Month: July 2025

PETALING JAYA: As the government moves to impose the Sales and Service Tax (SST) on most imported fruits, questions are being raised about Malaysia’s heavy reliance on foreign produce and whether the country should ramp up efforts to grow popular fruits like apples and oranges locally. While going fully self-sufficient may be unrealistic in the… Continue reading Call to explore potential of temperate fruit farming

JOHOR BAHRU: Discussions with contractors and agencies will conclude this week to finalise the phased opening of the widened Pasir Gudang Highway. The three-lane road expansion aims to improve traffic flow along the busy industrial route. Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh stated that sections of the five-kilometre… Continue reading Pasir Gudang expressway widening phased opening details this week

KUALA LUMPUR: The metropolis is gearing up to impress as Asean foreign ministers descend on the country’s capital. Kuala Lumpur is rolling out the red carpet as it prepares to host Asean foreign ministers from July 8 to 11 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, with the city aiming to project a polished image as… Continue reading KL gears up for 58th Asean Ministerial Meeting

KUALA LUMPUR: Khazanah Nasional Bhd has engaged in high-level discussions with French and Italian sovereign wealth funds to explore potential collaborations, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). The meetings, held during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visits to Italy, France, and Brazil, aimed to strengthen economic ties and foster innovation. Managing director Datuk Amirul… Continue reading Khazanah explores AI deals with French and Italian sovereign funds

PETALING JAYA: Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has called for the formation of a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate delays and unresolved concerns surrounding judicial appointments, emphasising the need for transparency and parliamentary accountability. Speaking on behalf of eight other PKR backbenchers, Rafizi said they would formally petition the Parliamentary Special Select… Continue reading Call for royal probe into judicial appointments

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia now has its first Astronomy Module for Students with Visual Impairments, marking a milestone in inclusive education. The module was launched yesterday by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister (Mosti) Chang Lih Kang at the National Planetarium. Specifically tailored for students under the Special Education Needs programme, it was developed through a partnership… Continue reading First astronomy module launched for visually impaired students

RIO DE JANEIRO: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared his official visits to Italy, France, and Brazil a success, achieving key objectives in trade, investment, and diplomatic relations. The visits, which began on July 1, reinforced bilateral ties and positioned Malaysia as a competitive player ahead of its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. Anwar highlighted… Continue reading PM Anwar highlights success of visits to Italy, France, Brazil

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is pushing for global aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Embraer to establish the country as a key hub for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations, training, and supply chain activities. This follows major aircraft purchase agreements by AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the government is ensuring these aircraft… Continue reading Malaysia seeks Airbus, Embraer investment in MRO and supply chain

RIO DE JANEIRO: The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur this October is poised to be the largest in the bloc’s history, with multiple global leaders confirming attendance. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed the expanded participation during his official visits to Italy, France, and Brazil. Key attendees include Italian… Continue reading 47th ASEAN Summit in KL to be largest gathering with global leaders

KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has pledged full support for the sole survivor of a heartbreaking tragedy in Jitra, where a family of six perished after their car plunged into Sungai Korok. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured that the ministry would provide the best possible assistance to 12-year-old… Continue reading Education ministry supports sole survivor of Jitra family tragedy

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has clarified that his meeting with Myanmar junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok last April was conducted under an ASEAN mandate. The discussion aimed to secure a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid following Myanmar’s devastating earthquake in March. Anwar stated that the engagement was approved… Continue reading Anwar defends Myanmar junta meeting under ASEAN mandate for ceasefire

RIO DE JANEIRO: Malaysia has called for greater equity in global health and climate action at the 17th BRICS Leaders Summit, emphasising the need for fair vaccine distribution, stronger public health systems, and sustainable financing for developing nations. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that financial systems must not undermine essential services like healthcare… Continue reading Malaysia pushes for global health equity and climate justice at BRICS summit

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is dedicated to enhancing economic, trade, and investment collaboration with BRICS countries, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) to drive inclusive growth. Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz emphasised the importance of leveraging AI opportunities, stating, “With ASEAN’s digital economy expected to reach US$2 trillion by… Continue reading Malaysia aims to boost economic ties with BRICS nations via AI and trade

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has shifted defence system procurement to a Government-to-Government (G2G) model to eliminate corruption risks, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed. This move excludes intermediaries and commissions, ensuring transparency in high-value military acquisitions. Anwar revealed recent discussions with France and Italy to reinforce fair procurement practices. “This is unheard of, because… Continue reading Malaysia shifts defence procurement to G2G basis to curb corruption

KUALA LUMPUR: A security guard was charged in the Magistrate’s Court today over the alleged murder of a man during a street fight in Sentul two months ago. K. Nagentherah, 39, acknowledged the charge but did not enter a plea as the case falls under High Court jurisdiction. The accused is alleged to have killed… Continue reading Security guard faces murder charge over Sentul street fight

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has condemned the joint US-Israel bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites last month, describing it as a misguided action that undermines diplomacy and ignores the resilience of the Iranian people. Speaking in an interview with France 24, Anwar stressed that resolving conflicts, including the Gaza crisis, requires fair… Continue reading Anwar criticises US-Israel bombing of Iran as wrong move

PASIR PUTEH: Police are actively searching for a 19-year-old boy with a learning disability who went missing in Selising, Pasir Puteh. Muhammad Haikal Mohd Saidie was last seen on June 29 and has not been located since. Pasir Puteh police chief Supt Zaizul Rizal Zakaria confirmed the case is classified as a missing person investigation.… Continue reading Police search for missing teen with disability in Pasir Puteh

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah principles in the state’s Islamic administration, ensuring it remains free from deviant influences. Datuk Salehuddin Saidin, MAIS chairman, stated that the council, alongside the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), the Selangor Mufti Department, and other agencies,… Continue reading MAIS reinforces Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah principles in Selangor Islamic affairs

KUALA LUMPUR: United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Malaysia this week for high-level ASEAN meetings and bilateral talks, marking his first official trip to Asia since taking office. The visit underscores Washington’s strategic focus on deepening ties in the Indo-Pacific region. From July 8 to 12, Rubio will attend the ASEAN-United States… Continue reading US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Malaysia for ASEAN meetings

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is spearheading efforts to enhance strategic investments and global economic collaboration through high-level engagements at the 17th BRICS Summit. His bilateral discussions with world leaders and WTO officials centred on expanding trade, digital innovation, and sustainable industries. During the summit, Anwar met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi,… Continue reading PM Anwar boosts strategic investments at BRICS Summit for global growth

SEREMBAN: Police have detained a woman suspected of abusing her 13-year-old adopted son in Kuala Klawang, Jelebu. The case came to light after a Social Welfare Department (JKM) officer filed a report via Talian Kasih. Jelebu district police chief Supt Azizan Said confirmed the arrest of the 35-year-old suspect on June 16. The woman, who… Continue reading Woman arrested for alleged abuse of adopted son with ADHD in Jelebu

SEPANG: ASEAN foreign ministers continued to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday evening ahead of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related events. Among the latest arrivals were Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, who landed at the Bunga Raya Complex at 7.30 pm, and Laos’ Foreign Minister… Continue reading ASEAN foreign ministers gather in KL for 58th AMM meetings

SINGAPORE: The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has conditionally approved the proposed commercial partnership between Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysia Airlines. The collaboration will cover scheduling, pricing, sales, and marketing, including expanded codesharing arrangements. To address competition concerns, the airlines submitted commitments, including maintaining current seat capacity levels on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route.… Continue reading Singapore approves Malaysia Airlines-SIA partnership with conditions