TAIPEI: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Friday that the new 20% tariff rate set by the Trump administration on goods imported from the island is “temporary”, and the government expects to negotiate a lower figure. Lai also noted that rates for semiconductors, electronics as well as information and communication technology will be subject to…
Continue reading Taiwan: 20% US tariff is temporary, chip rates under review
SINGAPORE: Shares of European drugmakers slipped on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump sent letters to major pharmaceutical firms to cut drug prices in the United States, months after signing a sweeping executive order aimed at lowering prices. The letters were the latest setback for a sector still grappling with the prospect of tariffs outlined…
Continue reading European drugmakers drop as Trump pushes for US price cuts
KUALA LUMPUR: The lowering of US import tariffs on Malaysian goods from 25 per cent to 19 per cent is set to revitalise Malaysia’s export-driven manufacturers, according to Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB). The bank highlighted that the tariff reduction will strengthen business confidence and improve global competitiveness. Kenanga IB stated, “As external conditions…
Continue reading Malaysia exporters rebound as US cuts tariffs to 19%
KUALA LUMPUR: Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has dismissed rumours that the United States sought exclusive rights to Malaysia’s rare earth products. He clarified that no such request was made during recent tariff negotiations. “I don’t know where it is coming from, because there are many speculations. But I…
Continue reading Malaysia denies US exclusive rare earth deal claims, says Tengku Zafrul
KUALA TERENGGANU: The captain of the yacht Daisy will never forget his harrowing experience of swimming in the open ocean for nearly 48 hours to survive after his vessel sank near Pulau Yu last Tuesday. Ahmet Volkan Ata, 52, from Turkiye, said he could only swim and float when exhausted, praying to be spotted by…
Continue reading Turkish yacht captain survives 48-hour swim after sinking near Pulau Yu
KUALA LUMPUR: The Felda Settlers Development Programme (PPP) for MD2 pineapple cultivation has marked a significant achievement by entering international markets, directly benefiting 3,730 settlers across nine Felda schemes. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican highlighted Felda’s expanding role beyond oil palm, stating, “Felda has demonstrated a strong…
Continue reading Felda MD2 pineapples reach global markets, boosting settler incomes
PUTRAJAYA: NanoMalaysia Bhd (NMB), an agency under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three companies to explore the use of agricultural waste in producing cellulose nanofibers for industrial applications. The agreement involves SEED Tech Sdn Bhd (STSB), XMU Jiageng Education Development Sdn Bhd (XMU), and Henan…
Continue reading NanoMalaysia partners with firms to turn agricultural waste into nanofibers
KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has acknowledged the government’s proposal under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to introduce a monthly pension payout scheme for its members. The agency confirmed the plan is under review, with decisions pending thorough consultations and alignment with members’ long-term financial security. “Existing withdrawal mechanisms remain unchanged,“ EPF clarified…
Continue reading EPF studies monthly pension scheme under Malaysia’s 13MP plan
KUALA LUMPUR: Sapura Energy Bhd has officially rebranded as Vantris Energy Bhd, effective August 1, 2025. The change follows regulatory approval from the Companies Commission of Malaysia under Section 28 of the Companies Act 2016. The company stated in a Bursa Malaysia filing that the rebranding aligns with its proposed regularisation plan (PRP), which received…
Continue reading Sapura Energy rebrands as Vantris Energy effective Aug 1
KUALA LUMPUR: Halal products imported from the US must adhere to Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) standards, affirmed Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. He clarified that while trade facilitation agreements were reached, halal certification integrity remains non-negotiable. “What we have agreed with the US is to facilitate the…
Continue reading Malaysia insists on JAKIM halal standards for US imports
MALAYSIA is guaranteed a place in the men’s doubles final at the Macau Open Badminton Championships after Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King and Choong Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal Nazri secured semi-final victories. In today’s quarter-finals at the Macau East Asian Games Dome, Wan Arif-Roy King delivered a strong performance, defeating fellow Malaysians Nur Mohd Azriyn…
Continue reading Malaysia secures men’s doubles final spot at Macau Open
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has declined requests from the United States to eliminate excise duties on automobiles, tobacco and alcohol, as well as to waive import licensing requirements and fully liberalise equity ownership in strategic sectors during recent tariff negotiations. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the outcome of the…
Continue reading Malaysia holds firm in tariff talks with US, no red lines crossed
BEFORE venturing into music full-time, Addison Rae was a popular content creator on TikTok. Like most Gen Zs, Rae’s feed mainly consisted of dance videos, lip-syncs and comedic skits with other creators on the app. But in 2021, the 24-year-old dipped her toes into music with the release of her debut single Obsessed. The venture…
Continue reading Addison Rae churns out serviceable beats in debut album
SEOUL: There is no written agreement yet on a trade deal between South Korea and the United States announced by President Donald Trump this week, the Asian nation’s trade minister said on Friday. The U.S. tariff on South Korean imports will be 15%, Trump said after meeting its ministers on Wednesday, down from a threatened…
Continue reading South Korea denies written US trade deal amid Trump announcement
KUALA LUMPUR: UMS Integration Ltd is ramping up its push into the artificial intelligence (AI) and high‑performance computing supply chain, eyeing higher‑value precision components and expanding its Penang facilities as part of a five‑year growth roadmap following its landmark secondary listing on Bursa Malaysia today. CEO Luong Andy said the Singapore‑headquartered precision engineering specialist, which…
Continue reading UMS Integration moving up supply chain, expanding Penang operations
KUALA LUMPUR: The Alor Setar High Court has sentenced a 44-year-old unemployed man to death for the murder of a three-year-old girl in Langkawi six years ago. Ramlan Abdul Rashid was found guilty of killing Nur Aisyah Aleya Abdullah at a hospital staff quarters between 9 am and 10 am on Feb 23, 2019, under…
Continue reading Unemployed man gets death penalty for murder of 3-year-old in Langkawi
SEOUL: South Korea’s ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is in detention while on trial and facing various criminal probes, lay on the floor of his cell on Friday and refused to leave it for questioning, a spokesperson for a special prosecutor said. Yoon was removed from office in April by the Constitutional Court over…
Continue reading South Korea’s ex-leader Yoon refuses questioning, lies on cell floor
PETALING JAYA: Renewable energy players Kinergy Advancement Bhd (KAB) and Northern Solar Holdings Bhd have expressed strong support for the government’s commitment to enhance the renewable energy landscape under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Northern Solar managing director SK Lew welcomed the government’s efforts to create a more transparent and competitive electricity market in Malaysia.…
Continue reading KAB, Northern Solar eye opportunities in renewable energy reforms under 13MP
HULU SELANGOR: A post-mortem has confirmed that a man whose body was discovered near railway tracks in Sungai Serian, Kalumpang, died from strangulation. Hulu Selangor district police chief Supt Ibrahim Husin stated that the victim’s identity remains unknown, and the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. “There were…
Continue reading Man found dead near railway tracks was strangled, say Hulu Selangor police
GENEVA: The Swiss government on Friday said the U.S. tariff of 39% on imports from the country will not apply to its pharmaceuticals sector. Swiss authorities understand that the tariffs should not include the pharmaceuticals sector, a spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs told Reuters. – Reuters
PUTRAJAYA: Progressive trade outcomes such as the United States’ decision to reduce tariffs on Malaysian exports will have positive ripple effects across multiple sectors, including construction and manufacturing, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. He said the move to lower tariffs from 25 per cent to 19 per cent, effective today, reflects…
Continue reading US tariff cut boosts Malaysia’s construction and manufacturing sectors
JOHOR BAHRU: Police have confirmed no criminal involvement in the death of a Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES) cadet at the Malaysian Army Combat Training Centre (PULADA) in Ulu Tiram. Kota Tinggi district police chief Supt Yusof Othman stated that autopsy results showed no signs of criminal injuries on the 22-year-old…
Continue reading Police confirm no foul play in UTM cadet’s death at PULADA
KUALA LUMPUR: Semiconductor and pharmaceutical exports to the United States will remain exempt from the 19 per cent tariff for now, according to Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. Describing the decision as a win-win outcome, Tengku Zafrul noted that the US is still reviewing its trade laws…
Continue reading Malaysia’s semiconductor and pharma sectors exempt from US tariff
PUTRAJAYA: Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz will provide details in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday regarding the United States’ decision to lower tariffs on Malaysian goods from 25% to 19%. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the update during a post-Cabinet press conference. “Tengku Zafrul will inform Parliament on…
Continue reading US tariff cut to 19%: Tengku Zafrul to explain in Dewan Rakyat
PUTRAJAYA: The General Border Committee (GBC) meeting aimed at resolving border conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand has been relocated to Kuala Lumpur and will take place next Tuesday (Aug 5). Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the change, stating that Thailand requested the shift from Phnom Penh to Malaysia’s capital. The decision was discussed during…
Continue reading Cambodia-Thailand border talks move to Kuala Lumpur next week
KUALA LUMPUR: Timbalan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi mengucapkan tahniah dan penghargaan kepada Pasukan Mencari dan Menyelamat Khas Malaysia (SMART) bersempena dengan sambutan ulang tahun ke-30 pasukan itu hari ini. Menerusi hantaran Facebook, Ahmad Zahid yang juga Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Negara berkata SMART telah menabur bakti selama tiga dekad demi memastikan…
Continue reading Ahmad Zahid hargai 30 tahun khidmat cemerlang SMART
KUALA LUMPUR: Timbalan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi mengucapkan tahniah dan penghargaan kepada Pasukan Mencari dan Menyelamat Khas Malaysia (SMART) bersempena dengan sambutan ulang tahun ke-30 pasukan itu hari ini. Menerusi hantaran Facebook, Ahmad Zahid yang juga Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Negara berkata SMART telah menabur bakti selama tiga dekad demi memastikan…
Continue reading MyDigital ID perkasa keselamatan dan akses digital rakyat
PUTRAJAYA: Kementerian Pengangkutan (MOT) hari ini mengumumkan secara rasmi pelaksanaan penuh rasionalisasi antara Pihak Berkuasa Penerbangan Awam Malaysia (CAAM) dan Suruhanjaya Penerbangan Malaysia (MAVCOM), menjadikan CAAM satu-satunya badan kawal selia penerbangan awam negara merangkumi aspek teknikal, keselamatan dan ekonomi. Menterinya, Anthony Loke berkata bermula hari ini, semua fungsi MAVCOM termasuk pengawalseliaan ekonomi kini dilaksanakan oleh…
Continue reading CAAM kini badan kawal selia tunggal, Sharil dilantik pengerusi
MICHAEL Learns To Rock, the award-winning band from Denmark comprising frontman Jascha Richter, guitarist Mikkel Lentz and drummer Kåre Wanscher, will be returning to Malaysia by popular demand to perform a headlining arena show. Organised by MMIC Entertainment Group and with JS Concert Productions as Promoter, Michael Learns To Rock Encore All The Hits in…
Continue reading Michael Learns to Rock to perform in Malaysia on Nov 9
IPOH: Polis merampas 61 unit mesin perlombongan bitcoin dalam operasi bersepadu bersama Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) di sembilan lokasi berasingan di Manjung. Kegiatan haram itu melibatkan kecurian elektrik melalui sambungan tanpa meter. Ketua Polis Daerah Manjung ACP Hasbullah Abdul Rahman berkata operasi itu dilaksanakan selepas pemantauan Bahagian Siasatan Jenayah IPD Manjung dan pasukan TNB. “Kami…
Continue reading Polis rampas 61 mesin bitcoin, bongkar curi elektrik di Manjung
SEREMBAN: Pelarasan tarif air di Negeri Sembilan tidak akan membebankan rakyat sebaliknya memberi manfaat perkhidmatan lebih baik pada masa depan, kata Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun. Beliau menegaskan pelarasan itu tidak dibuat secara sesuka hati tetapi melalui kajian menyeluruh bersama Kementerian Peralihan Tenaga dan Transformasi Air (PETRA). Kebanyakan negeri juga bersetuju dengan kenaikan tersebut.…
Continue reading Pelarasan tarif air Negeri Sembilan tidak bebankan rakyat – Aminuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: Strategi jangka pendek dan panjang bagi mengatasi masalah kesesakan lalu lintas di Jalan Bangsar, di sini dirangka melalui perbincangan Menteri Komunikasi Datuk Fahmi Fadzil bersama Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) serta wakil pemaju di bangunan Parlimen, semalam. Menerusi hantaran di Facebook hari ini, Fahmi berkata Bangsar merupakan kawasan yang sedang membangun dengan begitu…
Continue reading Strategi atasi kesesakan Jalan Bangsar sedang dirangka
LONDON: Perdana Menteri Itali Giorgia Meloni telah menggesa Perdana Menteri Israel Benjamin Netanyahu untuk menghentikan serangan di Gaza dengan segera, sambil menyifatkan keadaan di wilayah itu sebagai “tidak munasabah dan tidak dapat diterima.” Menurut kenyataan kerajaan Itali, Meloni menekankan keperluan untuk menghentikan permusuhan serta-merta memandangkan situasi yang semakin buruk di Gaza. “Perdana Menteri Meloni menegaskan…
Continue reading Meloni desak Netanyahu hentikan serangan di Gaza, keadaan ‘tidak dapat diterima’
KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Investment Bank Bhd has highlighted potential upside risks to Malaysia’s 2025 GDP growth, citing the combined impact of reduced US tariffs and recent fiscal support measures. The bank maintains its baseline GDP forecast at 4.2% but now sees a tilt toward 4.5% growth. In a market strategy note, RHB stated that Malaysia’s…
Continue reading RHB sees upside risks to Malaysia’s 2025 GDP growth amid US tariff cut
KUANTAN: Program Santuni MADANI anjuran Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (APMM) di Kampung Sungai Ular berjaya menjadi platform penting untuk meningkatkan kesedaran keselamatan maritim dalam kalangan nelayan tempatan. Ketua Pengarah APMM, Laksamana Maritim Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, berkata inisiatif ini membolehkan pihaknya berinteraksi secara langsung dengan komuniti nelayan bagi mendidik mereka tentang langkah keselamatan di laut.…
Continue reading Program Santuni MADANI APMM tingkat kesedaran maritim nelayan
KUANTAN: Program Santuni MADANI anjuran Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (APMM) di Kampung Sungai Ular berjaya menjadi platform penting untuk meningkatkan kesedaran keselamatan maritim dalam kalangan nelayan tempatan. Ketua Pengarah APMM, Laksamana Maritim Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, berkata inisiatif ini membolehkan pihaknya berinteraksi secara langsung dengan komuniti nelayan bagi mendidik mereka tentang langkah keselamatan di laut.…
Continue reading Program Santuni MADANI APMM tingkat kesedaran maritim nelayan
KOTA KINABALU: The Agrofood Financing Fund (DPA) 2025, worth RM200 million, was officially launched today with Agrobank as the implementing agency. The initiative aims to bolster Malaysia’s agrofood sector by providing financial support to entrepreneurs across the agricultural value chain. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the fund…
Continue reading RM200 million agrofood financing fund launched to boost Malaysia’s food security
MELAKA: A former director and his company were fined RM15,000 by the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court for failing to pay service tax and penalties amounting to RM139,755.25 between 2021 and 2023. Judge Haderiah Siri imposed the sentence after Ng Wen Hua, 31, and Go Lounge Sdn Bhd pleaded guilty to five charges. She also ordered…
Continue reading Former director, company fined RM15,000 for unpaid service tax in Melaka
KOTA KINABALU: The 2025 National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNK) eSports competition at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) has drawn an overwhelming response, particularly from young participants. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup noted that 43 teams, comprising 258 youths, are competing in the three-day event. “This…
Continue reading HPPNK 2025 eSports competition draws huge youth turnout in Kota Kinabalu
SHAH ALAM: The Rumah Idaman Bukit Jelutong affordable housing project has been fully completed, with 1,260 units scheduled for handover to owners starting next week. The handover ceremony will be officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari on August 8. Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) confirmed the completion in a statement, highlighting that…
Continue reading Rumah Idaman Bukit Jelutong project completed, 1,260 units ready
BUTTERWORTH: A chemical spill involving 500 litres of ammonia at a factory in Taman Pelangi, Perai, was successfully contained by firefighters today, averting further spread within the premises. The Penang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 9.10 am, prompting an immediate response from the Perai Fire and Rescue Station. “Upon arrival, it…
Continue reading 500 litres of ammonia spill contained at Perai factory
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national food security through strategic initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). The ministry stated that Thrust A of the 13MP, which focuses on enhancing economic complexity, will drive comprehensive efforts to reduce import dependency and improve the resilience of…
Continue reading KPKM boosts food security under 13MP with agrofood strategies
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has introduced the Penang Resilience Strategy (PRS), a comprehensive plan designed to enhance the state’s ability to withstand future global disruptions. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the PRS as a collective commitment to safeguarding Penang against uncertainties in an evolving world. Chow highlighted that the PRS, Malaysia’s first…
Continue reading Penang launches first state-level resilience strategy to combat global disruptions
KUALA LUMPUR: The suspect who stabbed a policeman during a crime prevention patrol at Pudu Market, Jalan Yew, has tested positive for heroin. Kuala Lumpur acting police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad confirmed the suspect was under the influence of drugs during the attack. “Checks found that the individual has 14 previous records, including…
Continue reading Suspect in cop stabbing tests positive for heroin in Kuala Lumpur
JOHOR BAHRU: Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail has pledged to address the recent water supply disruptions plaguing Pontian district residents. His commitment follows public outcry over a four-day outage, initially attributed to scheduled pipe closures but later exacerbated by a burst pipeline. In an Instagram story, His Royal Highness responded to a complaint shared…
Continue reading Johor Regent pledges to resolve Pontian water disruptions
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has taken decisive action following an incident where a student assaulted a teacher in Kajang, Selangor. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that the ministry will not tolerate any misconduct involving school staff. Fadhlina addressed the issue in a Facebook post, confirming that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding…
Continue reading MOE takes firm action against student assaulting teacher in Kajang
PUTRAJAYA: Minister of Housing and Local Government YB Nga Kor Ming welcomes the decision by the United States Government to reduce its tariff on Malaysian exports from 25% to 19%, effective 1 August 2025. The outcome, achieved through sustained bilateral negotiations by Ministry of Trade and investment(MITI), reflects the growing strength of Malaysia–U.S. relations under…
Continue reading US tariff reduction on Malaysia, a reflection of MADANI government’s diplomacy prowess – KPKT Minister
HONG KONG: Fintech companies are rushing to raise equity in Hong Kong to fund expansions in cryptocurrencies, capitalising on investor fervour as the city started accepting applications for stablecoin issuer licences yesterday. At least 10 Hong Kong-listed companies raised a total of more than US$1.5 billion (RM6.4 billion) from share placements in July to be…
Continue reading Fintech firms rush to raise equity in HK to tap crypto frenzy
SAN FRANCISCO: Tech giants Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft this week eclipsed earnings expectations, cashing in on artificial intelligence (AI) while navigating economic waters roiled by US tariffs. “Massive results seen by Microsoft and Meta further validate the use cases and unprecedented spending trajectory for the AI Revolution on both the enterprise and consumer fronts,”…
Continue reading US tech giants ride AI wave amid rough economic waters
WASHINGTON: US job growth likely slowed in July, with the unemployment rate forecast rising back to 4.2%, but that probably would be insufficient to spur the Federal Reserve (Fed) to resume cutting interest rates soon as tariffs are starting to fan inflation. The anticipated slowdown in nonfarm payrolls in the Labour Department’s closely watched employment…
Continue reading Slower US job growth in July likely, unemployment seen at 4.2% 
