Category: Local

KUALA LUMPUR: An estimated 941,000 highway users will benefit from the postponement of toll rate hikes for 10 highways nationwide, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the decision will help ease the burden of daily highway users, especially those commuting to work. “As the Prime… Continue reading Toll hike postponement for 10 highways to benefit 900,000 users

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will expedite the filling of 4,352 positions at healthcare facilities this year, including contract appointments for doctors, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today. He said the move comes in response to the urgent needs within the country’s healthcare sector. “There have been complaints about critical vacancies, particularly involving doctors.… Continue reading Malaysia to fast-track 4,352 healthcare job vacancies, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will continue monitoring prices of goods, especially food items, to ensure that the cost of living does not increase following the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) which comes into force this month, said Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying. She noted that food inflation averaged at 2.1 per… Continue reading Govt monitors food prices post-SST expansion to curb inflation

MELAKA: The Melaka Health Department is preparing a proposal to ban the manufacturing and sale of e-cigarettes or vape products in the state. State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said the proposal will be presented to the State Executive Council for a decision later this year. “At this stage,… Continue reading Melaka health dept proposes ban on vape manufacturing and sales

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is in the process of joining the Budapest Convention and will also sign the United Nations (UN) Convention on Cybercrime to reinforce international collaboration strategies in combating cybercrime, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that through this convention, the country will be able to… Continue reading Malaysia to sign UN cybercrime convention in October 2025

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government has reminded all parties to inform the local authorities (PBT) and relevant agencies in advance before organising any programme to avoid confusion, misunderstandings and negative perceptions among the public. Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said that all forms of events, including health-related programmes, must be held in… Continue reading Kelantan requires event organisers to notify authorities early

BALIK PULAU: A doctor has been arrested again for investigations into an alleged molestation of a female patient at a private clinic in Bayan Baru here. Barat Daya police chief ACP Sazalee Adam said the 43-year-old male doctor was detained at the Barat Daya police headquarters (IPD) at 8 pm yesterday after being asked to… Continue reading Doctor arrested again over molest claim by another patient in Penang

IPOH: The Perak government aims to encourage about 10 per cent of public and private sector workers to form trade unions in the state within the next three years as part of efforts to empower workers’ rights and safeguard their welfare. State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan… Continue reading Perak offers RM5,000 aid for trade union formation to empower workers

PETALING JAYA: The government has decided to postpone the toll rate hikes scheduled for this year involving 10 highways, despite such increases being part of previously signed concession agreements. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was made to avoid burdening the people and ensure they continue to enjoy the current toll rates.… Continue reading Anwar: No toll hike for 10 highways in 2025, govt to absorb over RM500m

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced that the government has doubled the allocation for the Jualan Rahmah Madani programme in 2025 from RM300 million to RM600 million. “To expand the reach of the programme, the government is increasing the allocation to RM600 million this year,” he said. The additional funding will… Continue reading Jualan Rahmah Madani allocation doubled to RM600m for 2025

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim clarified that although electricity tariffs were restructured starting July 2025, the majority of domestic users are actually paying less. “Even though the tariff adjustment came into effect in July 2025, electricity bills have not increased for the people. “In fact, due to lower energy generation costs, 85%… Continue reading Anwar: 85% of households see lower electricity bills despite tariff restructuring

PETALING JAYA: The government will introduce a targeted subsidy for RON95 petrol, which will see the fuel priced at RM1.99 per litre for Malaysians by the end of September, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today. He said the new subsidy system aims to ensure ordinary citizens continue to benefit while preventing misuse by… Continue reading Petrol to cost RM1.99 for Malaysians under targeted subsidy plan

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Monday, Sept 15 2025, will be declared an additional public holiday in celebration of this year’s Malaysia Day. “As a token of appreciation for the spirit of unity and the unique significance of Malaysia’s formation, I am pleased to declare Sept 15 as an… Continue reading Anwar: Sept 15 declared public holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced that all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above will receive a one-off RM100 assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme in conjunction with National Day on Aug 31. “In celebration of our National Day, I am pleased to announce that every adult Malaysian will… Continue reading Anwar: RM100 one-off aid for all adults via MyKad from Aug 31

KOTA BHARU: Police have clarified that the recent raid on a private gathering at a homestay in Kemumin was conducted based on valid intelligence and evidence, with no intent of discrimination. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the operation was carried out to maintain public order and safeguard moral values. He said intelligence… Continue reading Kemumin raid based on credible intelligence, not discrimination – police

JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the government to develop a comprehensive national master plan to address the growing shortage of healthcare personnel, warning that the issue is no longer a short-term challenge but a serious threat to the sustainability of the public healthcare system. MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira… Continue reading MMA urges national master plan to solve healthcare workforce crisis

KUALA LUMPUR: Cybercrime issues, cost of living, and changes to the Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) electricity bill structure are among the matters that will be raised in Parliament today. According to the Order of Business on the Parliament portal, Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) will ask the Home Minister about the number of cybercrime cases reported throughout… Continue reading Cybercrime, cost of living & TNB bills top Parliament agenda today

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Student Consultative Council (MPPK), as the official platform representing student representative bodies nationwide, will not be involved in any partisan gatherings, including the ‘Turun Anwar’ Rally scheduled for this Saturday in the federal capital. In a statement issued today, MPPK said it recognised the differing views held by students, including those… Continue reading MPPK stays neutral, won’t join ‘Turun Anwar’ rally

KUALA LUMPUR: The bill to amend the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (WPA) (Act 711), passed in the Dewan Rakyat today, is a major amendment that will boost the effectiveness of the Act. Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said the WPA was passed in 2010 to provide protection to whistleblowers, but there are several flaws in the… Continue reading Whistleblower Protection Act amendments boost legal safeguards

KUALA LUMPUR: Any individual who comes forward to provide information on any improper conduct cannot be blocked or threatened by any party, including the authorities. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran said this was because the authorities should protect whistleblowers under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711).… Continue reading Authorities cannot threaten whistleblowers, Albert Tei urged to report

KUALA LUMPUR: Police are tracking three male suspects who abducted a man after a brawl at Jalan Persiaran Puchong Permai in Puchong this afternoon. Subang Jaya district police chief ACP Wan Azlan Wan Mamat said police were informed of the incident at 6.38 pm that a local man had been kidnapped by three local male suspects following the altercation. “The police are conducting further… Continue reading Police hunt three suspects over Puchong abduction after brawl

KUALA LUMPUR: A young man who was reported missing since last Thursday (July 17) was found drowned in Tasik Bukit Enggang, Sungai Long in Kajang yesterday morning. Kajang district police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said his team received a report on the matter at 7.30 am from a local man who was fishing at… Continue reading Missing man found drowned in Sungai Long lake

PETALING JAYA: Anticipation is running high across Malaysia as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to make a significant announcement today at 10.30am. Touted as an “extraordinary appreciation for all Malaysians,“ the address is widely expected to contain measures aimed at alleviating the burden of the rising cost of living and reflecting the… Continue reading Anwar’s big reveal today

KUALA LUMPUR: As a proactive preventive measure, the Department of Environment (DOE) has intensified ground patrols and physical monitoring in fire-prone areas, particularly agricultural lands, peatlands, bush areas, abandoned plantations, and landfills identified as high-risk. DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the department had been conducting patrols and enforcement operations to prevent… Continue reading DOE intensifies patrols to curb open burning amid haze risks

KUALA LUMPUR: Heads of lead agencies (KAP) tasked with implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028 have been urged to intensify the promotion and publicity of their respective achievements in combating corruption. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) National Governance Planning Division senior director Datuk Idris Zaharudin said the move was important to demonstrate the government’s commitment… Continue reading KAPs urged to boost anti-corruption promotion efforts in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Kota MADANI project is not cosmetic or politically motivated, but a strategic initiative to ensure the well-being of civil servants who are the backbone of the country’s administration, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She said according to the Auditor-General’s Report (LKAN) on the… Continue reading Kota MADANI project strategic for civil servants, says Dr Zaliha

KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications Ministry remains committed to strengthening the national online ecosystem by fostering a safer and fairer environment for local artists to create, share and thrive. Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for the formulation of legislation to protect the copyright and authenticity of… Continue reading Communications Ministry to strengthen online ecosystem for local artists

KUALA LUMPUR: The government should consider establishing an independent commission to protect whistleblowers and provide a secure and lawful reporting avenue, particularly when the agency tasked with handling such reports is itself involved in misconduct. Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman said that while she welcomed the amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act, including a new… Continue reading MPs push for independent whistleblower commission in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia holds the position that Blocks ND6 and ND7 in the Sulawesi Sea, claimed by Indonesia as the ‘Ambalat’ block, are part of Malaysia’s sovereign territory. According to a written reply posted on the Parliament portal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, better known as Wisma Putra, stated that the stance was based on… Continue reading Malaysia asserts sovereignty over ND6 and ND7 blocks in Sulawesi Sea

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will establish a task force under the Criminal Law Reform Committee (CLRC) to conduct a comprehensive review of the country’s death penalty policy and direction. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the decision to form the task force was made by… Continue reading Govt forms task force to review death penalty policy in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Despite growing conversations around mental health, young Malaysian men say social expectations continue to discourage them from expressing their emotions. They say emotional honesty is often met with discomfort, ridicule or dismissal, even from those closest to them. For many, the cultural pressure to “man up” remains a powerful force that silences vulnerability.… Continue reading Stigma curbing vulnerability in men

PETALING JAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry is set to roll out bold housing reforms under the Madani government’s agenda to raise industry standards, promote social integration and ensure equitable access to quality living nationwide. Speaking at the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week (KLAW) 2025, its minister Nga Kor Ming unveiled a series of initiatives,… Continue reading Ministry to roll out bold housing reforms

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has announced the transfer of eight senior officers, effective August 25. The reshuffle includes key leadership changes across several departments. Bukit Aman PDRM Corporate Communications head ACP Julina Salehuddin confirmed the transfers, stating that Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof has been appointed as deputy… Continue reading Eight senior PDRM officers transferred effective Aug 25

KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has called on the people to pray and perform ‘solat hajat’ for the haze situation in the state to improve. Al-Sultan Abdullah also advised the public to take care of their health to avoid being affected by the haze, and reminded them not to… Continue reading Al-Sultan Abdullah calls for solat hajat, prayers for haze to ease

PETALING JAYA: The mother of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, Ismanira Abdul Manaf, testified in court that she suspected her son was abducted on the day he went missing. The 30-year-old said she did not hear his footsteps while climbing stairs to their apartment on December 5, 2023. Ismanira, the first defence witness, disagreed with the… Continue reading Zayn Rayyan’s mother suspected abduction in court testimony

NILAI: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is investigating the appointment of a catering company without halal certification to supply meals at a hospital. Director-General Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee stated that JAKIM is gathering detailed information to address the issue collaboratively. Sirajuddin clarified that JAKIM only became aware of the matter after it was… Continue reading JAKIM investigates hospital catering firm without halal certification

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to form a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) with government and opposition members to evaluate candidates for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner post needs careful review, said Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) stated that the idea requires thorough… Continue reading Proposal for parliamentary committee on MACC chief’s appointment needs review

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Education (MOE) is rolling out multiple artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives to enhance teaching and learning in schools, according to Minister Fadhlina Sidek. However, she stressed that AI-generated information still requires verification by skilled educators, with teachers remaining the most trusted source in classrooms. “Various UNESCO reports consistently emphasise that technology… Continue reading Teachers remain key for verifying AI-generated info in classrooms says Fadhlina

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Penang police have dismantled a drug distribution syndicate following the arrest of four men and the seizure of narcotics worth RM53,500 in raids across Seberang Jaya and Gurun, Kedah. Acting state police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the operation, conducted by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), took place between 4… Continue reading Penang police arrest four men with RM53,500 drugs in Seberang Jaya, Gurun

SHAH ALAM: The 20th edition of the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) will take place in Selangor from August 15 to 24, 2026, with the Para SUKMA tournament following from September 5 to 14. The announcement was made by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari today. The official logo and mascot for both events will be… Continue reading Sukma 2026 dates confirmed for Selangor with Para Sukma in September

IPOH: The Perak Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) received 536 workplace accident reports in the first six months of 2025, with 10 fatalities recorded. Deputy director Basharuddin Abd Rahman revealed the breakdown included four permanent disability cases, 510 non-permanent injuries, and 12 dangerous incidents. Initial investigations highlighted employers’ failure to conduct proper risk… Continue reading Sun bears spotted near Chukai school raise safety alarms