10/02/2026

TUESDAY | FEB 10, 2026

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‘Places of worship must follow law’

o Authorities empowered to take action against illegal sites, says Anwar

He claims that Malaysia’s sovereignty and Constitution were being undermined through trade agreements with the United States, describing them as dangerous. “I find this odd. There are limits to criticising the Constitution, yet such views are still being given space, even though the issue concerns a trade agreement with the US.” He acknowledged the sensitivity of racial and religious issues but emphasised that government policy must remain clear. “I am giving this as an example to show that this is not an easy issue because racial sentiments are being dragged to extreme levels. “So let me state this clearly once also criticised

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that pig farming activities should not be carried out in areas that cause unease among residents, saying such operations must be situated away from homes to maintain public harmony. “If alternative locations far from residential areas could be found, then they may proceed,” Anwar said at the National Unity Ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday. “From a policy standpoint, the government does not oppose pig farming, nor does it prohibit non-Muslims from consuming pork.” The prime minister highlighted that communities unfamiliar with such livestock should not be forced to accept farms near their houses, especially given concerns over cleanliness, sanitation, environmental impact and odour. “This is not about race. Even individuals who consume pork do not want pig farms near their houses because of environmental, hygiene and odour concerns. These are real problems, not imagined ones.” He acknowledged that new technologies used in developed countries could mitigate sanitation and environmental risks but said they should not justify placing farms near villages or densely populated areas. “The question is whether activities that cause controversy should continue in such locations. My answer is no. “If Kuala Lumpur has no suitable areas, then there are none. If Selangor faces difficulty, then it is difficult,” he said, adding that authorities should ministers or public figures who issue excessive statements must understand that the law applies equally to everyone.” He also cautioned against misleading narratives suggesting certain communities cannot practice their religion freely. “These are serious and excessive claims that cannot be allowed. Some of those making such statements were once part of the government and now present themselves as new ‘champions’ of certain causes.” The prime minister also addressed claims by a former minister suggesting that Hindus could not freely practice their religion in Malaysia and that deaths in custody were linked to religious bias. Anwar said such allegations were unacceptable, as they challenge the Federal Constitution and risk inflaming racial and religious tensions, threatening national unity.

structures could be justified. “There are groups who want to demolish, and there are others who want to defend, even when the structures are illegal. Both approaches are not allowed. “We cannot defend violations of the law. If there are 1,000 temples without approval or land permission in the Federal Territory, we cannot defend all of them.” Anwar cautioned against the uncontrolled expansion of unauthorised temples. “What cannot be allowed is unchecked growth – building structures at any location. Even in India or China, such construction is not permitted. Temples must be legal.” He urged all parties to engage through proper legal channels, adding that negotiations must be conducted respectfully. “This explanation must be our guiding principle. Even former

anything that does not comply with regulations. “The relevant enforcement and legal authorities have been given permission to act, so that areas which are not legally designated for temples could be cleared and the issue could be resolved properly.” He added that all places of worship are welcome in Malaysia, as long as they follow the law, although he acknowledged that enforcement actions could cause controversy. “This is a country governed by the rule of law. Even if some individuals want to campaign to demolish a temple, that is not your job. “If you want to promote Islam, do dakwah (Islamic missionary work) properly, with good character and by setting a good example. It is not about insulting or attacking anyone. Compliance with regulations is mandatory.” He also said neither unlawful demolition nor defending illegal

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL AND KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said places of worship must comply with existing regulations and local authorities have been empowered to take action against unauthorised sites. Speaking at the National Unity Ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday, Anwar emphasised that enforcement must follow the law strictly, without provocation or selective interpretation. “We will no longer permit

again: our policy must be clear. Do not disturb or insult any religion. If you ask me, this is my conviction as a Muslim.”

See also page 4

‘Pig farming should not be done in residential areas’

Aid programme to now include frozen food items PUTRAJAYA: The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah for All programme will now include frozen food items, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced yesterday.

avoid creating unnecessary problems. He cautioned that once such projects begin and expand, they are extremely difficult to reverse. Beyond pig farming, Anwar called for greater maturity, restraint and respect in handling sensitive social and communal matters. “The solution is not outrage, condemnation or humiliation. It is negotiation carried out with respect and understanding.” Reflecting on his upbringing in Bukit Mertajam, he recalled peaceful coexistence across racial and religious lines. “I grew up with Malay, Chinese and Indian neighbours. There was no hostility. “When I visited my Chinese neighbour as a child, long before halal food discussions became widespread, she made sure my food was packed separately. That is respect and this is the spirit we must revive.” Anwar urged that national policies and public discourse be guided by mutual respect, balancing the rights of non-Muslims to consume pork with communities’ right to protect their living environment. “The matters should be discussed calmly, through consultation and dialogue, not rejected outright or forced through without consideration.” He also called on the National Unity Ministry to lead by example. “The National Unity Ministry must stand as a model of the Malaysian spirit, a spirit of unity, moderation and respect that protects the public and nation.” – By Kirtinee Ramesh and Harith Kamal

From Feb 9 to Dec 31, 2026, 22 million Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive RM100 credited to their MyKad accounts which could be used to purchase essential goods at more than 10,000 participating retail outlets nationwide, including small grocery stores. “Participation by small grocery stores will also be increased to 10,000 outlets with the distance to (participating) outlets reduced to within 7km, compared to 10km previously.” He emphasised that the aid is per individual, not per household. A family of four, for example, would receive RM400 in total. He urged recipients to spend the assistance prudently, particularly ahead of Chinese New Year and the upcoming Ramadan month. Although the amount may appear modest, Anwar highlighted the government’s commitment to broad based support without risking fiscal discipline. “When we talk about 22 million recipients receiving (aid) for the second time, the total allocation under Sumbangan Asas Rahmah and the Rahmah Cash Aid amounts to RM15 billion. This is not a small sum.” He added that larger payouts are not possible as the government aims to avoid a budget deficit, with prudent spending monitored closely by the chief secretary to the government and ministries’ secretaries-general. The expansion also addresses past concerns that the aid could only be

Anwar urged recipients to spend the assistance prudently, particularly ahead of Chinese New Year and the upcoming Ramadan month. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

The Finance Ministry confirmed that with an allocation of RM2.2 billion, the programme now covers 15 categories of essential goods, giving beneficiaries access to up to 140,000 eligible products using the credit. Meanwhile, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil on Sunday said the MyKasih website and mobile application have been upgraded to ensure a smooth rollout for the programme. – By Harith Kamal and Kirtinee Ramesh

spent at large retail chains. “Now, purchases could be made at 10,000 grocery shops across the country, allowing the economic benefits to be distributed more evenly and reach the grassroots.” The inclusion of frozen food items came after feedback from recipients requesting greater flexibility. “Even if the amount seems small, for families with four or five members, the combined assistance could make a meaningful difference.”

PM congratulates Takaichi on landslide victory in general election PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her Liberal Democratic Party’s decisive win in the general election. In a Facebook post, Anwar said the mandate reflected public confidence in Takaichi’s vision for Japan’s economic renewal and her ability to engage a new generation of voters. “Prime Minister Takaichi visited Malaysia for the Asean-led summits in October 2025, just days after taking office. She engaged with real commitment and enthusiasm on issues vital to both our countries: economic resilience, the green transition and maritime security. Malaysia is committed to sustaining momentum on these priorities.”

Strategic Partnership. Takaichi secured a landslide in Sunday’s snap election, winning over 310 of 465 lower-house seats – the first time since World War II that a single party has secured a two-thirds majority. – By Harith Kamal

Highlighting Takaichi’s renowned work ethic, Anwar quoted her pledge to “work, work, work, work and work” for Japan, adding that he looked forward to collaborating with her just as intensively to strengthen the Malaysia-Japan Comprehensive