Month: August 2025

Bursa Malaysia opens lower amid US tariff concerns, weak Wall Street

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia opened slightly lower on Wednesday, tracking Wall Street’s decline as sentiment turned cautious following weak US economic data and tariff announcements by President Donald Trump on the semiconductor and pharmaceutical sectors. At 9.10 am, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 1.16 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 1,537.48 from… Continue reading Bursa Malaysia opens lower amid US tariff concerns, weak Wall Street

Melaka strengthens healthcare with RM150k for health programmes

MELAKA: The Melaka government is committed to maintaining a responsive and comprehensive healthcare ecosystem, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He said the commitment includes safeguarding the welfare of all frontliners who form the backbone of public well-being. “As part of ongoing support for improving healthcare services, the state government has allocated RM150,000… Continue reading Melaka strengthens healthcare with RM150k for health programmes

S Korean ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee faces public questioning in criminal probe

SEOUL: Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee appeared before a special counsel on Wednesday to face questioning over alleged involvement in stock manipulation, election meddling and other charges. Kim, the wife of jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol, arrived late at the office of special counsel Min Joong-ki. She is the first spouse… Continue reading S Korean ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee faces public questioning in criminal probe
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S Korean ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee faces public questioning in criminal probe

SEOUL: Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee appeared before a special counsel on Wednesday to face questioning over alleged involvement in stock manipulation, election meddling and other charges. Kim, the wife of jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol, arrived late at the office of special counsel Min Joong-ki. She is the first spouse… Continue reading S Korean ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee faces public questioning in criminal probe

Satire of China’s TikTok Trojan Horse

THIS apparent conversation was recorded in a Republican leader’s handphone with an erased TikTok account. The phone is alleged to have Chinese component chips and parts, including from Taiwan, capable of being activated by hackers. Both the phone and recording are currently being scrutinised by the FBI. Participants in the hacked conversation include Republican senior… Continue reading Satire of China’s TikTok Trojan Horse
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Categorized as Opinion

Satire of China’s TikTok Trojan Horse

THIS apparent conversation was recorded in a Republican leader’s handphone with an erased TikTok account. The phone is alleged to have Chinese component chips and parts, including from Taiwan, capable of being activated by hackers. Both the phone and recording are currently being scrutinised by the FBI. Participants in the hacked conversation include Republican senior… Continue reading Satire of China’s TikTok Trojan Horse

US envoy Witkoff heads to Moscow amid Ukraine war tensions

MOSCOW: US envoy Steve Witkoff will hold meetings with Russian officials on Wednesday, a US source confirmed, as President Donald Trump’s deadline to impose new sanctions over Russia’s war in Ukraine approaches. The source did not clarify whether Witkoff would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, though the two have held discussions multiple times before. Trump… Continue reading US envoy Witkoff heads to Moscow amid Ukraine war tensions
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US envoy Witkoff heads to Moscow amid Ukraine war tensions

MOSCOW: US envoy Steve Witkoff will hold meetings with Russian officials on Wednesday, a US source confirmed, as President Donald Trump’s deadline to impose new sanctions over Russia’s war in Ukraine approaches. The source did not clarify whether Witkoff would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, though the two have held discussions multiple times before. Trump… Continue reading US envoy Witkoff heads to Moscow amid Ukraine war tensions

US imposes $15,000 visa bond for Malawi, Zambia visitors

WASHINGTON: The State Department said Tuesday that Malawians and Zambians will be required to pay a bond of up to $15,000 to travel to the United States on business or tourist visas. The decision takes effect August 20 as part of a one-year pilot project aimed at reducing visa overstays in the United States, where… Continue reading US imposes $15,000 visa bond for Malawi, Zambia visitors

Swiss president races to US to prevent 39% tariff hike

WASHINGTON: Switzerland’s president was in Washington on Tuesday in a last-minute push to stop steep new tariffs, but with no appointment to plead her case to US President Donald Trump. Switzerland faces a 39-percent duty, one of the highest among the dozens of economies that will be hit by new tariffs expected to come into… Continue reading Swiss president races to US to prevent 39% tariff hike

Datuk Amar Juma’ani Bridge boosts Kuching tourism and economy

KUCHING: The Datuk Amar Juma’ani Bridge, a unique structure spanning Sungai Bintangor in Satok here, is set to add value to the city in terms of economic and tourism potential. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the value of community assets in the area is likely to rise with new developments taking… Continue reading Datuk Amar Juma’ani Bridge boosts Kuching tourism and economy

US cancels mRNA vaccine contracts amid safety concerns

WASHINGTON: The US government has terminated 22 federal contracts for mRNA-based vaccines, raising questions about the safety and effectiveness of a technology widely credited with curbing the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision, announced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reflects growing skepticism within the administration regarding mRNA vaccines. “We reviewed the science, listened to the… Continue reading US cancels mRNA vaccine contracts amid safety concerns
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US cancels mRNA vaccine contracts amid safety concerns

WASHINGTON: The US government has terminated 22 federal contracts for mRNA-based vaccines, raising questions about the safety and effectiveness of a technology widely credited with curbing the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision, announced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reflects growing skepticism within the administration regarding mRNA vaccines. “We reviewed the science, listened to the… Continue reading US cancels mRNA vaccine contracts amid safety concerns

Russian oligarch’s $300m superyacht Amadea to be auctioned in US

MIAMI: A luxurious superyacht seized by the US authorities from sanctioned Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov is headed to the auction block. The 348-foot (106-metre) Amadea has a helipad, pool, jacuzzi, gym, spa, beauty salon and eight staterooms that can accommodate 16 guests, according to amadeaauction.com. The yacht, which has been valued at more than $300… Continue reading Russian oligarch’s $300m superyacht Amadea to be auctioned in US
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Categorized as World

Russian oligarch’s $300m superyacht Amadea to be auctioned in US

MIAMI: A luxurious superyacht seized by the US authorities from sanctioned Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov is headed to the auction block. The 348-foot (106-metre) Amadea has a helipad, pool, jacuzzi, gym, spa, beauty salon and eight staterooms that can accommodate 16 guests, according to amadeaauction.com. The yacht, which has been valued at more than $300… Continue reading Russian oligarch’s $300m superyacht Amadea to be auctioned in US

Ringgit gains on weak US data, Fed rate cut expectations

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar on Wednesday, supported by weaker United States (US) economic data that weighed on the greenback and prompted investors to reassess market sentiment, an economist said. At 8 am, the local note climbed to 4.2180/2315 against the greenback from Tuesday’s close of 4.2260/2310. Bank Muamalat Malaysia… Continue reading Ringgit gains on weak US data, Fed rate cut expectations
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Categorized as Business

Ringgit gains on weak US data, Fed rate cut expectations

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar on Wednesday, supported by weaker United States (US) economic data that weighed on the greenback and prompted investors to reassess market sentiment, an economist said. At 8 am, the local note climbed to 4.2180/2315 against the greenback from Tuesday’s close of 4.2260/2310. Bank Muamalat Malaysia… Continue reading Ringgit gains on weak US data, Fed rate cut expectations

Ahmad Redza appointed as new KTMB chairman to drive transformation

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Ahmad Redza Abdullah, the co-founder of renowned law firm Messrs Shahrizat Rashid & Lee, has been announced as the new chairman of the board of directors of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). KTMB is confident that Ahmad Redza, with more than three decades of experience in handling high-profile litigation cases and providing… Continue reading Ahmad Redza appointed as new KTMB chairman to drive transformation

Cost of living, MLFF among key issues in Parliament today

KUALA LUMPUR: Government efforts to ease the cost of living, the implementation of the Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system, and the issue of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States on Malaysia are among the key matters scheduled for discussion in the Dewan Rakyat sitting today. According to the Order Paper published on… Continue reading Cost of living, MLFF among key issues in Parliament today

Mexico and Canada strategise against Trump tariffs amid USMCA tensions

MEXICO CITY: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum hosted Canadian officials to coordinate responses to US President Donald Trump’s escalating trade tariffs, despite the existing USMCA free trade agreement. The talks focused on mitigating economic impacts while preparing for a future visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump recently raised tariffs on select Canadian goods to… Continue reading Mexico and Canada strategise against Trump tariffs amid USMCA tensions
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Categorized as World

Mexico and Canada strategise against Trump tariffs amid USMCA tensions

MEXICO CITY: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum hosted Canadian officials to coordinate responses to US President Donald Trump’s escalating trade tariffs, despite the existing USMCA free trade agreement. The talks focused on mitigating economic impacts while preparing for a future visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump recently raised tariffs on select Canadian goods to… Continue reading Mexico and Canada strategise against Trump tariffs amid USMCA tensions

NYC faces $64 million security fund cut amid rising threats

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration announced a $64 million reduction in terrorism prevention funding for New York City, according to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant notice. The decision follows a recent deadly shooting in Manhattan, raising concerns over security priorities. FEMA stated the funding cut is based on “an analysis of relative risk of… Continue reading NYC faces $64 million security fund cut amid rising threats
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Categorized as World

Let due process prevail in death of student: Saifuddin

KAJANG: All parties must not speculate on the death of religious school student Zara Qairina Mahathir and respect the ongoing investigation process. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said if there are shortcomings in the police investigation papers, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) will request the police to rectify them. Saifuddin said his ministry… Continue reading Let due process prevail in death of student: Saifuddin
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Categorized as Local

NYC faces $64 million security fund cut amid rising threats

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration announced a $64 million reduction in terrorism prevention funding for New York City, according to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant notice. The decision follows a recent deadly shooting in Manhattan, raising concerns over security priorities. FEMA stated the funding cut is based on “an analysis of relative risk of… Continue reading NYC faces $64 million security fund cut amid rising threats

Trump suggests Vance is his likely heir apparent in 2028

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that Vice President JD Vance is “most likely” his heir apparent to serve as the Republican nominee in 2028, the furthest he has gone in backing Vance as a future presidential candidate. “Well, I think most likely,“ Trump told reporters when asked whether Vance was the heir… Continue reading Trump suggests Vance is his likely heir apparent in 2028
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Categorized as World

Trump suggests Vance is his likely heir apparent in 2028

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that Vice President JD Vance is “most likely” his heir apparent to serve as the Republican nominee in 2028, the furthest he has gone in backing Vance as a future presidential candidate. “Well, I think most likely,“ Trump told reporters when asked whether Vance was the heir… Continue reading Trump suggests Vance is his likely heir apparent in 2028

Thrilling Women’s Copa final highlights deeper challenges

THE Women’s Copa America in Ecuador ended with a thrilling final as Brazil edged Colombia in an eight-goal spectacle to win their ninth title but logistical challenges and half-empty stadiums showed the hurdles that face South American women’s football. Colombia pushed Brazil to the brink in a decider capped by a Marta masterclass as her… Continue reading Thrilling Women’s Copa final highlights deeper challenges
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Categorized as Sport

Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline after mass bleaching

SYDNEY: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has suffered the largest decline in coral cover in two of its three regions over the last year, research released on Wednesday showed, following a mass bleaching of its corals that was among the worst on record. The Australian Institute of Marine Sciences said the reef has experienced the largest… Continue reading Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline after mass bleaching
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Categorized as World

Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline after mass bleaching

SYDNEY: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has suffered the largest decline in coral cover in two of its three regions over the last year, research released on Wednesday showed, following a mass bleaching of its corals that was among the worst on record. The Australian Institute of Marine Sciences said the reef has experienced the largest… Continue reading Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline after mass bleaching

Thrilling Women’s Copa final highlights deeper challenges

THE Women’s Copa America in Ecuador ended with a thrilling final as Brazil edged Colombia in an eight-goal spectacle to win their ninth title but logistical challenges and half-empty stadiums showed the hurdles that face South American women’s football. Colombia pushed Brazil to the brink in a decider capped by a Marta masterclass as her… Continue reading Thrilling Women’s Copa final highlights deeper challenges

Son Heung-min heads to US for record MLS move to LAFC

SOUTH KOREAN star Son Heung-min was in transit to the United States on Tuesday to officially join Los Angeles FC, a record-breaking signing for Major League Soccer that’s expected to be announced in the coming days. Videos on social media showed Son signing autographs for fans at Incheon International Airport in Seoul before he boarded… Continue reading Son Heung-min heads to US for record MLS move to LAFC
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Categorized as Sport

Titan sub disaster preventable due to safety failures, US report finds

WASHINGTON: The catastrophic implosion of the Titan submersible that killed five people in 2023 could have been prevented, a U.S. Coast Guard investigative board found on Tuesday, calling the vessel’s safety culture and operational practices “critically flawed.” The Titan vanished during a descent to the Titanic wreck on a tourist expedition, losing contact with its… Continue reading Titan sub disaster preventable due to safety failures, US report finds
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Categorized as World

Son Heung-min heads to US for record MLS move to LAFC

SOUTH KOREAN star Son Heung-min was in transit to the United States on Tuesday to officially join Los Angeles FC, a record-breaking signing for Major League Soccer that’s expected to be announced in the coming days. Videos on social media showed Son signing autographs for fans at Incheon International Airport in Seoul before he boarded… Continue reading Son Heung-min heads to US for record MLS move to LAFC

Titan sub disaster preventable due to safety failures, US report finds

WASHINGTON: The catastrophic implosion of the Titan submersible that killed five people in 2023 could have been prevented, a U.S. Coast Guard investigative board found on Tuesday, calling the vessel’s safety culture and operational practices “critically flawed.” The Titan vanished during a descent to the Titanic wreck on a tourist expedition, losing contact with its… Continue reading Titan sub disaster preventable due to safety failures, US report finds

Al Hilal banned from 2026-27 Saudi Super Cup after withdrawal

HOLDERS Al Hilal will be banned from the 2026-27 Saudi Super Cup if they qualify after withdrawing from this season’s four-team competition, the Saudi Arabia Football Federation’s (SAFF) Disciplinary and Ethics Committee said on Tuesday. The decision came after Al Hilal pulled out of the Super Cup, scheduled to be played from August 19-23 in… Continue reading Al Hilal banned from 2026-27 Saudi Super Cup after withdrawal
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Al Hilal banned from 2026-27 Saudi Super Cup after withdrawal

HOLDERS Al Hilal will be banned from the 2026-27 Saudi Super Cup if they qualify after withdrawing from this season’s four-team competition, the Saudi Arabia Football Federation’s (SAFF) Disciplinary and Ethics Committee said on Tuesday. The decision came after Al Hilal pulled out of the Super Cup, scheduled to be played from August 19-23 in… Continue reading Al Hilal banned from 2026-27 Saudi Super Cup after withdrawal

Tyler Morton signs five-year deal with Lyon from Liverpool

LIVERPOOL midfielder Tyler Morton has joined Ligue 1 club Lyon on a five-year contract, the French outfit announced on Tuesday. The 22-year-old arrives from the Premier League champions for a fee of 10 million euros ($11.6 million). “Olympique Lyonnais announce the arrival of midfielder Tyler Morton from Liverpool. The English youth international has signed a… Continue reading Tyler Morton signs five-year deal with Lyon from Liverpool
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Categorized as Sport

Tyler Morton signs five-year deal with Lyon from Liverpool

LIVERPOOL midfielder Tyler Morton has joined Ligue 1 club Lyon on a five-year contract, the French outfit announced on Tuesday. The 22-year-old arrives from the Premier League champions for a fee of 10 million euros ($11.6 million). “Olympique Lyonnais announce the arrival of midfielder Tyler Morton from Liverpool. The English youth international has signed a… Continue reading Tyler Morton signs five-year deal with Lyon from Liverpool

Ireland demands release of hostages after Haiti orphanage attack

PORT-AU-PRINCE: Ireland has called on Haitian authorities to take urgent action to secure the release of hostages, including an Irish missionary and a 3-year-old child, after armed attackers stormed an orphanage in Kenscoff. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris held discussions with his Haitian counterpart, emphasising the need for immediate efforts to free the group. “It… Continue reading Ireland demands release of hostages after Haiti orphanage attack

Jobe Bellingham opens up on Dortmund move and Jude comparisons

JOBE BELLINGHAM admitted on Tuesday to having “anxieties” on following in brother Jude’s footsteps after joining Borussia Dortmund in the summer. Jobe, 19, is two years younger than Jude, who joined Real Madrid in 2023 after three years at Dortmund. A centrepiece of the England national team, Jude has emerged as one of the best… Continue reading Jobe Bellingham opens up on Dortmund move and Jude comparisons
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Jobe Bellingham opens up on Dortmund move and Jude comparisons

JOBE BELLINGHAM admitted on Tuesday to having “anxieties” on following in brother Jude’s footsteps after joining Borussia Dortmund in the summer. Jobe, 19, is two years younger than Jude, who joined Real Madrid in 2023 after three years at Dortmund. A centrepiece of the England national team, Jude has emerged as one of the best… Continue reading Jobe Bellingham opens up on Dortmund move and Jude comparisons

Remco Evenepoel joins Red Bull-Bora in 2026 cycling move

DOUBLE Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel will leave Soudal Quick-Step at the end of this season, the team said on Tuesday, and join Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe. The 25-year-old Belgian is one of cycling’s brightest stars and won both the road race and time-trial titles at the Paris Olympics in 2024. He is also the current time-trial… Continue reading Remco Evenepoel joins Red Bull-Bora in 2026 cycling move
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Remco Evenepoel joins Red Bull-Bora in 2026 cycling move

DOUBLE Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel will leave Soudal Quick-Step at the end of this season, the team said on Tuesday, and join Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe. The 25-year-old Belgian is one of cycling’s brightest stars and won both the road race and time-trial titles at the Paris Olympics in 2024. He is also the current time-trial… Continue reading Remco Evenepoel joins Red Bull-Bora in 2026 cycling move

Francis Ford Coppola hospitalized in Rome for atrial fibrillation

ROME: Francis Ford Coppola, the acclaimed American director of “The Godfather” movies and “Apocalypse Now,“ underwent a non-emergency medical procedure by appointment on Tuesday at a hospital in Rome and is doing fine, according to a U.S.-based representative. “Mr. Coppola went in for a scheduled update procedure with acclaimed Dr. Andrea Natale, his doctor of… Continue reading Francis Ford Coppola hospitalized in Rome for atrial fibrillation

Zelenskiy calls Trump talks productive ahead of Russia ceasefire deadline

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday that he had had a “productive” conversation with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on ending the war, sanctions on Russia and the finalisation of a U.S.-Ukraine drone deal. “President Trump is fully informed about Russian strikes on Kyiv and other cities and communities,“ Zelenskiy wrote on X,… Continue reading Zelenskiy calls Trump talks productive ahead of Russia ceasefire deadline

Ghislaine Maxwell opposes release of Epstein grand jury transcripts

NEW YORK: Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted in 2021 for aiding Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse of minors, has opposed the U.S. government’s push to release grand jury transcripts tied to her indictment. Her legal team warned that disclosure could harm a potential retrial if her Supreme Court appeal succeeds. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence. “The… Continue reading Ghislaine Maxwell opposes release of Epstein grand jury transcripts