Malaysia's JAIS denies entrapment in Nik Nazmi khalwat arrest as party benches him three months
First published Sat, Oct 17
Nik Nazmi confirmed that he and a woman were detained by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), saying he acknowledged it was a mistake. The arrest was over a khalwat (close proximity) offence.1234
The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) said JAIS acted within the law and that the detention of Nik Nazmi was neither persecution nor a trap. MAIS rejected any suggestion that the arrest was linked to an entrapment issue.3456
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin said the state has plenty of other work to do rather than arranging khalwat cases, distancing the state administration from the operation.21
Parti Bersama's president announced that the party is resting Nik Nazmi for three months following the controversy.7
2
PKR Negeri Sembilan presses Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim to explain letter to Keeper of the Rulers' Seal
First published Sat, Oct 17
Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim is facing pressure over a letter sent to the Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja, the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal. PKR Negeri Sembilan has demanded that the Menteri Besar explain the letter. The state is in the middle of an administration crisis that has drawn in both the ruler and federal political parties.12
Mujahid has called on UMNO to state whether it knew about Ismail Lasim's action, asking why the party has stayed silent on the matter. He framed the issue around the displeasure of Tuanku Muhriz, the ruler associated with Negeri Sembilan. A lawyer said Ismail should resign after being reprimanded by the Yang Dipertuan Besar.345
Ismail Lasim met Tuanku Muhriz at Istana Hinggap Seremban during the administration crisis and afterwards avoided meeting the media. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to have an audience with Tuanku Muhriz at Istana Negeri Sembilan, following the Menteri Besar's audience with the ruler.52
Kadir Jasin described the crisis in Negeri Sembilan as more complicated than it appears, in an assessment carried by MalaysiaGazette. The outlet also aired a segment disclosing the Ismail Lasim–Mujahid letter and carried PKR figure Amirudin's remarks that PKR has many other things to do than arrange khalwat traps.26
3
Malaysia's KPDN investigates seven petrol stations over water-contaminated RON95
First published Sat, Oct 17
Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is investigating seven petrol stations over RON95 fuel suspected of being contaminated with water, and 27 samples have been taken for testing. The case surfaced after motorists reported engines spluttering and stalling after refuelling.123
KPDN Kelantan is awaiting laboratory results on the fuel alleged to be mixed with water before deciding on further action, while KPDN Selangor moved on complaints of contaminated petrol by raiding petrol stations in the state.45
One motorist reported losses of RM4,800 after filling up with petrol at Tanjung Mas, an account carried alongside the ministry's investigation into the affected stations.6
Motorists whose engines run roughly after refuelling were advised on the steps they should take, as the fuel-quality complaints spread beyond the stations already under scrutiny.7
4
Haze from Kalimantan forest fires spreads to Indonesia's capital as protests grow
First published Sat, Oct 17
Haze from forest fires in Kalimantan has spread as far as Indonesia's capital, according to state broadcaster Portal Berita RTM. The fires and resulting smog have prompted protests across Indonesia, with demonstrators disputing the forest-fire and haze issue.12
The haze has triggered the highest alert level in Southeast Asia, Berita Harian reported. Four people died while fighting a forest fire at Bromo, with victims trapped in the flames and thick smoke.34
Malaysian outlets covered the cross-border smoke with pointed framing: Harian Metro ran the headline 'Terima kasih Indonesia!' (Thank you, Indonesia!), while Utusan Malaysia led on the spread of protests in Indonesia against the forest-fire and haze issue.52
5
Singapore warns seven Indonesian companies over cross-border haze and forest fires
First published Sat, Oct 17
Singapore has sent notices to seven Indonesian companies as part of an investigation into the cross-border haze affecting the city-state. The companies are being examined over links to forest and land fires blamed for the smoke drifting across the border.123
Singapore is considering further action against the companies tied to the forest fires, beyond the notices already issued. The investigation and the warnings target Indonesian firms identified as possible sources of the haze.413
Hourly PM2.5 readings in four areas of Singapore rose into the high range as the cross-border haze persisted. The elevated readings were reported as the haze episode continued.5
