Category: Local

KUCHING: Fraud cases in Sarawak have surged significantly this year, raising alarm among authorities. Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata revealed that from January 1 to July 30, 2,256 commercial crime investigation papers were opened, marking an 858-case increase compared to the same period in 2024. The spike in scams has also led to higher… Continue reading Rising scam cases in Sarawak cause concern, police warn

MELAKA: A couple was charged in the Ayer Keroh Magistrate’s Court today for allegedly trafficking 15.06 grammes of heroin last month. Ahmad Ramdzan Mohamed, 26, and Farah Amira Mohamad Ali, 28, acknowledged the charge but did not enter a plea as drug trafficking cases are under High Court jurisdiction. The charge states they were found… Continue reading Couple faces drug trafficking charges in Melaka court

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat concluded its second week with the tabling of the 13th Malaysian Plan (13MP) and the passage of eight critical bills. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the 2026-2030 roadmap, themed “Redesigning Development,“ emphasizing RM611 billion in investments to bolster national progress. Anwar outlined the plan’s three core principles: sovereign… Continue reading Dewan Rakyat passes eight bills amid 13MP tabling for 2026-2030

SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan water tariff increase is aimed at improving services and addressing financial challenges, according to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun. He clarified that the adjustment was carefully reviewed with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and aligns with similar moves in other states. Aminuddin explained that the revised… Continue reading Negeri Sembilan water tariff hike to improve services, says MB

PUTRAJAYA: The merger between the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) is now in full effect, consolidating all regulatory functions under CAAM. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) confirmed the move today, marking a shift towards a more streamlined aviation oversight system aligned with global standards. Datuk Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi… Continue reading CAAM-MAVCOM merger takes effect, Sharil Tarmizi named new chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: Short- and long-term strategies to alleviate chronic traffic congestion along Jalan Bangsar are now in the works following discussions between Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and property developers. The meeting took place at the Parliament building yesterday. Fahmi, who is also the Lembah Pantai MP, shared updates on Facebook… Continue reading New strategies to ease Bangsar traffic congestion announced

KUALA LUMPUR: United States President Donald Trump’s confirmation to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October has been hailed as a diplomatic milestone for Malaysia. The move reinforces the country’s role as a neutral mediator amid rising US-China strategic competition. Analysts view Trump’s participation as a significant endorsement of Malaysia’s diplomatic credibility,… Continue reading Malaysia’s neutral diplomacy praised as Trump confirms ASEAN summit visit

JOHOR BAHRU: Healthcare workers have expressed strong support for reforms under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), particularly the expanded use of generic medicines and AI-driven health record management. These measures aim to enhance affordability, accessibility, and efficiency in the healthcare sector. Aziahtun Akma Mohd Sarkawi, a veteran nurse with 27 years of experience, highlighted the… Continue reading Malaysia healthcare workers praise 13MP reforms for AI and cost efficiency

KUALA LUMPUR: An unemployed man pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to a charge of raping his former sister-in-law two years ago. The 31-year-old accused allegedly committed the offence at an apartment in Bandar Bukit Jalil, Cheras, at 3.30 am on Jan 22, 2023. The charge falls under Section 376 of the Penal… Continue reading Unemployed man pleads not guilty to raping former sister-in-law

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has appointed 19 new commissioners to the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) for the 2025–2026 term, following the expiry of the previous term. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said in a statement today that the appointments are effective from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. He also announced… Continue reading Penang appoints 19 new Hindu Endowment Board commissioners

KUCHING: With over 220 fire hotspots detected across Sarawak, fresh calls have been made for a total ban on open burning of agricultural waste to curb worsening wildfires and environmental damage. Senator Abun Sui Anyit, who is also Sarawak Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) information chief, said the deliberate use of fire especially on plantations clearing… Continue reading Sarawak faces over 220 fire hotspots, senator urges burning ban

PETALING JAYA: Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (MASA) is ensuring that research findings are turned into practical solutions to address the country’s strategic challenges through its MASA Policy Development Programme Cohort-3 (MPDP 3.0). In a statement today, its CEO Azril Mohd Amin said MASA is continuing its efforts as a leading policy research institute by driving… Continue reading MASA unveils third policy development cohort to boost Bumiputera empowerment

KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail emphasised the media’s crucial role in fostering national unity and raising awareness on sovereignty. Speaking at the IGP Media Appreciation Gathering 2025, he highlighted the need for responsible reporting to maintain peace and stability. Mohd Khalid stated, “The media’s responsibility is not just to… Continue reading Media’s role in unity and sovereignty highlighted by IGP

IPOH: Police confiscated 61 bitcoin mining machines in a joint operation with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) across nine locations in Manjung, uncovering illegal electricity connections. Manjung police chief ACP Hasbullah Abdul Rahman said the raids followed intelligence gathered by the Criminal Investigation Division and TNB’s technical team after reports of electricity theft. “The raids, carried… Continue reading Police seize 61 bitcoin machines in Manjung electricity theft crackdown

MUAR: Police have dismantled an international drug trafficking syndicate after conducting four simultaneous raids in Johor and the Klang Valley, seizing drugs worth over RM2 million. The operation, carried out on July 21, led to the arrest of 10 suspects, including eight local men, one local woman, and a foreign national aged between 29 and… Continue reading RM2 million drug haul: Syndicate smuggling to Indonesia busted

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has deferred the implementation of the water tariff adjustment under the Tariff Setting Mechanism for the Second Implementation Period by one year to July 1, 2026, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Chow said the deferment will benefit 715,957 water consumers in Penang. He said the new tariff, which was supposed to… Continue reading Penang defers water tariff adjustment to July 2026

BUKIT MERTAJAM: A doctor pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court here today to cheating the Social Security Organisation (Socso) by allegedly forging a domestic worker registration form three years ago. Dr Winnie Ong Beng Cheen, 44, entered her plea after the charge under Section 417 of the Penal Code was read before Magistrate Nurul… Continue reading Doctor pleads not guilty to cheating Socso in Bukit Mertajam court

IPOH: Police have launched an investigation into a viral video allegedly containing defamatory and false claims involving Raja Di-Hilir of Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah. Ipoh police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the video was uploaded by the TikTok account holder ‘The King Xtra The Star’ and was found to… Continue reading Police probe viral video allegedly defaming Raja Di-Hilir of Perak

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has urged Sabahans to use shared spaces—schools, workplaces, and digital platforms—to foster unity rather than division. Speaking at the launch of the National Month, Sabah Day, and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign 2025, he stressed that preserving harmony is a collective responsibility. “Sabah’s strength lies in its… Continue reading Hajiji urges Sabahans to strengthen unity through shared spaces

GEORGE TOWN: The United States’ decision to lower tariffs on Malaysian imports from 25 per cent to 19 per cent is a positive step for the country’s export sector, particularly in Penang, where industries like electrical and electronics (E&E), manufacturing, and medical devices thrive. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the adjustment aligns Malaysia with… Continue reading US tariff cut benefits Malaysia’s export sector, says Chow

KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called on the government to urgently establish a formal diversion policy for children in conflict with the law. The proposal aims to redirect young offenders away from the criminal justice system and into community-based rehabilitation programmes. The push follows a recent case involving a 14-year-old… Continue reading Suhakam urges formal diversion policy for child offenders in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Four 13-year-old male students have been detained by police to assist in investigations into the assault of a classmate at a shopping centre in Kajang. Kajang police Chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said the boys were detained following a report lodged by their classmate at 12.57pm yesterday. Investigations revealed that the incident occurred… Continue reading Four students detained over assault of classmate in Kajang

KUALA TERENGGANU: The search for Eser Demirkol, a Turkiye national missing after a yacht capsized near Pulau Yu, resumed today with authorities covering a 305.41-square-nautical-mile area. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has deployed air and sea assets to locate the missing man. Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang, Terengganu MMEA director, confirmed the operation began… Continue reading Search resumes for missing Turkiye national after yacht capsizes off Terengganu

PUTRAJAYA: A 21-year-old Filipino man was caught attempting to leave Sabah using a social visit pass with fake endorsements at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA). The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) detained him during a routine inspection. Authorities discovered the pass had falsified entry and exit stamps dated July 28 and July 30.… Continue reading Filipino man caught using fake pass to exit Sabah at KKIA

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has hailed the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as a strategic roadmap to elevate tourism into a high-income and sustainable sector. With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, Tiong emphasised that the plan reflects the government’s dedication to industry growth and nationwide benefits. During… Continue reading 13MP roadmap to boost Malaysia tourism sector by 2030

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Education (MOE) will prioritise preschool to secondary education development under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to strengthen the national education system. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed RM67 billion has been set aside for initiatives like new school construction and infrastructure upgrades nationwide. “The MADANI Government’s current focus is to ensure universal… Continue reading Malaysia’s 13MP education reforms focus on preschool to secondary levels

KUALA LUMPUR: Australia has lauded Malaysia for its ambitious ASEAN chairmanship agenda, particularly its focus on inclusivity and sustainability. High Commissioner Danielle Heinecke praised Malaysia’s leadership in advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, a strategic roadmap for regional resilience and innovation. In a video message posted by the Australian High Commission, Heinecke emphasised Australia’s commitment… Continue reading Australia praises Malaysia’s ASEAN leadership and sustainability focus

KOTA BHARU: Police have dismissed allegations that an individual lost his identity card (IC) while in custody, leading to a RM300 fine by the National Registration Department (JPN). Tumpat District Police Chief, ACP Mohd Khairi Shafie, addressed the viral social media post, clarifying the department’s handling of detainees’ belongings. “For the public’s information, the police… Continue reading Police deny claim of lost IC while in custody in Kota Bharu

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States has agreed to lower tariffs on Malaysian exports from 25% to 19%, marking a diplomatic win for Malaysia after months of negotiations. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz attributed the outcome to Malaysia’s firm yet methodical approach in safeguarding national interests. Tengku Zafrul highlighted that… Continue reading Malaysia secures US tariff cut to 19% after strategic negotiations

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has encouraged Penangites to proudly fly the Jalur Gemilang in celebration of National Month, describing it as a representation of Malaysia’s sovereignty, unity, and national pride. He reiterated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s appeal for all Malaysians, irrespective of race, background, or political stance, to display the… Continue reading Penang CM urges residents to fly Jalur Gemilang with pride

KUALA LUMPUR: The construction of a new road linking Nanga Serau in Song to Nanga Seranau in Kapit, Sarawak, has been welcomed by hundreds of longhouse families who have depended solely on river transport for decades. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for including the… Continue reading New road project in Kapit brings relief to longhouse families

JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Bahru City Hall (MBJB) is giving motorists a chance to clear their traffic fines at discounted rates in conjunction with Malaysia’s 68th National Day celebrations. The local authority announced an 80% discount on outstanding fines issued between 2016 and December 2024, while fines from 2025 will receive a 60% reduction. The special… Continue reading MBJB offers 80% discount on traffic fines for National Day

KUALA LUMPUR: Eight men detained in connection with the death of a suspected snatch thief in Batu 9, Cheras, have been released on police bail. The investigation paper has been submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Office for further review. Kajang police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof confirmed that the individuals, aged between 22 and… Continue reading Eight released on bail in suspected snatch thief death case in Cheras

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has urged the public to report any traders who drastically increase egg prices following the start of the subsidy restructuring today. Its director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said monitoring efforts at business premises across the district would be further intensified… Continue reading Johor KPDN urges public to report sharp hikes in egg prices

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