Month: August 2025

Pemadam gesa larangan mutlak rokok elektronik di Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA: Persatuan Mencegah Dadah Malaysia (PEMADAM) menggesa kerajaan mengharamkan sepenuhnya rokok elektronik atau vape di seluruh negara. PEMADAM mahu undang-undang khusus digubal untuk melarang semua bentuk vape, termasuk penjualan, pengedaran, dan pengiklanan. Usul ini dibentangkan oleh Pengerusi Wanita PEMADAM Kebangsaan Datuk Jamelah A Bakar dalam Perhimpunan Agung Dwitahunan Ke-46. Jamelah turut menggesa kerjasama semua kementerian… Continue reading Pemadam gesa larangan mutlak rokok elektronik di Malaysia

Security guard fined RM5,000 for insulting Prophet Muhammad SAW on Facebook

KUALA LUMPUR: A security guard was fined RM5,000 by the Sessions Court here today for making and initiating a Facebook post insulting Prophet Muhammad SAW four months ago. Judge Norma Ismail imposed the sentence on M Ramesh, 57, after he pleaded guilty to the charge. She also ordered five months’ imprisonment in default of payment.… Continue reading Security guard fined RM5,000 for insulting Prophet Muhammad SAW on Facebook

Science-driven tobacco taxes can reduce harm

AS the government considers raising tobacco taxes in Budget 2026, the Consumer Choice Centre (CCC) urges policymakers to adopt a more effective and science-based approach. Risk-based taxation, where nicotine products are taxed according to their level of health risk, offers a practical solution that supports public health while avoiding unintended consequences, such as the growth… Continue reading Science-driven tobacco taxes can reduce harm

Hidden triggers of teenage suicide

BULLYING is no longer confined to schools; it has infiltrated chat rooms, social media feeds and gaming platforms, creating an environment where harassment is constant, public and hard to escape. In Malaysia, rising numbers of bullying cases offline and online are now colliding with another disturbing trend: increasing adolescent suicide risk. Rising tide of bullying… Continue reading Hidden triggers of teenage suicide

Petronas Chemicals posts RM1.08b net loss in Q2 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd (PCG) posted a net loss of RM1.08 billion in the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 (2Q 2025) from a net profit of RM777 million in 2Q 2024. The integrated chemicals producer said the net loss was due to lower earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), impairment… Continue reading Petronas Chemicals posts RM1.08b net loss in Q2 2025

AGC orders inquest into Zara Qairina’s death

PUTRAJAYA: The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has decided to conduct an inquest to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir. In a statement today, the AGC said the decision was made after reviewing the investigation report submitted by the Royal Malaysia Police in connection with the death… Continue reading AGC orders inquest into Zara Qairina’s death

Gold rises as soft US inflation boosts rate-cut expectations

GOLD edged higher on Wednesday, supported by a weaker dollar after mild U.S. inflation data cemented bets for an interest rate cut in September, while investors awaited this week’s U.S.-Russia talks over the war in Ukraine. Spot gold was up 0.2% at $3,351.46 per ounce, as of 0447 GMT. U.S. gold futures for December delivery… Continue reading Gold rises as soft US inflation boosts rate-cut expectations

Real winners, losers of Trump’s tariffs

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has single-handedly pushed countries closer towards a new world order that will be different from the present American and Western-dominated one. As Trump brags to the American public about the latest “gains” from his transactional foreign policy using tariffs as his bazooka, impacted countries have begun to look closely at the concessions… Continue reading Real winners, losers of Trump’s tariffs
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Real winners, losers of Trump’s tariffs

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has single-handedly pushed countries closer towards a new world order that will be different from the present American and Western-dominated one. As Trump brags to the American public about the latest “gains” from his transactional foreign policy using tariffs as his bazooka, impacted countries have begun to look closely at the concessions… Continue reading Real winners, losers of Trump’s tariffs

Oil prices steady as market awaits US inventory data and Trump-Putin meeting

SINGAPORE: Oil prices were steady on Wednesday as investors awaited clearer indications of U.S. inventory data, while eyeing an upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Brent crude futures were flat at $66.12 a barrel at 0330 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures dipped 6 cents to $63.11.… Continue reading Oil prices steady as market awaits US inventory data and Trump-Putin meeting

No Malaysian should be left behind in AI growth – Gobind

KUALA LUMPUR: Artificial intelligence (AI) development in Malaysia must be inclusive and ensure that every segment of society benefits, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He said that whether through cloud-based platforms for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or AI-assisted diagnostics for remote clinics, such technologies must deliver tangible value to every Malaysian. “Through various… Continue reading No Malaysian should be left behind in AI growth – Gobind
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No Malaysian should be left behind in AI growth – Gobind

KUALA LUMPUR: Artificial intelligence (AI) development in Malaysia must be inclusive and ensure that every segment of society benefits, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He said that whether through cloud-based platforms for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or AI-assisted diagnostics for remote clinics, such technologies must deliver tangible value to every Malaysian. “Through various… Continue reading No Malaysian should be left behind in AI growth – Gobind

Malaysia aims to be regional cloud hub by 2030 with new policy

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reaffirmed its ambition to become a leading regional cloud and digital hub by 2030 with the launch of the National Cloud Computing Policy (NCCP). Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo stated that the NCCP aligns with MyDIGITAL and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint to unlock economic potential. A recent study by the… Continue reading Malaysia aims to be regional cloud hub by 2030 with new policy
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Malaysia aims to be regional cloud hub by 2030 with new policy

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reaffirmed its ambition to become a leading regional cloud and digital hub by 2030 with the launch of the National Cloud Computing Policy (NCCP). Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo stated that the NCCP aligns with MyDIGITAL and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint to unlock economic potential. A recent study by the… Continue reading Malaysia aims to be regional cloud hub by 2030 with new policy

Students charged over school toilet bullying incident

PETALING JAYA: Two female students were brought before the Sungai Petani Magistrate’s Court, today on charges of injuring and confining a classmate in a secondary school toilet last month. Harian Metro reported that both 13-year-old accused persons pleaded not guilty after the charges were read jointly in Tamil before Magistrate Mohamad Azlan Basri. According to… Continue reading Students charged over school toilet bullying incident
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TVET reforms lift Malaysia’s graduate employability to 95.1 pct – Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reforms have boosted graduate employability to 95.1 per cent, with more than 430,000 students now enrolled nationwide, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also National TVET Council (MTVET) chairman, said 53.56 per cent of the country’s secondary… Continue reading TVET reforms lift Malaysia’s graduate employability to 95.1 pct – Ahmad Zahid
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Students charged over school toilet bullying incident

PETALING JAYA: Two female students were brought before the Sungai Petani Magistrate’s Court, today on charges of injuring and confining a classmate in a secondary school toilet last month. Harian Metro reported that both 13-year-old accused persons pleaded not guilty after the charges were read jointly in Tamil before Magistrate Mohamad Azlan Basri. According to… Continue reading Students charged over school toilet bullying incident

MCMC investigates two over viral video mocking Negaraku national anthem

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has taken statements from two individuals in connection with a viral video accused of mocking the national anthem, Negaraku. One mobile phone and one SIM card were seized during the questioning session at MCMC’s Cyberjaya headquarters. The commission stated it will not tolerate any disrespect toward the… Continue reading MCMC investigates two over viral video mocking Negaraku national anthem
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MCMC investigates two over viral video mocking Negaraku national anthem

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has taken statements from two individuals in connection with a viral video accused of mocking the national anthem, Negaraku. One mobile phone and one SIM card were seized during the questioning session at MCMC’s Cyberjaya headquarters. The commission stated it will not tolerate any disrespect toward the… Continue reading MCMC investigates two over viral video mocking Negaraku national anthem

Malaysia records 6,144 teenage pregnancies from 2023 to March 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 6,144 teenage pregnancies were recorded between 2023 and March 2025, according to Women, Family and Community Development deputy minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. She cited Health Ministry statistics showing 2,737 cases in 2023, 2,752 in 2024, and 655 in the first quarter of 2025. A 2015 study published in… Continue reading Malaysia records 6,144 teenage pregnancies from 2023 to March 2025
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Malaysia records 6,144 teenage pregnancies from 2023 to March 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 6,144 teenage pregnancies were recorded between 2023 and March 2025, according to Women, Family and Community Development deputy minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. She cited Health Ministry statistics showing 2,737 cases in 2023, 2,752 in 2024, and 655 in the first quarter of 2025. A 2015 study published in… Continue reading Malaysia records 6,144 teenage pregnancies from 2023 to March 2025

GOF seizes 6,800 gas cylinders worth RM1m in Pahang raid

KUANTAN: The Southeast Brigade General Operations Force (GOF) has seized 6,834 gas cylinders worth RM1.03 million in a raid at the Tempoyang Industrial Area, Mukim Kuala Lipis. The operation, codenamed Op Taring Bravo 3, took place at around 4.30 pm last Monday (Aug 11). A total of 6,155 empty cylinders and 679 filled cylinders were… Continue reading GOF seizes 6,800 gas cylinders worth RM1m in Pahang raid
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GOF seizes 6,800 gas cylinders worth RM1m in Pahang raid

KUANTAN: The Southeast Brigade General Operations Force (GOF) has seized 6,834 gas cylinders worth RM1.03 million in a raid at the Tempoyang Industrial Area, Mukim Kuala Lipis. The operation, codenamed Op Taring Bravo 3, took place at around 4.30 pm last Monday (Aug 11). A total of 6,155 empty cylinders and 679 filled cylinders were… Continue reading GOF seizes 6,800 gas cylinders worth RM1m in Pahang raid

“Apologise!” — Thai student punches teacher in the face for giving him 18/20 in exam

A 17-year-old student in Uthai Thani, Thailand, is facing police action after assaulting his teacher for not awarding him a perfect score on a midterm exam. The incident happened on Aug 5 at a private school when the student, who scored 18 out of 20, confronted his teacher about the missing marks, Bangkok Post reported.… Continue reading “Apologise!” — Thai student punches teacher in the face for giving him 18/20 in exam

China imposes 75.8% anti-dumping duty on Canadian canola

BEIJING/SINGAPORE: China on Tuesday announced preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola imports, a new escalation in the year-long trade dispute that began with Ottawa’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports last August. The provisional rate will be set at 75.8%, effective from Thursday, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. Canola Council… Continue reading China imposes 75.8% anti-dumping duty on Canadian canola
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“Apologise!” — Thai student punches teacher in the face for giving him 18/20 in exam

A 17-year-old student in Uthai Thani, Thailand, is facing police action after assaulting his teacher for not awarding him a perfect score on a midterm exam. The incident happened on Aug 5 at a private school when the student, who scored 18 out of 20, confronted his teacher about the missing marks, Bangkok Post reported.… Continue reading “Apologise!” — Thai student punches teacher in the face for giving him 18/20 in exam

China imposes 75.8% anti-dumping duty on Canadian canola

BEIJING/SINGAPORE: China on Tuesday announced preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola imports, a new escalation in the year-long trade dispute that began with Ottawa’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports last August. The provisional rate will be set at 75.8%, effective from Thursday, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. Canola Council… Continue reading China imposes 75.8% anti-dumping duty on Canadian canola

Smart Merdeka Pass offers 50% toll savings for KL commuters

KUALA LUMPUR: Amanat Lebuhraya Rakyat Berhad (ALR) has introduced the SMART Merdeka Unlimited Travel Pass (MUTP) to celebrate National Day and Malaysia Day. Priced at RM68, the pass will be available from August 16 to September 16, offering nearly 50% savings for SMART Tunnel users. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi called the MUTP… Continue reading Smart Merdeka Pass offers 50% toll savings for KL commuters
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Smart Merdeka Pass offers 50% toll savings for KL commuters

KUALA LUMPUR: Amanat Lebuhraya Rakyat Berhad (ALR) has introduced the SMART Merdeka Unlimited Travel Pass (MUTP) to celebrate National Day and Malaysia Day. Priced at RM68, the pass will be available from August 16 to September 16, offering nearly 50% savings for SMART Tunnel users. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi called the MUTP… Continue reading Smart Merdeka Pass offers 50% toll savings for KL commuters

Zelenskiy and EU leaders to discuss Ukraine with Trump before Putin summit

BRUSSELS/LONDON/KYIV: Europe and Ukraine’s leaders will speak to U.S. President Donald Trump at a virtual meeting on Wednesday ahead of his summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, as they try to drive home the perils of selling out Kyiv’s interests in pursuit of a ceasefire. Trump hosts Putin, a pariah in the West since Russia’s 2022… Continue reading Zelenskiy and EU leaders to discuss Ukraine with Trump before Putin summit
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Zelenskiy and EU leaders to discuss Ukraine with Trump before Putin summit

BRUSSELS/LONDON/KYIV: Europe and Ukraine’s leaders will speak to U.S. President Donald Trump at a virtual meeting on Wednesday ahead of his summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, as they try to drive home the perils of selling out Kyiv’s interests in pursuit of a ceasefire. Trump hosts Putin, a pariah in the West since Russia’s 2022… Continue reading Zelenskiy and EU leaders to discuss Ukraine with Trump before Putin summit

Vietnam food body urges trade ministry to oppose Philippine rice ban

HANOI: The Vietnam Food Association has asked the country’s trade ministry to challenge a move by the Philippines to suspend rice imports for two months, two sources told Reuters, with traders saying it will harm local production. The Philippines, Vietnam’s biggest rice buyer, said last week that it would suspend rice imports for 60 days… Continue reading Vietnam food body urges trade ministry to oppose Philippine rice ban
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Vietnam food body urges trade ministry to oppose Philippine rice ban

HANOI: The Vietnam Food Association has asked the country’s trade ministry to challenge a move by the Philippines to suspend rice imports for two months, two sources told Reuters, with traders saying it will harm local production. The Philippines, Vietnam’s biggest rice buyer, said last week that it would suspend rice imports for 60 days… Continue reading Vietnam food body urges trade ministry to oppose Philippine rice ban

Malaysia internet coverage hits 98.82% with 5G expansion plans

KUALA LUMPUR: Internet and communication coverage in populated areas across Malaysia has reached 98.82 per cent as of July 31, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. For 5G coverage, he said Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) has completed the construction of 7,489 transmitter sites, collectively providing 82.4 per cent coverage in populated areas. “The number… Continue reading Malaysia internet coverage hits 98.82% with 5G expansion plans
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Malaysia internet coverage hits 98.82% with 5G expansion plans

KUALA LUMPUR: Internet and communication coverage in populated areas across Malaysia has reached 98.82 per cent as of July 31, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. For 5G coverage, he said Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) has completed the construction of 7,489 transmitter sites, collectively providing 82.4 per cent coverage in populated areas. “The number… Continue reading Malaysia internet coverage hits 98.82% with 5G expansion plans

China military drives away US destroyer near Scarborough Shoal

BEIJING: China’s military said on Wednesday it monitored and “drove away” a U.S. destroyer that sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the strategic busy waterway of the South China Sea. The first known U.S. military operation in at least six years within the shoal’s waters came a day after the Philippines accused Chinese vessels… Continue reading China military drives away US destroyer near Scarborough Shoal
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China military drives away US destroyer near Scarborough Shoal

BEIJING: China’s military said on Wednesday it monitored and “drove away” a U.S. destroyer that sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the strategic busy waterway of the South China Sea. The first known U.S. military operation in at least six years within the shoal’s waters came a day after the Philippines accused Chinese vessels… Continue reading China military drives away US destroyer near Scarborough Shoal

RM113 bln sick and abandoned housing projects revived by KPKT

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,171 private housing projects worth RM113.55 billion have been revived by the Task Force for Sick and Abandoned Private Housing Projects (TFST) under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT). Deputy Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu stated that this achievement involved the revival of 139,848 housing units since TFST’s first… Continue reading RM113 bln sick and abandoned housing projects revived by KPKT
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RM113 bln sick and abandoned housing projects revived by KPKT

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,171 private housing projects worth RM113.55 billion have been revived by the Task Force for Sick and Abandoned Private Housing Projects (TFST) under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT). Deputy Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu stated that this achievement involved the revival of 139,848 housing units since TFST’s first… Continue reading RM113 bln sick and abandoned housing projects revived by KPKT

Modi likely to meet Trump at UN General Assembly in US

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet President Donald Trump during a visit to the United States next month to attend the UN General Assembly meeting, the Indian Express newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing sources. India’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An Indian official familiar… Continue reading Modi likely to meet Trump at UN General Assembly in US
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Modi likely to meet Trump at UN General Assembly in US

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet President Donald Trump during a visit to the United States next month to attend the UN General Assembly meeting, the Indian Express newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing sources. India’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An Indian official familiar… Continue reading Modi likely to meet Trump at UN General Assembly in US

New Zealand PM criticises Netanyahu over Gaza crisis

NEW ZEALAND’S Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Wednesday that Israel’s leader Benjamin Netanyahu had “lost the plot” as the country weighs up whether to recognise a Palestinian state. Luxon told reporters that the lack of humanitarian assistance, the forceful displacement of people and the annexation of Gaza were utterly appalling and that Netanyahu had… Continue reading New Zealand PM criticises Netanyahu over Gaza crisis
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New Zealand PM criticises Netanyahu over Gaza crisis

NEW ZEALAND’S Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Wednesday that Israel’s leader Benjamin Netanyahu had “lost the plot” as the country weighs up whether to recognise a Palestinian state. Luxon told reporters that the lack of humanitarian assistance, the forceful displacement of people and the annexation of Gaza were utterly appalling and that Netanyahu had… Continue reading New Zealand PM criticises Netanyahu over Gaza crisis

Judge orders Trump admin to restore UCLA funding amid protests

WASHINGTON: A U.S. judge on Tuesday ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to restore a part of the federal grant funding that it recently suspended for the University of California, Los Angeles. U.S. District Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco ruled that the grant funding suspensions violated an earlier June preliminary injunction where she ordered the… Continue reading Judge orders Trump admin to restore UCLA funding amid protests
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Judge orders Trump admin to restore UCLA funding amid protests

WASHINGTON: A U.S. judge on Tuesday ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to restore a part of the federal grant funding that it recently suspended for the University of California, Los Angeles. U.S. District Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco ruled that the grant funding suspensions violated an earlier June preliminary injunction where she ordered the… Continue reading Judge orders Trump admin to restore UCLA funding amid protests

Drone debris causes fire at Russian refinery, 46 drones downed

A small fire ignited by debris from a destroyed drone was promptly doused at the Slavyansk oil refinery in Russia’s region of Krasnodar, authorities said on Wednesday. Russia’s air defence units destroyed 46 Ukrainian drones overnight, the defence ministry said on Telegram, including five over the Krasnodar region. The ministry reports only drones downed, not… Continue reading Drone debris causes fire at Russian refinery, 46 drones downed
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Drone debris causes fire at Russian refinery, 46 drones downed

A small fire ignited by debris from a destroyed drone was promptly doused at the Slavyansk oil refinery in Russia’s region of Krasnodar, authorities said on Wednesday. Russia’s air defence units destroyed 46 Ukrainian drones overnight, the defence ministry said on Telegram, including five over the Krasnodar region. The ministry reports only drones downed, not… Continue reading Drone debris causes fire at Russian refinery, 46 drones downed