Category: Local

KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s short-term and long-term action plans to address geopolitical tensions in the Middle East will be a key focus in today’s Dewan Rakyat sitting. According to the Order Paper, Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) will raise the issue during the Minister’s Question Time. Another significant topic involves Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee… Continue reading Malaysia’s plan for Middle East tensions in Dewan Rakyat focus

KUALA LUMPUR: The Local Government Department (JKT) will introduce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide local authorities (PBTs) in enforcing court-ordered community service sentences for littering offenders. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced the move following the passage of the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat. Nga stressed the… Continue reading New SOPs for community service enforcement by local authorities

PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal has granted a stay in the civil suit filed against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 2021 by his former research officer Muhammed Yusoff Rawther over allegations of sexual assault. The decision effectively puts the High Court trial on hold, pending the outcome of constitutional issues that are being… Continue reading Stay granted on sexual assault suit against PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry has requested additional funding to address urgent road maintenance needs across Malaysia. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan highlighted that weather, overloaded vehicles, and aging infrastructure are major contributors to road damage. He stated, “To properly maintain roads this year, we need RM4 billion. However, we only received RM2.2 billion… Continue reading Malaysia needs more funds for road maintenance, says deputy minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have confirmed receiving a report regarding a 32-second video circulating on TikTok that uses AI-generated images of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. The video, found on the account @DATUKZULKARNAIN77, is suspected to be part of a fraudulent scheme. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa stated… Continue reading Police report lodged over AI scam video using King’s fake images

PETALING JAYA: As younger generations scroll past headlines in favour of snappy social media updates, an academic has called on traditional news outlets to rethink how they could connect with youths. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Communication faculty member Dr Chai Ming Hock said youth around the world are increasingly turning to social media… Continue reading ‘Offer engaging news to draw youths’

KUALA LUMPUR: A new framework for sustainable data centres is set to launch in October, announced Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. The initiative, under the Ministry of Digital, will involve strategic coordination with agencies and state governments to streamline data centre development. The decision was made during the third… Continue reading Sustainable data centre framework to launch in October

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management (Amendment) Bill 2025, introducing community service as punishment for littering offences. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the new provision allows courts to issue community service orders alongside fines. Nga emphasised the need for firm enforcement, urging public… Continue reading Litterbugs face community service under amended Malaysia law

KUANTAN: The fire at the Jerangau-Jabor landfill in Mukim Sungai Karang has been brought under control after a 26-hour operation. Gebeng Fire and Rescue Station chief Zahidah Ali confirmed the blaze was contained by 5.30 pm today, though smoke persists at the site. Twelve personnel remain stationed overnight to monitor the situation. “The affected area… Continue reading Kuantan landfill fire controlled after 26-hour operation

SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) intercepted a smuggling attempt involving diesel, petrol, and gas worth RM830,000 near Tanjung Aru. A pump boat was detained 0.8 nautical miles offshore while heading towards a neighbouring country. Sandakan maritime zone director Maritime Captain Muhamad Suhairy Hussain confirmed the arrest at 1.05 am after detecting suspicious navigation… Continue reading Sandakan MMEA foils RM830k fuel smuggling attempt

KOTA BHARU: Close collaboration between the Health Ministry (MOH) and health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is crucial in strengthening infectious disease prevention and early intervention efforts, particularly among high-risk groups, said Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin. He cited outreach initiatives by the Kelantan Patient Intermediary Association (Sahabat), supported by the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, as… Continue reading MOH-NGO partnership boosts infectious disease prevention in Kelantan

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is deepening its engagement with emerging economies while maintaining a firm stance in trade talks with the US, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. Speaking at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department, Anwar reaffirmed that while Malaysia welcomes foreign investment – including from the US – it will not… Continue reading ‘Malaysia expands global trade, firm on domestic interests’

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has challenged opposition MPs to table a vote of no confidence in Parliament if they believe the government no longer holds the majority. He noted that any attempt to topple the administration outside the democratic process would constitute a breach of the Federal Constitution. Addressing civil servants during… Continue reading Anwar dares opposition to table no-confidence vote

GEORGE TOWN: As calls to ban tampered vape products such as K-Pod grow louder, experts have warned that an outright ban may backfire, exacerbating the problem rather than solving it. They say addressing the issue requires political will, inter-agency coordination, psychological insight and, above all, compassion. Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy described… Continue reading Ban on tampered vape may backfire, says academic

JOHOR BAHRU: Private employee Saiful Umar, 37, was among thousands caught off guard when around 100 Malaysian bus drivers operating to Singapore suddenly went on strike early this morning at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI). “I was shocked, there was no information at all (on a strike),“ he said. Passengers arriving as early as 5… Continue reading Johor Bahru bus drivers strike disrupts Singapore commute

KUCHING: The unity of Sarawak’s diverse communities remains the cornerstone of the state’s progress as it advances towards becoming a high-income and developed region by 2030, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Marking Sarawak Day 2025 under the theme ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ (Progressive and Prosperous Sarawak), he emphasised the state’s commitment to inclusive… Continue reading Sarawak unity drives sustainable growth towards 2030 vision

JASIN: A fire broke out at Pekan Simpang Bekoh, destroying 14 wooden shophouses, six of which were still in operation. The incident occurred earlier today, with emergency services responding swiftly to contain the blaze. Jasin Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) operations commander Saiful Nazri Mohd Nor confirmed that they received a distress call at 4.57… Continue reading Fire destroys 14 wooden shops in Jasin, Melaka

JERTIH: A 31-year-old woman sustained injuries on both hands after being attacked by a man pretending to be a customer in an attempted robbery. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon on Jalan Tembila in Kampung Gong Medang. According to Besut deputy police chief DSP Md Sani Md Saleh, the victim was delivering frozen cakes ordered by… Continue reading Jertih woman injured in attempted robbery during cake delivery

KANGAR: The General Operations Force (GOF) intercepted 23 kilogrammes of cannabis flowers valued at RM690,000 near the Malaysia-Thailand border in Padang Besar early this morning. The seizure occurred at 5 am following intelligence gathered from CCTV footage. GOF North Brigade Commander SAC Shahrum Hashim stated that a GOF team detected suspicious activity, leading to the… Continue reading GOF seizes RM690,000 worth of cannabis flowers in Padang Besar

GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has frozen 324 bank accounts worth nearly RM150 million and seized assets valued at RM183 million in a major crackdown on scrap metal and e-waste smuggling syndicates. The operation, spanning five states, uncovered an estimated RM950 million in tax revenue losses due to bribery of enforcement officers. A… Continue reading MACC freezes RM150m accounts in scrap metal smuggling crackdown

PETALING JAYA: The mother of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, Ismanira Abdul Manaf, denied charges of neglecting her autistic son during her defence proceedings at the Sessions Court today. The 30-year-old testified that she had followed her usual routine on the day her son went missing, Dec 5, 2023. Ismanira recounted picking Zayn up from school… Continue reading Zayn Rayyan’s mother denies neglect charges in court testimony

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating an individual for allegedly posting offensive remarks on Facebook concerning the royal institution, specifically linked to the Chief Justice appointment issue. The commission confirmed that the suspect’s statement was recorded at the Kampung Melayu Subang police station in Selangor. Authorities also seized a mobile phone… Continue reading MCMC probes offensive royal institution post on Facebook

SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan government has activated its state-level response plan under the National Haze Action Plan and National Open Burning Action Plan following directives from the Department of Environment (DOE). State Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Climate Change, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman S. Veerapan confirmed the move after the Air Pollutant Index (API) surpassed… Continue reading Negeri Sembilan activates haze and open burning response plan

KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul welcomed the Chair of Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Ahmad Muzani, at Parliament House today. The meeting reinforced the longstanding diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Indonesia within ASEAN. According to a statement from the Malaysian Parliament, the discussions centered on enhancing parliamentary diplomacy to foster… Continue reading Malaysian and Indonesian parliamentary leaders discuss ASEAN cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR: The increasing cost of living has become the primary reason many young Malaysians delay marriage and starting families, according to Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. She cited a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report stating that nearly one in five adults across 14 countries may not… Continue reading Rising cost of living delays youth marriages, says deputy minister

KUCHING: Sarawak may experience haze in the coming days if biomass burning outside the state worsens, warns the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB). The state’s air quality has shown rising Air Pollutant Index (API) readings since July 19, with 15 areas now in the moderate range. NREB confirmed no unhealthy API readings yet but… Continue reading Sarawak haze risk rises as biomass burning intensifies outside state

TEMERLOH: The Pahang government is actively working to create more job opportunities by drawing additional investments into the state. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail emphasised the state’s commitment to encouraging those born in Pahang but working elsewhere to return, given the rising investment inflows. “We want to provide plenty of job opportunities… Continue reading Pahang expands job opportunities with new investments, welcomes locals back

PUTRAJAYA: The requirement for chief executive officers of government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies to declare their assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission marks a crucial step in boosting accountability. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that this measure ensures organisational leaders remain transparent about their wealth, allowing public scrutiny to prevent misuse… Continue reading GLC and GLIC CEOs must declare assets to MACC for accountability

MELAKA: The Melaka government has directed all District Disaster Management Committees to activate immediately in response to worsening haze conditions. The move follows reports of unhealthy air pollution levels in parts of the state, attributed to cross-border haze carried by south-westerly winds. The State Disaster Management Committee confirmed that proactive measures are being taken under… Continue reading Melaka activates disaster committees as haze hits unhealthy levels

KUALA LUMPUR: A motorcyclist sustained neck injuries after being entangled in a kite string while riding along Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2 towards Sri Damansara near Kepong Metropolitan Lake Garden. The incident occurred at 6 pm yesterday when the 27-year-old victim was traveling in the middle lane. A kite string suddenly snagged his body, cutting his… Continue reading Motorcyclist injured by kite string near Kepong Metropolitan Lake

KUALA LUMPUR: The Consumer Credit Commission (CCC) is set to enforce a new regulatory framework for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes to safeguard consumers from excessive debt and potential bankruptcy. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying announced the measures during the second reading of the Consumer Credit Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat. Under… Continue reading New BNPL regulations in Malaysia to prevent debt traps

MIRI: A 22-year-old mechanic died after being crushed by a car while performing maintenance work at a petrol station workshop earlier today. The incident occurred around 11 am in Miri, Sarawak. Miri Police Chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah confirmed the fatality and urged witnesses to contact the Miri Central Police Station at 085-427093 or… Continue reading Car mechanic dies in Miri workshop accident

PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) will roll out MyVISA 2.0 on August 1, a fully digital visa platform designed to streamline applications for foreign nationals. The upgraded system, announced during the 103rd Immigration Day celebration, integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah launched the platform,… Continue reading MyVISA 2.0 launches August 1 with AI-powered visa processing

KUALA LUMPUR: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia has called for secondary school students, especially those from B40 households, to be exposed to the arts industry as a means of steering them away from social ills. In a post shared on the Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, Her Majesty acknowledged the… Continue reading Queen calls for arts exposure to prevent social issues among students

PUTRAJAYA: Reignite patriotic spirit by flying the Jalur Gemilang during National Month and Malaysia Day 2025 celebrations, set to launch in Muar, Johor on July 27. Information Department (JaPen) director-general Julina Johan emphasised that displaying the national flag symbolises unity, struggle, and love for the nation. She reminded citizens to follow proper flag protocol, ensuring… Continue reading Fly Jalur Gemilang to show love for Malaysia – JaPen DG

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government is open to discussions with the police and the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) regarding a recent LGBT-related programme held in the state. Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan emphasised the need for clarity on the event’s organisation to resolve the matter diplomatically. “Perhaps the mistake made was not… Continue reading Kelantan govt open to talks over LGBT programme with police, MAC

KUALA LUMPUR: Weaknesses in the implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of Malaysia’s subsidised cooking oil programme have been highlighted in the 2025 Auditor-General’s Report. The findings, tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, point to regulatory gaps in the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s (KPDN) policies. The report identified multiple issues, including the sale of… Continue reading Subsidised cooking oil flaws found in KPDN audit report

MUAR: Over 10,000 visitors are anticipated to attend the launch of the 2025 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign, set to take place from July 25 to 27 at Dataran Tanjung Emas in Muar, Johor. The event, organised by the Information Department (JaPen), will feature a mix of patriotic activities, community engagement, and… Continue reading National Month 2025 launch in Muar to draw 10,000 visitors

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sentul District Police Headquarters has officially opened a new operational base for its Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) Unit in Jinjang, marking a strategic upgrade to improve policing efficiency and public safety. The facility, repurposed from an abandoned evidence storage area, addresses previous logistical challenges faced by the unit. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime… Continue reading Sentul police boost patrol efficiency with new Jinjang MPV base

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Veterinary Services Department (JPVPP) is intensifying efforts to detect African swine fever (ASF) by conducting investigations and further sampling at pig farms across the state. State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye confirmed that three farms in Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor, remain ASF-positive, while others are… Continue reading Penang JPV tests pig samples for African swine fever detection

KANGAR: A Perlis local council assistant architectural officer, remanded for seven days since July 15 in a corruption probe, has been released on Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) bail. The 37-year-old woman remains under investigation for allegedly accepting bribes alongside a retired enforcement assistant from the same council. Perlis MACC director Mohd Nor Adha Ab Gani… Continue reading Perlis council officer released on MACC bail in RM70k graft case

KUALA LUMPUR: All contributions and visits to schools under the Ministry of Education (MOE) must follow strict guidelines to maintain professionalism and student welfare, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She highlighted the importance of adhering to MOE’s Circular Letter No. 3 of 2018, which governs contributions from private and non-private sectors to government and government-aided… Continue reading MOE guidelines for school contributions and visits by dignitaries

GEORGE TOWN: A senior citizen died while hiking on the Moongate Trail at Penang Botanical Gardens this morning. The victim, identified as Lim Kee Wan, 60, collapsed and lost consciousness during his hike. The Penang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 9.56 am. The Operation Exit Team from Bagan Jermal Fire and… Continue reading Elderly hiker dies at Penang Botanical Gardens trail

MUAR: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has lodged a police report against a motoring influencer and his younger brother for filing a false report about the influencer’s alleged disappearance in Sungai Tui, Jalan Bukit Kepong. JBPM Johor Zone 4 chief Senior Fire Superintendent II Norshuhada Amsari confirmed the report was filed at the… Continue reading Influencer’s staged disappearance sparks police complaint in Muar

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Audit Department (NAD) has recommended that the acquisition of oil palm plantations under the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority‘s (FELCRA) transformation plan be reviewed to ensure investments would bring ‘value-for-money’ returns based on its financial capabilities. The Auditor-General’s Report 2/2025 presented at the Dewan Rakyat today also included recommnedations that… Continue reading FELCRA should review oil palm plantation acquisitions to ensure good governance – AG’s Report

KUCHING: A woman was killed after the car she was driving went out of control and plunged into a lake near the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) roundabout here this morning. Kota Samarahan district police chief Supt Damataries Launtin said the victim has been identified as 50-year-old Nur Shareefah Lusia Abdullah. Her daughter, 17-year-old Nur Badrina… Continue reading Woman dies, teenage daughter survives after car plunges into UNIMAS lake