Category: Local

KUALA LUMPUR: The ‘A Gift from ASEAN’ exhibition at the National Art Gallery, originally set to conclude this week, has been extended until December 31 due to strong visitor turnout. The gallery announced the extension today, citing its alignment with Malaysia’s cultural diplomacy efforts ahead of the ASEAN Summit in October. The exhibition, which opened… Continue reading ASEAN art exhibition extended until Dec 31 at National Art Gallery

KUALA LUMPUR: The Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), Datuk Ewon Benedick, has called on university students to take charge of their futures by embracing entrepreneurship instead of waiting for traditional job opportunities. Speaking at the launch of the Bank Rakyat UNIpreneur and RAKYATpreneur programmes at the Bank Rakyat Twin Towers, Ewon stressed the… Continue reading Ewon urges students to embrace entrepreneurship for future success

MUAR: A 46-year-old factory worker lost nearly RM500,000 after falling victim to an online investment scam promising unrealistically high returns. The victim, who lodged a police report yesterday, was lured by an advertisement on social media in early May. Muar police chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the victim clicked on a link and… Continue reading Factory worker loses RM500k in online investment scam in Muar

REMBAU: The motive behind the suspected murder of a six-year-old boy, whose body was found buried in Rompin, Jempol, remains undetermined, according to Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof. The main suspect, the boy’s 36-year-old biological father, has been arrested. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect was facing marital problems with his wife.… Continue reading Police probe motive in boy’s murder as suspect remains uncooperative

KOTA KINABALU: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) successfully fired multiple Exocet missiles and a Black Shark torpedo during the TAMING SARI 23/25 exercise in the South China Sea, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime defence capabilities. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed the live-fire drills were conducted to enhance operational readiness.… Continue reading Royal Malaysian Navy fires Exocet missiles, Black Shark torpedo in South China Sea drill

PUTRAJAYA: The government will implement an integrated strategy involving multiple ministries and agencies to combat the alarming 53.2% increase in sexual crimes against children over the past four years. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the initiative following a National Social Council (MSN) meeting, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated… Continue reading Malaysia adopts integrated strategy to combat child sexual crimes

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court dismissed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s application to recuse Judicial Commissioner Arziah Mohamed Apandi from presiding over his defamation suit against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. The case revolves around a Facebook post alleging cronyism. JC Arziah ruled that Dzulkefly failed to prove any real… Continue reading High Court dismisses Dzulkefly’s bid to recuse JC Arziah in Najib defamation suit

PETALING JAYA: The government will implement a whole-of-government strategy to address the alarming rise in child sexual crimes, as Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) revealed that such cases surged by over 50% in just four years. Citing official statistics, Ahmad Zahid said reported child sexual offences rose from 2,541 cases in… Continue reading Government to adopt integrated approach to tackle child sexual crimes

KLANG: A comprehensive approach is necessary to attract and encourage young people to join the agricultural sector, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. The move follows findings from the Selangor 2024 Agricultural Census Interim Report, which revealed that the majority of farmers in the state are aged 46 and above. Amirudin emphasised that… Continue reading Comprehensive approach needed to attract youth to agriculture in Selangor

JOHOR BAHRU: Johor has approved 42 data centre construction projects in the second quarter of 2025, solidifying its status as a leader in digital investment and high-tech economic growth. The announcement was made by Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, who highlighted the state’s role in advancing the Johor-Singapore… Continue reading Johor approves 42 data centre projects in Q2 2025

PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal today rejected a former soldier’s bid to challenge his discharge from the Malaysian Armed Forces for refusing the COVID-19 vaccination. A three-judge panel, led by Justice Datuk Azimah Omar, ruled that the termination was lawful and free from procedural flaws. Justice Azimah stated, “The court is of the view that… Continue reading Court of Appeal dismisses ex-soldier’s challenge over COVID-19 vaccine refusal

KUALA LUMPUR: Germany has acknowledged Malaysia’s crucial role in mediating recent border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced. The appreciation was conveyed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a phone call late yesterday. Anwar shared on Facebook, “This is a recognition of Malaysia’s regional diplomatic capability and commitment to… Continue reading Germany praises Malaysia’s diplomatic role in Thai-Cambodian ceasefire

KUCHING: A government agency assistant executive in his 50s was cheated out of RM385,000 from his Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings in an online scam. The victim received a call from a fraudster posing as a police officer from the Penang Police Contingent Headquarters. Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the scammer… Continue reading Government executive loses RM385k EPF savings to online scam in Kuching

KUCHING: Schools across Sarawak have been instructed to minimise outdoor activities as haze and hot weather persist, raising health concerns for students. State Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah emphasised the need for precautionary measures, particularly for vulnerable children. Fatimah advised that extracurricular programmes should be moved indoors where possible. “The… Continue reading Sarawak schools urged to limit outdoor activities amid haze

KUCHING: A total of 110 Sarawakian students have been awarded Petronas education sponsorships worth RM28 million to pursue higher education at leading universities in Malaysia and abroad. The recipients, selected from nearly 9,000 applicants, demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, and active participation in co-curricular activities during their 2024 Sijil Peperiksaan Malaysia (SPM) examinations. The… Continue reading 110 Sarawak students receive RM28m Petronas education sponsorships

KUALA LUMPUR: The second phase of Malaysia’s National Digital Network (JENDELA) will start in September, adopting a hybrid approach to speed up nationwide connectivity, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced. Nearly 3,000 sites will be upgraded under Phase 2, moving away from traditional tower construction. “We are considering hybrid solutions, like 30-metre monopoles, instead of full-sized… Continue reading JENDELA Phase 2 starts September with hybrid telecom approach

SEPANG: A local woman was detained at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 last night after authorities discovered nine exotic animals hidden in her luggage. The 39-year-old suspect, en route to India, was intercepted during a routine baggage inspection by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). The seized animals included four siamangs,… Continue reading Woman caught smuggling nine exotic animals at KLIA worth RM127k

JAKARTA: Malaysia has never adopted an aggressive stance in addressing maritime border issues with Indonesia, including the long-standing Ambalat dispute in the Sulawesi Sea, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. At a dialogue with the Association of Malaysian Indonesian Journalists (ISWAMI) and chief editors of major Indonesian media outlets here today, Anwar stressed that… Continue reading Malaysia stresses legal route in Ambalat Sea dispute

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued 279 Commission Directives to mobile service providers nationwide for non-compliance with the Mandatory Standards for Service Quality (MSQoS). This move aligns with Commission Determination No. 2 of 2023, which ensures that service providers meet minimum standards for wireless broadband access in both urban and rural… Continue reading MCMC issues 279 directives for service quality failures

KUALA LUMPUR: The Automatic Fuel Adjustment (AFA), the new adjustment mechanism for electricity tariffs in Peninsular Malaysia, is aimed at ensuring tariff reviews are more transparent and in line with the global fuel market reality, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister,… Continue reading New electricity tariff mechanism boosts transparency in Malaysia

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