Category: Local

MELAKA: The state government will roll out its Smart AI Tourism initiative this September, integrating artificial intelligence to improve tourist navigation and engagement. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the project aims to elevate Melaka’s digital tourism ecosystem by offering interactive, multilingual assistance for visitors. Speaking at the Melaka Telecommunication Appreciation and Synergy… Continue reading Melaka to launch Smart AI Tourism for enhanced visitor experience

MELAKA: A collaborative mud crab farming initiative between Langkawi and Pantai Kundor fishermen aims to provide a sustainable income source during monsoon season. The project, led by the Malaysian Innovation Foundation and MOSTI, focuses on technology transfer and knowledge sharing. Pantai Kundor assemblywoman Tuminah Kadi highlighted the project’s potential as an economic lifeline. “We will… Continue reading Langkawi-Melaka mud crab project aids fishermen in monsoon

KOTA BHARU: More than 100 illegal bases remain active along the Kelantan-Thailand border despite intensified enforcement efforts and the closure of unauthorised routes since December last year. The General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander, Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid, confirmed the presence of these bases in Tumpat, Pasir Mas, and Tanah Merah… Continue reading Over 100 illegal bases found along Kelantan-Thailand border

KOTA BHARU: The value of seized contraband in Kelantan jumped by nearly 78% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year, thanks to stricter border enforcement and coordinated operations. State police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat revealed that RM171.5 million worth of illegal goods were confiscated from January to June,… Continue reading Kelantan sees 78% surge in contraband seizures with stricter border control

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has launched a mission to bring the former United States Coast Guard Cutter (ex-USCGC) Steadfast to Malaysia, with the vessel expected to arrive in November. A team of 46 enforcement personnel will depart for Baltimore, US, on July 18 to oversee the operation. MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd… Continue reading MMEA begins mission to bring ex-USCGC Steadfast to Malaysia

TASEK GELUGOR: A 34-year-old man was found dead inside a locked SUV in Taman Ara Mutiara last night. The Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) confirmed the discovery after receiving an emergency call at 8.50 pm. Assistant director (Operations) John Sagun Francis stated that the victim was found unconscious in the driver’s seat of a… Continue reading Man found dead in locked SUV in Tasek Gelugor, Penang

KANGAR: The Safe Internet campaign by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Perlis branch successfully raised cyber safety awareness among students at SK Jejawi. The initiative aimed to educate young internet users on responsible online behaviour. School headmaster Mohd Shariff Kadir highlighted the programme’s alignment with the Ministry of Education’s focus on digital safety… Continue reading Safe internet campaign educates Perlis students on cyber safety

WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will visit New Zealand’s National Crisis Management Centre today to observe the country’s disaster and crisis response framework. The visit, part of his four-day working trip, aligns with his role as Chairman of Malaysia’s Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP). Located beneath New Zealand’s Parliament in… Continue reading DPM Zahid visits New Zealand crisis centre to study disaster management

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) has joined forces with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) to propel Rare Earth Element (REE) development as a key industry for Malaysia. This collaboration aims to strengthen research, innovation, and commercialisation efforts while fostering technology sovereignty in the sector.… Continue reading MIGHT and universities boost REE as Malaysia’s flagship industry

MELAKA: The Malaysia Innovation Foundation (YIM) is intensifying efforts to elevate local community incomes through social innovation and technology integration. Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh, YIM’s chief executive officer, highlighted the foundation’s strategy of combining training, equipment, and tech solutions to address challenges faced by small businesses. Many local operators grapple with weather-dependent operations, outdated methods,… Continue reading YIM expands innovation projects to boost local income in Melaka

PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail yesterday revealed a disturbing case involving the rape of a three-month-old infant, which was allegedly filmed and distributed for sale. He said he was briefed on the case at midnight – an unusual hour that, he pointed out, underscores the gravity of the incident. “If a three-month-old… Continue reading Shocking case of alleged infant rape, selling of footage

PETALING JAYA: The individual set to be appointed as Malaysia’s new chief justice must embody the highest standards of integrity, competence and impartiality, qualities that legal professionals say are crucial to maintaining public trust in an independent judiciary. With growing scrutiny over the selection process, they caution that the appointment must be free from political… Continue reading ‘CJ must embody integrity, competence and impartiality’

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 156 health clinics across Malaysia have adopted a cloud-based content management system (CCMS), significantly reducing patient wait times. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed that 70 per cent of patients now receive treatment in under 30 minutes, marking a milestone in the ministry’s AI-driven digital reforms. The initiative… Continue reading Malaysia equips 156 health clinics with AI-driven CCMS for faster care

KUALA LUMPUR: Combating corruption requires a united commitment from both public institutions and private enterprises to foster integrity and resilient governance, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. He emphasised that while the government enforces regulations, the private sector can support anti-corruption efforts through technological advancements, data sharing, and operational resources.… Continue reading Public-private collaboration key to fight corruption in Malaysia

SEREMBAN: The proposed water tariff adjustment in Negeri Sembilan is set to strengthen the state’s water supply system and infrastructure, ensuring long-term sustainability, according to Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan Sdn Bhd (SAINS). The new tariff structure will impact all customer categories, covering more than 490,000 accounts. However, domestic users consuming less than 20 cubic metres… Continue reading Negeri Sembilan water tariff hike proposal to enhance sustainability

KUALA LUMPUR: The Melaka Digital Village (KDM) project, launched two years ago, has become a benchmark for digital addressing systems in rural Malaysia. Mohd Hairul Shah Ismail, Assistant Director of the ICT Division at the Melaka Chief Minister’s Department, highlighted its success at the 2025 National Addressing Conference. The project standardises traditional village addresses with… Continue reading Melaka digital village project boosts rural service delivery with QR codes

TAIPING: A total of 4,409 workplace accidents were recorded across Malaysia from January to May this year, according to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Director-General Mohd Hatta Zakaria revealed the figures during the Occupational Safety and Health Week and national-level Road to 150 Years of OSH 2025 celebration. The manufacturing sector accounted… Continue reading Workplace accidents in Malaysia hit 4,409 cases from Jan to May 2024

BUTTERWORTH: Penang does not impose restrictions on religious speakers as long as they adhere to state guidelines and laws, according to Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid. He clarified that the state is among the most lenient in granting religious credentials, with exemptions for experienced speakers from rigorous tests. Mohamad stated that… Continue reading Penang eases rules for religious speakers following guidelines

BANGKOK: Thailand has commended Malaysia, as the current ASEAN Chair, for successfully hosting a constructive 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur. The Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Bolbongse Vangphaen, said Malaysia’s chairmanship had effectively managed the series of meetings, which focused on highly positive and forward-looking agendas. “I believe this… Continue reading Thailand commends Malaysia’s effective ASEAN Chairmanship at 58th AMM

KOTA KINABALU: Forty-six tamu desa (rural markets) across Sabah will be built or undergo upgrading this year. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the projects will be carried out through 28 full and sub-district offices, with a total allocation of RM10 million under the tamu desa premises development programme by the Ministry… Continue reading 46 Tamu Desa to be built, upgraded this year in Sabah

KUCHING: Amanah Saham Sarawak (ASSAR) today announced a final dividend of 3.0 sen per unit for the financial year 2025. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the second distribution after the interim distribution in January would involve a payment of RM14.52 million to 57,870 investors, calculated based on the remaining unit holdings… Continue reading ASSAR announces final dividend of 3.0 sen per unit

MUAR: Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the disappearance of motoring influencer Tengku Nizaruddin Tengku Zainudin, 38, known as Ija, after his car plunged into Sungai Tui. Search efforts continue with no leads as of Tuesday evening. Muar district police chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz confirmed that search and rescue operations have expanded,… Continue reading Missing influencer search expands as police, fire dept use drones in Muar

SUNGAI PETANI: Fishermen in Kampung Teluk Nipah, Kota Kuala Muda, have urged authorities to build a stone seawall along 200 metres of coastline to curb erosion and restore seawater quality, which has turned reddish due to earlier soil dumping. Abdul Halim Hasan, 66, said the water was once clear and popular for beach recreation and… Continue reading Fishermen call for stone seawall to restore water quality at Teluk Nipah

SHAH ALAM: Police have dismantled a heroin base drug distribution network operating in northern Malaysia after arresting three men in coordinated raids across the Klang Valley and Penang. The operation, led by Bukit Aman’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), uncovered 47.526 kg of heroin base and 920 grams of heroin worth RM4.13 million. Selangor Police… Continue reading Police bust major heroin syndicate in northern Malaysia, RM4.13m drugs seized

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Royal Malaysian Customs Department successfully intercepted two separate drug smuggling attempts, confiscating a total of 3.825kg of cannabis in operations conducted in Pontian and Batu Pahat. The first raid occurred on May 21 near Pekan Nanas, Pontian, where customs officers inspected two Pos Laju parcels. Inside, they discovered 130g and 97g… Continue reading Johor customs seizes 3.8kg cannabis in drug smuggling busts

SHAH ALAM: Police have revealed that British teenager David Balisong, 17, sent a final email to his family urging them not to search for him before he went missing in Malaysia. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated that the message was sent to his mother on July 9, marking the last known communication.… Continue reading Missing British teen told family not to search for him – police

WELLINGTON: Malaysia is enhancing its academic collaboration with New Zealand through new agreements between local universities and leading institutions in the country. The focus areas include green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable development. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) have signed… Continue reading Malaysia and New Zealand boost education ties in green tech and energy

SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has uncovered 369 violations since January 1, resulting in compounds totalling RM91,700. State chief enforcement officer Faizah Othman confirmed that 249 offences fell under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, while 120 cases were linked to the Weights and Measures Act… Continue reading Negeri Sembilan KPDN fines RM91,700 in 369 cases since Jan 1

KUALA LUMPUR: Police dismantled a human smuggling syndicate operating from a Setapak apartment, arresting 12 individuals in a late-night raid. The operation, led by Bukit Aman’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Division, targeted a homestay used as a transit point for illegal migrants. SAC Soffian Santong, principal assistant director of ATIPSOM, confirmed… Continue reading Setapak raid busts migrant smuggling syndicate, 12 detained

MUAR: The search and rescue operation for a 38-year-old man, Tengku Nizaruddin Tengku Zainudin, has been widened to a 10-kilometre radius after his car was discovered submerged in Sungai Tui near Jalan Bukit Kepong. The operation resumed at 8.50 am today, involving seven firefighters from the Muar Scuba Unit, 11 from Pagoh Fire and Rescue… Continue reading Search expanded to 10km radius for man missing after car found in Sungai Tui

SHAH ALAM: Police have verified that four individuals performed a nude and lewd act during a segment of the ‘Queens Night’ event, part of a family motivational programme organised by E-Hati last year. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated the incident occurred under Package B, priced at RM9,000, which included exclusive activities for… Continue reading Police confirm nudity at E-Hati motivational programme in Shah Alam

KOTA BHARU: A 32-year-old man was detained on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 500 litres of subsidised petrol to a neighbouring country during a special operation at Simpang 4 Cherang here on Monday. Kelantan Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) director Azman Ismail said the suspect was held in a joint operation… Continue reading Attempt to smuggle petrol in Kota Bharu foiled

KUALA LUMPUR: Issues concerning national security, judicial appointments, and the proposed ban on vape were among the key topics discussed at the 269th Conference of Rulers meeting held at Istana Negara today. The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, in a statement, said the meeting was presided over by the… Continue reading National security, judicial appointments discussed at Conference of Rulers meeting

MELAKA: Police seized 351 airsoft pistols valued at over RM105,000 during a raid on a toy shop in Cheng Technology Park. The operation led to the arrest of a 42-year-old caretaker, as the store lacked a valid licence for selling imitation weapons under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960. State police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi… Continue reading Melaka police seize 351 airsoft pistols in toy store raid

MANTIN: Police have detained a 30-year-old woman for reportedly attacking an 11-year-old boy at a grocery store in the Sri Palma Villa residential area. The incident occurred yesterday and was reported to authorities at 3.28 pm. According to Nilai district police chief Supt Abdul Malik Hasim, the boy was buying a drink when the suspect… Continue reading Woman arrested for assaulting boy in Mantin grocery store

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, today chaired the 269th meeting of the Conference of Rulers at Istana Negara here. The meeting was attended by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail; the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah; the Sultan of Kedah, Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah; and… Continue reading Selangor Sultan chairs 269th Meeting of Conference of Rulers

SANDAKAN: The Royal Malaysian Navy’s Eastern Fleet Command has strengthened its maritime security capabilities with the addition of four high-speed interceptor boats. The FIC G2000 MKII vessels, equipped with advanced weaponry, were officially handed over in a ceremony attended by Defence Ministry officials. The new boats feature a Remote Control Weapon Station and a 12.7mm… Continue reading Navy’s eastern fleet receives four high-speed interceptor boats

KUANTAN: Pahang has emerged as the top investment destination in the East Coast, securing RM4 billion in realised investments for the first half of 2025. The figure surpasses Terengganu (RM1.3 billion) and Kelantan (RM1.1 billion), reinforcing the state’s economic momentum. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail highlighted that Pahang also attracted RM3.5 billion… Continue reading Pahang leads East Coast with RM4 bln investments in 1H 2025

KUANTAN: The Pahang Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has seized 17,000 litres of diesel and a skid tank worth over RM53,000 in an operation targeting illegal diesel storage in Indera Mahkota 8. The raid, conducted under Ops Tiris, also led to the arrest of six foreign workers suspected of transporting the… Continue reading Pahang KPDN seizes 17,000 litres of diesel in Ops Tiris

KUALA NERUS: The family of former Malaysia Games (SUKMA) weightlifting athlete Siti Noralyaa Mat Marzuki, who passed away last Saturday due to breast cancer, has received survivor’s pension benefits from the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso). Perkeso Terengganu director Suhara Mustaffa confirmed that the late athlete’s parents and four younger siblings, aged between eight and 16,… Continue reading Late Sukma weightlifter’s family receives Perkeso benefits in Kuala Nerus

WELLINGTON: Malaysia and New Zealand have agreed to deepen cooperation in the global halal industry through several strategic measures, including the alignment of certification standards, joint research efforts, and the enhancement of halal assurance frameworks. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is currently on a working visit to the island country,… Continue reading Malaysia, New Zealand agree to deepen cooperation in halal industry

KUALA LUMPUR: A part-time YouTuber from China has been fined RM800 for trespassing into the Malaysian Parliament compound. The 25-year-old, Li Zhechen, pleaded guilty to the offence under the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959. Magistrate M.S. Arunjothy handed down the sentence, with an alternative of one month’s jail if the fine is unpaid.… Continue reading China YouTuber fined RM800 for trespassing Malaysia Parliament

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The operation to retrieve the wreckage of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) helicopter that crashed into Sungai Pulai is set to commence at 8 am tomorrow. This follows a coordination meeting involving multiple agencies today. The meeting was led by Johor Internal Security and Public Order Department chief SAC Muhd Zailani Abdullah and… Continue reading Sungai Pulai helicopter wreckage removal to start tomorrow

SHAH ALAM: A husband and wife, founders of a family motivation programme, are among six individuals remanded for three days to assist investigations into a motivational event allegedly featuring immoral activities. Magistrate Ameera Mastura Khamis issued the remand order against the suspects, comprising four women and two men aged between 26 and 47. The case… Continue reading Couple and four remanded over marriage motivation event in Shah Alam

KUCHING: The federal government has been urged to introduce strict laws prohibiting vape products laced with illegal substances like synthetic drugs. Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted the growing misuse of vape, particularly among young people, as a serious public health issue. “Vape was initially promoted as… Continue reading Government urged to ban drug-laced vape products in Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Transport has appointed four companies to conduct Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre (PPKM) services specifically for Change of Ownership Inspections (M.V.15) for private vehicles. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook stated that this move aims to expand inspection service availability and ease public access. Previously, vehicle owners had only one option—PUSPAKOM—for mandatory… Continue reading Four firms appointed for private vehicle ownership inspections in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has lodged an appeal against the High Court’s decision to reject its committal proceedings against former UMNO information chief Isham Jalil. The case stems from Isham’s public statements regarding the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial involving ex-prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Isham’s lawyer, Jamie Wong, confirmed… Continue reading AGC appeals dismissal of committal bid against Isham Jalil

JOHOR BAHRU: A 65-year-old foreign national has been remanded for seven days in connection with the fatal shooting of a man at a restaurant in Taman Setia Indah on January 8. The suspect was arrested yesterday at around 4.30 pm in the Johor Bahru city centre, according to Johor Bahru Selatan police chief ACP Raub… Continue reading Foreign national remanded 7 days for fatal Johor Bahru restaurant shooting

PETALING JAYA: The formation of 10 Dewan Rakyat Special Select Committees (JKPK) two years ago has played a key role in easing political tensions among Members of Parliament, according to Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul. He noted that the inclusion of both government and opposition MPs in these committees promotes collective decision-making. Johari explained… Continue reading Bipartisan select committees reduce tension among MPs says Johari