Category: Local

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed his heartfelt condolences to UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh following the passing of his father, Cikgu Saleh Lempah. In a Facebook post, Ahmad Zahid described the loss as deeply sorrowful, noting that the elder Saleh had been a pillar of inspiration… Continue reading Ahmad Zahid offers condolences to Dr Akmal Saleh on father’s passing

TANAH MERAH: UMNO has engaged in discussions with relevant parties concerning the upcoming Sabah state election, though no conclusive agreement has been reached. UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the party began preparations last year to ensure readiness for the polls. “We have held discussions, but no final decision has been… Continue reading Sabah state election discussions ongoing, UMNO prepares

GEORGE TOWN: A South Korean national was sentenced to three months in jail after admitting to overstaying in Malaysia. Jeon Eunjin, 55, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi, with his sentence backdated to his arrest on June 30. Jeon, a construction worker, had remained in the country illegally after his 90-day social visit… Continue reading South Korean man jailed 3 months for overstaying in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has assured that using the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Account 2 for the proposed Medical and Health Insurance Takaful scheme is entirely voluntary. However, economists warn that further depleting retirement savings is “a very bad idea” and could compromise an individual’s long-term financial security. Economist Prof… Continue reading Use of EPF for healthcare insurance ‘very bad idea’

KUALA LUMPUR: The East Asia Summit (EAS) remains relevant and is more vital than ever amid a turbulent global landscape, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. “Today’s world faces a complex web of crises that jeopardise global peace, shared prosperity and the well-being of people everywhere. “From the outbreak of conflicts and rising great… Continue reading EAS crucial amid global crises says Malaysia FM Mohamad

KUALA LUMPUR: After being charged in the Ampang Sessions Court for alleged sexual assault, a social media influencer, known as ‘CEO Batu’, was once again brought before the court today, on a charge of possessing pornographic videos and images on his mobile phones two months ago. Muhamad Iqbal Muhamad Nor, 22, pleaded not guilty at… Continue reading ‘CEO Batu’ faces new charge for possessing explicit videos and images

KAJANG: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has delivered RM100,000 in immediate aid to Sekolah Menengah Agama Persekutuan (SMAP) Kajang following a fire that damaged one of its offices. The financial assistance was split equally between the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YAPEIM) and Yayasan Taqwa of the… Continue reading Minister gives RM100k aid to SMAP Kajang after fire

KUCHING: A new law is being drafted in Sarawak to ban the sale of vaping devices to school students and teenagers in a bid to curb rising addiction among youth. State Minister for Women, Community Wellbeing and Family Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the legislation is necessary as more young people are becoming addicted… Continue reading Law in the works to ban vape sales to students and teens

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who currently serves as the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, has been appointed to concurrently assume the role of Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, effective immediately. In a statement today, Cabinet Secretary Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim informed… Continue reading PM Appoints Johari to Replace Nik Nazmi

KUANTAN: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in Pahang seized more than 1,100 tanks of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) worth RM171,687 during a raid in Jalan Manchis, Bentong. The operation, codenamed Ops Gasak, was conducted by seven enforcement officers following a month-long surveillance. Pahang KPDN director Jezlily Jamaluddin stated that the… Continue reading Pahang KPDN seizes 1,100 illegal LPG tanks worth RM171,687

KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN is evaluating the possibility of upgrading Turkiye’s status from a sectoral dialogue partner to a full dialogue partner, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He noted that Turkiye has contributed significantly in key areas such as technology, security, defence, and agriculture, while also supporting ASEAN students through scholarships. “We are… Continue reading ASEAN considers Turkiye upgrade to full dialogue partner status

SABAK BERNAM: A lorry transporting hazardous chemicals collided with another vehicle along Jalan Besar Sabak Bernam, causing a spill of nitric acid and calcium hypochlorite. The incident occurred yesterday evening, prompting an immediate response from emergency teams. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar confirmed that 64 chemical drums were… Continue reading Lorry crash causes chemical spill in Sabak Bernam, Selangor

JOHOR BAHRU: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has pledged full cooperation with authorities investigating the police helicopter crash near Sungai Pulai, Gelang Patah. The incident occurred during a demonstration flight for the MITSATOM 2025 multinational exercise. A ministry statement confirmed that a detailed probe is underway to determine the cause of the… Continue reading MOSTI pledges full cooperation in helicopter crash investigation

SEPANG: The 2025 haj operations in Malaysia have been recognised as among the best globally, receiving high praise from the Saudi Arabian government. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar highlighted this achievement, noting that Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) was awarded the prestigious Labaytum Diamond Award by the Saudi… Continue reading Malaysia’s 2025 haj operations praised as best by Saudi government

KUALA LUMPUR: Police are investigating the disappearance of a British teenager who entered Malaysia through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on June 7. The case has been classified as a missing person report, with authorities appealing for public assistance. Acting CID Director Datuk Fadil Marsus confirmed the youth, identified as David Renz Galletes Balisong, is… Continue reading Police probe missing UK teen case after Malaysia arrival

KUCHING: Residents in Sarawak are being urged to exercise extreme caution near rivers following a deadly crocodile attack in Limbang amid warnings that the state’s waterways are heavily populated with the reptiles. The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) said the state is home to some 4,500 rivers and 40 water catchment basins—many of which are known… Continue reading Sarawak on alert after fatal crocodile incident

PETALING JAYA: Four foreign nationals operating illegal e-hailing services around a shopping mall here were caught in a special operation by the Selangor Road Transport Department (JPJ) recently. The four were two Syrians, a Yemeni and a Sudanese. They were detained on suspicion of running taxi services without any valid authorisation, Sinar Harian reported. The… Continue reading Foreigners caught running illegal taxi services near shopping mall in Subang Jaya

KUALA LUMPUR: The 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) wraps up today with a series of high-level discussions aimed at strengthening regional ties and addressing key development challenges. The final day features multiple engagements, including trilateral talks and ministerial conferences with global partners. A key event is the Trilateral Meeting involving Malaysia, Turkiye, and the… Continue reading Final day of 58th AMM focuses on regional cooperation and dialogues

PETALING JAYA: Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said many youths want to marry and start families but are often held back by challenges such as the rising cost of living, unstable employment, limited access to childcare, and uncertainty about the future. “The voices of young people must be… Continue reading Nancy: Youth voices must be heard in shaping family futures

BINTANGOR: Police conducted a raid on a cockfighting operation near Jalan Tanjung Manis, arresting six local men suspected of involvement in illegal gambling. The operation led to the seizure of multiple items, including live and dead roosters, weighing scales, and a whiteboard used during the fights. Meradong police chief DSP Tansli Mering confirmed the arrests… Continue reading Six arrested in Bintangor cockfighting raid, items seized

KUALA LUMPUR: Water supply operators in 10 states have submitted applications for tariff reviews to ensure service sustainability and enhance management quality. The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) is currently evaluating these proposals, with assurances that any adjustments will not unduly burden consumers. In PAHANG, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the… Continue reading Water tariff review in 10 states to ensure sustainable supply

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reiterated its dedication as the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations for the 2024-2027 term, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced. The commitment was reinforced during discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.… Continue reading Malaysia strengthens ASEAN-China ties as dialogue coordinator for 2024-2027

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Australia have reinforced their dedication to enhancing bilateral relations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both nations agreeing to deepen collaboration in economic, educational, agricultural, and institutional capacity-building efforts. The commitment was highlighted during a meeting between Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on… Continue reading Malaysia and Australia strengthen strategic partnership in key sectors

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is reinforcing its legal framework to support regional trade and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), as part of its ASEAN Chair responsibilities this year. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said highlighted ongoing efforts to liberalise markets through initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special… Continue reading Malaysia strengthens legal framework to boost trade and AI governance

PUTRAJAYA: High-quality literature plays a crucial role in the development of civilisation and should not be seen merely as a biennial achievement, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Speaking at the presentation of the Premier Literature Award of Malaysia (HSPM) 2021/2022, she emphasised that literary works reflect history, culture, and intellectual thought while serving as educational… Continue reading Literature key to civilisation growth says Fadhlina Sidek

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States is actively negotiating with ASEAN member states during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to advance discussions on reciprocal tariffs. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that adjustments remain possible, though markets require clarity ahead of the August 1 implementation deadline. Rubio stated, “But the markets demand certainty, so… Continue reading US engages ASEAN on tariffs, Rubio hints at rate adjustments

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and the United States have reinforced their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties across trade, security, defence, and emerging sectors. The reaffirmation came during a meeting between Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM). The Malaysian… Continue reading Malaysia and US strengthen ties in trade, security, and nuclear cooperation

KLANG: A total of 700 students taking the Tamil subject in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination will receive a free specialised guidebook to support their studies. Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy announced the initiative, highlighting the guidebook’s coverage of all three semesters’ syllabi. The resource was developed by a team of academics,… Continue reading Free STPM Tamil guidebook for 700 students nationwide

JOHOR BAHRU: Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor (YSIJ) today donated various medical equipment to Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) here, in an effort to support the hospital’s efforts to improve healthcare services. Among the donated items were hospital beds, adjustable sofa chairs, a transport incubator, Basic Life Support (BLS) resuscitation equipment and training manikins. The donation was… Continue reading YSIJ donates medical equipment to Hospital Sultanah Aminah

SANDAKAN: The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) has greenlit RM34.2 million for various development projects in Sandakan, set to roll out in 2025. Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed the funding, which will be managed by the ministry’s agencies. Among the key projects is the RM30 million upgrade and construction of a solid waste dumpsite… Continue reading KPKT approves RM34.2 mln for Sandakan development projects

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States is making diplomatic preparations for President Donald Trump’s possible participation in the 47th ASEAN Summit scheduled for October. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the administration is working to secure a date for Trump’s attendance at the high-level meeting, which Malaysia will host. “We are working on getting… Continue reading US prepares for Trump’s possible visit to ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department (JIM) rescued 14 foreign women who were believed to be victims of sexual exploitation in a raid on a prostitution premises in Jalan Petaling, here yesterday. JIM Kuala Lumpur director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff said Op Pantas (ATIP) raid at about 1.15 pm was carried out based… Continue reading KL Immigration rescues 14 foreign women from sex exploitation

KUALA LUMPUR: A company supplying milk powder is being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for suspected manipulation of tender prices by between 10 and 50 per cent depending on the zone, apart from monopolising the market in supply contracts to a government department. According to sources, the company, owned by a married couple… Continue reading MACC probes firm for suspected milk powder tender price manipulation

KUALA LUMPUR: Embracing frontier technologies is crucial for the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) bloc to maintain agility and relevance, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He noted that digital transformation, supported by China, Japan, and South Korea, could contribute US$2 trillion to regional GDP. Speaking at the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting,… Continue reading Frontier technologies key to ASEAN Plus Three growth, says FM Mohamad

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for an immediate halt to the atrocities and massacres in Gaza during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussion took place during Rubio’s courtesy visit to Parliament, lasting 40 minutes and covering multiple issues. Anwar shared that Rubio appeared optimistic about… Continue reading PM Anwar urges US to stop Gaza atrocities in meeting with Rubio

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) will enforce the 30-year age limit for youth starting January 1, 2025, after two previous delays. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the ministry had held engagement sessions and provided funding to support the transition. KBS will submit a working paper to the Cabinet to… Continue reading Malaysia to enforce youth age cap of 30 from Jan 1

KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has been urged to create a special leadership module inspired by the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, known as the “Pak Lah Leadership” module. The proposal aims to reinforce the Malay and bumiputera agenda by embedding values of knowledge, ethics, and integrity in future leaders. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk… Continue reading MARA urged to create leadership module inspired by Pak Lah