and agreed with Amer’s suggestion that they never asked whether Bank Negara Malaysia had investigated Bersatu’s account, nor were there any suspicious transaction reports raised on the funds deposited.

  When cross-examined by deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, Paizah said she could not recall whether there were any queries from BNM about these transactions.

  The trial before judge Noor Ruwena Nurdin resumes on April 13, with the prosecution’s fourth witness, Madani Monitoring Unit assistant director Amin Idris, scheduled to testify.

  Reporting by Farah Solhi

• The Kuala Lumpur High Court has allowed the government’s stay of execution application against a judgment in the suit filed by Amri Che Mat’s wife, Norhayati Ariffin.

  Free Malaysia Today reported that judicial commissioner Zalita Zaidan had allowed the government to postpone paying millions in damages, as well as the investigation into the activist’s disappearance, today.

  The application was granted pending the government’s appeal against judge Su Tiang Joo’s decision in the suit.

  

  Su, on Nov 5 last year, ruled that the police and the government were vicariously liable for Amri’s disappearance, and awarded Norhayati a total of RM3 million in general and exemplary damages, RM14,457.52 in special damages and RM250,000 in costs.

  He also ordered the authorities to reopen their investigation and submit progress reports to the attorney-general every two months.

2pm

Government

• UPDATED 3.55PM | Added PM to hold presser.
  
  Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil’s weekly post-cabinet press conference was cancelled today. It is not clear why it was called off.

  However, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to hold a press conference at 4pm.

  Earlier, there were expectations that Fahmi would brief the press on developments concerning the government probe on MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s shareholdings, his tenure as top graft buster, as well as a royal commission of inquiry into the “corporate mafia” allegations. 

  

Crime

• Self-proclaimed activist S Chandrasegaran, better known as Cikgu Chandra, has expressed hope that authorities will swiftly arrest individuals allegedly involved in the attack on his properties. 

  Chandrasegaran said this follows a police update that ongoing investigations have revealed several clues surrounding the home break-in and damage to his car yesterday afternoon, as well as a separate early dawn arson on three of his other cars. 

  While his family was shaken by the incident, he said their situation is improving. 

  

  “During the incident yesterday, it was indeed very traumatic. I was worried about the safety of myself and my family, but things are getting better now, especially after the government has taken several steps to protect my family and me.

  “However, my child is still a little traumatised. Now everything is gradually returning to normal. The police are also carrying out 24-hour security monitoring in the area around my residence,” he said.

  Reporting by Shakira Buang

• Selangor police chief Shazeli Kahar today hinted at positive developments surrounding probes into the two incidents, but declined to reveal details. 

  

  Speaking to reporters at the state police headquarters in Shah Alam, he said the first incident is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief that causes damage or loss amounting to RM25 or more, and Section 506 for criminal intimidation. 

  The second incident is being probed under Section 435 for mischief by fire or explosive substances with intent to cause damage to property amounting to RM50 or more. 

  “The investigation will be carried out from all angles to identify the motive and suspects involved in the two incidents,” he added. 

  Reporting by B Nantha Kumar 

Royalty

• Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi defended Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim against criticism of the latter’s perceived involvement in the “heritage” footballers scandal.

  He said he had personally witnessed how the crown prince – better known as TMJ – has done many things to further develop the state and improve its people’s quality of life.

  

  “Many see Tunku Ismail only through His Highness’ firmness in defending football standards.

  “But if viewed more comprehensively, His Highness' vision for Johor actually goes beyond sports alone: it includes education, youth development, a stronger economy and the well-being of the people,” Onn said on Facebook last night.

  Tunku Ismail yesterday claimed that he is being made a scapegoat in the forged documents controversy for his alleged role in the recruitment of the “heritage” players involved.

EPF protests 

• The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) will protest in front of the Employee Provident Fund’s (EPF) offices after Hari Raya to express anger over the fund’s 2025 dividend rate of 6.15 percent which was lower than the 6.30 percent the year before.

  

  MTUC president Kamarul Baharin Mansor said in a statement today that it did not make sense that it was lower than 2024 as the fund had made more revenue in 2025. 

  “Economic indicators have improved, but workers are being given a low dividend,” he pointed out. 

  MTUC is also disappointed that no labour representatives have been appointed to the EPF board.

  “According to the EPF Act, a workers’ representative must be appointed to the EPF board to represent their interests,” he said. 

9am

Corruption

• Muda has joined calls for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) into the MACC “corporate mafia” allegations to continue even if top graft buster Azam Baki’s contract is not extended.

  In a statement last night, the party said the issue is bigger than any one individual, and that a change in MACC chief would be meaningless if the same systems and machinery that allowed the alleged collusion to take place are still in operation.

  It also called for the government to establish the RCI immediately.

Racial, religious tensions

• Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan has denied claims circulating on social media alleging that he remained silent over an incident last month involving the desecration of the Quran. 

  

  The DAP central executive council member pointed out that he issued a statement on Feb 26 condemning the act and that the media had widely reported this. “I’m fine with receiving criticism or condemnation. But please be fair to me.

  “Verify first before attacking. Google and ChatGPT exist in this day and age. Or just scroll through my page,” he said.

  Syahredzan yesterday issued a statement condemning an alleged desecration of a Hindu religious symbol, prompting social media users to question his stance on the earlier incident.

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