Ex-investment banker jailed 2 years, fined RM1m for securities fraud

KUALA LUMPUR: A former investment banker was sentenced to two years in jail and fined RM1 million by the Sessions Court today for securities fraud offences involving RM201,000. Judge Norma Ismail delivered the sentence to Ruwan Amaresh Shaun Ponniah, 36, who previously worked as an associate director of Debt Capital Markets at a local investment… Continue reading Ex-investment banker jailed 2 years, fined RM1m for securities fraud

Selangor forms committee to prevent future gas pipeline fires after Putra Heights incident

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government will form a special committee to develop long-term strategies and propose new regulations to prevent incidents like the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire from recurring. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the committee will include representatives from state and federal agencies, Petronas, and technical experts. Their task is to… Continue reading Selangor forms committee to prevent future gas pipeline fires after Putra Heights incident

Iran decries ‘destructive’ conduct by IAEA chief

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Tehran halted cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog due to what he called the agency chief’s “destructive” behaviour towards the Islamic republic, his office said Monday. “The action taken by parliament members… is a natural response to the unjustified, unconstructive, and destructive conduct… Continue reading Iran decries ‘destructive’ conduct by IAEA chief

Bangladesh opens murder trial of key student protester

DHAKA: Bangladesh opened on Monday the murder trial of student protester Abu Sayeed, whose killing last year escalated demonstrations nationwide that ultimately ousted then prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Sayeed died aged 23 in the northern city of Rangpur, the first student demonstrator killed in the police crackdown on protests. Footage of his last moments on… Continue reading Bangladesh opens murder trial of key student protester

BBC ‘regrets’ not pulling Glastonbury stream after anti-Israel remarks

LONDON: British public broadcaster the BBC apologised Monday for not pulling a live stream of a punk-rap group’s performance at the Glastonbury festival when they made anti-Israel remarks. “With hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen,“ the broadcaster said of Bob Vylan’s show, in which the… Continue reading BBC ‘regrets’ not pulling Glastonbury stream after anti-Israel remarks

Trump says not offering Iran ‘anything’, nor speaking to them

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Monday he was not offering Iran anything nor talking to it “since we totally obliterated” the country’s nuclear facilities. “I am not offering Iran ANYTHING, unlike Obama,“ Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Nor am I even talking to them since we totally OBLITERATED their Nuclear Facilities.” The… Continue reading Trump says not offering Iran ‘anything’, nor speaking to them

China to keep anti-dumping steel duties on EU, UK, S. Korea and Indonesia

BEIJING: China will maintain duties on certain steel products from the European Union, the United Kingdom, South Korea and Indonesia, its commerce ministry said Monday, as overcapacity concerns drive global trade turbulence. The duties on stainless steel billets and hot-rolled plates, first levied by Beijing in 2019, range from 20.2 percent for Indonesian imports to… Continue reading China to keep anti-dumping steel duties on EU, UK, S. Korea and Indonesia

US must rule out more strikes before talks can resume: Iran

LONDON: Diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran cannot resume unless the US rules out further strikes on Iran, its deputy foreign minister told the BBC late Sunday. Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the British broadcaster that the US had signalled it wants to return to the negotiating table, a week after it struck three Iranian nuclear facilities.… Continue reading US must rule out more strikes before talks can resume: Iran

France court jails migrant smugglers over 2022 Channel deaths

LILLE: A French court Monday sentenced seven Afghans and two Iraqi Kurds to seven to eight years in jail over the deadly capsizing of a boat carrying migrants from France to England in 2022. The small boat had departed France early on December 14, 2022, carrying people from Afghanistan, Albania, India and Senegal. Four people… Continue reading France court jails migrant smugglers over 2022 Channel deaths

RM11 billion deployed under GEAR-uP to boost high-growth sectors in Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA: The Government-linked Enterprises Activation and Reform Programme (GEAR-uP) has deployed RM11 billion as of June 30, 2025, marking significant progress since its launch in August 2024. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) initiative aims to drive socioeconomic reforms and industrial transformation in Malaysia. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan revealed that the RM11… Continue reading RM11 billion deployed under GEAR-uP to boost high-growth sectors in Malaysia

LHDN ends 2% tax deduction for deceased EPP agents from Aug 1

PUTRAJAYA: The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) has announced that the two per cent tax deduction for deceased agents, dealers, or distributors (EPP) will no longer apply starting August 1. The decision aligns with the definition of an ‘individual’ under Section 2 of the Income Tax Act 1967, which refers only to living persons. LHDN clarified… Continue reading LHDN ends 2% tax deduction for deceased EPP agents from Aug 1

High MyKad usage for SARA programme in Sabah, says deputy minister

BELURAN: Sabah has recorded a high adoption rate of MyKad for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, with 94 per cent of recipients using it to purchase essentials at registered outlets. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying revealed that 506,000 individuals receive SARA aid, with RM500 million approved annually. Currently, nearly 4,000 grocery stores and… Continue reading High MyKad usage for SARA programme in Sabah, says deputy minister

UPM Bintulu Campus renamed UPM Sarawak with Sultan of Selangor’s consent

KLANG: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has consented to the rebranding of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus in Sarawak as UPM Sarawak (UPMS). Sultan Sharafuddin said the rebranding was a strategic move by UPM to expand its role in conjunction with the university’s 50th anniversary in Sarawak. UPM was formerly known… Continue reading UPM Bintulu Campus renamed UPM Sarawak with Sultan of Selangor’s consent

KPDN uses three approaches for smooth Op Kesan 4.0 SST review

KOTA KINABALU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) will adopt three key strategies to ensure the smooth execution of Op Kesan 4.0, following the Sales and Service Tax (SST) rate adjustments taking effect tomorrow. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali outlined the approaches, which include collecting price and service charge data to compare… Continue reading KPDN uses three approaches for smooth Op Kesan 4.0 SST review

Subsidised LPG cylinders for F&B micro traders continue with rakyat prices

KOTA KINABALU: Micro and small traders in the food and beverage sector will retain access to subsidised LPG cylinders as long as they maintain affordable prices for consumers, assured the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, clarified that vendors providing… Continue reading Subsidised LPG cylinders for F&B micro traders continue with rakyat prices

Mohd Shuhaily appointed AKPS director effective tomorrow

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, the current director of Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ), has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The appointment takes effect tomorrow and will run for two years, ending on June 30, 2027.… Continue reading Mohd Shuhaily appointed AKPS director effective tomorrow

Terengganu police probe 25 cases in lucky draw scam, losses hit RM782,616

KUALA TERENGGANU: Police in Terengganu have launched 25 investigation papers linked to a fraudulent lucky draw scheme, with total losses estimated at RM782,616. The scam, active since January, misused a local bank’s name to deceive victims. Terengganu police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin revealed that victims were lured via social media with links to download… Continue reading Terengganu police probe 25 cases in lucky draw scam, losses hit RM782,616

PM Anwar leads trade mission to Italy, France, Brazil from July 1-7

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will embark on an official visit to Italy, France, and Brazil from July 1 to 7, aiming to enhance Malaysia’s economic and diplomatic relations. The trip includes his participation in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah stated that these visits… Continue reading PM Anwar leads trade mission to Italy, France, Brazil from July 1-7

Young girl stable after Perhentian boat tragedy, 3 dead

KUALA TERENGGANU: The six-year-old girl critically injured in the Pulau Perhentian boat tragedy has stabilised, though doctors remain cautious due to potential breathing complications. State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris confirmed that T. Sakthivel is recovering at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). “Alhamdulillah, the doctor… Continue reading Young girl stable after Perhentian boat tragedy, 3 dead

What blew the pipeline? Not people, say police

SHAH ALAM: The April 1 gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights was not caused by sabotage or negligence, Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed today. A joint investigation by police and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Dosh) ruled out foul play after interviewing 212 individuals — including victims, Petronas reps, council… Continue reading What blew the pipeline? Not people, say police

PM Anwar uses chartered flight for three-nation visit to save time and costs

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will begin a three-nation official visit tomorrow, travelling via a chartered Malaysia Airlines flight to Rome, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro until July 7. The decision aims to optimise time, reduce costs, and streamline delegation coordination. Tunku Nashrul Tunku Abaidah, the Prime Minister’s senior press secretary, explained that… Continue reading PM Anwar uses chartered flight for three-nation visit to save time and costs

Retired teacher loses RM838k to P166 HIFA investment scam in Kedah

ALOR SETAR: A retired teacher in Kedah fell victim to an investment scam, losing RM838,000 after being lured into the fraudulent ‘P166 HIFA’ scheme promoted via WhatsApp. The 72-year-old victim was promised high returns but instead lost his savings in the elaborate con. Kedah Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) chief, Superintendent Loi Yew Lik, confirmed… Continue reading Retired teacher loses RM838k to P166 HIFA investment scam in Kedah

Six women rescued after getting lost in Tanjung Tuan forest hike

ALOR GAJAH: A group of six women who lost their way while hiking near Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse were successfully rescued by firefighters today. The operation involved multiple emergency response teams working together to ensure their safe return. Senior Fire Officer (PBK) operations commander I Zaidi Kadiron confirmed that the Masjid Tanah Fire and Rescue Station… Continue reading Six women rescued after getting lost in Tanjung Tuan forest hike

KLIA’s Aerotrain is back! First departure at 10am tomorrow

PETALING JAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has signed off on the papers, officially clearing the KLIA Aerotrain to resume operations tomorrow at 10am. “This is the train that ferries passengers between the main terminal and the satellite building, making travel at KLIA Terminal 1 faster and more convenient. “Big thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly… Continue reading KLIA’s Aerotrain is back! First departure at 10am tomorrow

PM Anwar to meet Italian industry leaders in Rome for economic talks

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to meet top executives from 36 Italian companies, including global giants such as Leonardo SpA, STMicroelectronics, and Ferrero, during his working visit to Rome. The discussions will take place at the Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable on July 2, as confirmed by Malaysian Ambassador to Italy,… Continue reading PM Anwar to meet Italian industry leaders in Rome for economic talks

Visionary digital leaders key to Malaysia’s public sector transformation

PUTRAJAYA: The public sector urgently requires visionary digital leaders to steer digital transformation, ensuring efficient, responsive, and tech-driven services, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Speaking at the Public Sector Chief Digital Officer Conference 2025 (CDO CONVEX 2025), Shamsul Azri stressed that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), powered by… Continue reading Visionary digital leaders key to Malaysia’s public sector transformation

Five illegal waste dumping sites found in Kuala Langat by KDEBWM

KUALA LANGAT: KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) has uncovered five illegal waste dumping sites in Kuala Langat, each spanning two to four hectares. The areas affected include Johan Setia, Sijangkang, Bukit Changgang, Telok Panglima Garang, and Tanjung Dua Belas. Datuk Ramli Mohd Tahir, Managing Director of KDEBWM, stated that the district has become a hotspot for… Continue reading Five illegal waste dumping sites found in Kuala Langat by KDEBWM

Boat capsize victim claims life jackets denied before Pulau Perhentian tragedy

BUTTERWORTH: The wife of S. Arumugam, who perished in Saturday’s boat capsize near Pulau Perhentian, alleges the operator ignored repeated pleas for life jackets despite stormy conditions. S. Sanggetha, 39, who also lost her three-year-old daughter, described the harrowing ordeal as preventable. The group of four families—seven adults and eight children—were returning from Pulau Perhentian… Continue reading Boat capsize victim claims life jackets denied before Pulau Perhentian tragedy

Sarjit Singh not solely to blame for Speedy Tigers’ Nations Cup failure – MHC

MALAYSIAN Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal has dismissed calls to pin the blame solely on head coach Sarjit Singh after the national men’s hockey team failed to reach the semi-finals of the FIH 2025 Nations Cup Hockey Tournament. Subahan stressed that responsibility should be shared across the entire squad, including players, following… Continue reading Sarjit Singh not solely to blame for Speedy Tigers’ Nations Cup failure – MHC

Serbian police dismantle anti-govt protesters’ barricades

BELGRADE: Serbian police said on Monday they had cleared barricades that anti-government protesters had set up at the weekend, after clashes between officers and demonstrators demanding early elections. Thousands of people blocked major roads in Belgrade and other Serbian cities late on Sunday to protest at police handling of a mass anti-government demonstration on Saturday.… Continue reading Serbian police dismantle anti-govt protesters’ barricades

UN chief urges aid surge in world of ‘climate chaos, raging conflicts’

SEVILLE: UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday urged the international community to “rev up the engine of development” aid in “a world shaken by inequalities, climate chaos and raging conflicts”. Rich donors led by the United States have slashed or plan to scale down aid budgets as conflicts and economic turbulence transform their spending priorities.… Continue reading UN chief urges aid surge in world of ‘climate chaos, raging conflicts’

Israelis attack soldiers in occupied West Bank

JERUSALEM: Israeli civilians assaulted security forces and vandalised military vehicles and a security installation outside an army base overnight in the occupied West Bank, the military said on Monday. According to Israeli media, settlers targeted the commander of the Binyamin Regional Brigade base in the central West Bank, calling him a “traitor”. The officer was… Continue reading Israelis attack soldiers in occupied West Bank

Five detainees plead guilty to escaping Pasir Mas court lockup

KOTA BHARU: Five detainees who escaped from the Pasir Mas Sessions Court lockup last week pleaded guilty today to charges of fleeing lawful custody. The accused, Mohd Safiuddin Hanif Mohd, 38, Muhamad Norshamzee Mohd Noresan Shargawi, 32, Mohamad Akmal Mohd Zahari, 31, Mohd Haris Zakaria, 37, and Muhammad Alif Izham Hussim, 23, entered their pleas… Continue reading Five detainees plead guilty to escaping Pasir Mas court lockup

KDEBWM boosts MPKL waste management with 28 new logistics assets

KUALA LANGAT: KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) has handed over 28 logistics assets to the Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) to improve domestic waste collection services across 23 zones in the district. The handover coincides with the renewal of KDEBWM’s contract with MPKL, now extended until July 2032. The newly delivered assets include 25 units of… Continue reading KDEBWM boosts MPKL waste management with 28 new logistics assets

Putra Heights Fire: No criminal intent found says police

SHAH ALAM: No elements of sabotage, negligence and criminal intent were found by the police in the course of their investigation into the Putra Heights fire incident, said Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan. According to Hussein, who spoke at a press conference held at the state government office, investigators determined that the incident… Continue reading Putra Heights Fire: No criminal intent found says police

Sarawak GOF seizes RM5.5 million in illegal logging, liquor, diesel, drugs

KUCHING: The Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) confiscated goods worth RM5,497,813 in four separate operations targeting illegal logging, liquor, diesel, and drugs between June 23 and 28. The operations, named Op Taring Alpha, Op Taring Bravo, Op Taring Awas, and Op Libas, were conducted in Kuching, Sibu, Miri, and Lundu. SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che… Continue reading Sarawak GOF seizes RM5.5 million in illegal logging, liquor, diesel, drugs

France, Germany and UK condemn ‘threats’ against UN nuclear watchdog head

PARIS: France, Germany and Britain on Monday condemned “threats” against the head of the UN nuclear watchdog after Iran rejected its request to visit nuclear facilities bombed by Israel and the United States. Tehran has accused Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, of “betrayal of his duties” for not condemning the Israeli… Continue reading France, Germany and UK condemn ‘threats’ against UN nuclear watchdog head

Key witness in graft trial of ex-Lima mayor found dead

LIMA: A key witness in the corruption case of a former mayor of Lima has been found dead at his home, Peruvian prosecutors said, less than three months before the trial is due to start. Jose Miguel Castro, who was a Lima municipality official during ex-mayor Susana Villaran’s term from 2011-2014, was found dead Sunday… Continue reading Key witness in graft trial of ex-Lima mayor found dead

China to resume some Japanese seafood imports after Fukushima ban

BEIJING: China has lifted a ban on seafood imports from most regions of Japan, partially mending a years-long dispute over Tokyo’s handling of nuclear wastewater. China and Japan are key trading partners, but increased friction over territorial rivalries and military spending has frayed ties in recent years. Japan’s brutal occupation of parts of China before… Continue reading China to resume some Japanese seafood imports after Fukushima ban

Sudan refugees face deepening hunger as funds dry up: UN

KHARTOUM: Millions of people displaced by the war in Sudan are at risk of falling deeper into crisis as funding for food aid dwindles, the UN’s World Food Programme warned Monday. Since April 2023, war between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has created the world’s largest displacement crisis, with more than 10… Continue reading Sudan refugees face deepening hunger as funds dry up: UN

China defends diplomats after Taiwan VP car ramming claims

BEIJING: China defended its diplomats on Monday after Taiwan accused Beijing’s embassy staff of planning to ram its vice president’s car during an official visit to Europe. “Chinese diplomats overseas always respect their host country’s laws and regulations,“ Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said. Taiwan’s top China policy body, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC),… Continue reading China defends diplomats after Taiwan VP car ramming claims

Fire destroys cotton factory in Rawang, no injuries reported

PETALING JAYA: A fire broke out at a cotton factory in Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, this morning, causing extensive damage but no injuries. The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 10.14am regarding the blaze at Carefree Cotton Industrial Sdn Bhd, located at Batu 22, Jalan Kundang. Assistant Director Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar… Continue reading Fire destroys cotton factory in Rawang, no injuries reported

Fahmi checks Malaysia Day 2025 venue in Butterworth for smooth event

BUTTERWORTH: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today visited the PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre, the chosen venue for Malaysia Day 2025, to assess early preparations for the national event. The celebration, set for Sept 16, will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also attending will be Penang’s Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah… Continue reading Fahmi checks Malaysia Day 2025 venue in Butterworth for smooth event

Family mourns loss of long-awaited child in Perhentian boat tragedy

SUNGAI PETANI: The family of V. Vennpani, the 10-year-old girl who drowned in the Pulau Perhentian boat tragedy, is struggling to cope with the loss of their long-awaited only child. Her grandmother, T. Panjawarnam, 68, said Vennpani had been excited about the holiday with her parents and three other relatives before the fatal incident. “I… Continue reading Family mourns loss of long-awaited child in Perhentian boat tragedy

PM Anwar strengthens Malaysia-Germany ties in farewell envoy meeting

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today underscored Malaysia’s dedication to deepening ties with Germany during a farewell meeting with outgoing German Ambassador Dr Peter Blomeyer. The discussion at his Putrajaya office centered on enhancing collaboration in trade, education, and cultural exchanges. Anwar emphasized the importance of sustainable bilateral progress, noting that Malaysia… Continue reading PM Anwar strengthens Malaysia-Germany ties in farewell envoy meeting

Malaysia Fair 2025 Osaka boosts VM2026 tourism campaign in Japan

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Fair 2025 made its debut in Osaka as part of Malaysia’s participation in World Expo 2025, serving as a key platform to promote the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign in Japan. Held from June 27 to 29 at Lalaport ExpoCity, the event showcased the country’s cultural heritage, culinary diversity, and traditions… Continue reading Malaysia Fair 2025 Osaka boosts VM2026 tourism campaign in Japan

Sarawak boosts solar workforce to meet 2030 renewable energy goals

SIBU: Sarawak must accelerate efforts to produce skilled solar energy workers to support its renewable energy expansion, said Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, the state’s Utilities and Telecommunications Minister. The move aligns with Sarawak’s goal to increase power generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030 and 15,000 MW by 2035, with renewables contributing at least… Continue reading Sarawak boosts solar workforce to meet 2030 renewable energy goals

Malaysia’s unemployment drops to 3.2% in 2024, labour market strongest since pandemic

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s labour market has achieved its strongest performance since the pandemic, with unemployment falling to 3.2 per cent in 2024, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The latest data shows key improvements in employment, youth joblessness, and workforce participation, with stability expected to continue into 2025. The unemployment rate dipped below the… Continue reading Malaysia’s unemployment drops to 3.2% in 2024, labour market strongest since pandemic

Snakes on a plane bound for India, again

NEW DELHI: Indian customs officers in Mumbai said they have stopped a plane passenger arriving from Thailand with a wriggling cargo of live snakes, the third such seizure this month. “Customs officers… foiled yet another wildlife smuggling attempt, 16 live snakes… seized from passenger returning from Thailand,“ said customs officers in the airport in the… Continue reading Snakes on a plane bound for India, again