Category: Local

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, has labelled the upcoming “Turun Anwar” protest as an attempt by a “small group” to stay politically relevant. He argued that the demonstration, set for July 26 in the federal capital, does not reflect genuine public dissatisfaction. “This protest… Continue reading “Turun Anwar” protest a political ploy, says PM’s aide

KUALA LUMPUR: The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has declared its 2025 Congress a defining moment for the field, following the event’s conclusion in Glasgow last month. With over 7,600 attendees, the congress emphasised scientific progress, equitable healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Held from June 13 to 16 at the Scottish Event Campus,… Continue reading EAACI Congress 2025 highlights allergy and immunology breakthroughs

KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) is moving to amend the National Skills Development Act 2006 (Act 652) to recognise Malaysian Skills Certificates (SKM) at Levels 6, 7, and 8, aligning them with bachelor’s degree qualifications. Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong stated that the current law only permits hiring individuals with SKM qualifications up… Continue reading KESUMA amends Act 652 to elevate TVET, meet industry demands

KUALA LUMPUR: Urban youths must take proactive steps in addressing climate change rather than merely understanding its effects, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She emphasised their crucial role as agents of change for future sustainability. “Every action you take, no matter how small, can have a… Continue reading Urban youths must lead climate change action says Dr Zaliha

PETALING JAYA: A 77-year-old man sustained minor injuries when his Perodua Kenari crashed into a building under renovation on Jalan Jetty Lama in Butterworth today. According to the New Straits Times, the Butterworth fire station received the emergency call at 2.03pm and arrived at the scene within five minutes. G. Palanivelu, who was found trapped… Continue reading Elderly driver survives crash into Butterworth building

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy president of the Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia (ISWAMI) Malaysia, Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman, will assume the role of acting president starting Aug 1. The appointment follows the resignation of Ashwad Ismail, who will officially step down on July 31. ISWAMI Malaysia secretary-general Mohd Shukri Ishak confirmed the transition, stating that Ahmad Zaini’s… Continue reading Ahmad Zaini appointed acting ISWAMI Malaysia president from Aug 1

KUALA LUMPUR: Upholding the principle of Qawwam, which positions men as leaders and protectors of the family, is crucial in addressing moral confusion and deviant practices, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. He emphasised that the presence of Qawwam qualities in male leadership helps prevent harmful behaviours… Continue reading Strengthening Qawwam values key to addressing moral deviation in Malaysia

ALOR SETAR: Electricity theft linked to illegal bitcoin mining has resulted in losses of RM4.8 billion from 2018 to June this year, according to Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. He described the situation as alarming, stressing the need for continuous enforcement to curb further financial damage. “Since 2018, electricity… Continue reading Bitcoin mining power theft costs Malaysia RM4.8 billion

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Address System (NAS) has the potential to generate RM2 billion in economic benefits and create over 2,000 jobs within five years, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Speaking at the National Address Conference 2025, Fahmi explained that NAS, developed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), aims to standardise… Continue reading National Address System to boost economy with RM2 billion and 2,000 jobs

KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has included a proposal to limit the Chief Minister’s tenure to two consecutive terms in its manifesto for the upcoming Sabah state election. The move, aimed at ensuring leadership renewal and preventing prolonged power concentration, was approved by the Sabah Cabinet in December 2023. GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan… Continue reading GRS manifesto proposes 2-term limit for Sabah chief minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has acquitted a Malaysian man and his Thai girlfriend of drug trafficking charges involving 1.2kg of narcotics due to insufficient evidence. Judge K. Muniandy ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a strong case against the couple, Tan Kah Soon, 49, and Pattarathida Petcharanon, 39. The judge highlighted critical flaws… Continue reading M’sian man, Thai girlfriend freed of drug trafficking charge

GUA MUSANG: The Gua Musang District Council (MDGM) has been allocated RM7 million for the development and enhancement of recreational areas and public facilities in the district. MDGM president Mohd Roshdi Ismail confirmed the funding, with RM3 million coming from the state government and RM4 million from federal sources since last year. Mohd Roshdi stated,… Continue reading Gua Musang gets RM7 mln boost for recreation, public facilities

REMBAU: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is encouraging government agencies to prioritise local fruits at official events to support the country’s agro-based industry. FAMA director-general Abdul Rashid Bahri said this initiative would strengthen the economy of local fruit and vegetable entrepreneurs while increasing public awareness of locally produced goods. He noted that the exemption… Continue reading FAMA promotes local fruits at govt events to boost economy

KUALA LUMPUR: A temporary traffic diversion on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KLK) from KM25.75 to KM26.4 towards Kuantan has been implemented to facilitate construction work for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. The diversion converts the existing three-lane route into a one-way flow towards Kuala Lumpur while maintaining total lane capacity. Malaysian Highway Authority… Continue reading Traffic diversion on Karak Highway for ECRL construction

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has achieved a major milestone in global healthcare regulation with the launch of the Medical Device Regulatory Reliance Programme in partnership with China. The initiative, led by the Medical Device Authority Malaysia (MDA), marks a strategic leap in streamlining approvals for medical devices between the two nations. MDA chief executive Dr P.… Continue reading Malaysia leads global medical device regulatory reliance with China

KOTA BHARU: The remand order for a married couple arrested on suspicion of trafficking ganja worth RM3.1 million has been extended for another seven days. The suspects, aged 31 and 49, are being investigated for their alleged role in the drug syndicate. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat confirmed that charges will be filed… Continue reading Couple’s remand extended in RM3.1m ganja trafficking case

KUALA LUMPUR: A follow-up engagement session with traders affected by infrastructure upgrades in Desa Pandan will be held soon, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The session will involve discussions on relocation options for nine traders impacted by the ongoing upgrade works. “Insya-Allah, we will meet… Continue reading Desa Pandan traders relocation talks to resume soon says Dr Zaliha

KUALA LUMPUR: Increasing investment in research and development (R&D) is crucial for Malaysia to achieve high-income status and global competitiveness, according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). Minister Chang Lih Kang emphasised that MOSTI is focused on ensuring research outcomes move beyond laboratories to deliver tangible benefits. “These solutions directly benefit the… Continue reading Boosting R&D investment vital for Malaysia’s high-income goal

KOTA TINGGI: The Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Teaching Hospital (HPUSIM) project in Mukim Sedili is poised to become a key driver of development in the Kota Tinggi parliamentary constituency, according to its MP, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. Mohamed Khaled, who also serves as Defence Minister, stated that the project is currently in the planning… Continue reading USIM teaching hospital to boost Kota Tinggi development – Mohamed Khaled

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) public apology to Teoh Beng Hock’s family was long overdue, said DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke. He described the gesture as a reflection of the MADANI government’s sincerity and a step toward transitional justice. “This is the first public apology extended by the MACC to the Teoh family in… Continue reading MACC apology to Teoh Beng Hock’s family long overdue says Loke

KLANG: A former director of a company providing umrah packages faced two charges of dishonest misappropriation of property amounting to RM48,960.20 in separate Magistrate’s Courts here. Datuk Zulkarnain Endut, 44, denied both charges. In the first case before Magistrate Siti Zubaidah Mahat, he was accused of misappropriating RM27,960.20 belonging to a 45-year-old man in Jalan… Continue reading Former director charged with misappropriating umrah funds in Klang

RAUB: A 67-year-old man was fined RM100,000 by the Sessions Court after pleading guilty to illegally extracting sand from Pahang government land in 2023. Chang Chee Onn admitted to the offence before Judge Noor Zaihan Mohamad Ali, who also ruled that he would face six months in jail if he failed to pay the fine.… Continue reading Man fined RM100,000 for illegal sand extraction in Raub

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The wreckage of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) helicopter that crashed in Sungai Pulai, Gelang Patah, has been successfully retrieved and will be transported to the Air Operations Force (PGU) base in Subang for further investigation. Commander of the PGU under the Internal Security and Public Order Department, Datuk Noor Sham Md Jani,… Continue reading Police helicopter wreckage retrieved from Sungai Pulai for investigation

KOTA BHARU: A labourer was sentenced to 18 months in jail by the Magistrate’s Court, here, for committing mischief by smashing the front glass sliding door of a police station. The accused, Nik Mohadi Ahmad, 39, pleaded guilty to the charge before Magistrate Rais Imran Hamid. According to the charge, he was accused of breaking… Continue reading Labourer jailed 18 months for smashing police station door

GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has appointed MMSB Consult Sdn Bhd as the independent consultant engineer for the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project. The selection followed an open tender process and thorough evaluation. The consultancy will oversee design review, construction, testing, commissioning, and operational phases to ensure compliance with project… Continue reading MMSB Consult appointed for Penang LRT Mutiara Line project

WELLINGTON: Malaysia and New Zealand are set to enhance their disaster management collaboration following Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s visit to the National Crisis Management Centre, also known as the Beehive Bunker. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs Malaysia’s Central Disaster Management Committee, emphasised that the visit was more than symbolic. It aimed… Continue reading Malaysia and New Zealand boost disaster management cooperation

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government is reinforcing its Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019 (EKJS) to combat LGBT activities and immoral behaviour. Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan stated that the state remains firm in upholding Islamic teachings despite legal hurdles. “EKJS 2019 was introduced to address syariah offences including sodomy, musahaqah (same-sex… Continue reading Kelantan strengthens Syariah law against LGBT and immoral acts

KOTA TINGGI: Around 30 per cent of participants in the first two series of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 did not attend training, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He stated that health concerns and higher education opportunities were the primary reasons for their absence. Mohamed Khaled explained, “So far,… Continue reading Health and study reasons why 30% skip PLKN 3.0

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has a 55 per cent chance of securing lower US tariffs in the range of 15 to 19 per cent, down from the current 25 per cent, if successful trade negotiations take place, according to Apex Securities Bhd. The stockbroking firm pointed to the recent US-Indonesia trade agreement, which reduced tariffs from… Continue reading Malaysia may cut US tariffs to 15-19% with trade deal – Apex Securities

KUCHING: ASEAN must develop a regional approach to address the high cost of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV treatment, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. He emphasised the importance of these medications in sustaining successful HIV treatment programmes. “We must collectively explore strategies to secure better pricing, voluntary licensing, and regional procurement solutions.… Continue reading ASEAN calls for regional cooperation to lower HIV drug costs

GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has voiced strong support for implementing a vacancy tax on residential properties left unoccupied for long periods. CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader stated that such a measure is crucial to reducing property speculation and making housing more affordable for Malaysians. “A vacancy tax typically applies to properties… Continue reading CAP backs vacancy tax to tackle property speculation in Malaysia

GEORGE TOWN: The Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has officially entered its construction phase after SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, the main civil contractor for Package 1 (CMC1), received the Notice to Proceed (NTP) from project developer MRT Corporation (MRTC) on July 15. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the development as a… Continue reading Mutiara Line LRT construction begins as SRS Consortium gets NTP

KUCHING: Education on technology use must be introduced gradually and integrated into higher learning to prevent overdependence, which could weaken family bonds and cultural values, said Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud. He highlighted concerns over students preferring digital interactions, such as ChatGPT, over conversations with parents. “They claim these apps give quick answers,… Continue reading Technology no substitute for family values, says Mustapha

PETALING JAYA: A former government doctor has revealed that gangsters acting as funeral service agents have taken control of a public hospital mortuary in Sarawak, intercepting deaths before official confirmation. Johan, who served the Health Ministry for over 20 years, told Free Malaysia Today that gang members would receive advance notice of deaths in emergency… Continue reading Gangsters dominate hospital mortuary, ex-govt doctor claims

PETALING JAYA: Kelantan police are investigating reports that drug traffickers may be using cattle and goats to smuggle narcotics across the Thai border. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said authorities suspect drug traffickers are using legally imported livestock to smuggle narcotics by starving the animals to stop them from excreting the hidden drugs,… Continue reading Kelantan police probe cattle as drug mules at Thai border

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Damascus, calling them a breach of Syria’s sovereignty and international law. The attacks resulted in civilian casualties and targeted key government sites, including the Defence Ministry and areas near the presidential palace. Anwar stated, “These strikes constitute a clear violation… Continue reading PM Anwar condemns Israel’s airstrikes on Damascus, calls for peace

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan police have confirmed a raid on a suspected gay gathering involving over 20 local men at a bungalow on Jalan Kemumin last month. State police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat stated the operation was based on public tip-offs and intelligence reports regarding an event promoted as a “food party” targeting the… Continue reading Police raid gay gathering in Kota Bharu, seize condoms and HIV meds

SEPANG: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has approved a RM3 million budget for a green landscape initiative at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and its vicinity. The project, managed by the National Landscape Department (JLN), aims to elevate Malaysia’s global image ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Minister Nga Kor Ming stated… Continue reading RM3 million green project to enhance KLIA’s image for VM2026

GEORGE TOWN: The Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) i-Saraan programme is playing a crucial role in equipping the younger generation with financial knowledge and fostering a savings culture. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying highlighted its significance, noting that the initiative now includes teenagers as young as 14 years old. Speaking at the EPF i-Saraan Contribution… Continue reading EPF i-Saraan programme boosts financial literacy for youth in Malaysia

MUAR: The search for missing motoring influencer Tengku Nizaruddin Tengku Zainudin has entered its third day, with authorities intensifying efforts along Sungai Tui in Jalan Bukit Kepong. The 38-year-old, popularly known as Ija, remains missing after his Perodua Axia was found submerged in the river last Tuesday. Muar district police chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman… Continue reading Search for missing influencer Tengku Nizaruddin enters day three

JOHOR BAHRU: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, continues to prioritise a healthy lifestyle by incorporating horse riding and walking into his regular fitness routine. According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s official Facebook page, His Majesty began his preparations as early as 5 am today to ride around the grounds of… Continue reading Horse riding and walking: Sultan Ibrahim’s fitness routines

PETALING JAYA: Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called on the public to refrain from making speculative or baseless allegations concerning judicial appointments. In a statement issued by Selangor Royal Office, today, he emphasised the need for careful handling of such matters to maintain the integrity of the legal system. The state ruler… Continue reading Sultan of Selangor warns against speculation on judicial appointments

KUALA LUMPUR: The COVID-19 pandemic, which struck the world in late 2019, had a profound impact not only on public health but also on the global economy, as movement restrictions and border closures disrupted lives and businesses. In Malaysia, the crisis forced many companies to restructure, downsize, or shut down entirely—leaving countless individuals without jobs… Continue reading PERKESO at the forefront of addressing socio-economic crises