Category: Local

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s household debt stood at RM1.65 trillion as of the end of March 2025, equivalent to 84.3 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). However, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying highlighted that the value of household financial assets exceeds the total debt, indicating that the public’s overall financial position remains… Continue reading Malaysia household debt at RM1.65 trillion in Q1 2025

LABUAN: Seven types of pitcher plants, including the world’s largest, were brought in specially from Kinabalu Park to be exhibited at the Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) here. Sabah Parks (TTS) Botanist Sukaibin Sumail said the largest pitcher plant known as ‘Nepenthes rajah’ is placed in an air-conditioned tent at the Permata Hutan Borneo. “This pitcher… Continue reading World’s largest pitcher plant wows visitors at Borneo Flora Festival

GEORGE TOWN: Penang plans to develop floating solar projects in line with the state government’s efforts to achieve a target of 10 per cent renewable energy by 2030. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project is seen as a suitable alternative in efforts to expand the use of renewable… Continue reading Penang explores floating solar projects for renewable energy goals

KUALA LUMPUR: Commercial vehicles not equipped with a Speed Limitation Device (SLD) will not be allowed on the roads as they will fail vehicle inspections once the phased enforcement of the system begins on Oct 1. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the implementation of the SLD is a crucial step in controlling the speed of… Continue reading Speed limiters mandatory for commercial vehicles from Oct 1

KUALA LUMPUR: Social media service providers have removed a total of 1,443 offensive and extreme content involving children across various digital platforms between Jan 1, 2022 and July 15 this year, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the content was removed for violating the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, as well as the… Continue reading 1,443 harmful child content removed as of July 15 – Fahmi

IPOH: The country’s investment potential in the industrial sector not only benefits industry players but is also felt by the local community, contributing to the growth of the surrounding economic ecosystem. A Bernama survey today in the vicinity of the Carsem semiconductor factory in the Jelapang industrial area found signs of rapid economic development, in… Continue reading Semiconductor investment boosts local economy and jobs in Ipoh

GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has welcomed the Health Ministry’s detailed review on measures towards a total ban on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes or vape in Malaysia. CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the move was timely as such a ban would help protect future generations, given that vape… Continue reading CAP supports total vape ban proposal in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is exploring the potential of the silver economy as a new growth driver to help the nation manage the socio-economic impact of becoming an ageing society by 2043, said Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib. She said the Economy Ministry, in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, may consider setting… Continue reading Malaysia explores silver economy potential for ageing population

SEREMBAN: The Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, today received RM6,714,304.20 in business zakat (tithe) from four corporate entities at Istana Hinggap here on behalf of the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council (MAINS). Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and State Secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim. The zakat… Continue reading Tuanku Muhriz receives RM6.7m in zakat from corporates

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has extended his condolences to the family and friends of former Utusan Malaysia journalist Nurulanuar Mansor, who passed away yesterday. Fahmi expressed sadness over the passing of Nurulanuar, a member of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Journalists Club (KLS), whom he described as an immensely talented individual in… Continue reading Fahmi offers condolences on passing of journalist Nurulanuar

JAKARTA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today clarified that his sole focus in the recent Thai-Cambodian conflict was on finding a peaceful resolution to ensure ASEAN’s continued stability and security. The Prime Minister firmly dismissed the claim that there was external pressure from global powers, reaffirming that the major breakthrough came through direct regional diplomacy. “I… Continue reading Anwar: Focused on peace, not pressure in ASEAN conflict

SEREMBAN: A convenience store employee pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to a charge of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving money belonging to a cooperative amounting to almost RM200,000. Noorazwin Zullkifli, 36, made the plea before Judge Mohamad Kamil Nizam. She is charged as the then clerk at Koperasi Kampung LB… Continue reading Seremban clerk pleads not guilty to RM200k CBT charge

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is mulling mandatory labelling for content generated or modified using artificial intelligence (AI) as part of efforts to curb the spread of misinformation on social media, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the proposed labels, such as ‘AI-Generated’ or ‘AI-Enhanced’, would help users identify content… Continue reading Malaysia considers mandatory AI content labelling to fight misinformation

PUTRAJAYA: The Dewan Rakyat passed the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025 yesterday, signalling the government’s continued commitment to curbing the misuse of controlled substances through more robust and inclusive enforcement. In a joint statement today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Home Ministry (KDN) said the Bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement under the… Continue reading Poisons Act amendment boosts enforcement in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The failure of Malaysia’s singles shuttlers to reach the quarter-finals at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships (BAJC) 2025 in Solo, Indonesia, came as no surprise to national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen. Jonassen said that while the outcome may appear disappointing, it aligned with his expectations going into the recently concluded tournament held… Continue reading Malaysia brokers Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire, wins global praise

KOTA KINABALU: The passing of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the Sabah State Assembly sitting on July 8 has opened up opportunities for Sabah to attract investors in the carbon market, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said the enactment has led to the establishment of the Sabah Climate… Continue reading Sabah Carbon Governance Enactment boosts investment opportunities

JAKARTA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived at Istana Merdeka in Central Jakarta today for the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation, marking a key diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring nations. Anwar, who is on a two-day working visit, was welcomed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The two leaders then proceeded to a one-on-one meeting… Continue reading Malaysia-Indonesia annual consultation begins in Jakarta with key talks

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) thwarted an attempt by four Afghan nationals, believed to be from a family, to enter Malaysia using fake visas. According to AKPS, the four individuals were among 132 foreigners who were checked during a monitoring and document screening operation at KLIA Terminal 1. It said the… Continue reading Afghan family caught using fake visas to enter Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly one million users are expected to feel a significant impact following the postponement of toll rate hikes at 10 highways, due to a substantial gap between the current toll rates paid by users and the rates stipulated in concession agreements. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the quantum of increase… Continue reading Toll hike delay at 10 highways aids nearly one million users

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS Information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has been urged to issue a public apology to the people of Thailand and Cambodia for mocking Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts in brokering a ceasefire between the two countries. Political secretary to the Finance Minister, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, said while the world acknowledges Malaysia’s role, particularly Prime… Continue reading PAS leader urged to apologise for mocking Malaysia’s peace efforts

JOHOR BAHRU: A 39-year-old local man has been arrested for allegedly injuring a 12-year-old girl with a hammer in an incident that took place last Saturday, causing the child to suffer a head injury. North Johor Bahru police chief ACP Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh said the man was arrested following a report from a member… Continue reading Man arrested for hammer attack on 12-year-old girl in Johor Bahru

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia-Cambodia Business Association (MCBA) has commended Malaysia’s leadership role in brokering an immediate ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, following a special meeting held in Putrajaya yesterday. MCBA founding president Datuk Seri Ricky Yaw praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his proactive diplomacy, noting that MCBA, as a platform dedicated to… Continue reading Malaysia praised for brokering Thai-Cambodia ceasefire by MCBA

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today awarded RM1.1 million in damages to the mother of Dutch model Ivana Esther Robert Smit, whose nude body was found on the sixth-floor balcony of a condominium here eight years ago. Christina Carolina Gerarda Johanna Verstappen had sued the Inspector-General of Police, Dang Wangi investigating officer ASP Faizal… Continue reading Mother of Dutch model awarded RM1.1m for negligence in daughter’s death probe

PUTRAJAYA: The Sejahtera MADANI initiative marks a new chapter in Malaysia’s social justice landscape as it combines policy strength, data precision, and sincerity of implementers in a holistic effort to eradicate poverty in a dignified and effective manner, based on local values and culture, said academics. According to Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi, a lecturer… Continue reading Sejahtera MADANI initiative transforms Malaysia’s poverty eradication strategy

KUALA LUMPUR: About four years ago, Malaysian netizens made headlines around the world for their bold stance against Israel, most notably through the hashtag #IsraelKoyak. Nicknamed the ‘Bawang Army’ or ‘Bawang Rangers’ they not only circulated posters condemning the Zionist regime following bombings in Palestine but also flooded the social media pages of the Israeli… Continue reading Cyberbullying surge among Malaysian youth sparks concern

JOHOR BAHRU: A man in his 30s is on remand for seven days to assist police investigations into the death of his son, whose body was discovered in Rompin, Negeri Sembilan, after he lodged a report claiming the child had gone missing in Bukit Indah on July 24. Iskandar Puteri police chief ACP M. Kumarasan… Continue reading Father remanded for 7 days over son’s death in Negeri Sembilan

KUALA LUMPUR: The implications for highway users if the Government does not postpone the increase in toll rates in 2025, as announced by the Prime Minister on 23 July will be among the issues focused on at today’s Dewan Rakyat sitting. According to the Order Paper published on the Parliament’s official website, Datuk Seri Sh… Continue reading Implications of toll rate hike and new electricity tariff in Dewan Rakyat

PETALING JAYA: In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, which took effect last night following a high-level special meeting in Putrajaya chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The meeting brought together Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime… Continue reading Malaysia-brokered truce ends border clashes

PETALING JAYA: Local authorities have never permitted foreigners to apply for or hold hawker licences, small trader permits or business premises licences, and any violations will not be tolerated, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Replying to Mohd Hasnizan Harun (PN–Hulu Selangor) regarding the presence of foreign traders… Continue reading ‘No tolerance’ for foreigners holding hawker licences

KUALA LUMPUR: A record 130 Malaysian students are set to head to Taiwan, thanks to the 2025 MOE Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship (HES) – the highest number awarded to date. For 24-year-old Eizyan Syazana Hairuzaman, missing out on a Taiwan internship during her undergraduate days turned out to be a blessing in disguise.… Continue reading 130 scholarship recipients all set for Taiwan experience

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has expressed regret over the actions of a politician who failed to respect the sanctity of prayer as a spiritual weapon of the ummah during a recent public assembly in the capital. He said the content of the prayer recited… Continue reading Mohd Na’im condemns misuse of prayers for political motives

SEREMBAN: A boy first reported missing in Johor is believed to have met a grisly fate, when he was found dead and buried in the Rompin area of Jempol near here on Monday (July 28) afternoon. Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof said that they received information about the discovery of the… Continue reading Missing Johor boy found buried in Jempol, father arrested

ALOR SETAR: Malaysia has enhanced its efforts and commitment in regional biodiversity conservation with the nomination of three protected areas as ASEAN Heritage Sites (AHP) at the 27th ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) Governing Board (GB) meeting in Langkawi, today. The meeting was chaired by the Undersecretary of the Philippine Policy, Planning and International Affairs… Continue reading Malaysia nominates three protected areas as ASEAN Heritage Sites

SHAH ALAM: Police are intensifying efforts to track down the suspect involved in a shooting incident and the discovery of spent bullet casings in Klang near here last Thursday. South Klang District Deputy Police Chief Supt Kamalariffin Aman Shah said police received a report from a member of the public regarding the incident at 11.15… Continue reading Police intensify search for Klang shooting suspect after viral video

TIOMAN: At a time when resorts are slashing jobs and chasing quick returns, Berjaya Tioman Resort is charting a different course, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a firm stand on sustainability, year-round employment and deep community roots. Far more than a beachfront getaway, the resort has grown into a pillar of the island’s identity, weathering… Continue reading Resort boasts strong community ties

PETALING JAYA: Leashed to a chair and pacing beside a donation box, a meerkat at a Kuala Lumpur mall has become the face of growing public outrage over animal exploitation in Malaysia’s booming pop-up zoo industry. The TikTok video that exposed the scene lasted less than a minute but the backlash was swift. Viewers flooded… Continue reading Pop-up zoos condemned for exploitative practices

JAKARTA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Jakarta today for the 13th Annual Consultation with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, set to take place tomorrow. The meeting aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and address regional concerns. Anwar’s special flight landed at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport at 7.40 pm local time, where he was greeted by… Continue reading PM Anwar in Jakarta for annual consultation with Prabowo