Category: Local

KOTA KINABALU: The Coroner’s Court heard that three diaries and multiple handwritten pages belonging to the late Zara Qairina Mahathir were discovered in her school locker and classroom bookshelf. Azhari Abd Sagap, the 31-year-old head warden of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, testified as the eighth witness in the inquest into the 13-year-old girl’s… Continue reading Zara Qairina’s diaries and handwritten entries found in school locker and bookshelf

GEORGE TOWN: The 2025 Malaysia Day celebration at PICCA Convention Centre@Butterworth Arena successfully attracted over 10,000 visitors from various ethnic backgrounds. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the massive turnout demonstrated the enduring strength of unity values among Malaysians. He highlighted how the exciting programmes and cultural performances received widespread praise for showcasing… Continue reading Malaysia Day celebration draws over 10,000 visitors, showcasing national unity

TEMERLOH: Police have arrested eight male gang members from ‘Geng Musang’ and ‘Geng Jep Gambang’ for their involvement in stealing and purchasing East Coast Rail Link project cables. The thefts resulted in estimated losses exceeding RM825,000 for the national infrastructure project. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman confirmed all suspects were arrested during raids… Continue reading Eight men arrested for ECRL cable theft causing RM825,000 losses

KUALA LUMPUR: Police investigations into the attack on former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s son face significant challenges due to unclear CCTV footage. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed difficulties in identifying two suspects involved in the August 13 incident at a Putrajaya shopping mall. Initial investigations revealed the presence of… Continue reading Blurry CCTV footage hinders identification of attackers of Rafizi’s son

KUALA LUMPUR: Police will summon Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth president Tang Yi Ze and others to assist investigations regarding his statement suggesting the abolition of the matriculation programme. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that at least five police reports have been received on the matter so far. He stated… Continue reading Police to question UMANY president over matriculation abolition call

KUALA LUMPUR: PLUS Malaysia Berhad has committed RM37 million to enhance public toilet facilities at 56 locations along its highway network since 2023. The comprehensive improvement programme covers Rest and Service Areas, laybys, overhead bridge restaurants, and toll plazas throughout the PLUS-operated highway system. PLUS completed upgrades for 32 public toilet facilities in 2023, followed… Continue reading PLUS allocates RM37 million for highway public toilet upgrades across 56 locations

JAKARTA: The Raja Muda of Perlis has emphasised the crucial role of Malaysia’s embassy in strengthening diplomatic relations with Indonesia. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail stated that the embassy must protect Malaysia’s political and economic interests while fostering stronger people-to-people connections. His Royal Highness described the embassy as a vital bridge for enhancing mutual understanding,… Continue reading Raja Muda of Perlis urges stronger Malaysia-Indonesia diplomatic ties

KOTA BHARU: Police have arrested four Myanmar nationals including a married couple for the suspected murder of their countryman at workers’ quarters near Sonchong farm in Gua Musang. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat confirmed the suspects aged between 30 and 46 have been remanded for seven days starting from yesterday. A team from… Continue reading Four Myanmar nationals arrested for murder of countryman in Kelantan

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysia Police are awaiting crucial information from Myanmar’s anti-narcotics unit regarding a major drug trafficking syndicate targeting Malaysia. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed the ongoing investigation into the cross-border criminal network during a press conference at the Police Training Centre. He stated that Malaysian authorities are working… Continue reading Police await Myanmar information on drug syndicate trafficking into Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has extended his heartfelt appreciation to all parties involved in the successful celebration of Malaysia Day 2025, held in Penang yesterday. Fahmi, who also chairs the National Day and Malaysia Day Main Organising Committee, said the support and participation of the public had added significant meaning to the… Continue reading Fahmi thanks Malaysians for meaningful 2025 Malaysia Day celebration

BUTTERWORTH: Penang Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Department of Environment successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle 40.25 tonnes of municipal solid waste through the North Butterworth Container Terminal. The interception occurred on August 23 when authorities discovered two containers filled with prohibited waste materials including plastic, rubber, wood, stones, and various metals. State Customs… Continue reading Penang JKDM, DOE foil attempt to smuggle 40.25 tonnes of municipal waste

SHAH ALAM: Former Selangor State Executive Councillor (Exco) Datuk Raja Ideris Raja Ahmad died of old age at his residence in Section 7 here this morning. He was 81. Raja Ideris, had previously held the portfolios of Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries, as well as Agricultural Modernisation, Natural Resources Management and Entrepreneur Development. He also… Continue reading Ex-Selangor Exco Raja Ideris dies at 81

KUALA LUMPUR: A comprehensive landslide simulation drill will take place in Wangsa Maju tomorrow as part of national disaster preparedness efforts. The Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Information Department confirmed the exercise will run from 8 am to 4 pm in a hilly area opposite Fairview International School. This drill represents Simulation Series… Continue reading Wangsa Maju landslide drill tomorrow as part of national disaster preparedness

KUALA LUMPUR: The Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia has urged the Islamic world and international community to take urgent action against Israel’s attacks. IKIM director-general Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil called for Malaysia and Islamic countries to propose an emergency UN draft resolution activating an international military mission or peacekeeping force. He… Continue reading IKIM urges global action to stop Israeli attacks on Gaza

KOTA KINABALU: The head warden of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha testified that Zara Qairina Mahathir never lodged any complaints about issues she may have faced while living in the school hostel. Azhari Abd Sagap, who is also Zara Qairina’s Arabic teacher, told the Coroner’s Court that she stayed in the Qurratu Ayun… Continue reading Zara Qairina never complained about hostel life, head warden tells court

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Digital is building an ecosystem to support Malaysia’s transformation into an artificial intelligence nation by 2030. Minister Gobind Singh Deo stated that the ministry has taken concrete steps through infrastructure development and technology adoption to ensure national readiness. “We have taken real steps that show we are committed to building… Continue reading Malaysia builds AI ecosystem to become AI nation by 2030

BUTTERWORTH: The Penang Royal Malaysian Customs Department seized two containers carrying smuggled cigarettes worth over 7 million ringgit at Port Klang in mid-August. Director Datuk Rohaizad Ali stated the containers from Thailand were destined for the Republic of Congo in Africa and were transiting through the port. He explained that the syndicate’s activities were detected… Continue reading Penang customs seizes RM7.7 million in smuggled cigarettes from Thailand

PUTRAJAYA: Cooperatives must fully embrace digitalisation across both financial operations and marketing strategies to remain competitive according to Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. He highlighted the significant opportunity for cooperatives to lead sustainability efforts through sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and community-based tourism as the global economy shifts towards green… Continue reading Cooperatives must adopt digitalisation in finance and marketing – Ramanan

PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry will commence trial operations of the National Integrated Immigration System at Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar and Bangunan Sultan Iskandar in Johor starting Monday. This initial testing phase will run from September 22 until February 28 next year at these major land border crossings. The ministry confirmed the trial will expand to… Continue reading NIISe immigration system trial begins at Johor checkpoints from Sept 22

JOHOR BAHRU: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia has firmly dismissed allegations of discrimination against local students as completely unfounded. The university emphasised its role as a platform for knowledge, research and innovation that shapes national progress through quality education. Every learning programme at UTM undergoes development based on comprehensive market requirement research involving industry panellists. These programmes… Continue reading UTM dismisses discrimination claims against local students as baseless

KUALA LUMPUR: Allyson Ee triumphed over 11 other contestants to be crowned Miss International Malaysia 2025 (MIM2025). The 25-year-old chemical engineer from Johor, who took home a cash prize of RM10,000, will represent Malaysia at the Miss International 2025 pageant in Tokyo in November. Yap Wen Wei from Kelantan was named first runner-up, while the… Continue reading Chemical engineer Allyson Ee crowned Miss International Malaysia 2025

PAPAR: All parties, regardless of background, must put their differences aside and prioritise helping people affected by disasters, particularly in the ongoing landslide and flood situation in Sabah, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said. He said political issues, including talk of dissolving the Sabah State Assembly or the possibility of state elections, should not… Continue reading Sabah CM urges political unity to focus on disaster relief efforts

PUTRAJAYA: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) will establish a regulatory framework for the low-altitude economic sector to support its development and ensure safety. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that this framework is essential for pioneering the new sector, which aligns with the government’s economic mission. “The low-altitude economy is a new field that… Continue reading CAAM to establish regulatory framework for low-altitude economy sector

PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry is implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and the education community in flood-affected regions of Sabah and Sarawak. Emergency assistance is currently being distributed to all impacted educational institutions through the Sabah and Sarawak Education Departments. Fifty-three educational institutions have been affected by flooding as of… Continue reading Education Ministry ensures safety and support for flood-affected schools

KANGAR: A motivational facilitator pleaded not guilty today to charges of sexually assaulting a minor and engaging in sexual communication with a child. Mohd Zulkarnain Atan, 44, allegedly committed the offences against a 14-year-old boy inside a national secondary school hall in Padang Besar on July 10. He faces his first charge under Section 14(a)… Continue reading Motivational facilitator pleads not guilty to sexual assault of minor

KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Tower will shine in blue and gold from today until Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rukun Tetangga (KRT) programme. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang stated that KRT has served as a vital bridge uniting Malaysia’s diverse races and religions for five decades. He emphasised its… Continue reading KL Tower to be illuminated in blue and gold celebrating 50 years of KRT

BINTULU: Sarawak is facing a critical healthcare crisis that demands immediate federal intervention, with Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian (pic) revealing that the state requires an additional 11,000 medical posts across just seven major hospitals. The alarming shortage was highlighted during Dr Sim’s visit to Bintulu Hospital yesterday, where he joined Tanjong Batu… Continue reading Sarawak faces critical doctor shortage, needs 11,000 more posts

KOTA KINABALU: The Coroner’s Court was told today that the mother of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir firmly refused a post-mortem on her daughter’s body, despite repeated explanations about the importance of the procedure. Dr Logaraj Ratha, a medical officer undergoing off-campus training at the Forensic Medicine Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital since June last… Continue reading Zara Qairina’s mother refused post-mortem despite doctor’s explanations

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Day holiday today witnessed a continued decline in tourist arrivals to Langkawi, dropping between 30 to 39 percent compared to last year, reflecting similar challenges faced by other major tourism centres in the country. Speaking to Harian Metro, Langkawi Tourism Association (LTA) chief executive officer Zainudin Kadir said that based on… Continue reading Langkawi tourist numbers drop 39% during Malaysia Day holiday

KUALA LUMPUR: BRICS and its partners must rally around the collective mission of creating technologies, jobs and well-being for the bottom billions of the world’s population, and they must act quickly, said Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong. He said Malaysia, as the 2025 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) rotating chair,… Continue reading BRICS urged to create jobs and tech for global bottom billions quickly

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government has pledged zero tolerance for tiger poaching activities that threaten the survival of the Malayan tiger. State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon announced strengthened law enforcement and enhanced monitoring in high-risk areas. He urged public cooperation in reporting illegal hunting to protect biodiversity for current and future… Continue reading Johor cracks down on tiger poaching after Malayan tiger carcass found

PUTRAJAYA: The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia has opened registration for the 2025 National Taxation Seminar featuring key insights into the upcoming Budget 2026 proposals. This year’s seminar will focus on three main topics including e-Invoicing strategic preparation for mandatory compliance and digital transformation of property tax systems. The seminar will be held in five… Continue reading LHDN opens registration for National Tax Seminar with Budget 2026 focus

MELAKA: The Melaka government will introduce a dedicated sports event for special children starting next year as part of expanded sports development programmes. State Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Datuk VP Shanmugam confirmed Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh recently called for sports initiatives specifically for this group. This new initiative will… Continue reading Melaka to launch special children’s sports event from next year

KUALA NERUS: A total of 2,342 athletes and officials from 20 public universities across the country have gathered in Terengganu for the Malaysian Universities Sports Council (MASUM) Carnival. The biennial games run from 15 to 20 September and feature 10 events including volleyball, beach volleyball, lawn bowls, softball, and pétanque. Other events include chess, silat,… Continue reading Over 2,000 athletes compete in MASUM Sports Carnival 2025 in Terengganu

KUALA LUMPUR: All mosques and surau under the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) will conduct special prayers for Sabah’s flood and landslide victims. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar expressed his condolences and sadness over the disaster affecting Sabah’s… Continue reading Mosques under JAKIM, JAWI to hold special prayers for Sabah flood victims

ALOR GAJAH: Melaka police have arrested an individual after discovering more than two kilogrammes of drugs believed to be heroin and syabu worth about RM35,000 hidden inside a car at Jalan Industri Rumbia, here. Alor Gajah District Police acting chief DSP Azrul Mohamed said the 31-year-old suspect was detained at about 6.10 am on Sept… Continue reading Melaka police arrest drug pusher, seize RM35,000 in narcotics

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is strengthening its anti-graft drive by leveraging artificial intelligence and digital systems to accelerate investigations and enhance governance. MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said corruption crimes have expanded through digital transactions including cryptocurrencies and virtual financial systems. “Artificial intelligence emerges as a new strategic weapon… Continue reading MACC uses AI and digital systems to strengthen anti-corruption efforts

KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) worker was swept away by floodwaters while on duty in a Keningau village late last night. Sabah Electricity said in a statement today that rescue teams, along with the relevant authorities, have been deployed to the area, and search efforts are ongoing. “Our priority now is the… Continue reading SESB worker swept away by strong currents during Keningau duty

KUALA LUMPUR: Two individuals from vastly different backgrounds celebrated a sweet Malaysia Day 2025 when they were chosen as the first and second prize winners for the Gerakan Bersama Malaysiaku competition. Danken Philip, 56, a smallholder from Serian, Sarawak won the first prize of a Proton e.Mas, while nurse Mazlina Badrunsaah, 36, from Kuala Kangsar… Continue reading Smallholder and nurse win Gerakan Bersama Malaysiaku competition prizes

BUTTERWORTH: Malaysians from all backgrounds expressed awe at the splendour of the Malaysia Day 2025 celebration held at the PICCA Convention Centre. Many attendees praised the event for its lively atmosphere and wide participation, noting it was the first time Penang hosted the national celebration. Khor Moh Nee from Permatang Pauh expressed surprise at the… Continue reading Penang hosts first Malaysia Day 2025 celebration with huge turnout