August 2025 – Page 147 – Thesundailymys

RHB sees upside risks to Malaysia’s 2025 GDP growth amid US tariff cut

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

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

RM200 million agrofood financing fund launched to boost Malaysia’s food security

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

Former director, company fined RM15,000 for unpaid service tax in Melaka

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

HPPNK 2025 eSports competition draws huge youth turnout in Kota Kinabalu

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

Rumah Idaman Bukit Jelutong project completed, 1,260 units ready

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

500 litres of ammonia spill contained at Perai factory

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

KPKM boosts food security under 13MP with agrofood strategies

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

Penang launches first state-level resilience strategy to combat global disruptions

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

Suspect in cop stabbing tests positive for heroin in Kuala Lumpur

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

Johor Regent pledges to resolve Pontian water disruptions

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

MOE takes firm action against student assaulting teacher in Kajang

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

US tariff reduction on Malaysia, a reflection of MADANI government’s diplomacy prowess – KPKT Minister

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

Fintech firms rush to raise equity in HK to tap crypto frenzy

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

US tech giants ride AI wave amid rough economic waters

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

Slower US job growth in July likely, unemployment seen at 4.2%

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

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