Category: Local

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEPANG: In line with its commitment to spearheading digital transformation, the National Digital Department (JDN) today launched the RAI Portal, a dedicated section under the MyGovernment Portal aimed at meeting the needs of non-citizens. The RAI Portal is developed as a digital one-stop centre, aligning information and services with the specific purposes of its users.… Continue reading RAI Portal launched to facilitate non-citizen access to government services

KUALA LUMPUR: Several former colleagues of Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, who died today, recalled fond memories of their time working with him in the journalism industry. Former Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang said Palanivel was the only ex-Bernama journalist to rise to the level of a federal minister. “Palanivel and… Continue reading From newsroom to national stage: Colleagues reflect on Palanivel’s journey

KUALA LUMPUR: Individuals who have fallen victim to haj fraud have been urged to come forward and lodge official complaints with Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) to facilitate prompt investigation. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said that reports lodged would be followed up with a thorough investigation to… Continue reading Haj fraud victims urged to lodge official complaints with TH – Mohd Na’im

KUCHING: A 15-year-old boy was ordered to undergo six years of rehabilitation at the Henry Gurney School for causing the deaths of five individuals in a road crash earlier this year. Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan imposed the order until the teen reaches the age of 21, and further fined him RM1,500 or two months imprisonment… Continue reading Teen sentenced to six years at Henry Gurney school over fatal crash that killed five

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 41,434 students who sat for Malaysia’s 2024 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination will receive their results next Tuesday, June 24, according to the Malaysian Examinations Council (MPM). In a statement today, MPM said the candidates took the national pre-university exam at 670 centres nationwide, with the process supported by 22,852… Continue reading STPM 2024 results to be released on June 24

GEORGE TOWN: An engineer at a factory in Bayan Lepas near here lost RM336,760 after falling victim to a phone scam syndicate in a recent incident. Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said the 35-year-old woman received a phone call from an unknown number while at work on March 25. “A man introducing himself as… Continue reading Bayan Lepas factory engineer loses RM336,760 to phone scam syndicate

SANDAKAN: The Communications Ministry is ready to assist a group of women in Pulau Berhala here to become e-entrepreneurs, leveraging their handmade sewing products and the island’s strong internet connectivity. Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching said the women had acquired sewing skills through classes held at the Kampung Pulau Berhala Women’s Community Centre, an initiative… Continue reading Communications Ministry ready to help Pulau Berhala women become e-entrepreneurs – Teo

CHUKAI: A total of 50,000 individuals in Terengganu, including students, youths, graduates, and workers, have benefited from the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 programme. Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) Regional Operations Division head Muhamad Hafez Kamaruddin said the number of participants surpassed the initial target of 30,000, with individuals trained across various fields and… Continue reading 50,000 Terengganu residents benefit from National Training Week

KUALA LUMPUR: Physical development in Kuala Lumpur must be balanced with social needs to ensure the city remains conducive and liveable for all generations, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She said rapid development must also be accompanied by the capacity of the education system, basic amenities,… Continue reading Physical development in KL must be balanced with social needs – Dr Zaliha

JERTIH: Three paintings by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) student Muhammad Mustaqim Rosde, 21, now seem to carry a heartbreaking sign of the tragic accident on the East-West Highway (JRTB) near Gerik, Perak, last week, a tragedy that claimed his life along with 14 of his fellow students. Muhammad Mustaqim’s mother, Juariah Abdul Rahman, 48,… Continue reading UPSI crash: Muhammad Mustaqim’s three paintings seem to carry a heartbreaking sign, says mother

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has commended the Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) efforts in exploring new approaches to enhance Malaysian retirement adequacy. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said he believes the involvement of the EPF and other government-linked investment companies (GLICs) signals a strong public-private partnership that will also enhance… Continue reading Anwar praises EPF’s efforts in enhancing retirement adequacy

SHAH ALAM: Hundreds of motorcyclists in Shah Alam were given free fuel as the city council marked its 25th anniversary with a community outreach initiative aimed at easing the burden of rising living costs. The initiative, dubbed Jom Isi Minyak Motosikal Percuma (Let’s Fill Up for Free), was organised by the Shah Alam City Council… Continue reading MBSA offers free petrol to motorcyclists as part of 25th anniversary celebration

KOTA TINGGI: A football coach pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to four counts of physical sexual assault against two of his trainees, who are students of a secondary school here. Meor Azizi Zolkfle, 33, made the plea when the charges were read out before Judge Hayda Farizal Abu Hasan. The accused,… Continue reading Football coach claims trial to sexual assault charges

SANDAKAN: The Safe Internet Campaign has reached 53 schools nationwide to date, engaging 11,839 students, teachers, and parents, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. Teo said the campaign, launched in January in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), educational institutions and relevant agencies, aims to enhance digital literacy and promote a… Continue reading Safe Internet Campaign reaches 11,839 participants nationwide

PUTRAJAYA: The federal and state governments need to harmonise human rights laws to ensure the welfare of the people, particularly on issues concerning family, marriage, and children’s rights, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He highlighted the legal dilemmas arising from Malaysia’s dual legal system, where British-based laws coexist with Islamic laws focused… Continue reading Need for harmonisation of federal and state human rights laws – DPM Fadillah

LAHAD DATU: The Pesticide Container Recycling Programme introduced at oil palm plantations here is aimed at ensuring the systematic and safe disposal of used pesticide containers. Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said the initiative, which involves the construction of dedicated recycling cages, is being implemented at seven plantation sites here.… Continue reading Pesticide Container Recycling Programme launched at oil palm plantations in Lahad Datu

KEPALA BATAS: Authorities in Penang have identified several hotspots selling imported durians, particularly from Thailand, falsely marketed as the famed Balik Pulau variety. State Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said joint operations involving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Agriculture Department and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) will be… Continue reading Penang to launch raids on durian fraud hotspots, warns sellers against mislabelling

BATU GAJAH: The General Operations Force (GOF) Northern Brigade has arrested five Myanmar nationals at a factory in the Lahat Industrial Area near here, believed to be involved in unlicensed electronic waste (e-waste) recycling activities, with the total value of the seizure estimated at RM111.4 million. Ulu Kinta GOF Northern Brigade commander SAC Shahrum Hashim… Continue reading GOF: E-waste worth over RM100 million seized, five held

KUANTAN: The Pahang government will establish a high-tech zone in the state, dedicated to attracting companies involved in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and big data. State Investment, Industrial development, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman, Datuk Mohamad Nizar Mohamad Najib, said the initiative aims to draw investments from technology firms to the east coast region.… Continue reading Pahang plans high-tech zone to attract AI and tech investments – Exco

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil extended his condolences to the family of the late Sheqal, a popular 90s singer who passed away today. Fahmi said Sheqal, whose real name was Shaharim Salehuddin, was among the singers who frequently appeared on television screens and local radio stations during his primary school years. “Inna lillahi… Continue reading Fahmi extends condolences to family of popular 90s singer Sheqal

TANJONG MALIM: The Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) has contributed RM50,000 to the Ministry of Higher Education’s Prihatin Fund to support the families and students of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) affected by the recent bus crash in Gerik. MTA chief executive officer Mohd Radzuan Mohamed said the funds were raised through contributions from corporate entities… Continue reading Malaysian Takaful Association donates RM50,000 to support UPSI bus crash victims

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a paradigm shift in public policy, urging the nation to move beyond viewing longevity as a demographic trend. Delivering his keynote address at the International Social Wellbeing Conference (ISWC) 2025 here today, Anwar said public policy must embrace it as a structural transformation that… Continue reading Anwar calls for policy shift to prepare for a longer-living Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: A car repossession agent was fined RM2,800 by the Sungai Petani Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to trespassing into a vehicle owner’s home in Bandar Amanjaya last Saturday. According to Sinar Harian, the sentence was imposed by Magistrate Khairatul Animah Jelani onto Muhammad Aiman Mudzakir Azmi, 24, following his guilty plea when the… Continue reading Repo man fined RM2,800 for trespassing into vehicle owner’s home

IPOH: Kampung Kuak Hulu in Pengkalan Hulu, one of three villages under the supervision of Kolej Komuniti Gerik, has been selected to receive an allocation of RM100,000 under the Sejahtera Komuniti MADANI (SejaTi MADANI) initiative for its sustainable ‘betik sekaki’ (one-foot papaya) planting project. Kampung Kuak Hulu SejaTi MADANI project chairman, Mohd Zaidi Bakri, said… Continue reading SejaTi MADANI: One-foot papaya project boosts Kampung Kuak Hulu’s economy

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government has introduced the Smart Queue System (SQS), which utilises quick response (QR) codes, to facilitate patient access to specialist clinic services at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA). Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the system, the first of its kind to be implemented in a government hospital in Malaysia, was… Continue reading Johor introduces Smart Queue System at HSA

BAGAN DATUK: The Bagan Datuk Waterfront Square has transformed the town, once dubbed a “cowboy town”, into an attractive tourist destination, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the development of the square has made the town one of the popular spots among domestic tourists, especially on weekends. “It has… Continue reading Bagan Datuk Waterfront Square transforms ‘cowboy town’ into tourist attraction – Ahmad Zahid

KLUANG: The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) aims to digitalise all 38 schools in camps nationwide as part of efforts to cultivate the use of creative technology among children of defence personnel. Deputy Minister Adly Zahari said the initiative is aligned with the Ministry of Education’s Digital Education Policy launched in 2023, which seeks to produce… Continue reading Mindef aims to digitalise all 38 schools in camps nationwide

PUTRAJAYA: Private Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution P10X Academy Sdn Bhd is targeting to produce more than 2,000 skilled workers within five years as part of its expansion plans into Johor and Sarawak. Its chief executive officer and founder, William Lee, said the academy is not just about technical training but is… Continue reading P10X Academy targets 2,000 skilled workers in TVET expansion

KUALA LUMPUR: Popular 90s singer Sheqal died at the age of 60 at Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, today. Sheqal, whose real name was Shaharim Salehuddin, succumbed to pneumonia complications at 12.31 pm. His passing was confirmed by Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair (YKAT) chairman Datuk DJ Dave when contacted by Bernama today. “I… Continue reading Popular 90s singer Sheqal dies at 60