Category: Local

CHENNAI: Malaysia emphasised its leadership role as ASEAN Chair for 2025 while extending invitations to Indian travellers for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 during a reception celebrating the nation’s 68th National Day and 62nd Malaysia Day. Consul General of Malaysia Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam reflected on Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to advancing regional peace,… Continue reading Malaysia promotes ASEAN chairmanship and VMY2026 at Chennai reception

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will travel to Sabah tomorrow to observe the state’s worsening flood situation. Anwar confirmed his visit briefly to media after officiating the 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today. The number of flood evacuees in Sabah has increased… Continue reading PM Anwar to visit Sabah flood zones tomorrow as evacuees rise

SHAH ALAM: Flooding in Sabah has affected 230 pupils from 38 schools so far according to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. The ministry is considering implementing home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) should flood conditions fail to improve before schools reopen next week. Current preparations focus on cleaning affected schools to ensure readiness for the new academic… Continue reading Floods affect 230 pupils in Sabah; Education Ministry mulls PdPR option

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof expressed confidence that the strong Malaysia-China partnership will continue driving inclusive, sustainable, and competitive regional economic growth. Fadillah noted that both nations have built a close friendship evolving alongside global developments during his working visit to China. He identified renewable energy, digital economy, artificial intelligence, modern… Continue reading Malaysia-China ties to drive inclusive sustainable regional growth

KOTA KINABALU: The Coroner’s Court heard that one of the five students accused in the bullying case of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir transferred to another school just weeks after the victim was found in a drain on July 16. Head Warden of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, Azhari Abd Sagap,… Continue reading Student transferred after Zara Qairina bullying incident, court told

KUALA LUMPUR: PLUS Malaysia Berhad will close the Smart Lane on the North-South Expressway southbound between Kulai and Senai starting 22 September. The closure affects the stretch from KM26.5 to KM19.3 as part of the Additional Lane Project from Senai Utara to Kulai (Phase 1 Package B). This infrastructure improvement initiative aims to enhance highway… Continue reading NSE southbound Smart Lane closure from Kulai to Senai from Sept 22

SEPANG: The Cabinet will receive a detailed report on the artificial intelligence productivity paradox early next month according to Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. He confirmed the Malaysia Productivity Corporation, National Institute of Public Administration, and Digital Ministry are currently refining the study. “I will be presenting it in… Continue reading Cabinet to receive detailed AI productivity paradox report next month

SEPANG: Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar expressed confidence that the 2026 Budget will bring positive outcomes for all Malaysians, particularly civil servants. He revealed that the budget must contain good news but declined to provide specific details as the information remains confidential at this stage. Shamsul Azri made these… Continue reading 2026 Budget to bring good news for Malaysians and civil servants

PAPAR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi visited flood and landslide victims in Papar, Membakut, and Bongawan to assess their conditions and provide support. He arrived at the temporary relief centre at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan St Patrick at 9.30 am and spent thirty minutes meeting evacuees while distributing essential supplies and cash… Continue reading Deputy PM visits Sabah flood and landslide victims with aid

BARAM: Recent floods have brought social and economic activities to a halt across northern Sarawak, affecting districts like Baram and Lawas. Authorities are mobilising to assist residents as heavy rains and rising river levels cause widespread disruption. The Baram district is experiencing significant flooding, with longhouses, villages, and towns such as Marudi and Long Lama… Continue reading Sarawak floods disrupt daily life and travel

PETALING JAYA: A man pleaded guilty at Kota Bharu Sessions Court today to sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl. The accused, Mohd Fariz Ibrahim, 37, admitted to the charge before Judge Nik Habri Muhamad. The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Faiz Fitri Mohamad, while the accused was unrepresented. According to Sinar Harian, the… Continue reading Man in cartoon costume pleads guilty to sexually assaulting six-year-old girl

KOTA KINABALU: A 200 megawatt electricity supply is now being channelled from Sabah’s West Coast to the East Coast through the restored 275 kilovolt Kolopis-Segaliud transmission line. Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Yaakob Jaafar confirmed the transmission line resumed operations yesterday after completing the Emergency Restoration System tower installation. The connection… Continue reading 200 MW electricity supply restored to Sabah’s East Coast via transmission line

SEPANG: Empirical research and accurate data analysis are essential for developing sustainable evidence-based national policies and reinforcing the fight against corruption and good governance. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that countries successfully implementing anti-corruption policies began with early research empirical studies and thorough risk assessments. He cited Hong Kong Austria… Continue reading MACC chief says empirical research key to effective anti-corruption policies

SEPANG: Artificial intelligence technology is becoming increasingly vital in the public sector to enhance efficiency and productivity, particularly in government service delivery. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar stated that AI’s ability to analyse vast amounts of data enables it to detect suspicious financial transaction patterns and issue early warnings… Continue reading AI to boost public sector efficiency and fight corruption in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department has seized 32 imported vehicles of various makes worth over RM8.45 million for breaching licensed warehouse conditions. Kuala Lumpur Customs director Wan Norizan Wan Daud stated that the seizure resulted from a special operation called Ops Purple conducted between 29 July and 7 August. The operation targeted two licensed warehouses… Continue reading KL Customs seizes 32 imported cars worth RM8.45 million for violations

KUALA LUMPUR: The flood situation in Sabah has worsened significantly, with the number of evacuees at temporary relief centres increasing to 3,134 people from 916 families this morning. This marks a rise from 2,919 people from 814 families recorded as of yesterday evening. The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee confirmed that all evacuees are currently… Continue reading Sabah floods worsen with over 3,100 evacuees across six districts

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Rakyat is offering a six-month instalment deferment facility for individual and business customers affected by recent floods and landslides in several Sabah districts. Chief executive officer Ahmad Shahril Mohd Shariff stated this initiative aims to ease customers’ financial burdens during this challenging period. The facility covers Personal Financing-i, Housing Financing-i, Vehicle Financing-i,… Continue reading Bank Rakyat offers six-month instalment deferment for Sabah flood victims

DILI: Timor-Leste is keen to expand trade and investment with Malaysia, focusing on food security, agriculture and tourism as it strengthens cooperation through ASEAN integration. Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste vice president, Sidonio Trindade de Costa Freitas, who is in charge of ASEAN and WTO Affairs, said demand for Malaysian consumer goods is… Continue reading Timor-Leste eyes closer trade ties with Malaysia, boost in agriculture and tourism

IPOH: A total of RM74.67 million has been allocated for the construction of the Perak Islamic and Malay Customs and Religious Council (MAIPk) Administrative Complex and Commercial Centre. The six-storey complex is scheduled for completion in April 2028 and will feature two basement levels with 314 car parking bays and 70 motorcycle spaces. MAIPk president… Continue reading RM74.67m allocated for Perak Islamic council complex in Ipoh

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry will commence the first round of free trade agreement negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in December. MITI secretary-general Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob stated that the time is now ripe for Malaysia to expand its trade with GCC countries. He confirmed that MITI has signed… Continue reading Malaysia to start FTA talks with GCC countries in December

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines made aviation history with its Flight MH2610 from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu operated entirely by an all-women team. Every operational stage from ground handling to cockpit duties was managed by female staff including check-in agents, engineers, and security officers. The airline stated this milestone reflects the strength, expertise, and leadership… Continue reading Malaysia Airlines makes history with all-women flight crew

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning for thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds across five states until noon today. Affected states include Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor according to the department’s 9 am statement. Specific districts in Kedah facing the warning are Langkawi, Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pokok… Continue reading Heavy rain and thunderstorm warning issued for five states until noon

PETALING JAYA: Cybercrime has overtaken piracy as Asean’s primary security concern, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail after chairing the 19th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in Malacca last week. “Once, the focus was sea piracy. Today, the most dangerous threats come from the digital sphere (such as) online scams and… Continue reading Cybercrime primary security concern for Asean

PETALING JAYA: PAS leaders have signalled the party’s readiness to be the “big brother” in Perikatan Nasional, positioning PAS for greater influence in shaping the coalition’s strategies and political direction. PAS central working committee member Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad said the push for PAS to lead PN was not merely a party aspiration but also… Continue reading Islamic party pushes for ‘big brother’ role

KOTA KINABALU: Electricity supply to Sabah’s east coast has been fully restored after a disruption that lasted since last Saturday. Sabah Electricity chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Yaakob Jaafar confirmed power returned at 10.20 pm Tuesday night. He thanked frontline personnel and support teams for their tireless efforts in restoring electricity. Mohd Yaakob also expressed… Continue reading Sabah east coast power supply fully restored after transmission tower repair

PUTATAN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged residents in Sabah’s east coast districts to prepare for possible evacuations as strong wind squalls are forecast to hit Sandakan and Lahad Datu within the next two to three days. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, stated that the weather… Continue reading Sabah east coast warned of strong winds, urged to prepare for evacuation

KOTA KINABALU: The Coroner’s Court heard that the late Zara Qairina Mahathir swore a solemn oath to Allah while crying and screaming to repeatedly deny theft allegations made against her. School head warden Azhari Abd Sagap testified that the incident occurred after the deceased was summoned for questioning about a theft reported by a Form… Continue reading Zara Qairina swore “Wallahi” denying theft before death, court told

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has affirmed that all component parties within PN are entitled to express their views, stressing that diversity of opinion is both welcomed and respected. He said Bersatu’s annual general assembly had unanimously agreed to nominate party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also PN chairman, as… Continue reading Perikatan thrives on consensus, not dominance, says Bersatu

PETALING JAYA: PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s criteria for Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) prime minister candidate has been read as a direct snub to coalition chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, analysts say. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said the message from PAS was… Continue reading PAS stand on leadership seen as rebuff to Muhyiddin

KUANTAN: A trailer truck crashed into the Felda Kechau 8 Auxiliary Police Control Post in Kuala Lipis this morning, resulting in injuries to both the driver and one auxiliary police officer. Lipis District Police Chief Supt Ismail Man confirmed the incident occurred around 9:50 am when a 28-year-old male driver of an empty trailer truck… Continue reading Trailer crashes into Felda Kechau 8 auxiliary police post, injuring two

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is accelerating its halal industry through digital transformation and global collaboration initiatives. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the Halal+ 2030 framework during the World Halal Development Conference, emphasising technology integration and international cooperation. The initiative focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence, blockchain and Internet of Things technologies to… Continue reading Malaysia launches Halal+ 2030 to boost global halal economy with digital innovation

SHAH ALAM: Raja Azlan Raja Ideris, the second son of former Selangor State Executive Councillor Datuk Raja Ideris Raja Ahmad, shared that his father always put the people’s welfare first, even as his health declined and he appeared less in public. He said his father’s commitment to serving the community became second nature to him,… Continue reading My father always put the people’s welfare first – Raja Ideris’ son

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Education has ordered immediate evacuation of quarters near the landslide site at Institute of Teacher Education Gaya Campus in Sabah. Several immediate measures include demolishing affected building blocks to facilitate new construction. The ministry has also arranged rental of nearby premises outside campus to ensure uninterrupted academic activities. Work to rebuild… Continue reading IPG Gaya Campus landslide prompts evacuation and immediate safety measures

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department has suspended the search for a Sabah Electricity worker feared drowned after being swept away by floodwaters in Sungai Nuntunan, Apin-Apin, Keningau last night. State director Mohd Pisar Aziz confirmed in a statement today that the operation to find the 35-year-old man will resume tomorrow. The search… Continue reading Search for Sabah electricity worker feared drowned suspended until tomorrow

IPOH: A severe storm damaged eighteen houses and a mosque in Pantai Remis, Manjung, following heavy rain and strong winds. The Manjung District Civil Defence Force Operations Control Centre received incident notification at 8.56 am through the District Disaster Management Committee’s WhatsApp group. The storm occurred around 12.30 am, prompting APM personnel deployment to the… Continue reading Storm damages 18 houses and mosque in Manjung’s Pantai Remis area

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived in Kota Kinabalu at 7.40 pm today to assess the disaster situation currently affecting several parts of Sabah. Ahmad Zahid was briefed by the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), chaired by State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport… Continue reading Deputy PM assesses Sabah flood situation as death toll rises to 13

JAKARTA: Student exchange programmes between Malaysia and other countries significantly enhance bilateral relations through cultural and academic exchanges. Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin stated that these initiatives provide valuable international exposure while fostering mutual understanding. He explained that such programmes allow students to become informal ambassadors who promote their home… Continue reading Student exchange programmes boost bilateral relations, says Malaysian envoy

IPOH: Police are actively searching for a suspect involved in a housebreaking incident that occurred in Lapangan Perdana on September 13. Ipoh district police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad confirmed the suspect was captured on surveillance footage wearing a blue cap and face mask during the 2.48 pm break-in. “The suspect fled using… Continue reading Police hunt housebreaking suspect in Ipoh using stolen Proton Persona

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian delegation of the Global Sumud Flotilla has resumed its voyage towards Gaza after docking in Tunisia. According to the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation, the group will rendezvous with Group B which is currently awaiting them at sea. The organisation stated that the Malaysian delegation remains resolute in its mission… Continue reading Global Sumud Flotilla resumes voyage to Gaza with Malaysian delegation

KUALA LUMPUR: The retail price of RON95 petrol will remain unchanged at RM2.05 per litre for the period of September 18-24. RON97 petrol will increase by three sen from RM3.18 to RM3.21 per litre during the same period. Diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia will also rise by three sen from RM2.90 to RM2.93 per litre.… Continue reading RON97 and diesel prices increase by three sen while RON95 remains unchanged

KOTA KINABALU: A doctor testified at the Coroner’s Court that Zara Qairina Mahathir’s mother received sufficient time to decide against a post-mortem examination for her daughter. Dr Logaraj Ratha stated that Noraidah Lamat appeared calm and composed during their consultation and was given space to make an informed decision about the procedure. The doctor explained… Continue reading Doctor says Zara Qairina’s mother given ample time for post-mortem decision