Category: Local

KOTA KINABALU: The Chief Warden of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha’s dormitory questioned why the mother of deceased student Zara Qairina remained silent despite her daughter’s alleged complaints about hostel problems. Azhari Abd Sagap, who also serves as the school’s Arabic teacher, testified as the eighth witness during the ninth day of the… Continue reading Chief warden questions mother’s silence over daughter’s school complaints

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has declared that Malaysia’s smart city development must be driven by local expertise using artificial intelligence technologies. Anwar explained that cities worldwide face complex challenges from rapid population growth, diverse demographics, environmental issues, and sophisticated infrastructure needs. He stated that digital technologies like artificial intelligence provide proactive… Continue reading Malaysia’s smart city development must use local talent and AI

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Road Transport Department has recorded a significant increase in heavy vehicle overloading cases during the first eight months of 2024. State JPJ director Mohd Misuari Abdullah confirmed 13 cases were recorded under the Land Public Transport Act 2010 alongside 1,080 cases under the Road Transport Act. Cases under the Road Transport… Continue reading Kelantan records rise in heavy vehicle overloading cases in 2024

MELAKA: The Public Engagement Session for the 13th Malaysia Plan serves as a crucial platform for gathering public input and refining proposals to shape impactful national policies. INPUMA UM executive director Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff announced that seven sessions have been held so far in locations including Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Kedah, Penang, Kuala Lumpur,… Continue reading Public engagement for 13MP amplifies citizens’ voices in policy shaping

PUTRAJAYA: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Malay community in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, ensuring they will not be sidelined in any future redevelopment plans for the historic enclave. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, stressed that any development initiative will be… Continue reading Government guarantees Malay interests in Kampung Baru redevelopment

GOPENG: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is targeting sales worth RM1.6 million through the Perak Agrofest 2025 event. The three-day agricultural festival will commence on 26 September at the Sungai Siput Infoternak Farm. Perak Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun stated the target aims to expand markets… Continue reading FAMA targets RM1.6 million sales at Perak Agrofest 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is advancing smart city development grounded in MADANI principles as digital transformation and artificial intelligence become reality. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that efforts to develop Kota MADANI and Smart City Kuala Lumpur reflect his commitment to national competitiveness. He emphasised that these initiatives will promote economic innovation alongside social… Continue reading Malaysia to build smart cities based on MADANI principles says PM

KOTA BHARU: Universiti Sains Malaysia has launched a mobile application called CaknaStrok through its School of Medical Sciences to enhance stroke patient care quality nationwide. Public Health Medicine Specialist Professor Dr Kamarul Imran Musa stated the platform offers guidance and continuous communication channels between patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. He explained the initiative addresses stroke… Continue reading USM launches CaknaStrok app to support stroke patient caregivers

LUMUT: A senior citizen believed to have been involved in a physical altercation with his friend was discovered deceased at a residence in Sungai Pinang Kecil on Pangkor Island. Manjung District Police Chief ACP Hasbullah Abd Rahman confirmed that authorities received a report concerning the 73-year-old victim at 2:00 pm yesterday. Investigations revealed the victim… Continue reading Senior citizen found dead after fight with friend on Pangkor Island

KOTA KINABALU: The chief warden of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha broke down in tears during the inquest into Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death while denying allegations that he or the school protected her alleged bully or killer. Azhari Abd Sagap, 31, became emotional on the ninth day of proceedings at the Coroner’s Court… Continue reading School warden denies protecting Zara Qairina’s bully, breaks down in court

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s halal exports reached US$7 billion in the first half of 2025, accounting for 16.1% of national exports according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The key exported products were food and beverages, halal ingredients, and palm oil derivatives shipped to diverse markets including China, Singapore, the United States,… Continue reading Malaysia’s halal exports hit US$7 billion in first half of 2025

KULAI: A 19-year-old man was killed and several others sustained injuries in a multi-vehicle collision involving four motorcycles, a car, and a lorry at Kilometre 4 on the Kulai-Kota Tinggi Road early today. Kulai police chief ACP Tan Seng Lee confirmed the accident occurred around 1.05 am when a 26-year-old woman driving a Perodua Bezza… Continue reading 19-year-old killed, several injured in multi-vehicle Kulai crash

KUANTAN: A 42-year-old teacher was defrauded of RM340,500 after falling victim to an elaborate phone scam involving individuals posing as an insurance agent, a police officer, and a deputy public prosecutor. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman stated the victim received an initial call on April 27 from a suspect who falsely accused her… Continue reading Teacher loses RM340,500 in elaborate phone scam posing as officials

PETALING JAYA: A Malaysia Airlines flight, MH102, flying from Kuala Lumpur to Dhaka, Bangladesh, was diverted to Bangkok, Thailand, due to a health emergency involving a passenger. According to Astro Awani, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft departed the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 9.53am to Dhaka before diverting to the Suvarnabhumi Airport. The cabin crew reportedly… Continue reading Flight MH102 diverted to Bangkok due to health emergency onboard

BATU PAHAT: A total of 5.56 million hectares of oil palm and 79,491 hectares of coconut plantations nationwide face serious threats from invasive alien species. Deputy Director-General of Agriculture Mat Iesak Ngathinee stated that 59 invasive species have been detected since 2011, with two posing the greatest danger to palm crops. The Guam Rhinoceros Beetle… Continue reading Guam beetle and red palm weevil threaten Malaysia’s oil palm plantations

KOTA BHARU: The proposed Paramedic Practitioners Bill remains under review by the Attorney General’s Chambers before progressing to Cabinet consideration. Ministry of Health deputy secretary-general (Finance) Datuk Seri Zahrul Hakim confirmed the legislative process during his officiation of the National Union of Medical Assistants conference. He stated that the Medical Practice Division has completed engagement… Continue reading Paramedic Practitioners Bill under AGC review for Parliament tabling

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court has convicted independent preacher Muhammad Fathi Na’im Mazlam of raping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, sentencing him to 15 years imprisonment and three strokes of the cane. Judge Noridah Adam delivered the verdict after determining that the defence failed to raise reasonable doubt against the prosecution’s case during the… Continue reading Independent preacher Fathi Na’im gets 15 years jail, caning for rape

KUANTAN: The Royal Malaysian Air Force has determined that a collision with a heron on the runway caused the crash of an F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet at the Kuantan Air Base on 21 August. RMAF Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris stated that a Board of Inquiry investigation found the bird strike led to… Continue reading RMAF F/A-18D Hornet crash caused by heron collision on runway

KOTA BHARU: The Ministry of Health has submitted more than six high-impact proposals for Budget 2026 ahead of its tabling on October 10. MOH Deputy Secretary-General (Finance) Datuk Seri Zahrul Hakim confirmed the proposals include additional allocations for upgrading third class ward facilities and increasing allowances for rural healthcare workers. He stated that the ministry… Continue reading MOH proposes ward upgrades and rural healthcare stipends for Budget 2026

SHAH ALAM: The High Court has issued an interim injunction preventing the Defence Minister and Ministry of Defence from making any statements regarding the death of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Palapes cadet Syamsul Haris Shamsudin. Judge Adlin Abdul Majid granted the order after receiving a bond undertaking from senior federal counsel Roziza Sidek representing both parties.… Continue reading Court issues interim injunction against Defence Minister in cadet death case

PETALING JAYA: The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the national affordable housing agenda, with a focus on improving access, financing, ownership and rental opportunities for the B40 and M40 groups. At the first National Affordable Housing Council (MPMMN) meeting of the year, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Housing and Local Government… Continue reading Govt vows no compromise in meeting B40, M40 housing needs

MELAKA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of Melaka and Negeri Sembilan has detained a boat carrying 20 illegal immigrants in the waters of Tanjung Kling. Its director, Maritime Captain Salehuddin Zakaria, said they initially obtained information about the boat from the Johor Bahru Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre based on a report from… Continue reading MMEA detains boat with 20 illegal immigrants off Tanjung Kling

SHAH ALAM: A total of 628 bankruptcy cases involving civil servants in Selangor have been recorded from 2020 to date. Selangor Insolvency Department director Pavani Kasi stated that the primary cause of these bankruptcies was personal loans, followed by housing loans and hire-purchase vehicle loans. She noted a downward trend in the bankruptcy statistics in… Continue reading 628 civil servant bankruptcy cases recorded in Selangor since 2020

PAPAR: The National Disaster Management Agency will construct a permanent evacuation centre in Bongawan this year to assist residents affected by disasters, particularly floods. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that detailed discussions will be held with stakeholders, including the Sabah state secretary, to identify a suitable site. “I visited seven… Continue reading Permanent flood evacuation centre to be built in Bongawan, Sabah

KAJANG: Two 13-year-old male students received a one-year good behaviour bond from the Sessions Court for slapping their classmate at a shopping mall two months ago. Magistrate Fatin Dayana Jalil issued the order after reviewing probationary reports from the Social Welfare Department. The court maintained the RM500 bail previously imposed on each student according to… Continue reading Two students placed on good behaviour bond for slapping classmate

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Asean leaders to prioritise the voices of young people, saying inclusivity in governance cannot be achieved without their participation. Anwar said the grouping had made room for women and youth to speak up — a privilege not enjoyed in every country — during the opening of the… Continue reading PM Anwar urges ASEAN leaders to listen to youths

KUALA LUMPUR: Four express bus passengers were fined for failing to wear seat belts during a special Road Transport Department (JPJ) operation at the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza. JPJ Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory director Hamidi Adam identified the offenders as three men and one woman, all local passengers travelling on two separate express buses. “The… Continue reading Four express bus passengers fined for not wearing seat belts in JPJ op

PETALING JAYA: A man suspected of stabbing his wife and a mobile phone trader to death in Yan, Kedah will remain in custody for another six days. Harian Metro reported that Yan District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Hamizi Abdullah said the 29-year-old suspect’s remand was extended to September 24 to assist investigations. The suspect, arrested… Continue reading Remand extended in Guar Chempedak double murder probe, suspected jealousy

KUALA LUMPUR: The H.E.M.A.T. Dashboard serves as an integrated digital platform to monitor and report achievements of public service reform initiatives while enhancing transparency and accountability. Public Service Director-General Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz stated the platform comprehensively brings together various government programmes based on H.E.M.A.T. values. “We want to raise awareness among… Continue reading HEMAT Dashboard launched as integrated digital platform for public sector

MELAKA: A mother and her disabled daughter were discovered deceased inside a multi-purpose vehicle on Jalan Solok Hilir, Paya Rumput today. Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar identified the victims as 57-year-old Zabanah Abu Hussin and her 25-year-old daughter Intan Nur Shafiqah Othman. Both were found unconscious in the vehicle at 12.24 am by concerned… Continue reading Mother and daughter found dead in car in Melaka from suspected gas leak

JAKARTA: Universities must serve as bridges to strengthen international relations according to the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail. His Royal Highness stated that education can strengthen regional ties while propelling knowledge-based progress and contributing to global well-being. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin added that Malaysia welcomes continuous collaborations with overseas education institutions to… Continue reading Universities must bridge international relations, says Perlis Raja Muda

KUALA TERENGGANU: A religious school teacher has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in the Sessions Court. Mohamad Aswadi Yah, 46, entered his plea before Judge Wan Nor Aklima Wan Salleh on charges framed under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. The alleged offences occurred at a house… Continue reading Religious teacher pleads not guilty to sexually assaulting 14-year-old boy

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has decreed that the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru in Kuala Lumpur must be handled carefully and wisely, with utmost respect and priority placed on the interests of the Malays. In a statement issued today, His Royal Highness said that while there is no objection… Continue reading Handle Kampung Sungai Baru issue carefully, prioritise interests of the Malays – Sultan Sharafuddin

SHAH ALAM: A clear and precise definition of bullying will be a key focus in drafting the proposed Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She stated that this matter has been widely raised during Anti-Bullying Town Hall sessions and through the Institutional Reform Map portal.… Continue reading Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill to begin with clear definition, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) Musaadah Fund has collected and distributed a total of RM191,139 to three non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support the people of Palestine. The Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisation (MAPIM), Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCARE), and Pertubuhan Kasih Insan Malaysia each received RM63,713. Minister in the Prime Minister’s… Continue reading JAWI Musaadah Fund donates RM191,139 to three NGOs for Palestine

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has granted rapper Caprice until October 2 to file his defence statement in a defamation lawsuit initiated by entrepreneur Muhammad Asyraf Khalid. Lawyer Abdul Hakeem Aiman, representing Muhammad Asyraf, confirmed that Justice Datuk Anand Ponnudurai also scheduled October 16 for his client to file a reply to the defence statement.… Continue reading Rapper Caprice given until Oct 2 to file defence in defamation suit

SANDAKAN: The Ministry of Works has allocated 18 million ringgit for maintenance and repair works on the Pan Borneo Highway in the Kinabatangan area. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan stated the allocation covers maintenance works for Packages 25 and 26 of the highway, which stretches over eight kilometres from the Batu 6 Roundabout to… Continue reading KKR allocates RM18 million for Pan Borneo Highway repairs in Kinabatangan

SEPANG: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is examining the financial records of family members and close associates of those arrested in the counter-setting scandal. Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated this move aims to trace the money trail behind the counter-setting activities, with the investigation extending to all individuals linked to those in custody. He… Continue reading MACC probes finances of associates, family in counter-setting scandal

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia recorded 73.8 million domestic visitors in the second quarter of 2025, representing a 7.8% increase compared to the same period last year. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) released these figures today based on its Domestic Tourism Survey for the second quarter of 2025 and annual 2024 statistics by state. Domestic visitor numbers… Continue reading Malaysia domestic tourism up 7.8% year-on-year in Q2 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that ongoing parliamentary reforms are vital to strengthening democratic accountability in Malaysia. Anwar highlighted key initiatives including the Parliamentary Services Act 2025, parliamentary select committees, and Prime Minister’s Question Time as significant milestones. These reforms mark a shift towards greater transparency and accountability in the country’s… Continue reading Parliamentary reforms strengthen Malaysia’s democratic accountability, says PM

MELAKA: A total of 650 police personnel will be on duty during the 2025 World Tourism Day and 2025 World Tourism Conference from 27 to 29 September. Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar stated this deployment ensures security for over 150 international delegates attending the event. He mentioned additional support from Bukit Aman for traffic… Continue reading 650 police personnel deployed for World Tourism Day and Conference

PETALING JAYA: A man who was caught on CCTV assaulting a couple after being told not to smoke at a Shah Alam restaurant has been arrested by police. Shah Alam District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said the 49-year-old suspect, a motorcycle mechanic, was detained at about 4.30pm in Persiaran Kayangan, Section 9,… Continue reading Man arrested for assaulting couple after smoking dispute at a restaurant