Category: Local

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia’s diplomatic engagement with the United States must be carefully structured, guided by smart diplomacy and firmly rooted in comprehensive national interests. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said this was essential given the United States’ role as… Continue reading Malaysia-U.S. ties must be guided by smart diplomacy – DPM Ahmad Zahid

BALIK PULAU: Quick thinking by five friends saved their lives when the Toyota Camry they were travelling in suddenly emitted smoke and caught fire along Jalan Tun Sardon here today Seri Balik Pulau Fire and Rescue Station operations commander Mohamad Nizar Ibrahim said the group, consisting of one man and four women in their 50s,… Continue reading Five escape death as car catches fire in Balik Pulau

KUALA LUMPUR: The presence and investment of major global companies, such as the leading United States oil company ConocoPhillips, are crucial in ensuring the stability and sustainability of the nation’s energy sector, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, received a courtesy visit from ConocoPhillips chairman and chief… Continue reading Presence, investment of major global companies ensure stability of nation’s energy sector – Anwar

LAHAD DATU: A 59-year-old man was arrested during Op Bakau yesterday for allegedly encroaching into the Lahad Datu Forest Reserve. Lahad Datu Maritime Zone director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali, said the joint operation carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Sabah Forestry Department discovered that 2.02 hectares of land had been… Continue reading Man arrested for encroaching Lahad Datu forest reserve

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to revive the spirit of reading, emphasising its crucial role in nation-building and advancing knowledge. He said without a commitment to lifelong learning through reading, the country cannot hope to compete globally or improve its command of language, knowledge and technology. “We have inherited… Continue reading PM Anwar calls for revival of reading culture to uplift the nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have assured that the security situation in Kuala Lumpur remains under control and the capital is safe, despite two reported shooting incidents in Brickfields and Cheras over the past four days. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the incidents are believed to stem from disputes between suspects and victims with… Continue reading KL safe despite recent targeted shootings – IGP

PUTRAJAYA: A special meeting will be convened soon to discuss measures to curb the online sale of illicit substances, including drug-laced vape liquids. MADANI Government spokesperson and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the meeting will involve his ministry, the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).… Continue reading Special meeting soon to decide action on online drug sales – Fahmi

MIRI: The Sarawak government has pledged to connect all, or at least most, rural communities in the state to the road network by 2030, as part of an infrastructure push supported by nine regional development agencies. State Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said each agency has been allocated RM1.5 billion, stressing that the… Continue reading Sarawak vows to link rural communities with roads by 2030 – Deputy Premier

KUALA LUMPUR: An unemployed man was today sentenced by the High Court to 40 years in prison and 24 strokes of the cane after he pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of his parents, whose bloodied bodies were discovered in their home in Kampung Sungai Penchala, in 2023. Judge K. Muniandy, who meted out the… Continue reading Unemployed man gets 40-year prison term, whipping for murder of eldery parents

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government has reiterated its policy of not allowing the sale of vape products in the state, having not issued any business licences for such sales since 2013. State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the move was not intended to ban individual use, but to control… Continue reading Kelantan maintains vape sale ban, no licences issued since 2013

PUTRAJAYA: Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan will provide further clarification and explanation regarding the implementation of the targeted Sales Tax rate revision and expansion of the Service Tax scope. MADANI Government spokesman and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said he was informed that the explanation on the matter will be delivered via… Continue reading SST revision: Finance Minister II to provide further clarification

KUALA LUMPUR: The retail price of RON97 petrol will increase by seven sen per litre, from RM3.07 to RM3.14, for the period from June 19 to 25, while that of RON95 remains unchanged at RM2.05 per litre. In a statement today, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said the retail price of diesel in Sabah, Sarawak… Continue reading RON97 price up seven sen, RON95 unchanged

KUCHING: The 43rd ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Energy (SOME), which began on Monday and involved the participation of about 250 delegates, concluded today with several agendas finalised. The meeting, chaired by Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, featured a series of discussions, including energy-related consultation sessions… Continue reading 43rd ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting concludes with key agendas finalised

JOHOR BAHRU: Johor police have crippled 21 drug trafficking syndicates and seized illicit narcotics worth RM81.07 million in the first five months of this year. Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar said the success of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) also led to the arrest of 58 syndicate members and asset seizures worth RM2.26… Continue reading Johor cops bust 21 drug rings, seize RM81m in drugs since January

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Embassy in Amman, Jordan has advised Malaysians to remain calm and refrain from making any speculation regarding the developments in the Middle East. The embassy, in an advisory posted on its Facebook account on Tuesday, also advises Malaysians to stay updated only through credible news sources regarding the crisis that is… Continue reading Refrain from making speculations on Middle East: Malaysian Embassy in Amman

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must build a stronger middle class to ensure that the country, as well as ASEAN, is not seen just as a production hub but also a viable consumer market, said Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong. He emphasised that over the long run, Malaysia aims to reduce its dependence… Continue reading Malaysia aims to be more than just a production hub – Liew

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today expressed deep concern over the rising trend of drug and vape abuse among youths, particularly Malay youths. Anwar said the issue is escalating and requires a comprehensive solution involving various approaches, including counselling and ‘dakwah’ (religious outreach). He said the matter was also discussed during the Cabinet… Continue reading Drug, vape abuse among Malay youths alarming, find solutions now – PM Anwar

TAIPING: A trailer driver was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined RM80,000 by the High Court here today after he was found guilty of dangerous driving that caused the deaths of four members of a family in an accident in Sungai Siput five years ago. Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin dismissed the appeal… Continue reading Death of family of four: Trailer driver gets 8 years’ jail, RM80,000 fine

KUALA LUMPUR: The process of repairing hazardous roads across the country will be carried out in stages, with priority given to sections with critical damage, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said the Ministry of Works (KKR) has identified nearly RM4 billion worth of repairs needed to address all hazardous roads. However,… Continue reading Phased repairs for hazardous roads to prioritise critical sections – Nanta

JERTIH: For Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) student Nur Ain Najwa Mohd Ilias, even the distant rumble of a bus engine from the road just 100 metres away is enough to trigger tightness in her chest. The 23-year-old, who was among the victims injured in the crash along East-West Highway (JRTB) near Gerik, Perak on… Continue reading UPSI crash survivor Nur Ain Najwa breaks down at distant rumble of bus engine

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia hopes the upcoming tariff negotiations with the United States (US) will result in a new cooperation arrangement, said Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Liew Chin Tong. MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz is currently in Washington to hold discussions with US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer. “Tengku… Continue reading Malaysia hopes for collaborative deal following US tariff talks

PUTRAJAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28, MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today. Fahmi, who is also the Minister of Communications, said that during today’s Cabinet meeting, Economy Ministry secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron presented a briefing and a brief summary on the implementation… Continue reading 13MP expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28 – Fahmi

NILAI: The Higher Education Ministry (MoHE) has urged Malaysian students currently in Iran to leave the country immediately and report to the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran following the escalating situation there. Its deputy minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said so far, four Malaysian students have been identified as studying in Qom and Isfahan, and are currently… Continue reading MOHE urges Malaysian students in Iran to leave immediately

KUALA LUMPUR: The late Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, former MIC president and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has been remembered as a kind, fair and inspirational figure by his family. Speaking to the media during the funeral prayer services at their residence here, Palanivel’s youngest son Sharavanahvel, 31, described his father’s passing as an… Continue reading Dad was a kind man, great role model, says Palanivel’s son

JOHOR BAHRU: The state government has allocated RM500,000 for the development of the e-SBKS (Serah Balik Kurnia Semula) system, which aims to expedite matters related to SBKS, land status amendments, boundary subdivisions, and ownership transfers. The system is expected to be launched in September. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, in a Facebook post,… Continue reading SBKS application process cut from 510 to 53 days starting Sept – Onn Hafiz

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia continues to boost regional collaboration in vaccine research and manufacturing by participating in the 2nd UK-South East Asia Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub (UK-SEA Vax Hub) All Partners Meeting held at Monash University Malaysia today. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), in a statement today, said Malaysia’s active participation in the… Continue reading UK-SEA vax hub meeting boosts regional cooperation in vaccine research – MOSTI

PUTRAJAYA: The evacuation of Malaysian citizens currently in Iran is expected to take place this Friday. Minister of Communications cum MADANI Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the matter was announced by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan at today’s Cabinet meeting. He said preparations are underway, including the issuance of travel visas, to facilitate… Continue reading Malaysians in Iran to be evacuated, operation expected Friday – Fahmi

MELAKA: The Melaka Road Transport Department (JPJ) issued 39 summonses for various offences during compliance enforcement operations targeting stage bus services in the state. Its director Siti Zarina Mohd Yusop said operations dubbed the ‘Op Pinky’, conducted yesterday at several locations across the state, focused on driver conduct, documentation checks, and the technical condition of… Continue reading Melaka JPJ issues 39 summonses in stage bus crackdown

PUTRAJAYA: The status of the review study on the amendment of Act 134 was among the matters discussed during the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MAPOA) 2025 meeting held yesterday, according to the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA). In a statement today, the department said the meeting also addressed issues such as Orang Asli settlement… Continue reading Review of Act 134 among matters discussed at MAPOA 2025 meeting

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Group Bhd has announced flight disruptions to and from Bali, Lombok and Labuan Bajo following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara region. In a statement today, the airline said the flights operated by AirAsia Malaysia (AK), AirAsia Indonesia (QZ) and AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) have been cancelled or… Continue reading AirAsia cancels, reschedules flights following Mount Lewotobi eruption

SEREMBAN: Negeri Sembilan recorded 225 new COVID-19 cases in the 24th Epidemiological Week (ME 24) for the period of June 8 to 14, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun. He said the figure showed an increase of 104.5 per cent compared to the previous week of 110 cases and Seremban recorded the highest number… Continue reading Negeri Sembilan records 225 COVID-19 cases in ME 24

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s guidelines for reporting and sharing suicide-related content have received positive feedback both domestically and internationally, including after they were presented at the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) 2025 World Congress in Vienna recently. Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Forum (CMCF) chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood said the collaborative approach between doctors,… Continue reading Malaysia’s guidelines for reporting, sharing suicide-related content well received globally

SEREMBAN: Police are searching for five of six trainees who escaped from the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) in Jelebu near here yesterday morning. Jelebu police chief Supt Azizan Said said a report on the incident involving male trainees, aged between 25 and 42, was lodged at 1 am. He said one of the escapees,… Continue reading Police tracking down five Jelebu PUSPEN escapees, one recaptured

KUCHING: The 43rd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) marked a significant milestone today with representatives reaching consensus on several strategic agendas aimed at advancing the regional energy sector. Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli said the meeting had finalised major agendas, including the ASEAN Power Grid… Continue reading ASEAN Power Grid enhanced MOU, APAEC Phase 2 among agendas finalised at 43rd SOME

SHAH ALAM: Former Senate deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to 20 bribery charges of accepting RM235,000 in cash and three luxury cars, related to a Melaka land reclamation project. Mohamad Ali, 61, entered the plea after the charges were read separately before Judge Awang Kerisnada… Continue reading Ex-Senate deputy president pleads not guilty to 20 counts of bribery

KOTA KINABALU: Digital innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology in work processes, taxation, e-commerce, and ESG (environmental, social and governance) reporting hold significant potential to enhance audit quality and facilitate greater compliance. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that while advanced technologies bring numerous benefits, they also… Continue reading AI, blockchain technology can enhance audit quality and compliance – MACC

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd has issued a reminder to the public to be extra vigilant of fraudulent short message service (SMS), WhatsApp messages, and social media accounts impersonating Bank Islam’s Al-Awfar account and BIMB Mobile banking application. The bank said it has observed an increase in scam attempts through SMS, messaging apps, and… Continue reading Bank Islam advises public to be vigilant of scams impersonating Al-Awfar and BIMB mobile app

TEMERLOH: The car driver involved in a road crash that resulted in the death of two teenage girls was charged in the Magistrate’s Court here today with trafficking more than 50 grammes of Methamphetamine last week. Chun Kok Keong (pix), 38, of Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, is charged with committing the offence in front of the… Continue reading Temerloh fatal crash: Car driver involved charged with drug possession, trafficking

PETALING JAYA: The Sales and Service Tax (SST) collection is expected to increase by RM5 billion in 2025 and by RM10 billion in 2026 following the review and expansion of the tax scope, which will be implemented starting July 1. Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said the additional amount is due to the SST… Continue reading Govt expects additional SST revenue of RM5b in 2025, RM10b in 2026 following revision

KOTA BHARU: Kelantan Police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat has expressed deep concerns over a rise in disciplinary and misconduct cases involving police personnel in the state. Speaking after the Kelantan Police’s monthly assembly today, Mohd Yusoff stressed that integrity issues within the force will not be tolerated under any circumstances. “I want to highlight… Continue reading Kelantan police chief raises alarm over rising misconduct, disciplinary cases in the force

ALOR SETAR: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bohor Jaya in Langkawi, which is currently under construction, is expected to be completed by the end of this year, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. In a Facebook post, Fadhlina said she was excited when informed that the construction of the school is progressing smoothly. “The new school project,… Continue reading Langkawi’s SMK Bohor Jaya to be ready by year-end – Fadhlina

JOHOR BAHRU: Police have confirmed that a female employee who was beaten by her employer in an incident at an office in Taman Kota Masai, Pasir Gudang here on May 15 had other health problems before the incident was reported to have occurred. Seri Alam district police chief ACP Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said this was… Continue reading Woman beaten by employer in Masai has problem prior to incident – Police

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has prayed for PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang to be blessed with continuous good health. In a brief statement shared on X today, Anwar expressed his prayers for Abdul Hadi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Marang, after undergoing treatment at the National… Continue reading PM prays for Abdul Hadi’s continuous good health

MELAKA: The chairman and secretary of a temple association in the state have been remanded for six days until Monday (June 23) to assist in the investigation into the embezzlement of RM50,000 from the house of worship last year. Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani granted the remand application by the Melaka Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against… Continue reading Melaka temple chairman and secretary remanded over fund abuse

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is monitoring 42 hotspot locations that have been identified as being at risk of forest and bush fires due to the hot and dry weather, with the country now facing the Southwest Monsoon phase. The Southwest Monsoon, which starts from late May to September, brings drier… Continue reading Southwest Monsoon: 42 locations identified at risk of forest/bush fire in Johor