August 2025 – Page 125 – Thesundailymys

Lang International Corporate Titan Awards (LICTA) : A Strategic Platform Quietly Transforming the Future of Malaysian SMEs

WHILE many perceive business awards as mere ceremonies of recognition, the Lang International Corporate Titan Awards (LICTA) is reshaping that narrative by positioning itself as a powerful business platform connecting Malaysian entrepreneurs to policy-makers, government resources, and elite influence circles. For many small and medium enterprises (SMEs), LICTA has become more than a trophy —… Continue reading

Solo, silent crusade to save turtles

TIOMAN: On a quiet stretch of Bunot Beach here, one man is executing quiet but determined efforts to protect endangered sea turtles, armed with nothing more than a deep conviction and a handful of makeshift tools. Mohd Don Mustapa, 54, runs Sekochi Campsite, a humble beachfront retreat that doubles as an improvised nursery for turtle… Continue reading

Toyota to start assembling its bZ4X All-Electric SUV in Indonesia

TOYOTA MOTOR has officially announced its plans to begin electric vehicle (EV) production in Indonesia within 2025, marking a major strategic shift in the company’s regional manufacturing operations. This move aligns with Indonesia’s government-led push to accelerate EV adoption through generous tax incentives for locally assembled electric cars. As part of this expansion, Toyota will… Continue reading

New water tariff rates in Melaka effective Aug 1 for sustainable supply

MELAKA: Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad (SAMB) has implemented new water tariff rates effective August 1 to ensure the sustainability and stability of the state’s water supply system. The adjustment aims to prepare for future challenges while minimising the impact on domestic users. In a statement, SAMB clarified that the revised rates would not burden the… Continue reading

‘Introduce diversion policy for children with minor violations’

PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has urged the government to swiftly introduce a formal diversion policy for children in conflict with the law, following the high-profile case of a 14-year-old student remanded for assaulting a teacher. The student, who was reprimanded for skipping a physical education class, allegedly punched and threatened… Continue reading

MOH inspects 281,000 premises under Op Selamat Papa to curb smoking

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) has inspected 281,381 premises nationwide under Op Selamat Paru-Paru (Op Selamat PaPa) since its launch on October 1, 2024. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed that 459 investigation papers were opened under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). Of these cases, 340… Continue reading

MACC boosts forensic probes, asset recovery in 13MP anti-corruption push

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will intensify its crackdown on corruption, financial leakages, and power abuse by upgrading operational tools, deepening forensic capabilities, and accelerating asset recovery. Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the move aligns with the governance reforms highlighted in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).… Continue reading

“No RM10k in savings by 30? Something’s wrong” — Viral post ignites backlash

A bold social media post has gone viral, stirring intense debate over financial expectations among Malaysians in their 30s. The post bluntly called out working adults who have yet to save RM10,000, saying it’s a sign that “something is wrong.” ALSO READ: Wife recovers over RM10,000 in coins from bathroom door thanks to husband’s habit… Continue reading

Plan to uplift Orang Asli raises broader concerns

PETALING JAYA: As the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) offers fresh pledges to uplift the Orang Asli, long-time advocate for the community Dr Colin Nicholas is urging the government to move beyond familiar rhetoric and deliver concrete reforms, especially on land rights. The Centre for Orang Asli Concerns coordinator welcomed the inclusion of Orang Asli issues… Continue reading

EAIC backs 13MP focus on integrity and governance reforms

PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has welcomed the government’s strong focus on integrity, abuse of power, and financial leakage in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). The commission highlighted its alignment with these goals as a key oversight body for enforcement agencies. EAIC chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar praised the government’s commitment to… Continue reading

Musk’s X accuses Britain of online safety ‘overreach’

PARIS: Elon Musk-owned social network X on Friday accused Britain’s government of “overreach” with a new law designed to protect children from harmful online content such as pornography. The Online Safety Act’s “laudable intentions are at risk of being overshadowed by the breadth of its regulatory reach,“ X said in a post to its Global… Continue reading

Supply chain bane for vegetable farmers

PETALING JAYA: Inflation may have eased to 1.1% in June 2025 but vegetable prices are still rising, highlighting persistent bottlenecks in the supply chain and the complex role of intermediaries in shaping food costs. Key produce such as red chillies, cucumbers and French beans recorded steady month-on-month price increases despite overall deflation in the vegetable… Continue reading

Musk’s X accuses Britain of online safety ‘overreach’

Selangor keeps water tariff at RM6.50 for domestic users

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has confirmed that domestic water tariffs for households consuming up to 20 cubic metres per month will remain unchanged at 65 sen per cubic metre, with the minimum charge staying at RM6.50. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari stated that this decision follows the February 2024 adjustment and aligns with… Continue reading

Raja Muda of Selangor honours entrepreneurs at PLATS Awards Night

KLANG: Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, graced the Platform Selangor (PLATS) Awards Night (MAPS) to recognise the achievements of local entrepreneurs. The event highlighted the success of participants in the U-PLATS Digital and U-PLATS Halal programmes. Accompanied by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and other dignitaries, Tengku… Continue reading

France says it cannot save contraceptives US plans to destroy

PARIS: France said Friday it could not seize $9.7 million worth of women’s contraception products that the United States plans to destroy, after media reports suggested the stockpile would be incinerated in the country. The contraceptives were purchased by the US foreign aid agency USAID under former president Joe Biden to be provided to women… Continue reading

France says it cannot save contraceptives US plans to destroy

Gunung Semanggol bush fires extinguished after 23 hectares razed

GUNUNG SEMANGGOL: Firefighters successfully brought under control a bush fire that destroyed 23.47 hectares in Kg Tersusun Tebuk Panchor, Gunung Semanggol, Bagan Serai. The blaze, which started on Thursday, was contained after a two-day operation involving ground and aerial firefighting efforts. Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad confirmed… Continue reading

US promises Gaza food plan after envoy visit

GAZA CITY, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: President Donald Trump’s special envoy promised a plan to deliver more food to Gaza after inspecting a US-backed distribution centre on Friday, as the United Nations said Israeli forces had killed hundreds of hungry Palestinians waiting for aid over the past two months. The visit by US envoy Steve Witkoff came… Continue reading

US promises Gaza food plan after envoy visit

KL Scouts key to strengthening social ecosystem says Dr Zaliha

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Scouts Movement (KLScouts) has significant potential as a strategic partner in reinforcing the city’s social ecosystem, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She emphasised that the extensive network and experience of the Scouts Association of Malaysia (PPM) can… Continue reading

Man rescues kitten from under car during highway traffic jam

BEING stuck in a traffic jam is often frustrating—but sometimes, even in the chaos, a beautiful moment can unfold. A video shared on Threads captured one such moment on a congested highway, where a man was seen crouching down and searching for something beneath the car in front of him. Curious, a passenger of the… Continue reading

‘Trade deal unlikely to ease cost of living’

PETALING JAYA: The reduction in US tariffs on Malaysian exports is a win for trade, but it would not ease the cost of living for consumers anytime soon, said the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca). Its president Dr Saravanan Thambirajah pointed out that domestic policies, not foreign tariffs, are what shape household expenses. He… Continue reading

Bog Apple: NYC discovers stand-alone toilet pods

NEW YORK: Faced with closed restrooms, vandalized facilities and lavatory deserts, New Yorkers and visitors to the city alike confront a host of hurdles to relieve themselves when out and about. In its latest efforts to combat this problem, the Big Apple has turned to a Portland-based company that designs modular public conveniences it claims… Continue reading

Olympic legends Phelps, Lochte critique US swimming team’s world championship showing

OLYMPIC swimming champions Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte have publicly criticised the US team’s performance at the World Championships in Singapore through provocative social media posts. The decorated athletes shared imagery depicting a funeral for American swimming dominance, sparking debate about the team’s current standards. Lochte, a 12-time Olympic medallist, posted an Instagram image showing… Continue reading

Trump administration blocks CDC health program funding, WSJ reports

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is blocking funding for multiple public-health programs managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to a Wall Street Journal report citing unnamed sources. The affected initiatives include youth violence prevention, research on reducing gun-related injuries and deaths, and programs addressing diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and tobacco use.… Continue reading

Prosecutors seek trial for PSG’s Achraf Hakimi over rape allegations

FRENCH prosecutors have requested that Paris Saint-Germain footballer Achraf Hakimi stand trial over allegations of rape dating back to 2023. The Moroccan international denies the charges. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed to AFP that they had formally asked the investigating judge to refer the case to a criminal court. “It is now up to the… Continue reading

Moldovan magnate Plahotniuc seeks return to clear fraud allegations

CHISINAU: Moldovan business magnate Vladimir Plahotniuc has declared his intention to return to Moldova to clear his name in a high-profile fraud case. In his first major statement since being detained in Greece, Plahotniuc dismissed the allegations against him as politically motivated. Plahotniuc, a former lawmaker and one of Moldova’s wealthiest individuals, is a key… Continue reading

Feyenoord’s Paixao joins Marseille in record €35m deal

FEYENOORD’S Brazilian forward Igor Paixao has completed a transfer to French Ligue 1 side Marseille, the club confirmed on Friday. Reports indicate the 25-year-old signed a five-year deal worth €35 million ($40 million), potentially making him Marseille’s most expensive signing. Paixao joined Feyenoord in 2022 and played a key role in their Eredivisie title triumph… Continue reading

Emphasis on TVET in 13MP a game-changer

PETALING JAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) underscores the government’s renewed push to elevate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a national game-changer, but while policy ambitions run high, fresh graduates are watching with cautious optimism. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin said the TVET focus reflects a serious… Continue reading

Fed Governor Kugler resigns early, Trump gains appointment power

WASHINGTON: Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler announced her resignation, effective August 8, cutting short her term originally set to end in January 2026. The move could reshape the Fed’s leadership succession as tensions between the central bank and President Donald Trump escalate. Kugler, who joined the Fed in September 2023, will return to Georgetown University… Continue reading

Kenya football ticket shortage sparks government protest fears

AS Kenya gears up to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) this weekend, football fans are struggling to secure tickets for the opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many suspect the government is deliberately filling the stadium with supporters to prevent anti-government chants. Kenya has faced months of deadly protests over economic hardship… Continue reading

Colombia ex-president Uribe gets 12-year house arrest, plans appeal

BOGOTA: Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe was sentenced to 12 years of house arrest on Friday for abuse of process and bribing a public official. The ruling stems from a long-running case involving alleged ties to right-wing paramilitary groups. Judge Sandra Liliana Heredia delivered the verdict, which also includes a $578,000 fine and an eight-year… Continue reading

Norris dominates Hungary GP practice with double fastest laps

LANDO NORRIS delivered a commanding performance during Friday’s practice sessions for the Hungarian Grand Prix, securing the fastest lap times ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. The Briton clocked 1:15.624 in the second session, finishing 0.291 seconds clear of Piastri in a tense intra-team battle. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc settled for third, nearly four-tenths adrift, followed… Continue reading

James Milner honours Diogo Jota with Brighton jersey number switch

JAMES MILNER will switch to the number 20 shirt at Brighton & Hove Albion this season in honour of his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car accident in Spain last month. Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in early July when their Lamborghini left the road and… Continue reading

Tesla ordered to pay $243m in fatal Autopilot crash case

MIAMI: A Florida jury has ordered Tesla to pay $243 million in damages over a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot system. The verdict marks a rare legal setback for the electric vehicle maker, which faces growing scrutiny over its self-driving technology. Jurors awarded $129 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages… Continue reading

‘Reform needed to support education facilities for autistic children’

PETALING JAYA: Building dedicated schools for autistic children is a positive step but real inclusion requires transforming the education system as a whole, not just adding new infrastructure, said child rights advocate Srividhya Ganapathy. She said the government plan to establish autism-specific education facilities in every state marks growing recognition of diverse learning needs. She… Continue reading

Red Bull reprimanded after Verstappen throws towel on track

FORMULA ONE stewards issued a reprimand to Red Bull on Friday following an unusual incident involving Max Verstappen discarding a face towel from his car during practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The four-time world champion was called to explain the incident after the second session at the Hungaroring, with stewards reviewing video evidence. “Shortly… Continue reading

Trump orders nuclear submarines moved after Russian ‘provocative statements’

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced the repositioning of two nuclear submarines in response to remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, heightening tensions between the nuclear-armed nations. Trump described Medvedev’s statements as “foolish and inflammatory,“ prompting the strategic military move. “Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev… Continue reading

Trump fires US labor official over data

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK: President Donald Trump dismissed a senior Labor Department official on Friday, accusing her of manipulating jobs data without evidence. The move intensified worries about the reliability of federal economic reports. In a separate development, Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler unexpectedly announced her resignation, offering Trump an earlier-than-expected opportunity to reshape the central bank’s… Continue reading

Reduced levy to take effect on Aug 8: Minister

PETALING JAYA: The reduced tariffs on Malaysian exports will take effect on Aug 8 following the conclusion of negotiations between both countries, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. He said both governments are expected to issue a joint statement this weekend to formalise the agreement, which he described… Continue reading

Defining moment for Malaysia’s AI, data centre ambitions

PETALING JAYA: As US-led semiconductor chip restrictions tighten and regional energy costs rise, Malaysia faces a defining moment in its artificial intelligence (AI) and data centre ambitions. Industry leaders say these global disruptions could either stall the nation’s progress or become the very trigger that accelerates its push for AI self-reliance and digital sovereignty. National… Continue reading

Zelenskyy cadang rundingan tertinggi dengan Rusia

MOSCOW: Presiden Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy menggesa agar diadakan pertemuan peringkat tertinggi dengan kepimpinan Rusia bagi menyelesaikan konflik yang berlarutan, lapor Anadolu Ajansi (AA). Menerusi kenyataan di Telegram, Zelenskyy menegaskan: “Kami faham siapa yang membuat keputusan di Rusia dan siapa yang mesti menamatkan perang ini. Seluruh dunia juga memahaminya.” “Ukraine mencadangkan agar perbincangan bergerak daripada kenyataan… Continue reading

Caj minimum air domestik Selangor kekal RM6.50

SHAH ALAM: Kerajaan Selangor memutuskan bahawa caj air bagi pengguna domestik yang menggunakan sehingga 20 meter padu sebulan kekal pada kadar sedia ada, iaitu 65 sen bagi setiap meter padu. Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari berkata, ini bermaksud tiada peningkatan kerana kadar itu telah diselaraskan pada Februari 2024, sekali gus caj minimum RM6.50 turut… Continue reading

EAIC sokong fokus RMK13 tangani integriti dan ketirisan

PUTRAJAYA: Suruhanjaya Integriti Agensi Penguatkuasaan (EAIC) menyambut baik penekanan serius kerajaan terhadap isu integriti, salah guna kuasa dan ketirisan dalam pembentangan Rancangan Malaysia Ke-13 (RMK13), selaras dengan peranan EAIC sebagai badan pemantau agensi penguatkuasaan. Pengerusinya Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar berkata komitmen kerajaan untuk memperkukuh tatakelola dan memastikan tindakan yang diambil bersifat telus serta berteraskan… Continue reading

KKM periksa 281,000 premis dalam Ops Selamat Papa

KUALA LUMPUR: Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) telah menjalankan pemeriksaan ke atas 281,381 premis di seluruh negara dalam Operasi Selamat Paru-Paru (Ops Selamat PaPa) sejak 1 Oktober 2024. Operasi ini bertujuan mengawal penjualan dan penggunaan produk merokok, termasuk rokok elektronik dan vape. Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad, berkata sebanyak 459 kertas siasatan telah dibuka melibatkan… Continue reading

SPRM perkukuh siasatan forensik, fokus pemulihan aset selaras RMK13

KUALA LUMPUR: Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) akan terus memperhebat usaha memerangi rasuah, ketirisan, dan salah guna kuasa. Ini dilakukan melalui peningkatan kapasiti operasi, siasatan forensik, pemulihan aset, serta langkah pencegahan. Ketua Pesuruhjaya SPRM Tan Sri Azam Baki menyatakan bahawa langkah ini selaras dengan Rancangan Malaysia Ke-13 (RMK13) yang dibentangkan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar… Continue reading

KWSP sedia sokong kajian lanjut perkukuh pilihan pendapatan persaraan

KUALA LUMPUR: Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) menyatakan kesediaannya untuk menyokong kajian lanjut bagi memperkukuh pilihan pendapatan persaraan. Ini berikutan pertimbangan kerajaan di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Ke-13 (RMK13) untuk memperkenalkan skim bayaran pencen secara bulanan kepada ahli KWSP. KWSP dalam kenyataan rasmi memaklumkan bahawa cadangan tersebut sedang diteliti dengan teliti. “Sebarang keputusan hanya akan dibuat… Continue reading

Kelantan TRW to resolve Ghaddar issue professionally

KELANTAN The Real Warriors Football Club (Kelantan TRW) will handle the issues raised by former import player Mohamad Ghaddar in accordance with existing regulations. Club president Tan Sri Annuar Musa stated that the management has been advised against responding to the matter on social media to prevent misunderstandings and reputational damage. “I had advised the… Continue reading

Firefighters save 1,300 homes in Tawau village blaze

TAWAU: A rapid response by firefighters prevented a major disaster in Kampung Kurnia Jaya today, saving 1,300 houses from destruction despite 26 homes being lost in the fire. The blaze broke out in the morning, prompting an immediate emergency deployment. Tawau Fire and Rescue Station operations officer Madzlan Sharman confirmed that the alarm was raised… Continue reading