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Armenia church-police clash escalates over political tensions

YEREVAN: A scuffle broke out in Armenia on Friday between clergymen and police, part of an escalating standoff between the influential Church and the Caucasian nation’s authorities. Two sides have been at loggerheads since Catholicos Garegin II — the church’s spiritual leader — began calling for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign over Armenia’s military… Continue reading Armenia church-police clash escalates over political tensions

Japan opposes EU push to protect eels as endangered species

TOKYO: Japan’s agriculture minister said Friday the country would oppose any call by the European Union to add eels to an endangered species list that would limit trade in them. Eel is eaten worldwide but is particularly popular in Japan, where it is called “unagi” and traditionally served grilled after being covered in a sticky-sweet… Continue reading Japan opposes EU push to protect eels as endangered species

Hong Kong opposition party League of Social Democrats to disband

HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s League of Social Democrats, one of the city’s last remaining opposition parties after a five-year political crackdown by Beijing, said on Friday that it will disband. The party was founded in 2006 and was once considered the radical faction in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy camp. It was known for its boisterous street-level… Continue reading Hong Kong opposition party League of Social Democrats to disband

Germany limits family reunification for refugees in new immigration policy

BERLIN: German MPs agreed Friday to suspend family reunification rights for refugees without asylum status as conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government pursues a crackdown on immigration. Under the legislation approved by the Bundestag, the process by which family members of refugees with subsidiary protection can apply to come to Germany will be suspended for two… Continue reading Germany limits family reunification for refugees in new immigration policy

12-year-old girl dies in tragic PLUS expressway crash near Jasin

JASIN: A 12-year-old girl lost her life in a devastating accident on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) near Jasin this morning. The victim, identified as Iris Sofea Mohamed Siddiq Khan, was ejected from her family’s vehicle after a tyre burst, leading to a fatal collision. According to Jasin police chief Supt Mohamad Rusli Mat, the incident… Continue reading 12-year-old girl dies in tragic PLUS expressway crash near Jasin

Israel would have killed Iran’s Khamenei if given chance: minister

JERUSALEM: Defence Minister Israel Katz told media that Israel would have killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the war between the two countries if the opportunity had presented itself. “If he had been in our sights, we would have taken him out,“ Katz told Israel’s public radio station Kan Thursday evening, adding that… Continue reading Israel would have killed Iran’s Khamenei if given chance: minister

Starmer scales back UK welfare cuts amid Labour rebellion

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sharply scaled back planned welfare cuts on Friday to quell a rebellion by lawmakers in his governing Labour Party, the latest U-turn to dent his authority just a year after winning power. Planned changes to make it tougher to collect some disability and sickness benefits would now apply only… Continue reading Starmer scales back UK welfare cuts amid Labour rebellion

Malaysia boosts local fruit campaign to support farmers, reduce imports

JOHOR BAHRU: The government is ramping up efforts to promote local fruits through the ‘Eat Local Fruits’ campaign, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and bolster farmers’ incomes nationwide. Agriculture and Food Safety Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced the initiative during the launch of the 2025 Malaysian Pineapple Day here today. Mohamad urged all… Continue reading Malaysia boosts local fruit campaign to support farmers, reduce imports

Mediation saves RM60 million in workplace disputes, says HR minister

GEORGE TOWN: Mediation has proven to be a cost-effective and efficient method for resolving workplace disputes, saving employers and employees millions while fostering industrial harmony. Human Resource Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong highlighted that 65 per cent of cases referred to the Department of Industrial Relations were successfully resolved through mediation in 2024, preventing unnecessary… Continue reading Mediation saves RM60 million in workplace disputes, says HR minister

Czech intel: China plotted to intimidate Taiwan VP-elect

PRAGUE: Chinese diplomats and secret service followed Taiwan’s Vice-President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim and planned to intimidate her physically when she visited Prague last year, Czech military intelligence said on Friday. Hsiao visited the Czech Republic in March 2024. Prague does not have official diplomatic ties with Taiwan but has fostered warm relations with the democratically-governed island,… Continue reading Czech intel: China plotted to intimidate Taiwan VP-elect

Maal Hijrah 1447H celebrated nationwide with unity and reflection

KUALA LUMPUR: The nationwide Maal Hijrah 1447H/2025M celebration saw grand events across eight states and the federal capital, emphasising unity, reflection, and religious devotion. Activities included religious talks, Quran recitations, and awards for outstanding contributions to Islam and the nation. In Kuala Lumpur, nearly 8,000 attendees gathered at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.… Continue reading Maal Hijrah 1447H celebrated nationwide with unity and reflection

Chinese reporter injured in Ukrainian drone attack on Kursk, Russia says

A Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Kursk region on the border with Ukraine injured a war correspondent from the Chinese news outlet Phoenix TV, Russian authorities said late on Thursday, urging the United Nations to respond to the incident. “A Ukrainian drone today struck the village of Korenevo in the Korenevsky district,“ acting governor of… Continue reading Chinese reporter injured in Ukrainian drone attack on Kursk, Russia says

Bukit Aman, KL police collaborate to track Brickfields, Cheras shooting suspects

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman and the Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are intensifying efforts to locate suspects involved in two separate fatal shootings in Brickfields and Cheras. Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad confirmed joint investigations are underway, with the Sarawak CID aiding in determining the motive behind the Cheras… Continue reading Bukit Aman, KL police collaborate to track Brickfields, Cheras shooting suspects

Japan reports zero fentanyl seizures in six years amid US smuggling claims

TOKYO: No fentanyl had been seized at Japan’s borders in the six years through 2024, Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said on Friday, after a media report alleged a Chinese group in Japan smuggled chemicals into the United States to make the synthetic drug. “Japan will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the smuggling… Continue reading Japan reports zero fentanyl seizures in six years amid US smuggling claims

Youths urged to tap into Malaysia’s booming pineapple industry

JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) is encouraging young entrepreneurs to explore the thriving pineapple industry, which promises substantial economic returns and innovation opportunities. LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali highlighted the sector’s potential for youth engagement, emphasising the role of technology and fresh perspectives in driving growth. “Youth involvement can generate lucrative… Continue reading Youths urged to tap into Malaysia’s booming pineapple industry

Hungary PM Orban warns of legal action over banned Budapest Pride march

BUDAPEST: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday there would be “legal consequences” for organising or attending a Budapest Pride march in violation of a police ban on the event planned for this weekend. Hungary’s parliament, in which Orban’s right-wing Fidesz Party has a big majority, passed legislation in March that created a legal… Continue reading Hungary PM Orban warns of legal action over banned Budapest Pride march

Alcaraz seeks Wimbledon hat-trick as Sinner, Djokovic plot dethroning

CARLOS ALCARAZ will aim to reinforce his status as the new all-court monarch of men’s tennis with a third successive Wimbledon title while his chief challenger Jannik Sinner heads to London for revenge after coming off second best in an epic French Open final. Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic must defy age and the odds in… Continue reading Alcaraz seeks Wimbledon hat-trick as Sinner, Djokovic plot dethroning

European shares climb as US-China trade tensions ease

EUROPEAN shares rose on Friday as investors assessed signs of easing trade tensions between the United States and China, lifting hopes of further trade deals before the deadline for U.S. tariff pause is lifted in July. The pan-European STOXX 600 index advanced 0.6% at 540.67 points, as of 0707 GMT. The index was on track… Continue reading European shares climb as US-China trade tensions ease

Asian markets cautious as Trump tariff deadline, Fed uncertainty loom

MOST Asian currencies held steady on Friday as a shaky dollar and concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence kept investors cautious, while stocks traded mixed ahead of looming trade deadlines tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The Philippines’ stocks rose more than 1% to hit a two-week high, while Singapore’s benchmark index gained 0.6%.… Continue reading Asian markets cautious as Trump tariff deadline, Fed uncertainty loom

Top seed Sabalenka draws qualifier Branstine in Wimbledon first round

WORLD number one Aryna Sabalenka’s quest for her first Wimbledon title will begin against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine while second seed Coco Gauff’s opener will be versus Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska. Friday’s draw also pitched defending champion Barbora Krejcikova, the 17th seed, against Alexandra Eala of the Philippines. Third seed Jessica Pegula’s first-round opponent is Italian… Continue reading Top seed Sabalenka draws qualifier Branstine in Wimbledon first round

Oil prices face steepest weekly drop in two years as war premium fades

SINGAPORE: Oil prices headed for their steepest weekly decline since March 2023 on Friday, as the absence of significant supply disruption from the Iran-Israel conflict saw any risk premium evaporate. Brent crude futures rose 35 cents, or 0.52%, to $68.08 a barrel by 0429 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 40 cents, or… Continue reading Oil prices face steepest weekly drop in two years as war premium fades

Leicester part ways with Van Nistelrooy after Premier League relegation

LEICESTER CITY have parted ways with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy by mutual agreement after the team were relegated from the Premier League last season, the club said on Friday. Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Van Nistelrooy joined Leicester in November with the side struggling in 16th place in the table. They ended the… Continue reading Leicester part ways with Van Nistelrooy after Premier League relegation

India pushes for permanent border solution with China in SCO talks

NEW DELHI: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told his Chinese counterpart that the two countries should seek a “permanent solution” to their decades-old border dispute, India’s defence ministry said on Friday. Singh met China’s Dong Jun on the sidelines of the meeting of the defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Qingdao on Thursday… Continue reading India pushes for permanent border solution with China in SCO talks

Kazakhstan to sign nuclear power plant deal with Russia by 2024

KAZAKHSTAN expects to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Russia on the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant by the end of this year, Russia’s TASS news agency reported on Friday. “We plan to sign this document by the end of this year,“ TASS cited the chairman of the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency Almasadam Satkaliyev… Continue reading Kazakhstan to sign nuclear power plant deal with Russia by 2024

Man arrested for stealing RM100k Rolex watch in Batu Pahat

BATU PAHAT: A 27-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stealing a Rolex watch worth RM100,700 from a car parked at a house in Taman Sinar Berlian. The victim discovered the theft at around 9.30 pm last Tuesday after noticing signs of a break-in. Batu Pahat police chief ACP Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said the victim… Continue reading Man arrested for stealing RM100k Rolex watch in Batu Pahat

Risda Carnival 2025 targets 10k visitors with 60 local delicacies

KUALA LUMPUR: The Rasa Asli Desa Risda Carnival 2025 kicked off today, running until June 30, with organisers targeting over 10,000 visitors. The event features 28 entrepreneurs from 13 states presenting more than 60 types of local culinary delights. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Datuk Rubiah Wang highlighted the ministry’s support for… Continue reading Risda Carnival 2025 targets 10k visitors with 60 local delicacies

Penang fishermen receive new boats under SIMP scheme

GEORGE TOWN: Six fishermen from southern Penang have been given new boats and engines under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) scheme, marking a significant improvement in their livelihoods. For Hashimi Hamzah, 50, from Sungai Batu, the new boat is an early birthday gift ahead of his 50th birthday on July 3. His previous boat… Continue reading Penang fishermen receive new boats under SIMP scheme

Selangor dams at 95% capacity, sufficient for 6 months amid monsoon

SHAH ALAM: Water levels in all seven dams across Selangor currently exceed 95% capacity, ensuring supply stability for the next three to six months despite the ongoing Southwest Monsoon. Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim confirmed the state’s preparedness to manage water resources during the dry season. The Southwest Monsoon, active since… Continue reading Selangor dams at 95% capacity, sufficient for 6 months amid monsoon

Seoul urges Temu, AliExpress to remove unsafe children’s products

SEOUL: The Seoul city government has asked online retail giants Temu and AliExpress to suspend sales of certain children’s products over safety concerns, saying Friday that some goods far exceeded local limits for hazardous substances. Chinese e-commerce titans like Shein, Temu and AliExpress have seen a surge in global popularity in recent years, drawing in… Continue reading Seoul urges Temu, AliExpress to remove unsafe children’s products

India faces backlash over illegal Muslim deportations to Bangladesh

NEW DELHI: India has deported without trial to Bangladesh hundreds of people, officials from both sides said, drawing condemnation from activists and lawyers who call the recent expulsions illegal and based on ethnic profiling. New Delhi says the people deported are undocumented migrants. The Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long taken… Continue reading India faces backlash over illegal Muslim deportations to Bangladesh

Fadillah meets Rosatom to discuss nuclear energy cooperation

MOSCOW: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof met with Rosatom director-general Alexey Likhachev today to explore bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy development. The meeting, lasting an hour, highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to a balanced energy future. Fadillah emphasised Malaysia’s interest in strengthening ties with Rosatom, particularly in technical knowledge exchange, infrastructure development, and public education… Continue reading Fadillah meets Rosatom to discuss nuclear energy cooperation

Sungai Batu archaeologist Dr Mokhtar Saidin wins Kedah Maal Hijrah award

ALOR SETAR: Renowned archaeologist Prof Datuk Dr Mokhtar Saidin, the driving force behind the discovery of Sungai Batu’s 8th-century BC civilisation, was honoured today as Kedah’s Tokoh Maal Hijrah 1447H. The 62-year-old researcher, originally from Kampung Bukit Pekan, Kampar, Perak, dedicated decades to uncovering Kedah’s ancient history. His journey began at SK Bukit Pekan, followed… Continue reading Sungai Batu archaeologist Dr Mokhtar Saidin wins Kedah Maal Hijrah award

Americans arrested in South Korea for sending Bibles to North Korea

SEOUL: South Korean police on Friday arrested six US nationals attempting to send plastic bottles packed with rice and Bibles to North Korea, the head of the investigation team said. Local police said the six were trying to send thousands of plastic bottles, filled with rice, one-dollar bills and Bibles, into the sea off Ganghwa… Continue reading Americans arrested in South Korea for sending Bibles to North Korea

Kota MADANI development gives civil servants greater housing access

PUTRAJAYA: The Kota MADANI initiative in Precinct 19, the development of a smart city that is friendly to the people and the environment, has been welcomed by various levels of society, especially those serving in the federal government’s administrative centre. What’s more, the initiative has also been appreciated by civil servants from the Indian community… Continue reading Kota MADANI development gives civil servants greater housing access

Green bonds rise in Africa amid climate risks and high interest

LAGOS: It only took two days for Nigeria to raise $59 million through green bonds — part of a funding drive for climate and environmental projects in a nation still hooked on oil. Africa remains a small player in the green bond market, and the debt instrument is underused — but it is becoming a… Continue reading Green bonds rise in Africa amid climate risks and high interest

Western Japan records earliest end to rainy season amid climate shifts

TOKYO: Japan’s rainy season ended at the earliest date on record in the country’s western regions, meteorologists said Friday, as climate change makes global weather patterns less predictable. The rainy season usually lasts from June to July, but for a large swath of the country — from Kyoto to the southern island of Kyushu —… Continue reading Western Japan records earliest end to rainy season amid climate shifts

‘Gou Li Hao Xi’ – Groundbreaking musical explores mental health with warmth and heart

THE stage is set for a powerful and moving theatrical experience as Gou Li Hao Xi makes its much-anticipated debut at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) this September. A first-of-its-kind original Mandarin-language musical by KK Wong, the production boldly addresses mental health through uplifting music, dance, and heartfelt storytelling. Blending vibrant choreography, soul-stirring… Continue reading ‘Gou Li Hao Xi’ – Groundbreaking musical explores mental health with warmth and heart

Thailand-US trade talks next week amid tariff threats

BANGKOK: Thailand’s finance minister will travel to the United States next week for trade talks, local media reported Friday, as the kingdom seeks to secure a deal with Washington over US President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs. Thai exports face a 36 percent levy on key exports to America under the US president’s raft of “Liberation… Continue reading Thailand-US trade talks next week amid tariff threats

Penang honours Islamic astronomy expert as Maal Hijrah personality

GEORGE TOWN: Datuk Dr Abdul Halim Abdul Aziz, a distinguished expert in Islamic astronomy (falak), has been named Penang’s Maal Hijrah Personality in conjunction with the state-level Maal Hijrah 1447H celebrations today. The 67-year-old scholar, a former lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), was honoured by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah… Continue reading Penang honours Islamic astronomy expert as Maal Hijrah personality

Polis Itali bongkar penipuan cukai minyak mafia bernilai €140 juta

ROME: Pihak berkuasa Itali telah merampas aset bernilai €140 juta (US$164 juta) dalam siasatan berskala besar berkaitan penipuan cukai perdagangan minyak yang dijalankan oleh Mafia Calabrian, kata polis kewangan Guardia di Finanza pada Khamis, lapor agensi berita Jerman dpa. Rampasan dilakukan di Itali dan Jerman. Lima syarikat disyaki terlibat dalam rangkaian penipuan yang dikendalikan oleh… Continue reading Polis Itali bongkar penipuan cukai minyak mafia bernilai €140 juta

Perak boosts economy with TVET culinary arts focus

IPOH: The Perak government is expanding its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives beyond technical fields to include culinary arts, recognising its potential to boost local incomes and the state economy. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad highlighted the growing importance of TVET in the culinary sector, describing cooking as both an art… Continue reading Perak boosts economy with TVET culinary arts focus

Polis terima satu lagi laporan kenderaan dilanggar dekat LRT Glenmarie

SHAH ALAM: Polis menerima satu lagi laporan berhubung kejadian beberapa kenderaan yang diparkir di tepi jalan berhampiran Stesen Transit Aliran Ringan (LRT) Glenmarie di sini dilanggar sebuah lori pada petang Rabu lepas. Ketua Polis Daerah Shah Alam ACP Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim berkata setakat ini lapan laporan diterima pihaknya berhubung insiden itu. “Kita masih mengesan lori… Continue reading Polis terima satu lagi laporan kenderaan dilanggar dekat LRT Glenmarie

Man killed, wife and kids injured in North-South Expressway crash

KEPALA BATAS: A 33-year-old man was killed, and his wife and two children were injured in a two-vehicle collision on the North-South Expressway (southbound) near Kepala Batas earlier today. The accident occurred at Kilometre 127.8, involving a Proton Wira and a Proton Saga BLM. The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in Penang received an… Continue reading Man killed, wife and kids injured in North-South Expressway crash

SST: Kerajaan kecualikan cukai perkhidmatan kecantikan

KUALA LUMPUR: Kementerian Kewangan (MOF) hari ini mengumumkan selepas meneliti sentimen awam, kerajaan memutuskan untuk tidak meneruskan cadangan peluasan skop Cukai Perkhidmatan bagi perkhidmatan kecantikan seperti rawatan kuku, rawatan wajah serta khidmat gunting rambut dan pendandan rambut. Menerusi kenyataannya, MOF berkata semakan terhadap peluasan skop Cukai Jualan dan Cukai Perkhidmatan itu dibuat selepas mengambil kira… Continue reading SST: Kerajaan kecualikan cukai perkhidmatan kecantikan

Former Johor chief kadi inspires Islamic preaching after Maal Hijrah award

JOHOR BAHRU: Former Johor chief kadi Anoar Sarimin, named Tokoh Maal Hijrah 1447H/2025M, says the recognition strengthens his resolve to continue preaching Islam. The 63-year-old, who retired in 2022, remains active in delivering religious talks and serves on the State Fatwa Committee. Anoar expressed gratitude to Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and the government for… Continue reading Former Johor chief kadi inspires Islamic preaching after Maal Hijrah award

PM Anwar lawat Indonesia, berbincang dengan Presiden Prabowo

JAKARTA: Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tiba di sini hari ini untuk lawatan rasmi ke Indonesia. Pesawat yang membawa Perdana Menteri serta delegasinya mendarat di Lapangan Terbang Halim Perdanakusuma di Jakarta Timur pada kira-kira 1 tengah hari waktu tempatan, dan ketibaan Perdana Menteri disambut oleh Presiden Indonesia Prabowo Subianto. Lawatan itu diadakan ketika Malaysia… Continue reading PM Anwar lawat Indonesia, berbincang dengan Presiden Prabowo

OKU Sentral lancar DiveAbility untuk perkasa golongan OKU melalui selam skuba

DUNGUN: Persatuan OKU Sentral semalam melancarkan DiveAbility, sebuah program perintis selam skuba yang bertempat di Tenggol Coral Beach Resort, Pulau Tenggol, di sini. Menurut kenyataan Persatuan itu hari ini, program berkenaan dianjurkan dengan kerjasama Eco District Association dan bertujuan memperkasakan golongan orang kurang upaya (OKU) melalui pengalaman marin yang mencabar serta menyeronokkan. Program DiveAbility diterajui… Continue reading OKU Sentral lancar DiveAbility untuk perkasa golongan OKU melalui selam skuba

Anwar and Prabowo friendship strengthens Malaysia-Indonesia ties

KUALA LUMPUR: The strong friendship between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is reshaping regional diplomacy, blending personal rapport with strategic cooperation. Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, the Prime Minister’s senior political secretary, highlighted how their bond transcends formal politics, offering a model of progressive leadership rooted in… Continue reading Anwar and Prabowo friendship strengthens Malaysia-Indonesia ties

Police receive eighth report on lorry hitting parked cars near LRT

SHAH ALAM: Police have recorded an eighth report linked to a lorry crashing into multiple parked vehicles near Glenmarie Light Rail Transit (LRT) Station last Wednesday. Shah Alam district police chief ACP Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim stated authorities are still pursuing the lorry involved in the incident. The collision occurred around 2.10 pm, affecting commuters who… Continue reading Police receive eighth report on lorry hitting parked cars near LRT

Kota MADANI bantu penjawat awam dapatkan perumahan mampu milik

PUTRAJAYA: Inisiatif pembangunan bandar pintar Kota MADANI di Presint 19 yang mesra rakyat dan alam sekitar, disambut baik oleh pelbagai lapisan masyarakat terutamanya bagi yang berkhidmat di pusat pentadbiran kerajaan Persekutuan itu. Pengerusi Persatuan Penjawat Awam Kaum India Putrajaya (IMAIYAM) Dr Sathiskumar K. Muthusamy berkata inisiatif berkenaan amat dihargai oleh penjawat awam, termasuk dalam kalangan… Continue reading Kota MADANI bantu penjawat awam dapatkan perumahan mampu milik