Category: Local

PETALING JAYA: The implementation of the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), designed to overhaul Malaysia’s border control infrastructure using the latest technology, is currently under active development and is expected to be operational in stages starting March 2026. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the new system will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities… Continue reading AI-powered immigration system to launch in March 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has finalised the Guidelines for Vertical School Development Planning, which take into account basic principles for school design, such as supervision and student safety. Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the guidelines would be presented to the Cabinet soon. He said the MOE took into account several… Continue reading MOE finalises vertical school guidelines for safety and accessibility

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is stepping up efforts to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation with Vietnam as part of its strategic preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026. Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the initiative aims to boost market visibility and foster deeper engagement between industry players from both countries. “Our visit… Continue reading Malaysia strengthens Vietnam tourism ties for VM2026

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 5,800 taxpayers have been identified for failing to submit their Income Tax Return Forms (BNCP) through the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia’s (LHDN) e-Invoicing monitoring system. Following compliance actions aimed at taxpayers at risk of failing to report their income, LHDN reported that these individuals subsequently submitted their BNCP, declaring… Continue reading LHDN flags 5,800 taxpayers for failing to submit income tax forms

KUALA LUMPUR: There is no tsunami threat to Malaysia following a powerful earthquake that struck off the eastern coast of Kamchatka, Russia, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said. In a statement, MetMalaysia said the earthquake, which occurred at 7.24 am Malaysian time, was located 107 kilometres (km) southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia, at a depth of… Continue reading No tsunami threat to Malaysia after Russia quake, says MetMalaysia

PETALING JAYA: An Immigration officer nicknamed “Thanos” has been reassigned to office duties following allegations linking him to illegal immigration syndicates at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). According to Malaysiakini, he was transferred from a KLIA Terminal 2 immigration management team to an administrative unit. “I consider the transfer a form of ‘punishment’ for him,“… Continue reading Immigration officer ‘Thanos’ reassigned amid KLIA syndicate allegations

PUTRAJAYA: Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have been successfully defused, thanks to the spirit of regional cooperation and swift diplomatic intervention under the ASEAN framework. The immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreed upon by both sides marks a significant diplomatic victory for ASEAN. Malaysia, serving as ASEAN Chair in 2025, played a pivotal role in de-escalating… Continue reading Thailand-Cambodia border tensions eased through ASEAN diplomacy

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is stepping up efforts to strengthen four key strategies to ensure the tourist arrival target for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) is achieved, said Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan. He said the strategies outlined include focusing on target markets such as China, India, Australia,… Continue reading MOTAC boosts four strategies to hit VM2026 tourist target

CHUKAI: A civil servant here has lost RM82,196 after falling victim to a tourism investment scam syndicate. Kemaman police chief, Supt Mohd Razi Rosli, said the 41-year-old man became involved in the scheme after being introduced to it by a female acquaintance from Indonesia via WhatsApp. He said the victim, enticed by promises of high… Continue reading Kemaman man loses RM82k in tourism investment scam

SHAH ALAM: Kuala Lumpur Police College commandant Datuk Shazeli Kahar, has been appointed Selangor police chief effective today. Shazeli takes over from Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, who was appointed as Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) director at Bukit Aman on July 21. Prior to Shazeli’s appointment, the role was temporarily held by Selangor police deputy… Continue reading Datuk Shazeli Kahar appointed new Selangor police chief

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, as the current ASEAN Chair, has played a leading role in promoting peaceful solutions and diplomatic negotiations among member states, said the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM). IKIM director-general Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil, in praising Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s success in mediating a ceasefire agreement… Continue reading PM Anwar’s diplomacy showcases Islamic peace values in ASEAN

KUALA LUMPUR: The mindset of “getting a salary, spend” should be replaced with “getting a salary, building finances”, particularly among youths, to help foster a financially literate society and ensure a more secure future. Financial experts have expressed concern over the rising trend among urban youths, particularly young professionals, who are spending beyond their means… Continue reading Financial literacy crucial for youth spending and saving habits

MELAKA: The Melaka Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued 153 summonses to express and tour bus drivers as well as passengers for failing to wear seatbelts between July 1 and yesterday. Its director Siti Zarina Mohd Yusop said 135 summonses were issued to passengers, and 18 to drivers. “The violations were detected through undercover officers… Continue reading Melaka JPJ issues 153 summonses for seatbelt violations

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Terengganu seized 1,405 units of counterfeit electronic cigarette refill liquid worth RM21,094 during an operation yesterday. State KPDN director Mohd Mufsi Lat said the seizures followed raids on four business premises in Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus districts. Four men in their 40s,… Continue reading KPDN seizes fake e-cigarette liquids in Terengganu, four nabbed

KUALA LUMPUR: Matcha latte, the soft green-hued beverage made from finely ground Japanese green tea powder and combined with milk, is gaining popularity among café enthusiasts. Its photogenic presentation has made it a hit on social media and its association with an active and “healthier” lifestyle makes it appear to be a better choice than… Continue reading Matcha latte: Healthy drink or hidden calorie bomb?

KUALA LUMPUR: Police raided a call centre, suspected of promoting online gambling, concealed as an office on the 23rd floor of a building on Jalan Kia Peng, yesterday. Kuala Lumpur’s acting police chief, Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad said 13 individuals were arrested, including eight local men, three local women, and two Chinese nationals. The… Continue reading Police raid online gambling call centre in KL, arrest 13

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia said it is steadfast in resolving the border conflict with Thailand and thanked Malaysia for expediting the special meeting held in Putrajaya on Monday between the two neighbours. Malaysia dispatched a delegation to Cambodia yesterday, led by Malaysia’s Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, to monitor the implementation… Continue reading Cambodia thanks Malaysia for ceasefire efforts with Thailand

The presence of stray animals such as dogs and cats, along with wildlife like monkeys, in urban and suburban areas is not a new issue. However, in some places, the problem has escalated to a worrying level, with residents claiming that authorities are slow to act on their complaints. This first instalment of a three-part… Continue reading Urban safety concerns rise as stray dogs and monkeys roam freely in Selangor

KUANTAN: The headmaster of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Durian Hijau in Jerantut was killed today when his car skidded off the road and crashed near SK Guai in Bera. Bera police chief Supt Zulkiflee Nazir said Mohd Sabri Bakar, 59, from Temerloh, was driving a Proton Preve to his brother’s house in Kampung Guai when he… Continue reading Headmaster dies in Bera road accident, motorcyclist killed by falling tree

KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 National Integrated Groundwater Network (NiGEN) programme is an integrated strategic initiative to strengthen the management and development of the country’s groundwater resources sustainably based on scientific data. Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia (JMG) director-general, Datuk Zamri Ramli, said the effort was in line with the aspirations of a MADANI Malaysia… Continue reading NiGEN 2025 to enhance Malaysia’s groundwater management for water security

SINGAPORE: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi will undertake a three-day official visit to Singapore starting Wednesday, at the invitation of Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. Singapore’s Foreign Ministry said Onn Hafiz will also be visiting under the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship (LKYEF). Onn Hafiz is the 82nd Lee Kuan Yew Exchange… Continue reading Johor MB visits Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will ensure that ASEAN will be stronger and move in step or in tandem for global stability, prosperity and peace, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Malaysia is committed to driving the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), accelerating the ASEAN Power Grid and finalising the ASEAN… Continue reading Malaysia pledges ASEAN unity for regional stability and peace

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has decided not to proceed with the implementation of the high-value goods tax (HVGT), according to the Finance Ministry (MOF). In a written reply on the Parliament website yesterday, the MOF stated, however, that the principles of the HVGT have been incorporated into the revised sales tax structure, with luxury and… Continue reading Govt scraps high-value goods tax, adjusts sales tax rates

KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of a Human Rights Tribunal in Malaysia, the potential use of nuclear energy, and a proposal to build vertical schools are among the highlights of today’s Dewan Rakyat sitting. According to the Order Paper on the Parliament website, Teresa Kok Suh Sim (PH-Seputeh) will ask the Prime Minister for the latest… Continue reading Human rights tribunal, nuclear plans tabled in Parliament

PETALING JAYA: Abolishing highway tolls is not a simple solution as it would require the government to set aside billions of ringgit for highway maintenance and infrastructure, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Replying to a supplementary question from Besut MP Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh, Nanta said the… Continue reading Abolishing tolls not feasible, says minister

ALOR SETAR: The Ministry of National Unity proposes that a National Database of Malaysian Artifact Collections be created through a centralised digital system that integrates input from all museums at the federal, state, institutional and private levels. Its Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the proposal is not only technical, but strategic as it will… Continue reading Malaysia proposes national database for museum artifacts to preserve heritage

KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) saw its investment income fall by 13 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q 2025), recording RM18.31 billion compared to RM20.99 billion in the same period last year. According to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the decline was mainly due to weaker equity market performance and… Continue reading EPF income drops 13% due to weaker equity markets, says MoF

PETALING JAYA: The government may bar children under 13 from owning social media accounts as part of broader efforts to shield them from harmful online content, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told Parliament yesterday. He said while most platforms already prohibit users below 13 from registering, it is observed that many children continue to bypass the… Continue reading Shielding children from digital harm

KUALA LUMPUR: A 14-year-old male student has been detained for allegedly punching and threatening his schoolteacher after he was reprimanded for skipping a physical education class on Tuesday (July 29). Kajang Police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said the 29-year-old secondary school teacher lodged a report at about 7.15 pm yesterday, and the student was… Continue reading 14-year-old student detained for punching teacher in Kajang

SHAH ALAM: The mother of a boy who was purportedly severely cyberbullied following a school incident is demanding a full public apology and compensation from a couple for allegedly spreading defamatory remarks about her son and family on social media. Fatimah Lailati Omar, 52, said the allegations had caused serious emotional harm to her son… Continue reading Mother of cyberbullied boy seeks apology, compensation

PETALING JAYA: The government may bar children under 13 from owning social media accounts as part of broader efforts to shield them from harmful online content, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told Parliament yesterday. He said while most platforms already prohibit users below 13 from registering, it is observed that many children continue to bypass the… Continue reading Shielding children from digital harm

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 171 foreign nationals were detained by the Immigration Department for various offences during an operation in Jalan Masjid India yesterday. The nearly two-hour raid, led by Putrajaya Immigration Enforcement Division director Basri Othman, involved 160 officers who inspected 14 premises to ensure employers only hired foreigners with valid work permits.… Continue reading Immigration Department detains 171 foreigners in raid

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 287 child pornography cases were probed by police between 2021 and 2025, with 90% resulting in prosecution and conviction, Lenggong MP Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (PH-PKR) told Dewan Rakyat yesterday. The Home deputy minister warned that while this high conviction rate reflects police commitment, emerging digital threats, including… Continue reading ‘Tech poses challenges in litigation of child porn cases’

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian humanitarian mission has successfully delivered 2,400 tonnes of aid to Gaza through a Jordan-led convoy, marking the first cross-border delivery since Israel blocked all access to the territory on March 2. Karisma Humanitarian Aid Mission (KHOM) director Nik Marina Datuk Hussein confirmed that the supplies, including food boxes and infant formula… Continue reading Malaysian aid reaches Gaza after six-month blockade via Jordan

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Brunei have voiced strong confidence in ASEAN’s ability to remain a leading example of diplomacy and global peace. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted this during a phone discussion with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah following his arrival at the ASEAN Secretariat Building in Jakarta. “We touched on ASEAN as well… Continue reading ASEAN as global peace model affirmed by Malaysia and Brunei

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has approved amendments to the Fisheries Act 1985, introducing stricter measures to combat illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing (IUU). Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup highlighted that Malaysia suffered losses of approximately RM823 million from 2020 to 2024 due to foreign fishermen encroaching on… Continue reading Dewan Rakyat passes Fisheries Act amendments to curb illegal fishing

KOTA KINABALU: A lorry owner was fined RM1,600 after being caught transporting 59 logs without a removal pass during an operation in Kampung Randagong, Ranau. The Sabah Forestry Department (JPS) and General Operations Force (GOP) detained the two lorries in a late-night operation last Wednesday (July 23). Sabah Forestry Department chief conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan… Continue reading Lorry owner fined RM1,600 for moving logs without pass in Sabah

BALING: Museums are no longer just repositories of artefacts but have evolved into dynamic centres for learning and social engagement, according to Deputy Minister of National Unity K. Saraswathy. Speaking at the Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling community outreach event, she emphasised the shift towards community-based museum management, where public participation plays a key role.… Continue reading Museums transform into learning, social hubs in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (PTKL 2040) seeks to harmonise urban development with the conservation of the city’s cultural heritage, according to Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. She stated that City Hall (DBKL) is collaborating with the Department of National Heritage to establish a structured framework for protecting heritage buildings.… Continue reading Kuala Lumpur 2040 plan balances development with heritage preservation

JAKARTA: Malaysia and Indonesia solidified their bilateral ties with several key agreements during the 13th Annual Consultation held in Jakarta. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the signing of four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering border issues, health, information and communication, and internet governance. “We touched on various important issues including a US$30 billion… Continue reading Malaysia and Indonesia strengthen ties with key agreements in annual talks

JOHOR BAHRU: A policewoman lost her life in a tragic two-vehicle collision at Kilometre 28 on Jalan Gelang Patah-Pendas earlier today. The accident occurred around 7.15 am while the victim, a 37-year-old officer, was en route to her shift at the Taman Universiti Police Station. Iskandar Puteri police chief ACP M Kumarasan confirmed the details,… Continue reading Policewoman dies in Gelang Patah-Pendas road collision

KUCHING: District and divisional-level Disaster Management Committees (JPBN) in Sarawak have been instructed to remain vigilant due to the ongoing hot and dry weather. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who chairs the state JPBN, emphasised the need for continuous monitoring as the conditions heighten fire and haze risks. “The Natural Resources and Environment… Continue reading Sarawak disaster committees on alert amid hot dry weather

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is taking the lead in strengthening regional cooperation through the newly proposed ASEAN AI Safety Network, a platform designed to promote shared standards in artificial intelligence (AI) governance, ethics, and innovation. This initiative aligns with the country’s ASEAN chairmanship this year. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasised the importance of embedding trust… Continue reading Malaysia leads ASEAN AI safety network for ethical governance

MARANG: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has recorded 76 fire incidents in school areas nationwide this year, with electrical faults accounting for 60% of cases. Director-General Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad stated that wiring issues, electrical equipment misuse, and power supply resistance were the main contributors. “We did not categorise fire incidents as happening… Continue reading Fire incidents in Malaysian schools rise due to electrical faults

MARANG: The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) has deferred to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) regarding the sentencing of motoring influencer Tengku Nizaruddin Tengku Zainudin and his brother, Tengku Abdul Aziz, for lodging a false police report. JBPM director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohamad stated that while public sentiment suggests the punishment was too… Continue reading Fire department defers to AGC over influencer brothers’ false report case

KUANTAN: Three men suspected of drug abuse attempted a daring escape by jumping into Sungai Belat during a raid under Ops Guardian today. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Pahang, led by Deputy Director of Operations Maritime Captain Mohd Marmizi Md Nor, conducted the joint operation with seven other enforcement agencies. The dramatic chase unfolded… Continue reading Dramatic river chase in Kuantan as three suspects arrested in drug raid