August 2025 – Page 128 – Thesundailymys

Asia factory activity slump deepens

TOKYO: Asia’s factory activity deteriorated in July as soft global demand and lingering uncertainty over US tariffs weighed on business morale, private sector surveys showed yesterday, clouding the outlook for the region’s fragile recovery. The surveys were taken before Japan and South Korea clinched trade deals with Washington, offering some hope that receding uncertainty could… Continue reading

Viral video of kids abusing dog sparks outrage and calls for action

A video of a group of kids throwing stones at an innocent dog has gone viral sparking calls of animal cruelty and abuse. The video showed group of kids hurdling near a dog while throwing stones at it. An adult man was seen using his phone unbothered about what the kids are doing to the… Continue reading

South Korean shares plunge 4% on US tariffs, tax hike fears

SEOUL: Round-up of South Korean financial markets: ** South Korean shares fell nearly 4% on Friday to post their biggest daily decline since early April, as U.S. tariffs and domestic tax hikes dented investor sentiment. ** The benchmark KOSPI closed down 126.03 points, or 3.88%, at 3,119.41, marking its biggest daily percentage fall since April… Continue reading

Oil steady as tariff worries offset Russian supply fears

OIL prices were little changed on Friday after falling more than 1% in the previous session as traders digested the impact of higher U.S. tariffs that may curtail economic activity and lower global fuel demand growth. Brent crude futures were down 7 cents, or 0.1%, to $71.63 a barrel at 0656 GMT. U.S. West Texas… Continue reading

Thinaah prioritises consistency over world ranking in badminton

NATIONAL women’s doubles shuttler M. Thinaah emphasised that consistency matters more than rankings, even as she and partner Pearly Tan reached a career-high world number two spot. The 27-year-old said their primary goal is to maintain strong performances rather than chasing rankings. “For me, being world number two is just a number. The main thing… Continue reading

Armani fined €3.5m in Italy over misleading ethics claims

ITALY antitrust regulator said on Friday it had imposed a 3.5 million euro ($4 million) fine on fashion group Giorgio Armani and one of its units for alleged unfair commercial practices. The two companies “issued misleading ethical and social responsibility statements in contrast with the actual working conditions found at suppliers and subcontractors”, the regulator… Continue reading

10 police officers detained by MACC face disciplinary action

KUALA LUMPUR: Ten police officers recently arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Pahang and Johor will face disciplinary action, according to Bukit Aman’s Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) Director, Datuk Hamzah Ahmad. An internal investigation has been initiated, including the possibility of suspending the officers involved. “This case involves the arrest of… Continue reading

Malaysia upgrades Borneo-Indonesia border roads under 13MP

KUCHING: The proposed upgrade of road networks along the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan border under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) marks a continuation of efforts to strengthen cross-border infrastructure between Malaysian Borneo and Indonesia. Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stated that the state government had long advocated for this initiative and praised the federal government’s… Continue reading

US tariff cut boosts Malaysia’s trade competitiveness with improved relations

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has welcomed the United States’ decision to lower reciprocal tariffs on Malaysian goods, calling it a strategic boost for trade competitiveness. The tariff reduction from 25% to 19% is expected to benefit key export sectors, including electrical and electronics, machinery, and rubber-based products. FMM president Tan Sri… Continue reading

Hungary plans job protection after US-EU trade deal impacts exports

BUDAPEST: Hungary’s government will draw up plans to protect the country’s jobs and manufacturing after the trade deal between the United States and the European Union, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told public radio on Friday. The U.S. and the EU announced a trade agreement on Sunday setting a 15% tariff on the bloc’s exports to… Continue reading

Nurture interest in STEM, use AI on applied learning to push Malaysia to a high value-added economy – Economists

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s education premised on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and utilising artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on applied learning across sectors are vital components in the quest to create a high value-added economy, economists said today. They said such a strategy focusing on these two areas was critical bearing in mind… Continue reading

Chimp sanctuary shuts to protest Sierra Leone deforestation

FREETOWN: The eco-lodges and tree-covered footpaths of West Africa’s largest chimpanzee refuge have been devoid of tourists for more than two months as its founder stages a protest about rampant deforestation in Sierra Leone. Authorities acknowledge that the country’s rich wildlife is threatened by land seizures and illegal logging, but the founder of the Tacugama… Continue reading

Perak KPDN seizes 432 subsidised LPG cylinders at Manjung farm

PERAK: The Perak Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) seized 432 subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders during a raid at a chicken farm in Segari, Manjung. The operation, conducted yesterday, uncovered unauthorised use of the gas for heating chicken coops. Datuk Kamalludin Ismail, Perak KPDN director, led the raid under Op… Continue reading

Ex-MMM executive loses bid to review insider trading conviction

PUTRAJAYA: Former Malaysian Merchant Marine Bhd (MMM) executive deputy chairman Datuk Ramesh Rajaratnam has failed in his attempt to review a Court of Appeal decision reinstating his insider trading conviction. A three-judge panel dismissed his application, clearing the way for his appeal to proceed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Aug 20. Ramesh, 61,… Continue reading

Correct way to display Jalur Gemilang urged by Negeri Sembilan MB

SEREMBAN: Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has reminded the public to display the Jalur Gemilang correctly as a mark of respect for the nation. Speaking at the state-level Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign launch, he emphasised that flying the flag properly reflects patriotism and unity. “We have been independent for 68 years,… Continue reading

Rising scam cases in Sarawak cause concern, police warn

KUCHING: Fraud cases in Sarawak have surged significantly this year, raising alarm among authorities. Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata revealed that from January 1 to July 30, 2,256 commercial crime investigation papers were opened, marking an 858-case increase compared to the same period in 2024. The spike in scams has also led to higher… Continue reading

Ahmad Zahid praises SMART’s 30 years of disaster rescue excellence

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has lauded the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) for its three decades of exemplary service, highlighting its role in elevating Malaysia’s global humanitarian standing. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, acknowledged SMART’s contributions in domestic and international crises.… Continue reading

France to send 40 tonnes of aid to Gaza amid famine fears

PARIS: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Friday that France is sending four flights carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza from Jordan. “This is emergency aid but still not sufficient” in the face of this “revolting” situation, Barrot told broadcaster franceinfo. A global hunger monitor said on Tuesday that a famine scenario… Continue reading

Euro zone bonds sell off as Trump tariffs impact inflation outlook

LONDON: Thirty-year euro zone government bond yields rose on Friday, swept higher in a sell-off in global longer-dated debt, as investors grow increasingly convinced that interest rates are unlikely to fall much further. U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, while lower than initially threatened for most countries, are widely expected to keep inflation in the euro… Continue reading

Japan plans record 6% minimum wage hike: Kyodo news

TOKYO: A Japanese labour ministry panel plans to recommend an increase of about 6% in the national average minimum wage for this fiscal year, for the biggest such jump since at least 2002, the Kyodo news agency said on Friday. The proposed hike, to about 1,118 yen ($7.43) per hour, would exceed last year’s increase… Continue reading

Markets rattle as tariffs hit tech stocks in Asia

SINGAPORE: U.S. President Donald Trump’s Friday tariff deadline brought little reprieve for markets, with tech stocks in South Korea and Taiwan hit hard as investors fretted over the cost of disrupting global supply chains and the outcome of talks with China. For traders inured to Trump’s repeated threats, his follow-through on blanket tariffs for dozens… Continue reading

South Africa hit with 30% US tariff after failed trade talks

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa faces a 30% tariff on its exports to the United States starting next week, a move expected to cost tens of thousands of jobs after the country failed to secure a trade deal before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump. In an executive order on Thursday, Trump slapped new tariff… Continue reading

Couple faces drug trafficking charges in Melaka court

MELAKA: A couple was charged in the Ayer Keroh Magistrate’s Court today for allegedly trafficking 15.06 grammes of heroin last month. Ahmad Ramdzan Mohamed, 26, and Farah Amira Mohamad Ali, 28, acknowledged the charge but did not enter a plea as drug trafficking cases are under High Court jurisdiction. The charge states they were found… Continue reading

Gold edges up but heads for weekly loss on strong dollar

GOLD prices ticked higher on Friday, supported by uncertainty stemming from a slew of U.S. tariffs slapped on trading partners, although a stronger dollar kept bullion on track for a weekly loss. Spot gold was up 0.2% at $3,299.08 per ounce, as of 0553 GMT. Bullion is down 1.2% so far this week. U.S. gold… Continue reading

Dewan Rakyat passes eight bills amid 13MP tabling for 2026-2030

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat concluded its second week with the tabling of the 13th Malaysian Plan (13MP) and the passage of eight critical bills. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the 2026-2030 roadmap, themed “Redesigning Development,“ emphasizing RM611 billion in investments to bolster national progress. Anwar outlined the plan’s three core principles: sovereign… Continue reading

Switzerland seeks negotiated solution as US hikes tariffs to 39%

BERLIN/GENEVA: Switzerland’s government said on Friday it was assessing the situation after the White House announced a higher 39% tariff on Swiss imports to the United States in an escalating trade war between the two countries. “Switzerland has been and continues to be in contact with the responsible authorities in the U.S.,“ the Federal Council… Continue reading

Negeri Sembilan water tariff hike to improve services, says MB

SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan water tariff increase is aimed at improving services and addressing financial challenges, according to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun. He clarified that the adjustment was carefully reviewed with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and aligns with similar moves in other states. Aminuddin explained that the revised… Continue reading

CAAM-MAVCOM merger takes effect, Sharil Tarmizi named new chairman

PUTRAJAYA: The merger between the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) is now in full effect, consolidating all regulatory functions under CAAM. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) confirmed the move today, marking a shift towards a more streamlined aviation oversight system aligned with global standards. Datuk Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi… Continue reading

New strategies to ease Bangsar traffic congestion announced

KUALA LUMPUR: Short- and long-term strategies to alleviate chronic traffic congestion along Jalan Bangsar are now in the works following discussions between Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and property developers. The meeting took place at the Parliament building yesterday. Fahmi, who is also the Lembah Pantai MP, shared updates on Facebook… Continue reading

Malaysia’s neutral diplomacy praised as Trump confirms ASEAN summit visit

KUALA LUMPUR: United States President Donald Trump’s confirmation to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October has been hailed as a diplomatic milestone for Malaysia. The move reinforces the country’s role as a neutral mediator amid rising US-China strategic competition. Analysts view Trump’s participation as a significant endorsement of Malaysia’s diplomatic credibility,… Continue reading

Malaysia healthcare workers praise 13MP reforms for AI and cost efficiency

JOHOR BAHRU: Healthcare workers have expressed strong support for reforms under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), particularly the expanded use of generic medicines and AI-driven health record management. These measures aim to enhance affordability, accessibility, and efficiency in the healthcare sector. Aziahtun Akma Mohd Sarkawi, a veteran nurse with 27 years of experience, highlighted the… Continue reading

Unemployed man pleads not guilty to raping former sister-in-law

KUALA LUMPUR: An unemployed man pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to a charge of raping his former sister-in-law two years ago. The 31-year-old accused allegedly committed the offence at an apartment in Bandar Bukit Jalil, Cheras, at 3.30 am on Jan 22, 2023. The charge falls under Section 376 of the Penal… Continue reading

Penang appoints 19 new Hindu Endowment Board commissioners

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has appointed 19 new commissioners to the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) for the 2025–2026 term, following the expiry of the previous term. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said in a statement today that the appointments are effective from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. He also announced… Continue reading

Food delivery rider saves cat with CPR after accident

IF you’re a cat lover, prepare to be moved as this heartwarming story from Thailand is sure to melt your heart. In a viral TikTok video posted by @pluem_sora, a food delivery rider is seen on the ground with teary eyes and shaky hands, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a fluffy grey cat that appeared… Continue reading

Texas mayor calls for flash flood warning system to lessen future fatal disasters

THE mayor of a Texas city at the center of flash flooding that killed over 130 people earlier this month asked state lawmakers on Thursday to help get a warning system in place within a year. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring told a joint Senate-House committee that met in his town northwest of San Antonio that… Continue reading

DagangHalal welcomes Malaysia’s halal initiative under the 13th Malaysia plan

KUALA LUMPUR: DagangHalal.com, the world’s largest halal-verified B2B e-marketplace, warmly welcomes the announcement under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which outlines national targets to increase Malaysia’s halal exports to RM80 billion and increase the sector’s GDP contribution to 11% by 2030. The establishment of a dedicated Halal Commission and the development of Halal Industrial Parks in… Continue reading

Sarawak faces over 220 fire hotspots, senator urges burning ban

KUCHING: With over 220 fire hotspots detected across Sarawak, fresh calls have been made for a total ban on open burning of agricultural waste to curb worsening wildfires and environmental damage. Senator Abun Sui Anyit, who is also Sarawak Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) information chief, said the deliberate use of fire especially on plantations clearing… Continue reading

MASA unveils third policy development cohort to boost Bumiputera empowerment

PETALING JAYA: Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (MASA) is ensuring that research findings are turned into practical solutions to address the country’s strategic challenges through its MASA Policy Development Programme Cohort-3 (MPDP 3.0). In a statement today, its CEO Azril Mohd Amin said MASA is continuing its efforts as a leading policy research institute by driving… Continue reading

PLUS aktifkan lencongan antara persimpangan bertingkat Bukit Gambir-Tangkak mulai 5 Ogos-30 Disember

KUALA LUMPUR: PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) mengaktifkan lencongan di laluan antara Persimpangan Bertingkat Bukit Gambir-Tangkak di KM166.79 hingga KM168.26 kedua-dua arah di Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan mulai 5 Ogos hingga 30 Disember ini. Menurut kenyataan PLUS, lencongan berkenaan diaktifkan secara berperingkat bagi membolehkan kerja-kerja pembinaan jambatan oleh kontraktor Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) melintasi lebuh raya itu. “Pengguna… Continue reading

Pulau Pinang laksana pelarasan air bermula Julai 2026

GEORGE TOWN: Pelaksanaan pelarasan tarif air di bawah Mekanisme Penetapan Tarif (TSM) bagi Tempoh Pelaksanaan Kedua (TP2) yang dijadual berkuat kuasa pada hari ini, hanya akan mula dilaksanakan di Pulau Pinang pada 1 Julai 2026. Ketua Menteri Chow Kon Yeow berkata penangguhan tarif air selama setahun itu bakal memberikan manfaat kepada 715,957 pengguna di Pulau… Continue reading

Media’s role in unity and sovereignty highlighted by IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail emphasised the media’s crucial role in fostering national unity and raising awareness on sovereignty. Speaking at the IGP Media Appreciation Gathering 2025, he highlighted the need for responsible reporting to maintain peace and stability. Mohd Khalid stated, “The media’s responsibility is not just to… Continue reading

Popiah labelled with marker pen sparks food safety concerns

A popiah lover’s craving took an unexpected turn when she opened her snack to find the initials “CR” written in a marker pen on them. Ema Hashim took to Threads, seeking advice from netizens after her first experience buying popiah from a local stall. She posted a picture showing the fried “CR” – Crab Rangoon… Continue reading

MFL tambah kuota pemain tempatan untuk Liga Malaysia 2025-2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Liga Bolasepak Malaysia (MFL) hari ini mengumumkan tambahan kuota tiga pemain tempatan, menjadikan keseluruhan 33 pemain boleh didaftarkan oleh semua kelab bertanding dalam Liga Malaysia 2025-2026. MFL dalam kenyataan memaklumkan keputusan itu dibuat oleh Ahli Lembaga Pengarah MFL dalam satu mesyuarat khas baru-baru ini, selepas mempertimbangkan permohonan tambahan kuota pemain tempatan daripada beberapa… Continue reading

Police seize 61 bitcoin machines in Manjung electricity theft crackdown

IPOH: Police confiscated 61 bitcoin mining machines in a joint operation with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) across nine locations in Manjung, uncovering illegal electricity connections. Manjung police chief ACP Hasbullah Abdul Rahman said the raids followed intelligence gathered by the Criminal Investigation Division and TNB’s technical team after reports of electricity theft. “The raids, carried… Continue reading

RM2 million drug haul: Syndicate smuggling to Indonesia busted

MUAR: Police have dismantled an international drug trafficking syndicate after conducting four simultaneous raids in Johor and the Klang Valley, seizing drugs worth over RM2 million. The operation, carried out on July 21, led to the arrest of 10 suspects, including eight local men, one local woman, and a foreign national aged between 29 and… Continue reading

Penang defers water tariff adjustment to July 2026

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has deferred the implementation of the water tariff adjustment under the Tariff Setting Mechanism for the Second Implementation Period by one year to July 1, 2026, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Chow said the deferment will benefit 715,957 water consumers in Penang. He said the new tariff, which was supposed to… Continue reading

Boeing sued by flight attendants over MAX 9 mid-air panel blowout

FOUR flight attendants on the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 plane that experienced a mid-air cabin panel blowout in January last year are suing Boeing for physical and emotional injuries. In separate lawsuits, they are seeking compensation for past and future economic damages, citing physical and mental injuries, emotional distress and other financial costs. “Each… Continue reading

Doctor pleads not guilty to cheating Socso in Bukit Mertajam court

BUKIT MERTAJAM: A doctor pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court here today to cheating the Social Security Organisation (Socso) by allegedly forging a domestic worker registration form three years ago. Dr Winnie Ong Beng Cheen, 44, entered her plea after the charge under Section 417 of the Penal Code was read before Magistrate Nurul… Continue reading

Police probe viral video allegedly defaming Raja Di-Hilir of Perak

IPOH: Police have launched an investigation into a viral video allegedly containing defamatory and false claims involving Raja Di-Hilir of Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah. Ipoh police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the video was uploaded by the TikTok account holder ‘The King Xtra The Star’ and was found to… Continue reading

Trump increases tariff on Canada to 35% from 25%, cites fentanyl

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order increasing tariffs on Canadian goods to 35% from 25% on all products not covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, the White House said. Goods transshipped to another country to evade the new tariffs would be subject to a transshipment levy of 40%, according to… Continue reading