A Form Five student here has passed away yesterday after falling into a coma, just a day before sitting for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the deceased, Sim Hui Yi, was a student of SMK Yong Peng and was believed to have succumbed to a stroke, initially thought to be a bad headache a day before sitting for her SPM.

“Her family immediately rushed her to the nearby Yong Peng Health Clinic after she collapsed from the headache.

“Sim was later transferred to the Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital here where she fell into a coma and passed away at 10am yesterday,” he said when contacted by reporters.

Ling, who is also Yong Peng assemblyman, said initial investigations point towards the 17-year-old succumbing to cerebrovascular accident (CVA) that was the cause of the stroke.

“According to her parents, Sim was an active student and did not have any known medical complications,” he said.

CVA is commonly termed as a stroke where there is an interruption in the flow of blood to cells in the brain.

Meanwhile, SMK Yong Peng’s Parent-Teacher Association expressed its condolences on Sim’s death.

Describing Sim as a “gem”, it said the loss of the Form Five student was deeply felt, not only by the family, but also by the school and friends who loved her.

“Thank you for the wonderful memories together. Your smile, effort, and spirit will always be remembered. We will definitely miss you,” read the posting on the association’s Facebook page.

A car salesman was today sentenced to one day in jail and fined RM10,000, in default five months in jail, by the Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Magistrate Haneefa Ariffin, when handed down the sentence on S. Yagesh, 27, also ordered his driving licence to be suspended for two years.

He was charged with committing the offence at Jalan Ara here at 2.35 am on July 10 this year.

The charge, framed under Section 45A(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Amendment 2000), provides a maximum prison sentence of two years and a fine of up to RM30,000 and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for not less than two years from the date of conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Salsabila Mohammad appeared for the prosecution, while Yagesh was represented by lawyer Charanpal Singh.

A lack of adherence to operational requirements and faulty fire prevention systems were identified as key causes of a deadly fire at four factories in the Southern Industrial Logistics Clusters (SILC) in Gelang Patah, last October.

Utusan Malaysia cited Fire Department officials revealing that non-compliance with safety regulations contributed to the deaths of three Bangladeshi workers, underscoring the importance of proper fire safety measures.

A Johor Fire and Rescue Department spokesman was quoted saying that premises must have a valid Fire Certificate that is renewed annually. Failure to meet these requirements can result in legal action.

The Fire Certificate ensures that premises meet fire safety standards, including functioning fire prevention systems. Any renovations require prior approval from relevant authorities.

Officials stressed that failure to comply with these regulations not only endangers property but also poses a risk to lives.

Violators may face fines of up to RM50,000 or a five-year prison sentence under Section 33 of the Fire Services Act 1988.

The recent case also highlights lapses in certificate renewals. A factory in Senai, with a certificate that expired in November 2022, is under evaluation following issued notices for compliance and document submission.

Another factory in PTP Iskandar Puteri saw its certificate lapse in July 2023. The fire authority said it is awaiting further mechanical and electrical plans after granting architectural plan approval in September 2024.

In responding to queries from reporters, Goldcoin Paragon Sdn Bhd, the building owner of the above-mentioned factory in Senai, explained that it had acquired the Flexhub property in September 2024 from Singapore-based Mapletree Logistics Trust (MLT). The property is currently leased by manufacturer Flex.

The company also said that the acquisition of Flexhub was made with the assumption that, Flex, had obtained the necessary permits to operate. However, initial inspections revealed concerns over the fire suppression system and unauthorised modifications to the building.

It stated that it is collaborating with the tenant to ensure operations comply with all regulations, prioritising worker safety and asset protection.

“This is because the tenant is ultimately responsible for obtaining the necessary approvals, as outlined in the lease agreement,” the company said in a written statement.

Goldcoin Paragon stated that after acquiring the property, it requested the tenant to provide a valid fire certificate, along with other approvals and permits from relevant authorities, but have yet to receive them.

“However, as an organisation prioritising sustainability, we conducted an independent due diligence assessment on the occupied property immediately after the acquisition was finalised.

“Initial findings identified concerns regarding the fire suppression system and suspected non-compliant modifications made to our building,” the company said.

Goldcoin Paragon also clarified that it is not able to comment about the other Flex factory in PTP Iskandar Puteri that saw its certificate lapse in July 2023 as it is owned by another party.

When queried on the expiry of the tenants fire certificate of Flexhub since September 2022, MLT declined to comment, saying that fire safety is a tenant obligation.

MLT had divested from Flexhub in September 2024 at a proposed sale price of RM125.1 million.

The Perak Health Department (JKN) said an internal probe into a complaint by a doctor that he was assaulted by a male medical assistant (MA) at Gerik Hospital in June found it to be valid.

Perak JKN director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said an Internal Investigation Committee was set up on June 4, 2024 and the investigation conducted on June 12, 2024 revealed that the complaint was substantiated.

“Following this, the Gerik Hospital director issued a Warning Letter to the officer involved on July 31, 2024. A notification letter regarding the investigation findings was sent to D. Aidid Nawawi Ghazali on August 1, 2024,” he said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Feisul Idzwan added that Perak JKN had also reached out to the complainant to offer counselling services, and that an Independent Investigation Committee was formed to review the incident.

He said the ministry (MOH) takes bullying or violent behaviour seriously and has zero tolerance for any form of workplace violence.

He noted that MOH, through Perak, was aware of a social media post made by an individual named Aidid Nawawi Ghazali regarding the incident during his tenure at Gerik Hospital.

The complaint about the incident was lodged on June 4.

Recently, a Facebook user named Aidid Nawawi Ghazali shared a post titled “A Story From A Workplace Survivor of Abuse” claiming that he was assaulted nine times-seven on his back and twice on the back of his head-by a medical assistant.

The doctor claimed the incident occurred while he was treating a female patient who had been injured in an attack, during which the patient’s modesty was compromised.

The High Court here was told today that the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Ipoh district police headquarters (IPD) took over the investigations into the murder of student Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd Zamrie from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division.

Ipoh CID chief DSP Mohd Zulkefli Mohd Mukhtar, 51, testified that the investigation paper was first opened on Dec 15, 2023, by traffic investigating officer Inspector Jong Pit Chao. However, after a preliminary review, the CID took over the case on Dec 16, 2023, assigning ASP Chua Sze Chuan to lead the investigation, under the Ipoh district police chief’s directive.

The 27th prosecution witness added that, on Dec 18, 2023, the investigation paper was reassigned to ASP S. Dasarathan, following instructions from the deputy public prosecutor (DPP). This directive came through the deputy head of the Criminal Investigation Department (Investigation and Legal), with both Jong and Chua continuing to assist Dasarathan.

“To ensure thorough and timely progress, I established a dedicated task force to oversee the investigation. I also actively contributed to supporting the lead investigating officer,” Mohd Zulkefli said while reading his witness statement before Judge Datuk Bhupindar Singh Gucharan Singh Preet, on the 14th day of the trial of DSP Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak, who was charged with the murder of 17-year-old Muhammad Zaharif Affendi.

Mohd Zulkefli further disclosed that on Dec 19, 2023, he assisted Dasarathan in confiscating the accused’s clothing at Taiping Prison. The items seized included a pair of trousers and a shirt, facilitated through the Prisons Department.

​He said that the clothing, worn by the accused during the incident, was seized as part of the investigation.

“I handed the items over to Dasarathan on the same day (Dec 19), for further investigation. Beyond that, my role was limited to supervising and monitoring the work of the investigating officer and the task force team,” he explained.


He added that under his supervision, the investigation progressed efficiently, encompassing witness statements, forensic analysis, technical assessments, and medical examinations, to ensure thoroughness.

Mohd Zulkefli, during cross-examination by lawyer Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid, representing the accused, confirmed that the accused had been arrested on Dec 15, 2023.

Mior Faridalathrash: Why wasn’t the seizure carried out by the Ipoh IPD at the time of the arrest?

Mohd Zulkefli: I am unable to answer that question, Your Honour, as the investigation was initially handled by the traffic department.

Mior Faridalathrash: You did not mark the two case items. How can you confirm that the items presented in court today are the same ones seized at Taiping Prison, without any identifying markings?Mohd Zulkefli: Your Honour, the confirmation is based on the recorded brand name on the case items.

The prosecution was handled by DPPs Afzainizam Abdul Aziz, together with Nasrul Hadi Abdul Ghani, V. Suloshani and Low Qin Hui, while the accused Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak, 45, was represented by lawyers, M. Athimulan, Mior Faridalathrash and Aiman Hakim Kamaruzzaman.

Mohd Nazri, 45, is accused of murdering Muhammad Zaharif Affendi on Jalan Taman Jati 1, near Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jati, between 11.45 am and 12.40 pm on Dec 15, 2023.

He is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty, or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.

The trial resumes Monday.

Muhd Zamrie Zainal Abidin, 56, the father of student Muhammad Zaharif Affendi, told the High Court today that his son was writhing in agony after the collision on Dec 15 last year, repeatedly saying he was in pain and unable to see.

Muhd Zamrie, the 19th prosecution witness, said a student from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Taman Jati, had run into his restaurant located near the scene, seeking help and informing him that Muhammad Zaharif had been hit by a car.

The retired soldier and his daughter, Nur Zawanie, 29, then ran to the scene, which was about 100 metres away from the restaurant.

“At the scene, I was on Zaharif’s right side, while Nur Zawanie was on his left. From what I could see, Zaharif’s injuries included a deep wound on his elbow, a bruised face, and scrapes on his thigh.

“I approached Zaharif, who was writing in agony, and said, ‘Ni abah ni...’ (This is Dad).

“Then, I heard Zaharif say, ‘Abah, sakit! Abah, sakit! Mata tak nampak...,’ (It’s painful, Dad! It’s painful, Dad! I can’t see...)” he said.

He was reading his witness statement before High Court Judge Datuk Bhupindar Singh Gucharan Singh Preet, on the 11th day of the murder trial of senior police officer Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak, 45, today.

Muhd Zamrie said that upon arriving at the scene, he was informed by several people in the crowd that a man wearing a white shirt with a blue stripe on his arm was the perpetrator.

However, he said he told the crowd not to touch or hit the man, as he did not want to cause any disturbance.

“At the same time, I saw a woman who identified herself as Mohd Nazri’s wife approaching us.

“She said, ‘I’m sorry, uncle, that’s my husband. He has a short temper. He can’t stand the sound of revving motorcycles. I apologise!’” he said.

Muhd Zamrie said his son continued to writhe in pain, getting up and lying down repeatedly, despite Nur Zawanie telling him not to do so. A few minutes later, he suddenly became quiet and began blinking.

He said his daughter asked Muhammad Zaharif to stay awake for the ambulance, before checking his pulse.

“At that time, I, and a school teacher who was at the scene, asked Zaharif to recite prayers. Meanwhile, Nur Zawanie’s husband arrived at the scene with an umbrella and shaded Zaharif,” he said.

He said he then saw Muhammad Zaharif Affendi becoming still, his legs straightening on their own, while his eyes looked upward before closing.

“At that point, I stood up and cleared the way for the ambulance. After that, I fainted and collapsed at the scene. I lost consciousness and do not remember what happened after that.

“I regained consciousness a few minutes later and saw a school teacher beside me, along with my daughter, Nur Zetty. She told me, ‘Adik dah tiada (Brother’s gone)”, said Muhd Zamrie.

Deputy public prosecutors Afzainizam Abdul Aziz, Nasrul Hadi Abdul Ghani, V. Suloshani, and Low Qin Hui, appeared for the prosecution, while Mohd Nazri was represented by lawyers M. Athimulan, Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid, and Aiman Hakim Kamaruzzaman.

DSP ranked Mohd Nazri is accused of murdering Muhammad Zaharif Muhd Zamrie, 17, at Jalan Taman Jati 1, near SMK Jati, between 11.45am and 12.32pm on Dec 15, 2023.

He is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, and a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.

The trial resumes tomorrow.

A member of the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) auxiliary police was killed when his Honda Civic crashed into a Toyota Hilux that had hit nine cows at Kilometre 57 of Jalan Kuala Terengganu to Kota Baru, Kelantan near Kampung Rhu Sepuluh here this morning.

Setiu district police chief Supt Mohd Zain Mat Dris said that the victim Che Mohd Nasir Jaafar, 56, from Pasir Mas, Kelantan died at the scene during the crash at 6.42am.

“Preliminary investigations indicated the crash occurred when the Toyota Hilux, driven by a firefighter, 45, hit nine cows that were on the road in dark conditions.

“The collision caused the Hilux to enter the opposite lane and the driver then alighted from the vehicle to monitor the area. In just a span of minutes, the victim’s vehicle came from the oncoming lane and hit the Toyota Hilux head on,” he said in a statement today, adding that the victim’s body was taken to the Setiu Hospital’s forensics unit for autopsy.

He added that seven cows were also killed due to the collision with the Toyota Hilux, and that the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

A form four student of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Felda Neram was feared drowned while swimming with 10 others in Sungai Neram here yesterday afternoon.

Terengganu Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) Zone 2 commander Mohd Zailani Abdullah said in the incident around 4 pm, the male victim Mohd Yusuf Adnan, 16, was said to be swimming in the river with 10 friends before being swept away by strong currents.

“It is understood that the victim was bathing with his friends in the river before he was suddenly swept away. Some of his friends tried to save him but failed and the victim disappeared from sight,” he told Bernama.

He said as soon as an emergency call came in at 5.35 pm, 18 firefighters from the Cheneh fire and rescue station (BBP) and Chukai BBP Water Rescue Unit (PPDA) rushed to the location for search and rescue with the assistance of other teams including police.

Mohd Zailani said the ongoing search and rescue operation will continue until the victim is found.

Police arrested a housewife last night for allegedly abusing her 10-year-old daughter, severely injuring the child.

Kluang district police chief ACP Bahrin Mohd Noh said the 32-year-old suspect was detained at a house in Kampung Tengah here at 12.30 am.

He said the victim’s school headmaster lodged a report after finding that the girl sustained severe burns on her back, believed to be caused by hot water.

“Further checks by the complainant also found bruises on her right leg and left cheek as well as burn marks on her left leg,” he said in a statement tonight.

He said the suspect is placed under a six-day remand until Sunday. The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.

Three criminals were killed in a shootout with the police in Beverly Hills in an incident at 9.13 pm yesterday.

Sabah Criminal Investigation Department (CID) head Datuk Azmi Abdul Rahim said the three male suspects were believed to be connected to various criminal activities, including a murder case.

“Acting on information, a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (D9) of the Sabah Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) raided a house on the first floor of an apartment.

“A shootout occurred between the three suspects and the raiding team, during which the suspects were killed,” he said when contacted today.

According to him, preliminary investigations found the three men are believed to be involved in several criminal cases, including murder, in Sarawak.