Month: June 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The My50 unlimited travel pass will transition to a digital renewal system via the Touch ‘n Go (TNG) eWallet app starting July 1, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced today. The new digital process allows users to renew their monthly passes using an NFC-enabled TNG card, removing the need for physical MyKad verification or… Continue reading My50 pass goes digital via TNG eWallet from July 1 – Loke

KUALA LUMPUR: A former director of the Kuala Lumpur Public Works Department (JKR) has pleaded not guilty to five charges of accepting RM70,000 in gratification tied to a maintenance project. Datuk Ir Norman Md Rabani, 51, allegedly received the sum from an individual involved in a project connected to his official duties. The offences reportedly… Continue reading Ex-JKR director pleads not guilty to RM70k graft charges

GEORGE TOWN: ASEAN member states must develop structured frameworks to foster gender inclusivity in sports, ensuring equal opportunities for all, said Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim. Speaking at the closing of the ASEAN Conference on Gender Equity in Sports 2025, Adli emphasised that achieving gender equity in sports is a shared… Continue reading ASEAN urged to promote gender inclusivity in sports frameworks

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today emphasised the need for elected representatives to maintain continuous engagement with the public instead of only appearing before elections. Speaking at the Kota MADANI smart city project launch in Precinct 19, Anwar criticised the culture of politicians making sudden appearances in communities just ahead of polls. “I… Continue reading PM Anwar urges consistent public engagement over election showmanship

KUCHING: The Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) has issued a stern warning against individuals or groups falsely claiming to represent its Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES). The ministry confirmed it has never appointed any agents or third parties to facilitate applications for the programme. Recent reports of parties soliciting payments or… Continue reading Sarawak warns against fake agents offering free education scheme

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian man and three Singaporean nationals were charged today at the Ampang Magistrate’s Court for allegedly trafficking liquid cocaine last week. The accused, Kong Sien Mee, 57, from Malaysia, and Singaporeans Quek Kien Seng, 45, Tristan Chew Jin Zhong, 25, and Ivan Tan Zhi Xuan, 31, acknowledged the charges read before Magistrate… Continue reading Malaysian and three Singaporeans charged with cocaine trafficking

TUARAN: Sabah has consistently placed environmental conservation at the forefront of its sustainable development strategy, according to State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew. Speaking at the World Environment Day 2025 celebration, Liew stressed the importance of integrating environmental standards into all development plans to balance ecological and social sustainability. The state’s… Continue reading Sabah leads Malaysia in environmental policy for sustainable development

JOHOR BAHRU: Malaysia is eyeing RM500 million in landscape product exports to Singapore by 2026, driven by enhanced bilateral cooperation, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. He stated that the goal is attainable with strategic planning and strong diplomatic relations. “This potential must be developed and accelerated. Later today, I will visit… Continue reading Malaysia targets RM500 mln landscape exports to Singapore by 2026

PUTRAJAYA: The Kota MADANI smart city initiative is set to provide civil servants with monthly savings of up to RM1,000 by reducing housing and transportation costs, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Speaking at the project launch in Precinct 19, Dr Zaliha explained that government quarters… Continue reading Kota MADANI to save civil servants RM1,000 monthly in Putrajaya

PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court today dismissed former Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah’s application for leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal ruling that barred her from challenging a show-cause notice issued by the Syariah High Court for contempt. A three-judge panel, led by Justice Datuk Nordin Hassan alongside Justices Datuk Abu Bakar Jais… Continue reading Federal Court dismisses Maria Chin’s appeal over Syariah contempt case

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Producer Price Index (PPI) declined by 3.6 per cent in May 2025, marking a steeper drop compared to April’s 3.4 per cent decrease, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that all sectors recorded year-on-year declines except agriculture, forestry, and fishing. The… Continue reading Malaysia’s PPI drops 3.6 pct in May 2025, mining sector hit hardest

PETALING JAYA: The total number of applications for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) July 2025 intake has increased significantly compared to last year, rising from 146,000 to 189,304, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the government is now offering more opportunities to STPM holders who may… Continue reading TVET applications surge to 189,000, more opportunities offered to STPM leavers

KUALA LUMPUR: Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM-UKM) is poised to become the first medical facility in the country to perform Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery as a day-care procedure. This milestone reflects a major leap in patient-centred healthcare. The Sports Injury and Arthroscopic Unit of HCTM’s Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department will… Continue reading HCTM-UKM first in Malaysia to offer ACL surgery as day-care

KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliamentary Services Act 2025 (PSA) is undergoing final adjustments before its enforcement, according to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. He stated that the specifics will be presented for approval during the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fifteenth Parliament, commencing on July 21. “Insya Allah, in a month… Continue reading Parliamentary Services Act 2025 fine-tuning before enforcement

MELAKA: The integration of MyKad and an expanded list of approved items under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme has significantly improved accessibility and purchasing power for beneficiaries since April. The system streamlines transactions, eliminating the need for additional verification during payments. Housewife Natasha Irma Ishak, 30, who supplements her income by selling doughnuts from… Continue reading MyKad and expanded SARA list enhance purchasing power in Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA: The National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) is reinforcing Malaysia’s agricultural input distribution system by improving stockist efficiency through specialised training. The Stockist Enhancement and Empowerment Course for the Central Zone aims to optimise the role of stockists under the Federal Government’s Padi Fertiliser Scheme and Padi Production Incentive Scheme. Mohd Zulkifli Harun, secretary of the… Continue reading NAFAS boosts agricultural input delivery with stockist training

KUALA LUMPUR: The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s parliamentary vote presents minimal risk to Malaysia, according to MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd. In a research note today, the bank highlighted that Malaysia’s primary Asia-Europe trade route, accounting for less than 15 per cent of Westports’ total volume, does not rely on… Continue reading Strait of Hormuz closure poses limited risk to Malaysia, says MIDF Amanah

PUTRAJAYA: The Kota MADANI smart city project in Precinct 19 is designed to alleviate the housing burden for civil servants while enhancing workplace efficiency, according to Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. The first phase will see the construction of 3,000 residential units, part of a larger plan to deliver… Continue reading Kota MADANI project to ease civil servants’ burden in Putrajaya

MELAKA: Former Dewan Negara deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad pleaded not guilty today at the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court to a charge of accepting a luxury vehicle as a bribe in 2015. Judge Elesabet Paya Wan presided over the hearing where Mohamad Ali denied the accusation of corruptly receiving a Range Rover Sport… Continue reading Former senate deputy president pleads not guilty to luxury car bribe

BATU PAHAT: The Ayer Hitam Toll Plaza has fully reopened after a temporary closure due to a hazardous chemical spill. PLUS Malaysia Berhad confirmed that all entry and exit lanes were accessible from 2.44 am today. In a Facebook update, PLUS stated, “The latest update is that the incident has been resolved, and all lanes… Continue reading Ayer Hitam toll plaza fully reopened after chemical spill

JOHOR BAHRU: An assistant environmental health officer pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to accepting a RM3,000 bribe last year. Mohd Azrul Nazwan A Rani, 42, denied the charge before Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail. The officer allegedly received the money from a restaurant manager as an incentive to avoid legal action… Continue reading Johor health officer pleads not guilty to RM3,000 bribe charge

KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are causing short-term economic disruptions in Malaysia, particularly affecting crude oil prices, according to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Speaking after launching the Budget 2025 Initiative by SME Bank, Amir Hamzah noted that recent retaliatory attacks in conflict zones led to a… Continue reading Middle East tensions impact Malaysia’s economy, says finance minister

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has suggested that the Kota MADANI smart city initiative serve as a blueprint for urban development nationwide. He highlighted the need for a balanced approach that prioritises public welfare over commercial interests. Speaking at the launch of the Kota MADANI project in Putrajaya’s Precinct 19, Anwar urged state… Continue reading Kota MADANI smart city model for Malaysia urban development

KUALA LUMPUR: Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Bhd (SME Bank) has introduced a RM211 million strategic initiative to drive sustainable and inclusive growth for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan highlighted the government’s commitment to SME development, with over RM1 billion allocated for 2025. Speaking at… Continue reading SME Bank launches RM211m initiative to boost MSME growth in Malaysia

IPOH: Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak emphasised that Islam strictly prohibits any misuse of power or breach of trust by those responsible for collecting and distributing zakat. His Royal Highness stressed that Muslim confidence in zakat institutions, including the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk), must be strengthened through good governance, transparency, and… Continue reading Good governance vital for Muslim trust in zakat institutions – Sultan Nazrin

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today launched the Kota MADANI smart city project in Precinct 19, a major urban development initiative focused on sustainability and digital innovation. The RM4 billion project, developed by Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd (PjH), will operate under a public-private partnership using the build, lease, maintain, and transfer (BLMT) model… Continue reading PM Anwar launches Kota MADANI smart city project in Putrajaya

KUALA TERENGGANU: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for missing fisherman Mohd Noor Abdullah, 54, entered its second day today with the deployment of a Malaysian Maritime AW 139 helicopter. The fisherman was reported missing after venturing out to sea last Tuesday. Terengganu Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang, stated that the SAR resumed… Continue reading Search for missing Terengganu fisherman continues with helicopter aid

PUTRAJAYA: The government has announced a Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemption for imported apples and oranges following public concerns over rising fruit prices. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision aims to ensure affordability for low-income families while still encouraging the consumption of local fruits. During a Cabinet meeting, public feedback highlighted… Continue reading Apples and oranges exempt from SST in Malaysia – PM Anwar

IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, has officially endorsed Zakat Perak Al Ridzuan (ZAPAR) as the primary body for managing zakat and cash endowment collections in the state. The initiative, established by the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk), aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in zakat administration. Sultan Nazrin… Continue reading Sultan Nazrin launches ZAPAR for zakat, endowment management in Perak

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP National Deputy Chairman Nga Kor Ming has lauded the government’s move to guarantee matriculation placements for students scoring 10As and above in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Education (MOE), underscores the MADANI Government’s dedication to meritocracy and equal opportunities. Nga stated that the… Continue reading Govt guarantees matriculation for 10A SPM students, Nga welcomes move

SUBANG: General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris has officially taken over as the 21st Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in a ceremony held at the Subang Air Base today. He succeeds General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who retired after more than four decades of service. The handover ceremony was… Continue reading Muhamad Norazlan appointed as new RMAF chief in Subang ceremony

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Singapore are set to deepen regional cooperation to strengthen youth volunteerism and unity, according to National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. The minister shared details of the initiative following a courtesy visit to Singapore’s Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, David Neo. In a Facebook post, Aaron stated, “The… Continue reading Malaysia and Singapore to enhance youth volunteerism and unity

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians can significantly reduce their electricity bills by adopting smarter usage habits and leveraging off-peak hours under the newly announced tariff restructuring. The changes, set to take effect from July 1, 2025, aim to promote efficient energy consumption while benefiting over 23.6 million domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia. Private sector worker Rozita Ibrahim,… Continue reading Smart electricity use and time management cut utility bills in Malaysia