Category: Local

KOTA KINABALU: Maintenance work at the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT), owned by PETRONAS, has been rescheduled from today to Tuesday (Aug 5) to facilitate a smoother fuel conversion process for two Independent Power Producer (IPP) plants. Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd confirmed the delay in a statement, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning to… Continue reading SOGT maintenance rescheduled to Tuesday for smoother power transition

KUALA LUMPUR: The government expects Malaysia’s trade surplus to remain robust under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), driven by high-value industries and economic diversification, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. He noted that while imports will stay high to meet development needs, Malaysia’s long-standing trade surplus and current account surplus position the… Continue reading Malaysia’s 13MP to boost high-value growth, sustain trade surplus

KUANTAN: The Pahang Road Transport Department (JPJ) took action against 55 out of 2,196 buses inspected during a month-long seatbelt enforcement operation in July. State JPJ director Syed Ahmad Khirulanwar Alyahya Syed Abdul Rahman confirmed that 143 notices were issued, including the seizure of one bus. “Only 2.5% of inspected buses faced penalties, indicating a… Continue reading Pahang JPJ cracks down on 55 buses in July seatbelt operation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must implement bold healthcare financing reforms and digital transformation to strengthen its public health system amid rising demand, increasing costs, and fiscal constraints, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Speaking at the ‘Ilmuwan Malaysia Madani’ Forum Series 7, Dzulkefly highlighted the challenges facing the nation’s tax-funded healthcare system, including the… Continue reading Bold healthcare reforms needed for Malaysia’s future, says Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR: A man suspected to be under drug influence intentionally stuck his leg under a moving lorry near Jalan Pekan Bangi Lama in Bangi yesterday. The reckless act was captured on dashcam footage, prompting a police report. Kajang district police chief Naazron Abdul Yusof stated that the 43-year-old suspect will be arrested once discharged… Continue reading Man high on drugs extends leg under moving lorry

KUALA LUMPUR: Government incentives for major sugar producers, including MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd, have successfully prevented domestic sugar price hikes despite rising global raw sugar costs. Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek confirmed the measures have shielded both companies and consumers from financial strain. “The assistance ensures no price increase… Continue reading Government incentives prevent sugar price hikes in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian doctor, seeking a practical yet patriotic way to dress at work, has started a quiet fashion trend in hospitals by producing a range of hospital-compliant scrubs for healthcare sector employees. Dr Nisha Puvan, an internal medicine specialist with a special interest in gastroenterology and currently working in a government hospital here,… Continue reading Dr Nisha’s batik scrubs brighten up hospital wards

PORT KLANG: Firefighters are still battling a 0.8-hectare bushfire in Pandamaran, Port Klang, as flames spread near an industrial area. The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) confirmed that firefighting efforts have been ongoing since their arrival at the scene around 7.20 pm. Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar, the department’s Operations assistant director, stated that they were… Continue reading Firefighters battle bushfire in Port Klang near industrial area

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Turkish nationals aboard the yacht Daisy, which capsized during a storm off Pulau Yu on Tuesday, were on a cross-continental journey from Malaysia to Turkiye. Kuala Terengganu district police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor confirmed that the yacht’s captain, Ahmed Volkan Ata, and crew member Eser Demirkol remain missing. A third crew… Continue reading Turkish yacht capsizes off Malaysia during voyage to Turkiye

KOTA KINABALU: Development programmes and allocations for Sabah under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) demonstrate the federal government’s strong commitment to supporting the state, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He noted that these initiatives align with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. “It clearly reflects the federal government’s support for Sabah under… Continue reading 13MP shows federal support for Sabah development, says Hajiji

KUALA LUMPUR: The financial sector must actively support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in strategic growth areas to align with Malaysia’s national transformation goals, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour. Speaking at the CGC 30th Edition Award 2024, he emphasised the need for financial institutions to facilitate SME participation in… Continue reading Financial sector crucial for SME growth in strategic industries says BNM

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s trade with BRICS member countries surged to RM818 billion in 2024, making up 35.2% of the nation’s total global trade, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). The ministry also confirmed RM104.9 billion in realised investments from BRICS nations as of last year. MITI stated that Malaysia’s engagement as… Continue reading Malaysia-BRICS trade hits RM818 billion in 2024, MITI reports

KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of all stakeholders involved in developing the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, adhered to official evaluation and selection processes under government procurement rules. Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz clarified this in response to allegations that a private company’s design work was used without… Continue reading Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka follows strict procurement process

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP) is actively pursuing a village-based syndicate conducting fake marriages using unauthorised officiants. The operation follows a recent raid at a house in Kubang Semang, where an unapproved wedding ceremony was taking place. State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) president Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid confirmed the enforcement action.… Continue reading Penang religious dept busts fake marriage syndicate in Bukit Mertajam

KUALA LUMPUR: Istana Negara today organised a special Yasin recitation and tahlil prayers in conjunction with Hari Hol to commemorate Almarhum Sultan Iskandar. According to a post on the official Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, the ceremony was attended by Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani,… Continue reading Istana Negara holds prayers to commemorate Hari Hol

IPOH: Malaysia recently hosted the International Workshop on Advanced Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange (SDMX) at the Malaysian Statistical Training Institute (ILSM) in Sungkai, Perak. In a statement, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said the workshop was held in collaboration with the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the… Continue reading Malaysia hosts SDMX workshop to boost regional statistical capacity

PETALING JAYA: The United States has reduced its reciprocal tariff rate on Malaysian goods to 19%, down from the previously imposed 25% under Executive Order 14257. The revised rate, announced through a new presidential order issued on July 31, reflects improved trade and security engagement between both countries, marking a step forward in bilateral economic… Continue reading US slashes tariff on Malaysian goods to 19%

KUALA LUMPUR: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 2.6 per cent increase in global passenger demand for June 2025, marking a slower growth rate compared to previous months. The aviation body attributed the deceleration to disruptions caused by military conflicts in the Middle East. IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted that while demand… Continue reading Global passenger demand grows 2.6% in June 2025, says IATA

HULU SELANGOR: The body of a man with his hands and feet bound was found near a railway track in Sungai Serian, Kalumpang, earlier today. The discovery was made by a member of the public at approximately 10.30 am. Hulu Selangor Police chief Supt Ibrahim Husin stated that initial investigations suggest the body was likely… Continue reading Bound body found near Hulu Selangor railway track

PETALING JAYA: The government’s RM67 billion education allocation under the 13th Malaysia Plan has been widely welcomed as a bold move to fix long-standing weaknesses in Malaysia’s school system, but experts say money alone won’t be enough. National Association of Private Educational Institutions deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin said the funding signals strong political… Continue reading Education push praised, execution crucial

MUKAH: Wildfires raging in plantations and jungles in Mukah, Sarawak surged beyond 110ha in size as of yesterday morning. Aerial water bombing by the Fire and Rescue Department Air Wing Unit was carried out and reduced hotspots to 75ha at noon. Ashes from the blaze are causing widespread air pollution. The Sarawak Natural Resources and… Continue reading ‘Water bombing’ measure deployed to fight wildfires

PETALING JAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) tabled yesterday sets the tone for a decisive five-year push to future-proof the economy, bridge income gaps and position the nation as a resilient, high-tech and inclusive economy. Anchored on sustainability, reform and digital change, the blueprint outlines bold policy shifts designed to navigate a volatile global landscape… Continue reading 13MP set to future-proof Malaysian economy

KUALA TERENGGANU: Two Turkiye nationals remain missing after their sailing yacht capsized in stormy waters near Pulau Yu on Tuesday. A third crew member was rescued after drifting at sea for 25 hours. Terengganu Maritime director Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang confirmed the incident, stating that the yacht, Daisy, had departed Pulau Tioman, Pahang, en… Continue reading Two Turkiye nationals missing after yacht capsizes near Pulau Yu

KUALA LUMPUR: By 2040, Malaysia is projected to achieve developed nation status with a fair society, an inclusive economy, and strong environmental governance, as outlined in the newly released 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). The document emphasizes that realizing this vision demands collaboration beyond government efforts, requiring active participation from the private sector, community leaders, and… Continue reading Malaysia’s 2040 developed nation vision requires public-private cooperation

TAWAU: The Indonesian consulate or embassy has been urged to expedite the issuance of travel documents in lieu of passports (SPLP) for 969 of its nationals currently detained at immigration depots in Sabah. Sabah Immigration director Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yusoff stressed the need for cooperation to ensure detainees can return home promptly. “The… Continue reading Indonesian embassy urged to speed up travel documents for detainees in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: The Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) has expanded its financial literacy initiative, GoGiggers, to East Malaysia through the GoGiggers 2.0 Borneo Tour 2025. The programme targets approximately 80,000 Foodpanda delivery riders in Sabah and Sarawak, equipping them with essential financial knowledge via interactive methods. AKPK CEO Azaddin Ngah Tasir highlighted the… Continue reading AKPK expands GoGiggers financial literacy programme to Sabah, Sarawak

JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Johor has detained two additional police officers for allegedly soliciting and accepting bribes worth approximately RM635,000. The bribes were reportedly taken in exchange for not taking action against illegal gambling activities. A six-day remand order, valid until August 5, was granted by Senior Assistant Registrar Chai Ing… Continue reading Two more cops remanded in RM635,000 bribery case in Johor

KUALA LUMPUR: A policeman sustained serious injuries after being stabbed by a suspect during a crime prevention patrol at Pudu Market this afternoon. Acting Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad confirmed the incident, stating the victim was attacked while inspecting the suspect along with four other officers. “The suspect suddenly pulled out… Continue reading Policeman stabbed at Pudu Market, suspect arrested with drugs

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have detained a married couple to assist in investigations into the death of their seven-month-old adopted baby girl, believed to be a victim of abuse in Cheras. Cheras deputy police chief Supt Ridzuan Khalid confirmed the arrests, stating that the couple, aged between 38 and 50, was taken into custody by the… Continue reading Couple arrested after adopted baby girl dies of suspected abuse in Cheras

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The public is advised to use Qunut Nazilah prayers to seek blessings for the Muslim ummah and national well-being, not for political purposes. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan emphasised that religious authorities, including state muftis and scholars, have provided clear guidance on the proper conduct of… Continue reading Qunut Nazilah prayers for ummah well-being, not politics

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is prioritising national food security in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) through sustainable agrofood production, supply chain resilience, and innovative farming strategies. The Economic Affairs Ministry’s document highlights large-scale agriculture expansion in East Coast states, Sabah, and Sarawak to meet domestic demand and explore international markets. Padi production will be intensified… Continue reading Malaysia’s 13MP food security strategies for sustainable agrofood growth

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed relief that no serious casualties or widespread damage were reported following the massive earthquake off Russia’s far eastern coast. In a Facebook post, Anwar commended the swift action of early-warning systems and emergency responders who moved quickly to protect lives. He said, “The massive earthquake off… Continue reading Anwar relieved as Russia quake causes no major casualties

SEREMBAN: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has started distributing 150 community boats worth RM1.8 million nationwide to speed up flood rescue operations. Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said the phased handover began today. “The boats will go to eligible recipients like the Community and Volunteer Fire Brigade,… Continue reading JBPM distributes 150 community boats nationwide for flood rescue ops

IPOH: Police arrested two brothers in Kampung Belakang Pasar, Bidor, after discovering a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver and live ammunition in their home. The suspects, aged 45 and 46, were detained following a public report of an explosion heard at the location around 9.20 pm. Tapah district police chief Supt Johari Yahya confirmed the… Continue reading Siblings arrested in Bidor for illegal firearm and ammunition possession

PUTRAJAYA: Former Pahang menteri besar Tan Sri Adnan Yaakob has lost his appeal to set aside an RM84,000 penalty imposed by the Securities Commission (SC) for violating the Capital Market and Services Act 2007 (CMSA). A three-judge panel led by Justice Datuk Azimah Omar ruled that Adnan should have pursued a judicial review to contest… Continue reading Ex-Pahang MB Adnan Yaakob loses appeal over RM84,000 SC penalty

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Customs Department uncovered a drug syndicate’s elaborate scheme to smuggle narcotics worth over RM200,000 by disguising them as chocolates and candy. The operation was foiled following a raid at a courier facility in Pengkalan Chepa on July 15. Kelantan Customs director Wan Jamal Abdul Salam Wan Long revealed that officers seized… Continue reading Kelantan customs bust drug syndicate smuggling narcotics as chocolates

IPOH: The Perak Health Department reported 1,213 dengue fever cases and one fatality as of July 26 this year, marking a sharp decrease compared to the same period in 2024. State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs, and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan confirmed the figures, noting a significant reduction from last year’s 5,058… Continue reading Perak dengue cases drop to 1,213 with one death as of July 26

KUALA LUMPUR: A new project management mechanism will be introduced under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to improve strategic planning and execution of development projects. The Ministry of Economy outlined key reforms, including specialised strategic planners in each ministry and enhanced training modules for civil servants. The plan emphasises tighter cost controls and expanded use… Continue reading New project management mechanism under Malaysia’s 13MP plan

JOHOR BAHRU: The proposal for a second Rapid Transit System (RTS 2) linking Tuas in Singapore and Iskandar Puteri in Johor is under discussion between both governments. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi confirmed the talks during his meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at The Istana. The nearly hour-long discussion focused on… Continue reading Johor and Singapore discuss RTS 2 proposal linking Tuas and Iskandar Puteri

KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) introduces five major health reform strategies to ensure equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare for all Malaysians. These reforms, covering 2026 to 2030, aim to enhance healthcare accessibility and resilience. The Ministry of Economy outlined the strategies, which include financing and governance reforms, strengthening health promotion, improving service delivery,… Continue reading 13MP: Five key strategies for better healthcare

KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has urged the Ministry of Works (KKR) to ensure the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) system does not impose financial burdens on the government or consumers once finalized. PAC chairperson Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin stressed the need to avoid past issues where projects initially deemed cost-free later required government… Continue reading KKR urged to ensure MLFF system avoids financial burden on govt, consumers

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has unveiled four core strategies under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to enhance public transport efficiency and infrastructure. These measures aim to increase ridership, reduce operational costs, and improve connectivity nationwide. The strategies focus on financial mechanisms for operators, transit-oriented development (TOD), infrastructure investment, and restructuring rail administration. A key target… Continue reading 13MP outlines four strategies to boost public transport efficiency in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is set to drive significant growth in the country’s RM6.8 billion skincare and wellness industry. Industry experts believe the plan’s focus on digital-first models and value creation will empower local brands to expand globally. Cynthia Lee, founder of Encorium, a homegrown e-commerce skincare brand, highlighted the plan’s potential… Continue reading 13MP to boost Malaysia’s RM6.8 billion skincare and wellness industry

KUALA LUMPUR: Early childhood education will become compulsory for five-year-olds under Malaysia’s newly released 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), while community-based schools for Orang Asli and rural populations will be expanded nationwide. The Ministry of Economy’s blueprint outlines eight key strategies to transform education quality across all levels. The document states: “Education reform is a key… Continue reading Malaysia makes preschool mandatory at age 5 in new education reforms

KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, demonstrates the government’s dedication to advancing the MADANI Economy framework, aiming to elevate living standards and reshape the nation’s economic landscape. In a statement, the MADANI Backbenchers Club (BBC) highlighted that the 13MP builds upon recent policy foundations, charting a… Continue reading 13MP reflects government’s commitment to MADANI Economy goals

KUANTAN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Pahang has detained six police officers for seven days over allegations of soliciting and accepting bribes worth RM12,000. The bribes were reportedly taken to avoid legal action in a ketum juice possession case. Magistrate Khamisah Ismail approved the remand order until August 6 after the MACC filed its… Continue reading MACC detains six cops over RM12,000 bribery in Pahang

KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on the people to honour the sacrifices of national heroes who fought for Malaysia’s independence and peace. He emphasised the importance of gratitude for the nation’s current prosperity, which was achieved through past struggles. “We must understand that the comforts we enjoy today were… Continue reading Sarawak premier honours national heroes on warriors day