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

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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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'Taking cleanliness for granted may be our downfall' | The Star

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) threats to the environment

 

Threat of invasive alien species is increasing worldwide: International study

Attacking Aliens (IAS - Invasive Alien Species)

Spreading awareness: Azah (centre) inspecting a Jom Kenali IAS exhibit at the National Botanic Gardens Shah Alam. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

2:37 / 9:07

SHAH ALAM: Beware of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) landing on Malaysian soil.

No, this is not science fiction – IAS refers to animals and plants that are introduced accidentally or deliberately into a natural environment where they are not normally found.

They will adversely affect their new environment, including plants, animals and humans.

Agriculture and Food Security Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Azah Hanim Ahmad said IAS is the second biggest threat to Malaysia’s biodiversity after habitat fragmentation.

So far, IAS has cost millions of ringgit in losses to the country and its food security sector, she added.

“Some examples of the negative effects of IAS on animals are the Nipah virus, which spread in 1998 (following an outbreak at pig farms in Perak) and Lumpy Skin Disease in 2021 due to imported cows.

“For plants, 465ha of coconut plantations in Terengganu were destroyed by rhynchophorus ferrugineus (kumbang merah palma) in 2007, causing RM10mil in losses.

“And between 2003 and 2006, Papaya Dieback disease damaged over one million papaya trees, causing RM200mil in losses,” she said.Currently, she said, the Bacterial Panicle Blight, an exotic plant pest, is attacking padi fields.

“Parthenium hysterophorus (rumpai parthenium) can cause allergic reactions in humans and farm animals while Salvinia molesta (rumpai salvinia) can affect irrigation systems,” she said at the launch of the ‘2023 Public Awareness Programme: Let’s Get To Know About IAS (Jom Kenali IAS)’ at the National Botanical Gardens Shah Alam yesterday.

Currently, out of the 138 IAS identified worldwide, 64 are present in Malaysia, Azah said.

Of these, 17 are plants, 19 are animals and 28 are aquatic.

She added that due to this threat, the ministry has to continuously inspect and conduct damage control on crops and animals, which costs money and also contributes to pollution.

“This is due to the IAS management team having to use chemical pesticides and cutting down trees, which affects the productivity of the farming sector.

“This is why awareness among the public is important and we hope that today’s programme can make a big impact on the sustainability of the country’s biodiversity,” she said.

To help protect the country’s biodiversity, the government established the National IAS Committee in 2016 to manage, coordinate and prevent all IAS-related issues in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the ministry’s Fisheries Biosecurity Division senior director Yeo Moi Eim said there are 28 types of aquatic life that have been gazetted and categorised as “prohibited fish species for import into Malaysia”. These include piranha, salmon, trout and dragon fish (arapaima).

She said the department is currently in the process of gazetting the Mekong red tail catfish (baung ekor merah Mekong), which is considered an apex predator in rivers and can weigh up to 40kg, as prohbited for import.

“The Mekong red tail catfish can be found in Perak, Pahang and Selangor rivers. It eats fish and prawns as well as their eggs, and this is harming our marine biodiversity.

“It originates from the Mekong River, but somehow managed to find its way here.

“We believe this was due to natural disasters such as floods where the fish can migrate from one place to another, which shows another impact of climate change,” said Yeo.

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