Category: Local

ALOR SETAR: The Madani government remains steadfast in upholding the Federal Constitution’s guarantee of freedom of speech, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said today. He emphasized that his ministry did not overreact to the recent assembly in Kuala Lumpur, respecting court rulings on police notification exemptions. “When the court says there’s no need… Continue reading MADANI govt upholds freedom of speech, says Saifuddin Nasution

KUALA LUMPUR: Police are analysing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to identify suspects involved in the robbery at former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s grandchild’s home in Bukit Ledang. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in losses estimated at RM1.8 million. Acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan confirmed the investigation when… Continue reading Police probe RM1.8m robbery at Dr Mahathir’s grandchild’s home

LABUAN: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, officially opened the inaugural Borneo Flora Festival 2025 at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex today. The event, themed ‘Borneo Tropical Flora’, highlighted the region’s rich floral and cultural heritage through vibrant performances and exhibitions. The festival began with a lively showcase of traditional dances, including… Continue reading Queen opens inaugural Borneo Flora Festival 2025 in Labuan

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) is expediting the recruitment process to fill 4,352 vacancies in the healthcare sector to address urgent staffing needs. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the move following discussions at a recent Cabinet meeting. “I have emphasised and instructed the MOH secretary-general and Health director-general to fast-track the… Continue reading Malaysia fast-tracks 4,352 healthcare jobs to address shortages

SUNGAI PETANI: The Northern Region Blood Centre is on track for completion by mid-October, according to Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. The RM49.866 million project, supervised by the Kedah Public Works Department (JKR), began construction on August 2, 2021. Ahmad stated that the facility will include a main blood centre block, mechanical and… Continue reading Northern region blood centre to complete mid-October, Ahmad says

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar described the Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri (DPPN) award conferred upon him as a driving force to further enhance public service delivery. The award, which carries the title ‘Datuk Seri’, was presented by Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ramli Ngah Talib during… Continue reading KSN Tan Sri Shamsul Azri receives DPPN award in Penang

JERTIH: Malaysia has proposed that Thailand and Cambodia utilise the General Border Committee as a diplomatic mechanism to resolve ongoing disputes between the two nations. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that if both parties agree, leaders should consider the committee’s recommendations to de-escalate tensions. He explained, “This is because they both want the… Continue reading Malaysia proposes border committee to resolve Thailand-Cambodia conflict

IPOH: Perak is positioning itself as a key player in Malaysia’s semiconductor and automotive industries, driven by RM63 billion in investments under the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development committee chairman Loh Sze Yee highlighted the role of companies like Carsem and Unisem in strengthening Perak’s back-end semiconductor services. Loh… Continue reading Perak targets semiconductor and automotive growth with RM63 billion investments

SHAH ALAM: A total of 240 primary school pupils from 12 schools in Shah Alam participated in the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS) organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The initiative aims to educate young students on responsible internet usage and digital safety. Selangor Islamic Affairs and Cultural Innovation Committee chairman Dr Mohammad… Continue reading 240 Selangor pupils join safe internet campaign for digital safety

PETALING JAYA: A total of 99 foreign nationals were denied entry into the country at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 after failing to pass security screening during a special operation at KLIA yesterday (July 25). The operation conducted by the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) targeted high-risk flights and saw more than… Continue reading 99 foreigners denied entry for failing security screening: AKPS

KUANTAN: Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup heads the list of 58 recipients of state awards, honours and medals in conjunction with the 66th birthday of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. The awards were presented by the Sultan at an investiture ceremony held at Balai… Continue reading Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister heads list of Pahang award recipients

PETALING JAYA: The Digital Ministry is presently drafting an Artificial Intelligence (AI) bill to regulate the fast-evolving technology and combat deepfake videos as well as AI-related crimes, said Minister Gobind Singh Deo. “The legislative draft is currently being refined through a comprehensive and inclusive engagement process involving various stakeholders. “This approach is taken to ensure… Continue reading Digital Ministry drafting AI bill to combat deepfake videos

JOHOR BAHRU: Two enforcement officers were arrested at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex last night over suspected involvement in a ‘Flying Passport’ misconduct. The practice involves illegally clearing passports without the holders being present. Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) BSI CIQ commander Roszita Dim confirmed the arrests,… Continue reading Two enforcement officers arrested at BSI CIQ for passport misconduct

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and unbiased investigation into the death of 13-year-old Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasised the need for all parties to allow the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to conduct a thorough probe without interference. “We now fully hand… Continue reading MOE pledges transparent probe into Form One student’s death

KANGAR: Applications for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes have surged from 25,000 to 229,000 over the past two years, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced. The increase reflects growing awareness of TVET’s career potential, particularly in high-demand fields like welding, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs… Continue reading TVET applications surge to 229,000 as demand for skilled workers grows

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will continue engaging with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand to propose a peace process in response to the border conflict between the two countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had expressed appreciation for his initiative to… Continue reading Malaysia proposes peace process for Cambodia-Thailand border conflict

MUAR: The public has been warned to stay cautious against scam links falsely claiming to offer the RM100 one-off cash assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiative. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasised that these deceptive links aim to steal personal information. Scammers are using convincing tactics, including fake posters with official-looking elements… Continue reading Beware of fake RM100 SARA scam links warns Deputy Minister

ALOR SETAR: Crimes involving women and children in Kedah have surged, averaging 42 cases a month in the first half of 2025 compared with an average of 16 cases monthly last year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. He said sexual crimes were particularly alarming, with children under 18 making up 75 per… Continue reading Kedah sees sharp rise in crimes involving women, children

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib today said that respect for the institution of the Constitutional Monarchy is a vital foundation in nation-building and ensuring the stability of the nation-state system. He said the monarchy institution was not just a historical legacy, but part of the governance structure that guaranteed a balance between… Continue reading Respect for monarchy key to nation-building, says Penang governor

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Members of Parliament to maintain a culture of civil and respectful debate in the Dewan Rakyat, steering clear of insults and profanity. Speaking at the 2025 Prime Minister’s Cup Debate Finals, he highlighted the need for constructive discourse in legislative discussions. Anwar expressed admiration for the… Continue reading PM Anwar urges MPs to adopt civil debate, avoid insults in Parliament

MACHANG: Civil servants must uphold discipline and avoid participating in public rallies to set a proper example, said Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar. He emphasised that involvement in such gatherings violates the civil service code of conduct, and department heads may take action against offenders. “Such assemblies actually violate the code of conduct and… Continue reading Civil servants must avoid public rallies, says AG Mohd Dusuki

IPOH: A staggering 51.5% of drug abuse cases recorded in Perak last year involved youths aged between 15 and 39, according to the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM). Perak PEMADAM chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi revealed that out of 14,534 reported cases, 7,488 involved young individuals, calling the trend alarming. He stressed the need for stronger… Continue reading Over 50% of drug abuse cases in Perak involve youths – PEMADAM

GEORGE TOWN: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has urged the public to be cautious of fraudulent attempts linked to the one-off RM100 cash assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA). Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said the assistance does not require any application or registration, as it will be credited directly to all eligible… Continue reading RM100 SARA aid requires no registration, public warned of scams

PETALING JAYA: Danny Sandhu has never played an instrument on stage, nor belted out a ballad beneath the glow of bar lights. But ask any seasoned musician from Malaysia’s club circuit, and his name brings immediate warmth and gratitude. For the past four years, Danny, 65, has quietly taken on a role most wouldn’t expect:… Continue reading When club musicians fall, Danny Sandhu is there to catch them

GEORGE TOWN: The proposed Penang International Financial Centre (PIFC) has reached the engagement stage with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Securities Commission, marking a key milestone in its development. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed the progress, noting that the Penang Institute had completed the Expression of Interest (EOI) process earlier this year. “The… Continue reading Penang International Financial Centre in talks with BNM, Securities Commission

DUNGUN: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) successfully captured a sun bear that had been wandering near Kampung Padang Ping. The adult male bear, weighing approximately 110 kilogrammes, was caught in a trap set by authorities. Terengganu Perhilitan director Loo Kean Seong confirmed the bear was unharmed and later released into its natural… Continue reading Perhilitan safely captures sun bear in Dungun village

ALOR SETAR: The infrastructure development for the five-season paddy planting programme in the Muda area has started earlier than planned, signalling strong progress in Malaysia’s push for higher rice production. Originally set to begin on Aug 1, contractors have already commenced work on key components, including irrigation upgrades and dam rehabilitation. Muda Agricultural Development Authority… Continue reading Five-season paddy planting infrastructure starts early in Muda area

JOHOR BAHRU: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has successfully relocated two more wild elephants from Kampung Sri Lukut, Kahang, Kluang, to a more suitable habitat. This follows an earlier operation where nine elephants were captured, with four already moved on July 23 and a juvenile sent to Kota Tinggi’s elephant sanctuary for… Continue reading Perhilitan relocates wild elephants from Kluang to reduce human conflict

KUANTAN: A BASE jumper sustained injuries while two others landed safely after veering off course during the BASE Jump Extreme Challenge, part of the Pesta Kuantan 188 festivities. The incident occurred at approximately 5 pm yesterday near the Kuantan 188 tower. Acting district police chief Supt Mohd Adli Mat Daud confirmed that Zainal Chik, 62,… Continue reading BASE jump accident in Kuantan leaves one injured, two safe

KOTA TINGGI: Two motorcyclists were killed in a collision involving a lorry at Km60.5 of Jalan Sungai Rengit early today. The victims, aged 18 and 19, suffered severe head injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Kota Tinggi Police chief Supt Yusof Othman said the accident occurred at 1.24 am and involved two Yamaha… Continue reading Two motorcyclists killed in Kota Tinggi road accident

PHNOM PENH: The United Nations has called on Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint following a violent border clash that erupted on Thursday. The UN Security Council held an emergency closed-door meeting to address the escalating tensions between the two nations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both countries to resolve their differences peacefully. “Exercise… Continue reading UN urges Cambodia and Thailand to show restraint amid border clash

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s new Ambassador to the United States, Tan Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing Malaysia-US relations during a credentials ceremony with President Donald J. Trump at the White House. The Embassy of Malaysia in Washington, D.C., confirmed in a Facebook post that Muhammad Shahrul Ikram presented his Letter… Continue reading Malaysia’s new US ambassador pledges stronger bilateral ties

KUALA LUMPUR: Two foreign companies announced during Malaysia’s overseas trade missions have commenced investments, countering claims that such trips yielded no results. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz confirmed the progress, highlighting their economic impact. Gul Technologies, secured during the 2024 China trade mission, is constructing a RM350 million Phase… Continue reading Two foreign firms invest RM450m in Malaysia after trade missions

ALOR SETAR: UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed confidence that Kedah residents are prepared for a change in state leadership, emphasising the need for stable governance and leaders committed to public welfare. Speaking at the launch of the 2025 KEDA Rural Youth and Programme Implementation Planning Committee (4P) Convention, he highlighted… Continue reading Kedah ready for leadership change, says Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has secured a five-day remand order for an enforcement officer accused of accepting approximately RM8,000 in bribes while stationed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) arrival counter. Magistrate Zur Azureen Zainalkefli approved the remand application at the Shah Alam Magistrate’s Court, allowing authorities to detain the suspect… Continue reading MACC remands KLIA officer for alleged RM8,000 bribery

MELAKA: The Melaka state government is ramping up efforts to reduce sugar consumption after a 2023 health study found that half of its population is either overweight or obese. State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem revealed that 33.3% of residents are overweight, while 25.1% are obese—both figures exceeding national… Continue reading Melaka intensifies sugar reduction drive as obesity rates soar