PETALING JAYA: The government pledge to construct one million affordable homes under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is realistic but will require consistent momentum and tighter coordination, say experts. UTM real estate economy expert Dr Muhammad Najib Razali said current data supports the target viability because about 180,000 units have been completed this year, with… Continue reading Target of 1m affordable homes viable: Experts

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil expressed deep sadness over the death of renowned composer and musician Roslan Ariffin Jamil, popularly known as Ross Ariffin. The 63-year-old passed away at 5.30 pm yesterday at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras, where he had been residing since November last year. Fahmi shared his condolences in a heartfelt… Continue reading Fahmi mourns passing of composer Ross Ariffin in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin held a trilateral video conference with Cambodian and Thai counterparts to finalise preparations for the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting. The session included Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and Thailand’s Acting Defence Minister General Natthaphon Narkphanit. Mohamed Khaled emphasised Malaysia’s… Continue reading Malaysia hosts trilateral defence meeting ahead of Cambodia-Thailand GBC talks

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will revitalise Malaysia’s traditional Islamic boarding schools, known as pondok, by integrating advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to align them with contemporary educational needs. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that these institutions must continue safeguarding the faith, morals, and identity of the Muslim community. Speaking at the 65th… Continue reading Malaysia to modernise pondok schools with AI and tech, says PM Anwar

PETALING JAYA: The recent announcement of a reduction in the tariff rate on Malaysian exports to the US, from 25% to 19%, has been portrayed as a major trade win. However, economist Dr Geoffrey Williams has raised concerns over the anticipated benefits of the 6% reduction in import levy for Malaysian goods going into the… Continue reading Mixed reactions to 19% tariff on M’sian exports

KUCHING: The construction of an eight-kilometer access road connecting Jalan Datuk Mohamad Musa in Kota Samarahan to the southern access road of the airport is expected to be fully completed this September. Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said the road, which is categorised as a federal road, will serve as an alternative route… Continue reading New Kuching airport access road to ease traffic by September

IPOH: Some 30 participants of an open water swimming event were stung by jellyfish at Pantai Teluk Senangin in Lumut early this morning, albeit with minor injuries, while three were slightly more serious cases. The 2025 Teluk Senangin Open Water Swim is an inaugural open water event organised by a swimming community in Perak and… Continue reading Over 30 swimmers stung by jellyfish at Perak open water event

JOHOR BAHRU: The recent water tariff adjustment in Johor will not affect the majority of domestic consumers, places of worship, or vulnerable groups under the e-Kasih database, said state water operator Ranhill SAJ. Its chief executive officer, Anuar Abdul Ghani, said those in usage tiers one and two will continue enjoying the existing rates, with… Continue reading Johor water tariff hike exempts most domestic users, says Ranhill SAJ

KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has welcomed the designation of Dr Farah Nini Dusuki as Chief Children Commissioner until the end of her term as Human Rights Commissioner on March 8, 2026. In a statement today, Suhakam also welcomed the appointments of three new Human Rights Commissioners, Dr Mohd Al Adib… Continue reading Suhakam appoints Farah Nini Dusuki as chief children’s commissioner

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has agreed to increase the Ploughing Incentive for Padi Farmers (IPKP) from RM100 to RM160 per hectare for each season, starting this year. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) said the incentive will be implemented in stages to ensure efficient and effective delivery to padi farmers. “The implementation of… Continue reading Govt raises ploughing incentive to RM160 per hectare

NARATHIWAT: There are currently 36 Malaysians, including eight women, currently in Narathiwat Prison after five Malaysian men were sent there early this year. Narathiwat Prison director, Surin Chantep said they were all linked to drug related offences, some still awaiting trial, while others have been convicted and were all currently in good condition and carrying… Continue reading 36 Malaysians, including 8 women, held in Thai prison

GUA MUSANG: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) successfully captured five wild elephants in Kampung Lalang, Kuala Betis here last week and has begun relocating them back to their natural habitats. Kuala Betis Wild Elephant Translocation operation chief Mohamad Zainuddin Busrah said the elephants, named Mek Mas, Mek Leha, Mek Ja, Mek Ti… Continue reading Perhilitan relocates five wild elephants in Gua Musang

GEORGE TOWN: Penang continued to cement its status as a global business and technology hub with the official launch of “GBS By The Sea”, a landmark RM296 million development located in Technoplex Bayan Lepas. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hailed the project as a bold statement and a clear example of Penang’s transition into… Continue reading Penang launches RM296m GBS By The Sea in Technoplex Bayan Lepas

GEORGE TOWN: The tariff reduction for Malaysia, from 25 per cent to 19 per cent, is seen as a good step forward and comes as a positive achievement and a relief for many, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The chief minister said that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) might remain exposed in the… Continue reading US tariff cut benefits Malaysia SMEs, says Penang CM Chow

SEKINCHAN: The Selangor government has proposed that Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) hold regular briefing sessions with local authorities, traders, and community leaders to explain recent water tariff adjustments and promote public awareness of responsible water use. State Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said such sessions could be… Continue reading Selangor promotes water tariff awareness and proxy business ban

KUALA LUMPUR: The role of university students as agents of social change is no longer optional but has become a strategic necessity in driving the future of national unity, said Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He said they must take a stand as guardians of unity values by firmly rejecting hate rhetoric… Continue reading University students key to national unity and social change – Aaron

MEMBAKUT: Barisan Nasional (BN) intends to contest at least one state seat in each parliamentary constituency in Sabah during the 17th state election, said its deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The Umno deputy president said the move is to ensure BN is represented in all 25 parliamentary constituencies in Sabah, which has a total… Continue reading BN aims for state seat in every Sabah parliamentary constituency

SUNGAI SIPUT: The Defence Ministry will ensure that no former members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), including the Orang Asli community, are left behind from the Veteran Desa Madani (VDM) programme. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said VDM, organised together with the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV), marked Sungai Siput as the… Continue reading Continued support for Orang Asli veterans via VDM initiative

KUALA LUMPUR: The younger generation of the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) should not be seen merely as ‘settlers’ children’ but as future leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to the nation, said Felda Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek. He said many Felda youths have already gained international recognition. “One day, Felda will produce outstanding… Continue reading Felda youth pivotal for Malaysia’s future success, says Ahmad Shabery

SEKINCHAN: The Selangor government will issue a circular to all local authorities (PBT) to be distributed across the state regarding the Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign in conjunction with the 68th National Day celebration this year. State Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the directive will apply to all premises,… Continue reading Selangor directs PBTs to fly Jalur Gemilang for National Day

KOTA KINABALU: The National Farmers’ Organization (NAFAS) today introduced a new look variant product for one of its flagship products, Baja Super Peladang fertilizer, which now features a fresher, more modern, and professional design. Chairman of the Farmers’ Organization Authority (LPP), Datuk Mahfuz Omar, said the new look from NAFAS’ subsidiary, NAFAS Bajakimia Sdn Bhd… Continue reading NAFAS launches new Baja Super Peladang fertilizer design in Kota Kinabalu

KERIAN: Firemen are expected to fully extinguish a 23.47-hectare bushfire in Kampung Tersusun Tebuk Panchor, Gunung Semanggol near Bagan Serai by tomorrow, says Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Sayani Saidon. He said the department would conduct thorough monitoring to ensure no hidden sources of fire remained in the affected area. “If no more… Continue reading Gunung Semanggol fire operation may end tomorrow – JBPM

SUNGAI SIPUT: The investigation into last Monday’s death of a Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES) cadet during training will be conducted comprehensively to ensure justice for all parties involved, including the victim’s family, the university, and higher education institutions. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the ministry is committed to reviewing… Continue reading UTM Palapes cadet death investigation to ensure justice for all

KUALA NERUS: The phased relocation of 100 graves at the Pengkalan Maras Muslim cemetery in Batu Rakit begins today, following severe coastal erosion that threatens to wash away numerous burial sites. Terengganu Mufti Datuk Dr Mohamad Sabri Haron said the relocation, approved by the Mufti’s Office and carried out by the Kuala Nerus Islamic Affairs… Continue reading Kuala Nerus relocates 100 graves at risk from coastal erosion