Three Malaysians arrested in Singapore for evading over S$800,000 in cigarette duty & tax

SINGAPORE: Three Malaysian men have been arrested for suspected evasion of S$812,384 (S$1=RM3.30) in cigarette duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) following an enforcement operation at Gul Drive. In a statement, Singapore Customs said that during the operation on June 10, its officers observed the three men, aged 24, 30, and 40, transferring brown… Continue reading Three Malaysians arrested in Singapore for evading over S$800,000 in cigarette duty & tax

Pope Leo XIV to revive papal holidays at summer palace

VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV will holiday twice at the papal palace in Castel Gandolfo near Rome this summer, reviving a tradition abandoned by his predecessor Francis, the Vatican said Tuesday. The US pope, elected on May 8, will stay at the villa some 25 kilometres (15 miles) southeast of the Italian capital for a… Continue reading Pope Leo XIV to revive papal holidays at summer palace

UK slaps new sanctions on Russia shadow fleet

LONDON: The UK on Tuesday tightened its sanctions on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, slapping bans on 20 more ships and blacklisting 10 other people or bodies involved in energy and shipping. Security analysts say the fleet of ageing vessels is used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions that ban it from selling oil. Hundreds of… Continue reading UK slaps new sanctions on Russia shadow fleet

MAIWP aid brings relief, eases burden of Asnaf families

KUALA LUMPUR: Smiles of relief and heartfelt gratitude marked the Ziarah Kasih Asnaf Bersama MAIWP programme, as asnaf residents of the Sri Perak Public Housing Complex here received aid from the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) today. For the recipients, the aid extended beyond material support, offering hope and assurance that their struggles had… Continue reading MAIWP aid brings relief, eases burden of Asnaf families

WHO says Gaza health care at breaking point as fuel runs out

GENEVA: The World Health Organization on Tuesday pleaded for fuel to be allowed into Gaza to keep its remaining hospitals running, warning the Palestinian territory’s health system was at “breaking point”. “For over 100 days, no fuel has entered Gaza and attempts to retrieve stocks from evacuation zones have been denied,“ said Rik Peeperkorn, the… Continue reading WHO says Gaza health care at breaking point as fuel runs out

Seven new faces to bolster TFC’s charge in 2025/2026 season

TERENGGANU FC (TFC) is set to bring in seven new players to strengthen the charge for the 2025/2026 season. Terengganu Football Club Sdn Bhd (TFCSB) acting chief executive officer Mohd Syahrizan Mohd Zain said this comprised two local players and five imports who will fill positions in midfield, attack and defence. He said final preparations… Continue reading Seven new faces to bolster TFC’s charge in 2025/2026 season

US retail sales slip more than expected after rush to beat tariffs

WASHINGTON: US retail sales declined more than expected in May, government data showed Tuesday, dragged by a slowdown in auto sales as consumers pulled back after hurrying to get ahead of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Last month, overall sales fell by 0.9 percent from April to $715.4 billion, according to data released by the… Continue reading US retail sales slip more than expected after rush to beat tariffs

EU lawmakers seek to end time limit for child sex abuse cases

STRASBOURG: European lawmakers Tuesday voted to abolish the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse as the bloc seeks to step up the fight against the crime. Parliamentarians gathered in Strasbourg voted 599 to two to do away with time limits for victims to bring their abusers to justice. Last year the European Commission suggested… Continue reading EU lawmakers seek to end time limit for child sex abuse cases

Jordan king says Israel’s Iran attacks threaten region and beyond

STRASBOURG: Jordan’s King Abdullah II warned in an address to the European Parliament on Tuesday that Israel’s “attacks” on Iran threatened to dangerously escalate tensions in the “region and beyond”. Speaking as the arch foes traded fire for a fifth day, Abdullah said that “with Israel’s expansion of its offensive to include Iran, there is… Continue reading Jordan king says Israel’s Iran attacks threaten region and beyond

Dutch suggest social media ban for under-15s

THE HAGUE: The Dutch government Tuesday advised parents to forbid children under 15 from using social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat, the latest country to propose curbs over mental health concerns. The advice, which is non-binding, comes after Australia and New Zealand proposed social media bans for under-16s, and several European countries have issued… Continue reading Dutch suggest social media ban for under-15s

Iran accuses G7 of siding with Israel with de-escalation call

TEHRAN: Iran accused the Group of Seven nations on Tuesday of siding with Israel in its call for “de-escalation” in their intensifying conflict, now in its fifth day. “The G7 must give up its one-sided rhetoric and tackle the real source of the escalation — Israel’s aggression,“ foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said. “Israel has… Continue reading Iran accuses G7 of siding with Israel with de-escalation call

French ex-PM Fillon given suspended prison sentence over wife’s fake job

PARIS: Former French prime minister Francois Fillon was on Tuesday given a four-year suspended prison sentence over a fake jobs scandal that wrecked his 2017 presidential bid. Fillon, 71, had been found guilty in 2022 on appeal of embezzlement for providing a fake parliamentary assistant job to his wife, Penelope Fillon, that saw her being… Continue reading French ex-PM Fillon given suspended prison sentence over wife’s fake job

EU countries back recycled plastic targets for cars

BRUSSELS: EU countries Tuesday backed plans to set mandatory targets for recycled plastic content in new vehicles in a bid to reduce waste and promote the so-called “circular economy”. Environmental ministers from the bloc’s 27 nations approved a proposal by the European Commission to make sure at least 25 percent of the plastic in new… Continue reading EU countries back recycled plastic targets for cars

EU says diplomacy best way to stop Iran getting nuclear bomb

BRUSSELS: The European Union said Tuesday diplomacy was the best path to tackle Tehran’s nuclear programme, after emergency talks between its 27 foreign ministers on the conflict between Israel and Iran. “We all agreed the urgent need for de-escalation. Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and diplomacy is the solution to prevent this, and (the)… Continue reading EU says diplomacy best way to stop Iran getting nuclear bomb

Three hikers struck dead by lightning in Austrian Alps

VIENNA: Three experienced Austrian hikers were killed when lightning struck during a sudden thunderstorm in the Tyrolean Alps over the weekend, police told AFP on Tuesday. Authorities said such incidents are “extremely rare” in the country of almost 9.2 million, which is famed for its mountain ranges. Lightning struck when a couple, both aged 60,… Continue reading Three hikers struck dead by lightning in Austrian Alps

N. Korea to send army builders, deminers to Russia: Russian news agencies

MOSCOW: North Korea will send military builders and sappers to help restore Russia’s western Kursk region after Ukraine’s incursion, Russian news agencies cited Moscow’s security chief as saying Tuesday on a trip to Pyongyang. Sergei Shoigu, the head of Russia’s Security Council, held talks with leader Kim Jong Un in North Korea for the second… Continue reading N. Korea to send army builders, deminers to Russia: Russian news agencies

Indonesia volcano spews colossal ash tower, alert level raised

JAKARTA: A volcano in eastern Indonesia spewed a colossal ash tower into the sky on Tuesday, authorities said, after they raised its alert level to the highest of a four-tiered system. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,584-metre-high twin-peaked volcano on the tourist island of Flores, erupted at 5:35 pm local time (0935 GMT), the volcanology agency… Continue reading Indonesia volcano spews colossal ash tower, alert level raised

India’s Modi visits Croatia with EU trade on agenda

ZAGREB: Narendra Modi will visit Croatia on Wednesday, the first time an Indian prime minister has toured the Balkan nation, in a sign of increasing ties with the European Union. Modi will visit the EU member on his way back from the G7 Summit in Canada, following an earlier stop in Cyprus. Croatian newspaper Vecernji… Continue reading India’s Modi visits Croatia with EU trade on agenda

Finas proposes extending viewer count period for local films to four days

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) has proposed extending the period for calculating viewer numbers to determine eligibility for full screenings of local films under the Compulsory Screening Scheme from three days to four. Its chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said the proposal was among the improvements in the amendment… Continue reading Finas proposes extending viewer count period for local films to four days

Trump says EU not offering ‘fair deal’ on trade

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the European Union had yet to offer a “fair deal” on trade, as Washington negotiates tariff agreements with friends and foes alike. “We’re talking but I don’t feel that they’re offering a fair deal yet,“ Trump said of the EU, speaking to reporters on board Air Force… Continue reading Trump says EU not offering ‘fair deal’ on trade

FRIM enhances efforts to commercialise forest resource-based research innovations

KUALA LUMPUR: The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) continues to strengthen its role in the development of forest resource-based technology and innovation through the comprehensive execution of research, development, commercialisation, and application (RDCA) activities. FRIM said the initiative represents a strategic effort by the institute to support Malaysia’s aspiration of becoming a high-tech nation by… Continue reading FRIM enhances efforts to commercialise forest resource-based research innovations

Tragic dead end to baffling trail of Johor teacher missing classes since last year

JOHOR BAHRU: The school authorities were mystified after chasing up various avenues to locate a female teacher who was reportedly absent from classroom duty since last September (2024), before the devastating news emerged of a decomposed body found at her home last Thursday. Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the last time… Continue reading Tragic dead end to baffling trail of Johor teacher missing classes since last year

MBI Selangor, NAICO to strengthen aerospace talent development via SAP

SHAH ALAM: Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI Selangor) and the National Aerospace Industry Corporation of Malaysia (NAICO) have reaffirmed their commitment to building talent in the aerospace industry through the Selangor Aero Park (SAP) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Aeropolis. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, in a Facebook post, said the collaboration… Continue reading MBI Selangor, NAICO to strengthen aerospace talent development via SAP

Hannah advises NSAs to resolve disputes internally before seeking JKPS help

YOUTH and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has urged national sports associations (NSAs) to resolve any internal disputes on their own before escalating matters to the Sports Dispute Committee (JKPS). Hannah said that of the 75 cases received by JKPS last year, most could have been settled internally. As such, she advised those holding positions within… Continue reading Hannah advises NSAs to resolve disputes internally before seeking JKPS help

BNM plans to make Financial Education Network Proaktif mandatory for youth

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) plans to make its money literacy programme, called Financial Education Network (FEN) Proaktif, mandatory for the youth. BNM deputy governor, Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid, said the central bank is looking forward to working with various agencies in encouraging the youth to enrol in this programme. “(We are planning) to… Continue reading BNM plans to make Financial Education Network Proaktif mandatory for youth

Petronas, Italy’s Eni ink JV framework to explore regional upstream collaboration

KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) has entered into a joint venture framework agreement (JVFA) with Italian energy company Eni to further discussions and evaluations aimed at creating a regional upstream joint venture (JV) company. The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding inked in December 2024. In a statement today, Petronas said that the… Continue reading Petronas, Italy’s Eni ink JV framework to explore regional upstream collaboration

Kelantan NGOs deliver emergency rafts to help communities brace for floods

PASIR MAS: In a community-led effort to bolster flood preparedness in Kelantan, a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has delivered 25 emergency rafts, valued at RM100,000, to residents in the flood-prone areas of Rantau Panjang and Bakong. The initiative is a collaborative partnership between the Kelantan Disaster Response Network (KDRN), the Rotary Club, the Archdiocesan… Continue reading Kelantan NGOs deliver emergency rafts to help communities brace for floods

WhatsApp introduces first major advertising features

SAN FRANCISCO: WhatsApp announced Monday it will introduce its boldest advertising features yet, marking a significant shift for the messaging platform that has largely remained ad-free since its launch. The move is a sensitive one for WhatsApp, whose chief firmly denied a report in 2023 that said the Meta-owned app was exploring advertisements as it… Continue reading WhatsApp introduces first major advertising features

Policy consistency, political stability key to world competitiveness ranking – Economist

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) hinges on political stability and consistent policy formulation and implementation, particularly as difficult or unpopular decisions are sometimes necessary to optimise resource allocation and strengthen the country’s economic structure. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that for example, the government’s efforts to… Continue reading Policy consistency, political stability key to world competitiveness ranking – Economist

Asian Individual Championships: Six Malaysian women clear first round

SIX national women’s squash players started the Asian Individual Championships 2025 on the right footing by clearing their first-round hurdles today. In the tournament held at the Sarawak Squash Centre in Petra Jaya, top seed Rachel Arnold had no trouble overcoming Taiwan’s Lee Yi Hsuan with scores of 11-5, 11-6, 11-4. The 29-year-old will next… Continue reading Asian Individual Championships: Six Malaysian women clear first round

Russia says Israel ‘reluctant’ to accept outside mediation over Iran conflict

MOSCOW: Russia said Tuesday it was ready to act as a peace broker between Israel and Iran, but that Israel was showing reluctance to accept outside mediation. Israel began launching strikes across Iran on Friday, saying it aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon — a charge Iran denies. Iran has responded with… Continue reading Russia says Israel ‘reluctant’ to accept outside mediation over Iran conflict

Melaka reaffirms commitment to water tourism, draws inspiration from Venice visit

MELAKA: Melaka remains steadfast in its mission to position the state as a sustainable water tourism destination, while restoring the former glory of the Melaka River, once dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said this commitment was further strengthened following a recent high-impact working visit by the state… Continue reading Melaka reaffirms commitment to water tourism, draws inspiration from Venice visit

Israel warns Iran’s Khamenei he risks fate like Saddam’s

JERUSALEM: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday he could suffer a fate “similar to” Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, who was toppled and later executed. Katz warned Khamenei risked “a fate similar to Saddam Hussein” during a meeting with Israeli military and security service commanders, according to a… Continue reading Israel warns Iran’s Khamenei he risks fate like Saddam’s

Motorbike-riding ‘goons’ attack Kenya protesters

NAIROBI: Hundreds of men armed with whips and clubs attacked groups of protesters in Kenya on Tuesday as they demonstrated against the recent killing of a man in police custody, AFP journalists saw. Tensions have risen as the east African country approaches the first anniversary of massive Gen Z-led protests sparked by tax rises, which… Continue reading Motorbike-riding ‘goons’ attack Kenya protesters

Trump says wants ‘real end’ to Israel-Iran conflict, not ceasefire

TEHRAN: US President Donald Trump said he wants a “real end” to the conflict between Israel and Iran, not just a ceasefire, as the arch foes traded fire for a fifth day on Tuesday. The escalating clashes saw Israeli warplanes target military sites in Iran, killing a senior commander and drawing retaliatory missile fire from… Continue reading Trump says wants ‘real end’ to Israel-Iran conflict, not ceasefire

Foreign Ministry urges Malaysians in Iran to leave amid escalating tension

PUTRAJAYA: All Malaysians currently in Iran have been strongly urged to leave the country immediately amid the heightened security situation following Israel’s aggression against Iran. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) in a statement Tuesday said the situation in Iran remains highly volatile and may take a turn for the worse without warning. “Given the… Continue reading Foreign Ministry urges Malaysians in Iran to leave amid escalating tension

Shell to increase investment in Malaysia by more than RM9 billion – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Shell will increase its investment in Malaysia by more than RM9 billion over the next two to three years, which is expected to create high-skilled jobs, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the plan was conveyed by Shell’s Global chief executive officer Wael Sawan… Continue reading Shell to increase investment in Malaysia by more than RM9 billion – PM Anwar

Final respects for Palanivel to be held at Bangsar residence tomorrow

KUALA LUMPUR: The final respects for former MIC president and former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, will be held at his residence in Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar here tomorrow. His wife, Datin Seri P. Kanagam, said the family welcomes friends, acquaintances and members of the public to pay their last respects… Continue reading Final respects for Palanivel to be held at Bangsar residence tomorrow

Government to consider public feedback in SST review

IPOH: The government will continue to consider feedback from various stakeholders in its review of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) rates and the expansion of its scope, according to political secretary to the Finance Minister Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim. He assured the public that the expanded scope of the tax would not apply to… Continue reading Government to consider public feedback in SST review

New fatwa needed to protect abandoned children, SUHAKAM Muzakarah resolves

PUTRAJAYA: A new fatwa outlining the protection and welfare of abandoned children or foundlings (al-laqit) must be formulated to enhance protection for this vulnerable group. This is one of the four resolutions adopted at the Muzakarah on Human Rights Issues from the Maqasid Syariah Perspective organised by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) today.… Continue reading New fatwa needed to protect abandoned children, SUHAKAM Muzakarah resolves

Review cases of top SPM students denied IPT places – Ahmad Zahid

BAGAN DATUK: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged the Ministry of Higher Education to review applications from outstanding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students who were unsuccessful in securing a place at institutions of higher learning. He said that compassion and fairness must be shown to these students regardless of race,… Continue reading Review cases of top SPM students denied IPT places – Ahmad Zahid

Tributes pour in for Palanivel, remembered for integrity and service

KUALA LUMPUR: Condolences and heartfelt tributes poured in following the passing of former MIC President Datuk Seri G. Palanivel today, as leaders and friends shared cherished memories of his life and enduring legacy. Former Malaysian Hindu Sangam president Datuk A. Vaithilingam described Palanivel as an approachable and helpful individual who was always willing to assist… Continue reading Tributes pour in for Palanivel, remembered for integrity and service

NAIO to submit AI law proposal to Gobind by month-end

SEPANG: The National AI Office (NAIO) will submit its proposals on artificial intelligence (AI) laws to the Digital Ministry by the end of this month. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said NAIO has been tasked with submitting its recommendations on AI legislation to help develop a comprehensive governance framework. “The Ministry of Digital has commenced… Continue reading NAIO to submit AI law proposal to Gobind by month-end

DOSM to introduce National Agricultural Production Index in food security push

KEPALA BATAS: The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will soon introduce a National Agricultural Production Index to strengthen food security by addressing critical data gaps in the agriculture sector. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the index, to be pushed quarterly, will offer a more comprehensive view of agricultural output, supporting evidence-based… Continue reading DOSM to introduce National Agricultural Production Index in food security push

ASEAN, Timor-Leste education ministers arrive in Langkawi for regional roundtables

LANGKAWI: Education ministers from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, along with their respective delegations, arrived at the Langkawi International Airport today to attend the ASEAN Ministers of Education and Higher Education Roundtables (#EduRoundtables2025). The delegations, who began arriving as early as 10.30 am, were received by senior officials from the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry… Continue reading ASEAN, Timor-Leste education ministers arrive in Langkawi for regional roundtables

Poll finds public turning to AI bots for news updates

PARIS: People are increasingly turning to generative artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT to follow day-to-day news, a respected media report published Tuesday found. The yearly survey from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism found “for the first time” that significant numbers of people were using chatbots to get headlines and updates, director Mitali… Continue reading Poll finds public turning to AI bots for news updates

‘Spectacular’ Viking burial site discovered in Denmark

AARHUS: In an accidental find, a 10th-century burial site believed to have belonged to a Viking noble family has been discovered in northern Denmark, packed with a “spectacular” trove of ancient objects, a museum announced Tuesday. The discovery came when pearls, coins, ceramics and a box containing a gold thread were unearthed during construction work… Continue reading ‘Spectacular’ Viking burial site discovered in Denmark

Calm exterior, but O&G sector remains on guard – Petronas

KUALA LUMPUR: The oil and gas (O&G) industry may appear calm on the surface, but it remains on guard, especially amid the current geopolitical tensions, said Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) president and group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz. “I can’t offer conclusive statistics, but based on observed behaviour, many oil… Continue reading Calm exterior, but O&G sector remains on guard – Petronas

NTW 2025: Melaka media practitioners benefit from ChatGPT course organised by MCMC, HRD Corp

MELAKA: A course on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the ChatGPT application, specially designed for media practitioners, is seen as a timely step to help speed up daily tasks and improve the quality of news writing. Organised by the Melaka Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in collaboration with the Melaka Human Resource… Continue reading NTW 2025: Melaka media practitioners benefit from ChatGPT course organised by MCMC, HRD Corp

Senai Airport city attracts RM8b investments, commits to developing Johor workforce

JOHOR BAHRU: Senai Airport City (SAC) has attracted about 160 investors, with total committed investments nearing RM8 billion. Chief executive officer of Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd, Gan Seng Keong, said the 1,099-hectare integrated industrial development has already developed 50 per cent of its land, transforming it into a vibrant and diversified industrial ecosystem. Senai… Continue reading Senai Airport city attracts RM8b investments, commits to developing Johor workforce