KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Producer Price Index (PPI) declined by 3.6 per cent in May 2025, marking a steeper drop compared to April’s 3.4 per cent decrease, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that all sectors recorded year-on-year declines except agriculture, forestry, and fishing. The… Continue reading Malaysia’s PPI drops 3.6 pct in May 2025, mining sector hit hardest

PETALING JAYA: The total number of applications for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) July 2025 intake has increased significantly compared to last year, rising from 146,000 to 189,304, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the government is now offering more opportunities to STPM holders who may… Continue reading TVET applications surge to 189,000, more opportunities offered to STPM leavers

KUALA LUMPUR: Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM-UKM) is poised to become the first medical facility in the country to perform Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery as a day-care procedure. This milestone reflects a major leap in patient-centred healthcare. The Sports Injury and Arthroscopic Unit of HCTM’s Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department will… Continue reading HCTM-UKM first in Malaysia to offer ACL surgery as day-care

KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliamentary Services Act 2025 (PSA) is undergoing final adjustments before its enforcement, according to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. He stated that the specifics will be presented for approval during the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fifteenth Parliament, commencing on July 21. “Insya Allah, in a month… Continue reading Parliamentary Services Act 2025 fine-tuning before enforcement

MELAKA: The integration of MyKad and an expanded list of approved items under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme has significantly improved accessibility and purchasing power for beneficiaries since April. The system streamlines transactions, eliminating the need for additional verification during payments. Housewife Natasha Irma Ishak, 30, who supplements her income by selling doughnuts from… Continue reading MyKad and expanded SARA list enhance purchasing power in Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA: The National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) is reinforcing Malaysia’s agricultural input distribution system by improving stockist efficiency through specialised training. The Stockist Enhancement and Empowerment Course for the Central Zone aims to optimise the role of stockists under the Federal Government’s Padi Fertiliser Scheme and Padi Production Incentive Scheme. Mohd Zulkifli Harun, secretary of the… Continue reading NAFAS boosts agricultural input delivery with stockist training

KUALA LUMPUR: The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s parliamentary vote presents minimal risk to Malaysia, according to MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd. In a research note today, the bank highlighted that Malaysia’s primary Asia-Europe trade route, accounting for less than 15 per cent of Westports’ total volume, does not rely on… Continue reading Strait of Hormuz closure poses limited risk to Malaysia, says MIDF Amanah

PUTRAJAYA: The Kota MADANI smart city project in Precinct 19 is designed to alleviate the housing burden for civil servants while enhancing workplace efficiency, according to Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. The first phase will see the construction of 3,000 residential units, part of a larger plan to deliver… Continue reading Kota MADANI project to ease civil servants’ burden in Putrajaya

MELAKA: Former Dewan Negara deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad pleaded not guilty today at the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court to a charge of accepting a luxury vehicle as a bribe in 2015. Judge Elesabet Paya Wan presided over the hearing where Mohamad Ali denied the accusation of corruptly receiving a Range Rover Sport… Continue reading Former senate deputy president pleads not guilty to luxury car bribe

BATU PAHAT: The Ayer Hitam Toll Plaza has fully reopened after a temporary closure due to a hazardous chemical spill. PLUS Malaysia Berhad confirmed that all entry and exit lanes were accessible from 2.44 am today. In a Facebook update, PLUS stated, “The latest update is that the incident has been resolved, and all lanes… Continue reading Ayer Hitam toll plaza fully reopened after chemical spill

JOHOR BAHRU: An assistant environmental health officer pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to accepting a RM3,000 bribe last year. Mohd Azrul Nazwan A Rani, 42, denied the charge before Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail. The officer allegedly received the money from a restaurant manager as an incentive to avoid legal action… Continue reading Johor health officer pleads not guilty to RM3,000 bribe charge

KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are causing short-term economic disruptions in Malaysia, particularly affecting crude oil prices, according to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Speaking after launching the Budget 2025 Initiative by SME Bank, Amir Hamzah noted that recent retaliatory attacks in conflict zones led to a… Continue reading Middle East tensions impact Malaysia’s economy, says finance minister

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has suggested that the Kota MADANI smart city initiative serve as a blueprint for urban development nationwide. He highlighted the need for a balanced approach that prioritises public welfare over commercial interests. Speaking at the launch of the Kota MADANI project in Putrajaya’s Precinct 19, Anwar urged state… Continue reading Kota MADANI smart city model for Malaysia urban development

KUALA LUMPUR: Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Bhd (SME Bank) has introduced a RM211 million strategic initiative to drive sustainable and inclusive growth for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan highlighted the government’s commitment to SME development, with over RM1 billion allocated for 2025. Speaking at… Continue reading SME Bank launches RM211m initiative to boost MSME growth in Malaysia

IPOH: Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak emphasised that Islam strictly prohibits any misuse of power or breach of trust by those responsible for collecting and distributing zakat. His Royal Highness stressed that Muslim confidence in zakat institutions, including the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk), must be strengthened through good governance, transparency, and… Continue reading Good governance vital for Muslim trust in zakat institutions – Sultan Nazrin

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today launched the Kota MADANI smart city project in Precinct 19, a major urban development initiative focused on sustainability and digital innovation. The RM4 billion project, developed by Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd (PjH), will operate under a public-private partnership using the build, lease, maintain, and transfer (BLMT) model… Continue reading PM Anwar launches Kota MADANI smart city project in Putrajaya

KUALA TERENGGANU: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for missing fisherman Mohd Noor Abdullah, 54, entered its second day today with the deployment of a Malaysian Maritime AW 139 helicopter. The fisherman was reported missing after venturing out to sea last Tuesday. Terengganu Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang, stated that the SAR resumed… Continue reading Search for missing Terengganu fisherman continues with helicopter aid

PUTRAJAYA: The government has announced a Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemption for imported apples and oranges following public concerns over rising fruit prices. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision aims to ensure affordability for low-income families while still encouraging the consumption of local fruits. During a Cabinet meeting, public feedback highlighted… Continue reading Apples and oranges exempt from SST in Malaysia – PM Anwar

IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, has officially endorsed Zakat Perak Al Ridzuan (ZAPAR) as the primary body for managing zakat and cash endowment collections in the state. The initiative, established by the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk), aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in zakat administration. Sultan Nazrin… Continue reading Sultan Nazrin launches ZAPAR for zakat, endowment management in Perak

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP National Deputy Chairman Nga Kor Ming has lauded the government’s move to guarantee matriculation placements for students scoring 10As and above in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Education (MOE), underscores the MADANI Government’s dedication to meritocracy and equal opportunities. Nga stated that the… Continue reading Govt guarantees matriculation for 10A SPM students, Nga welcomes move

SUBANG: General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris has officially taken over as the 21st Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in a ceremony held at the Subang Air Base today. He succeeds General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who retired after more than four decades of service. The handover ceremony was… Continue reading Muhamad Norazlan appointed as new RMAF chief in Subang ceremony

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Singapore are set to deepen regional cooperation to strengthen youth volunteerism and unity, according to National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. The minister shared details of the initiative following a courtesy visit to Singapore’s Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, David Neo. In a Facebook post, Aaron stated, “The… Continue reading Malaysia and Singapore to enhance youth volunteerism and unity

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians can significantly reduce their electricity bills by adopting smarter usage habits and leveraging off-peak hours under the newly announced tariff restructuring. The changes, set to take effect from July 1, 2025, aim to promote efficient energy consumption while benefiting over 23.6 million domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia. Private sector worker Rozita Ibrahim,… Continue reading Smart electricity use and time management cut utility bills in Malaysia

SHAH ALAM: A 17-year-old student from Banting Vocational College died after a motorcycle accident at Kilometre 32 of Jalan Klang-Banting-Port Dickson yesterday evening. The victim, who was heading home to Kanchong, Kuala Langat, lost control of his Yamaha Lagenda 115Z motorcycle and fell before being struck by a lorry. Kuala Langat police chief Supt Mohd… Continue reading Banting vocational student dies in tragic road crash near Kuala Langat

PETALING JAYA: With more employees disengaging or “quiet quitting”, human resources professionals say several key factors are driving the trend, including burnout, lack of work-life balance, poor motivation and lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace survey, only 21% of employees worldwide are engaged while 59% are quietly… Continue reading Factors driving escalating ‘quiet quitting’ trend

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Bar has voiced concern over the legal framework and safeguards surrounding the mobile phone data programme, warning that the directive issued to network operators to hand over metadata to the government may raise questions about consent, accountability and oversight. In a statement yesterday, Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said… Continue reading Metadata directive sparks concern on public consent

PUTRAJAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced that 11 freight transport companies were found to have over 1,000 unpaid summonses, while 17 express bus operators had more than 200 outstanding summonses each. One of the companies alone recorded over 22,000 summonses. The offences fall under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), Commercial Vehicles Licensing… Continue reading Final warning for errant commercial vehicle operators