Month: August 2025

SHAH ALAM: More than 30,000 people are expected to enliven the Selangor-level 68th National Day celebration at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam tomorrow. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said various activities have been lined up, including a parade featuring contingents from uniform bodies, government agencies and non-governmental organisations, which is a hallmark of the annual… Continue reading Over 30,000 expected at Selangor National Day celebration tomorrow

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s remarkable achievement in lifting millions out of poverty without creating permanent slums frequently goes unrecognised globally. World Bank lead economist for Malaysia Dr Apurva Sanghi stated that approximately half of Malaysians lived in poverty a decade after independence compared to just six per hundred today. This transformation represents over 14 million people… Continue reading Malaysia’s poverty reduction success often overlooked says World Bank

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government has ordered an immediate investigation into a viral video showing alleged deviant religious teachings in Parit Raja, Batu Pahat. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi instructed the Johor Islamic Religious Department and Royal Malaysia Police to conduct the probe. He emphasised that immediate action must be taken to prevent the… Continue reading Johor orders probe into viral video on alleged deviant teachings

KUALA LUMPUR: The Finance Ministry (MoF) today said there will be no additional or widening of powers of the Finance Minister from the Government Procurement Bill 2025, which is expected to be fully implemented early 2026. Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said the powers of the Finance Minister are not new and had existed… Continue reading No additional powers for finance minister in procurement bill

GEORGE TOWN: Five friends appeared in the Magistrate’s Court today facing multiple drug-related charges stemming from incidents two weeks ago. Muhammad Khalis Abdul Kudus, Amirul Din Abd Aziz, and Mohd Firdaus Mohd Fodzi were jointly charged with trafficking 29,902 grammes of cannabis in a Persiaran Sungai Gelugor 2 parking area on August 15. The charge… Continue reading Five friends charged with drug trafficking in George Town court

SHAH ALAM: Police have detained twelve individuals to assist investigations into a Form Three student’s fall from a school dormitory in Sabak Bernam on August 26. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari confirmed the detentions without revealing the individuals’ identities while urging all parties to allow police space for their investigation. “We will give… Continue reading Twelve individuals detained in Sabak Bernam student fall investigation

KUALA LUMPUR: AmBank Group forecasts no new consumer taxes will be introduced in Budget 2026 scheduled for tabling on October 10, 2025. AmBank chief economist Firdaos Rosli stated the government will likely adopt a gradual fiscal approach consistent with previous administrations. “I don’t think there will be any new tax (targeting consumers),” he said during… Continue reading No new consumer taxes expected in Malaysia’s Budget 2026, says AmBank

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm, heavy rain and strong wind alert in several states until 6 pm today. In a warning issued at 2.20 pm, MetMalaysia said the bad weather is expected to affect Perlis, Kedah (Langkawi, Kubang Pasu, Yan, Kuala Muda, Sik, Baling, Kulim and Bandar Baharu), Penang… Continue reading MetMalaysia issues thunderstorm warning for several states until 6pm

SHAH ALAM: Former Attorney-General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas has formally objected to several sections of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s witness statement in an ongoing defamation lawsuit. Counsel Alan Adrian Gomez, representing Thomas, raised these objections while the former prime minister was reading his statement during the second day of hearings. The contested portions specifically… Continue reading Tommy Thomas objects to parts of Najib witness statement in defamation suit

KUANTAN: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission state-level communications liaison officers serve a vital function in delivering effective public messages. Strategic Communications Division director Hisyam Mohd Yusoff stated that appointed officers must enhance their interest and improve skills in managing publicity. “These officers are trained in news writing and social media management to strengthen their capabilities across various… Continue reading MACC state liaison officers crucial for effective public communication

MERSING: Mersing, renowned for its beautiful beaches and islands, holds great promise to become one of the country’s main tourism destinations. Mersing Tourism Association (MTA) secretary Ahmad Firdaus Shaik Omar said that apart from its scenic appeal, Mersing also boasts natural treasures rarely found elsewhere, making it a special destination for nature lovers and travellers.… Continue reading Mersing a gem of unique islands with sustainable tourism attractions

SEGAMAT: Despite four earthquakes in a week, life in Segamat remains normal, with residents carrying on with their daily routines and economic activities. Food stall operator Ahmad Asri Talib, 52, said his shop has been operating without any damage that would force it to close. He said his eatery, located near Dataran Segamat, continues to… Continue reading Segamat stays calm, life goes on after four quakes

KOTA KINABALU: Chairman of the Main Committee for the 2025 National Day and Sabah Day Celebrations, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, today rebuked the attitude of some individuals in the state who are reluctant to buy the Jalur Gemilang, preferring instead to wait for free flags to display them. He said Malaysians should reflect on their… Continue reading Don’t wait for free Jalur Gemilang – Masidi

PUTRAJAYA: Although today was only the full dress rehearsal for the National Day 2025 celebration, thousands of visitors of all ages and backgrounds began flocking to Dataran Putrajaya as early as 5.30 am. A Bernama check found that despite having to walk more than a kilometre to the venue, the public, including parents with children,… Continue reading National Day 2025 rehearsal lively, well-coordinated

KUANTAN: The Pahang government has successfully increased dividend payments for participants of the Orang Asli Commercial Replanting Project through improved management by the Pahang Orang Asli Corporation. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail confirmed that dividend incomes have risen significantly since the state takeover of project management. He stated that “the highest participant… Continue reading Pahang Orang Asli TSK participants see dividends rise under state management

MELAKA: The establishment of a special ASEAN working group to combat money laundering will be among the key proposals at the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime. Home Ministry International Division secretary Mohd Azlan Razali said the idea was mooted by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, given that the region currently lacks… Continue reading ASEAN to consider special money laundering working group at AMMTC

SIBU: The Road Transport Department’s Sibu branch has seized six luxury vehicles for operating with expired road tax and no valid insurance coverage during its ongoing Ops Luxury initiative. Senior Enforcement Officer Nurul Fairezzah Safri confirmed the vehicles included two Toyota Vellfire units alongside single examples of a Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Crown Royale, Toyota… Continue reading Sibu RTD seizes six luxury cars for expired road tax and no insurance

KUALA LUMPUR: Income generated from cryptocurrency activities including trading, mining, and exchange operations falls under Malaysia’s Income Tax Act 1967. The Finance Ministry confirmed that digital currencies are treated as commodities, making related earnings taxable as business income. This approach aligns with global tax standards and follows guidelines issued by the Inland Revenue Board. Local… Continue reading Malaysia taxes crypto income under Income Tax Act 1967, says MoF

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia is engaging tokenisation experts and financial practitioners to explore tokenisation applications through a collaborative industry working group. The Finance Ministry confirmed this co-creation approach occurs within the Asset Tokenisation Industry Working Group forum. Support extends through the newly launched Digital Asset Innovation Hub to strengthen industry collaboration with the central… Continue reading BNM explores tokenisation with experts via industry working group forum