Brazil demands Meta remove childlike erotic chatbots from platforms

BRASÍLIA: Brazil has formally requested Meta to eliminate chatbots that imitate children and engage in sexually suggestive dialogues across its platforms. The attorney general’s office issued an extrajudicial notice demanding immediate removal of these AI-generated profiles. Meta’s AI Studio allows users to develop customised bots exhibiting childlike language and appearance on Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp.… Continue reading Brazil demands Meta remove childlike erotic chatbots from platforms

Spain wildfires destroy 30,000 more hectares as heatwave ends

MADRID: Wildfires have consumed an additional 30,000 hectares in western Spain within 24 hours, satellite data revealed on Tuesday. The European Forest Fire Information System confirmed 373,000 hectares burned this year as of 0700 GMT. This marks Spain’s most destructive fire season since records began in 2006, exceeding 2022’s total of 306,000 hectares lost. The… Continue reading Spain wildfires destroy 30,000 more hectares as heatwave ends

Forget ChatGPT-5, Malaysian companies say it’s better to ‘go local’ in using AI: Juwai IQI

PETALING JAYA: Despite all the hype about OpenAI’s new ChatGPT-5 model, some Malaysian business leaders say companies should instead “go local” for artificial intelligence (AI). Doing so can create jobs, protect Malaysian consumer data, make artificial intelligence more Malaysian and boost companies’ bottom line, according to insights released today by Juwai IQI. Juwai IQI Group… Continue reading Forget ChatGPT-5, Malaysian companies say it’s better to ‘go local’ in using AI: Juwai IQI
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Johor Regent demands immediate action against school bullying surge

JOHOR BAHRU: The Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail has called for immediate and stricter enforcement measures to combat the recent surge in bullying incidents. His Royal Highness emphasised the need to swiftly curb such behaviour to ensure that all educational institutions remain safe spaces for children. Tunku Mahkota Ismail said this after visiting a… Continue reading Johor Regent demands immediate action against school bullying surge

OpenAI launches cheapest ChatGPT plan in India

BENGALURU: ChatGPT maker OpenAI on Tuesday launched ChatGPT Go, a new India-only subscription plan priced at 399 rupees (US$4.57; RM19.28) per month, its most affordable offering yet, as the company looks to deepen its presence in its second-largest market. Global companies often offer cheaper subscription plans for India’s price-sensitive market, targeting the nearly one billion… Continue reading OpenAI launches cheapest ChatGPT plan in India
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India’s purchases of Malaysian palm oil surge in July

KUALA LUMPUR: India’s palm oil imports from Malaysia surged 16% in July 2025 to 301,000 tonnes, the highest in nine months, even as Malaysia’s palm oil inventories climbed to a 19-month high of 2.11 million tonnes on slower pace of exports, said Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC). In a statement yesterday, it said demand from… Continue reading India’s purchases of Malaysian palm oil surge in July
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July trade rises to RM265.9b, surplus widens

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s trade performance recorded a positive growth in July 2025 with a total trade exhibiting an increase of 3.8% from RM256.2 billion in the previous year to RM265.9 billion. This performance primarily driven by a marginal growth in imports by 0.6%, reaching RM125.5 billion and exports by 6.8%, valued at RM140.4 billion in July… Continue reading July trade rises to RM265.9b, surplus widens
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Thai princess receives continuous treatment for blood pressure stabilisation

BANGKOK: Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, is undergoing continuous medical treatment to stabilise her blood pressure. The palace confirmed her condition remains critical due to a severe infection. The 46-year-old princess has been unconscious since December 2022 after suffering heart complications during a dog training session. The Bureau of… Continue reading Thai princess receives continuous treatment for blood pressure stabilisation

Man arrested for spreading fake statements on Zara Qairina case

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested a man for spreading false statements about the investigation into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir on social media. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M Kumar said the man, 51, was found to have uploaded a two minute and six second video to a TikTok… Continue reading Man arrested for spreading fake statements on Zara Qairina case

Penguatkuasaan lebih ketat bendung buli – Pemangku Sultan Johor

JOHOR BAHRU: Pemangku Sultan Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail menitahkan agar langkah-langkah penguatkuasaan yang lebih ketat dilaksanakan segera berikutan kejadian buli yang kerap berlaku kebelakangan ini. Baginda bertitah buli harus dibendung segera bagi memastikan setiap institusi pendidikan menjadi kawasan yang selamat bagi kanak-kanak. Tunku Mahkota Ismail bertitah demikian selepas melawat seorang murid darjah empat yang dilaporkan… Continue reading Penguatkuasaan lebih ketat bendung buli – Pemangku Sultan Johor
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Kelantan projected to become ageing state by 2032 with 15% elderly population

KOTA BHARU: Kelantan is projected to become an ageing state in less than a decade according to population development projections. Kelantan National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) director Haslinda Hassan said last year, 11.1% of Kelantan’s population were aged 60 and above, and the figure is expected to reach 15% by 2032. “This is… Continue reading Kelantan projected to become ageing state by 2032 with 15% elderly population

Tolak segala perbuatan buli fizikal atau emosi – Sultan Kedah

ALOR SETAR: Sultan Kedah Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah bertitah supaya semua pihak menolak segala perbuatan dan amalan yang tidak berakhlak seperti membuli sama ada secara fizikal atau emosi yang boleh membawa kepada kemudaratan. Sultan Sallehuddin bertitah semua pihak harus ke arah membina budaya kasih sayang dan hormat-menghormati dan menolak gejala membuli terutamanya dalam kalangan pelajar… Continue reading Tolak segala perbuatan buli fizikal atau emosi – Sultan Kedah
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Malaysian polytechnics urged to adopt global practices for industry needs

PUTRAJAYA: Polytechnics and Community Colleges must become more practical by implementing global best practices to address actual industry and community requirements. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir emphasised this necessity during the Polytechnic Industry Advisory Council meeting and dialogue session organised by the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education. The department… Continue reading Malaysian polytechnics urged to adopt global practices for industry needs

Johor police near completion of probe into child bullying case

JOHOR BAHRU: Police investigations into the bullying of a 10-year-old boy are nearing completion and will soon be forwarded to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for legal assessment. Johor police chief CP Ab Rahaman Arsad confirmed seven individuals have provided statements regarding the incident that left the child with serious injuries. “We will first refer to… Continue reading Johor police near completion of probe into child bullying case

Polis siasat kes buli melibatkan pelajar senior di sekolah asrama Melaka

MELAKA: Polis sedang menyiasat kes buli yang melibatkan dua pelajar tingkatan empat di sebuah sekolah asrama di Sungai Udang. Insiden itu berlaku pada awal pagi Sabtu lepas dan melibatkan lebih 20 pelajar tingkatan tiga. Ketua Polis Daerah Melaka Tengah Asisten Komisioner Christopher Patit mengesahkan laporan diterima dan siasatan dijalankan di bawah Seksyen 323 Kanun Keseksaan.… Continue reading Polis siasat kes buli melibatkan pelajar senior di sekolah asrama Melaka
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Malaysia needs strong commitment to maintain halal industry leadership

KUALA LUMPUR: A united approach is essential to preserve Malaysia’s status as a world leader in the halal industry, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He emphasised that coordinated efforts would boost the nation’s halal economy, reinforce its international market position, and create broader advantages for citizens. Ahmad Zahid, who… Continue reading Malaysia needs strong commitment to maintain halal industry leadership

Melaka urges utility firms to tighten safety checks after Putra Heights blast

MELAKA: The state government has directed all utility companies to implement comprehensive safety protocols and rigorous inspections to avoid potential hazards. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh emphasised that negligence could lead to severe risks, disrupting services and endangering public safety. “Melaka is part of the Peninsular Gas Utilisation grid and hosts the Sungai… Continue reading Melaka urges utility firms to tighten safety checks after Putra Heights blast

Perak forms multi-agency committee to tackle school bullying cases

PARIT: The Perak government has established a reinforced special committee at state and district levels to systematically address bullying cases in schools, incorporating multi-agency collaboration for comprehensive intervention. State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah confirmed the committee is chaired by the State Education Director at state level and District… Continue reading Perak forms multi-agency committee to tackle school bullying cases

Kedah Sultan calls for rejection of physical and emotional bullying

ALOR SETAR: The Sultan of Kedah, Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, has urged everyone to reject immoral acts like physical and emotional bullying, which can cause harm. His Royal Highness emphasised the need to cultivate a culture of kindness and mutual respect while opposing bullying, particularly among students, to nurture noble character and future… Continue reading Kedah Sultan calls for rejection of physical and emotional bullying

Deadly Pakistan cloudburst leaves survivors digging through rubble

BAR DALORI: Survivors and rescuers in a remote Pakistani village are digging through rubble after a deadly cloudburst triggered massive landslides. The disaster struck Dalori village in the middle of the night, sending rocks and water crashing down mountainsides. At least 15 houses were destroyed, with nine confirmed dead and around 20 still trapped under… Continue reading Deadly Pakistan cloudburst leaves survivors digging through rubble

Selangor immigration tightens control on foreign workers after entry ban

KLANG: The Selangor Immigration Department remains committed to controlling the number of foreign workers in the state after the government halted new entries in May. Director Khairrul Aminus Kamaruddin confirmed no new foreign worker arrivals have been recorded in Selangor, with enforcement efforts now targeting compliance among existing workers. “To date, I understand that there… Continue reading Selangor immigration tightens control on foreign workers after entry ban

Monsta’s new animation lineup excites global fans with Mechamato and BoBoiBoy

KUALA LUMPUR: The newly released trailer for upcoming animated series Mechamato, BoBoiBoy and Papa Zola The Movie has sparked widespread excitement among international fans, with social media platforms flooded with positive reactions. Animonsta Studios Sdn Bhd (Monsta) noted the enthusiastic response from viewers in Indonesia, India, Japan, China and other countries highlights the expanding global… Continue reading Monsta’s new animation lineup excites global fans with Mechamato and BoBoiBoy

Air Canada flight attendants defy back-to-work order as strike talks restart

TORONTO: Striking Air Canada flight attendants have vowed to defy a back-to-work order from Canada’s labour tribunal as negotiations resume. The walkout, which began early Saturday, has disrupted travel plans for half a million passengers worldwide. Around 10,000 flight attendants are demanding higher wages and compensation for unpaid ground work, including boarding duties. Air Canada,… Continue reading Air Canada flight attendants defy back-to-work order as strike talks restart

MARDI urges drone operators to get RCOC-AL certification for farming

ALOR SETAR: The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) has advised all agricultural drone operators to obtain the new Remote Certificate of Competency-Agriculture Light (RCOC-AL) to ensure correct technology usage and optimal yield improvements. MARDI chairman Dr Azman Ismail stated that the module, approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), also provides… Continue reading MARDI urges drone operators to get RCOC-AL certification for farming

Malaysia PM Anwar discusses Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire with Hun Manet

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today held a phone discussion with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet regarding recent developments in the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. Anwar shared on Facebook that their conversation included evaluating the performance of the Interim Observer Team monitoring border activities between the two nations. “We also… Continue reading Malaysia PM Anwar discusses Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire with Hun Manet

Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in NYC kills 5, hospitalises 14

NEW YORK: An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem has resulted in five deaths and 14 hospitalisations, according to health officials. The New York City health department stated, “The NYC Health Department is currently investigating a community cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem.” As of August 18, there are 108 confirmed cases linked to… Continue reading Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in NYC kills 5, hospitalises 14

Quota for foreign workers to reopen on case-by-case basis, says Home Minister

PETALING JAYA: The government has agreed to reopen applications for foreign worker recruitment quotas, but only on a case-by-case basis in selected sectors, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the decision was made at the 14th Joint Committee Meeting between the Home Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry on the management… Continue reading Quota for foreign workers to reopen on case-by-case basis, says Home Minister

Malaysia plans 18 waste-to-energy plants by 2050 to boost renewable power

KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry has set an ambitious target to develop 18 waste-to-energy plants across Peninsular Malaysia by 2050 as part of the country’s renewable energy push. Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed the WTE facility in Port Dickson began operations last year while the Sungai Udang plant in Melaka is expected… Continue reading Malaysia plans 18 waste-to-energy plants by 2050 to boost renewable power

More seats and transport options for National Day 2025 in Putrajaya

PUTRAJAYA: Visitors to this year’s National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya will enjoy double the seating capacity compared to last year, with 8,000 tiered seats available. Information Department director-general Julina Johan said the increase from 4,000 seats addresses public feedback about insufficient seating during last year’s event. “We took into account public feedback, as last… Continue reading More seats and transport options for National Day 2025 in Putrajaya

Australia condemns Israel over revoked diplomat visas amid tensions

SYDNEY: Australia has rebuked Israel for cancelling visas held by its diplomatic staff assigned to the Palestinian Authority. The move came after Australia barred far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman from entering the country ahead of a speaking tour. Foreign Minister Penny Wong called Israel’s response an “unjustified reaction” that undermines peace efforts. “At a time… Continue reading Australia condemns Israel over revoked diplomat visas amid tensions

Chile’s presidential race pits communist against far-right in polarised contest

SANTIAGO: Chile’s upcoming presidential election on November 16 highlights the nation’s political polarisation, with Communist Party candidate Jeannette Jara and far-right veteran Jose Antonio Kast emerging as frontrunners. Eight candidates have registered for the race, according to an AFP tally before Monday’s deadline, setting the stage for a contentious battle. Analysts describe the contest as… Continue reading Chile’s presidential race pits communist against far-right in polarised contest

Malaysia pushes ASEAN to adopt ADR for cross-border insolvency disputes

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has called on ASEAN member states to implement Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for settling cross-border insolvency disputes instead of relying solely on court proceedings. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said highlighted mediation, arbitration and adjudication as faster and more cost-effective ADR methods. “ADR… Continue reading Malaysia pushes ASEAN to adopt ADR for cross-border insolvency disputes

Judge advises key witness in Lim Guan Eng case to seek MACC protection

KUALA LUMPUR: Sessions Court Judge Azura Alwi advised the key witness in Lim Guan Eng’s corruption trial to seek protection through the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or police rather than the court. She stated that Datuk Seri G. Gnanaraja, the 37th prosecution witness, should address his safety concerns directly with the prosecution instead of raising them… Continue reading Judge advises key witness in Lim Guan Eng case to seek MACC protection

Excessive force against LA protesters detailed in rights report

LOS ANGELES: A Human Rights Watch report has accused law enforcement of using excessive force and deliberate brutality against protesters and journalists during demonstrations in June. The protests were sparked by anger over immigration raids targeting undocumented migrants in Southern California. Scores of people were injured as officers deployed hard foam rounds, flash-bang grenades, pepper… Continue reading Excessive force against LA protesters detailed in rights report

Negeri Sembilan PMR 2025 to showcase digital and AI innovations

SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan edition of the MADANI Rakyat Programme (PMR) 2025 will introduce a fresh digital and artificial intelligence (AI) focus when it runs from 22 to 24 August at Dataran Nilai. Under the theme ‘Digital Merentasi Generasi Memperkasa Komuniti’, the event will feature AI presenters alongside human hosts during the opening ceremony officiated… Continue reading Negeri Sembilan PMR 2025 to showcase digital and AI innovations

Petra kaji daya maju reaktor modular kecil sebagai sumber tenaga

PETALING JAYA: Kementerian Peralihan Tenaga dan Transformasi Air (PETRA) sedang mengkaji daya maju tenaga nuklear termasuk reaktor modular kecil (SMR). Kajian ini bertujuan menilai potensinya sebagai sumber kuasa beban asas yang stabil menurut Menterinya Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah yang juga Timbalan Perdana Menteri menyatakan kajian akan memberi tumpuan di kawasan dengan cabaran unik dalam… Continue reading Petra kaji daya maju reaktor modular kecil sebagai sumber tenaga

Police probe boarding school bullying case involving senior students in Melaka

MELAKA: Police are investigating a bullying case involving two senior students at a boarding school in Sungai Udang who allegedly punished more than 20 Form Three students on Saturday. Melaka Tengah district police chief ACP Christopher Patit confirmed receiving a report and said the two suspects are being probed under Section 323 of the Penal… Continue reading Police probe boarding school bullying case involving senior students in Melaka

Maduro mobilises 4.5 million militia amid US threats and sanctions

CARACAS: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced plans to mobilise 4.5 million militia members following what he described as US threats. The move comes after Washington increased the bounty for Maduro’s arrest to $50 million over drug trafficking charges. Maduro stated on state television that the militia would ensure nationwide coverage, calling them “prepared, activated and… Continue reading Maduro mobilises 4.5 million militia amid US threats and sanctions

Cadangan sambungan ECRL ke Rantau Panjang dibincang Kabinet

KUALA LUMPUR: Cadangan sambungan Projek Laluan Rel Pantai Timur (ECRL) ke Rantau Panjang, Kelantan akan dibincangkan dalam mesyuarat Kabinet tidak lama lagi. Menteri Pengangkutan Anthony Loke Siew Fook berkata projek tersebut masih dalam fasa pembinaan dan perlu dibincangkan semula dengan pihak China. “Jajaran ke Rantau Panjang adalah sebahagian daripada pakej ECRL, tetapi ia memerlukan perbincangan… Continue reading Cadangan sambungan ECRL ke Rantau Panjang dibincang Kabinet

KPKT sasar RM1 bilion tambahan untuk pembersihan awam

PUTRAJAYA: Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT) menyasarkan peruntukan tambahan lebih RM1 bilion bagi memperhebat usaha pembersihan awam. Sasaran ini dibuat susulan persetujuan kerajaan negeri Selangor dan Pulau Pinang untuk menerima pakai Akta 672. Menteri Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan Nga Kor Ming berkata peruntukan tambahan itu akan membolehkan pelaksanaan beberapa reformasi. Antaranya adalah sasaran 20… Continue reading KPKT sasar RM1 bilion tambahan untuk pembersihan awam

UN debates Lebanon peacekeeping force withdrawal amid tensions

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council began debating a French-drafted resolution to extend the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon for one year while preparing for its eventual withdrawal. Israel and the US reportedly oppose renewing the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), raising uncertainty over Washington’s support due to its… Continue reading UN debates Lebanon peacekeeping force withdrawal amid tensions

MCMC kenal pasti individu palsu sebagai pakar patologi di TikTok

PUTRAJAYA: Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia (MCMC) telah mengenal pasti individu di sebalik akaun TikTok “Dato’ Prof Dr Tunku Iskandar” yang didakwa menyamar sebagai pakar patologi. Individu tersebut turut mendakwa terlibat dalam proses bedah siasat kematian Allahyarham Zara Qairina Mahathir. MCMC dalam kenyataan memaklumkan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) mengesahkan suspek bukan seorang pakar patologi. “Individu… Continue reading MCMC kenal pasti individu palsu sebagai pakar patologi di TikTok

Hurricane Erin batters Caribbean, threatens US East Coast with flooding

WASHINGTON: Hurricane Erin unleashed powerful winds and torrential rain across the Caribbean on Monday, with its effects expected to reach the US East Coast later this week. The storm rapidly intensified over the weekend, briefly reaching Category 5 strength before weakening to a Category 3 hurricane. The US National Hurricane Center reported maximum sustained winds… Continue reading Hurricane Erin batters Caribbean, threatens US East Coast with flooding

Record 81 contingents to join National Day parade in Putrajaya

PUTRAJAYA: This year’s National Day parade at Dataran Putrajaya will feature a record 81 contingents, marking a significant increase from 57 last year. The Information Department (JAPEN) confirmed 14,010 participants and 116 animal assets will join the parade alongside 21 marching bands performing patriotic and cultural themes. JAPEN director-general Julina Johan announced the return of… Continue reading Record 81 contingents to join National Day parade in Putrajaya

Polis tahan tiga lelaki, rampasan dadah bernilai RM4.16 juta

MELAKA: Polis berjaya menumpaskan sindiket pengedaran dadah selepas menahan tiga lelaki dan merampas pelbagai jenis dadah bernilai RM4.16 juta. Operasi itu dijalankan pada 13 Ogos lepas di sekitar Lembah Klang dan Melaka. Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah Narkotik (JSJN) Bukit Aman Datuk Hussein Omar Khan berkata kesemua suspek berusia antara 25 hingga 46 tahun. “Dalam serbuan… Continue reading Polis tahan tiga lelaki, rampasan dadah bernilai RM4.16 juta

Record 383 aid workers killed in 2024 amid global conflicts

GENEVA: A record 383 aid workers were killed in 2024, the United Nations announced on World Humanitarian Day. The figure marks a 31 percent increase from the previous year, driven largely by conflicts in Gaza and Sudan. The UN described the rising toll as a “shameful indictment” of global inaction and apathy toward protecting humanitarian… Continue reading Record 383 aid workers killed in 2024 amid global conflicts

Urban renewal bill to be tabled in parliament this Thursday

PUTRAJAYA: The Urban Renewal Bill will be tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat this Thursday, marking a significant step in Malaysia’s urban development plans. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed the second and third readings are scheduled for 27 August, setting a new direction for sustainable and inclusive urban… Continue reading Urban renewal bill to be tabled in parliament this Thursday

Elderly North Korean spies seek repatriation to Pyongyang from Seoul

SEOUL: Six elderly men convicted of spying for North Korea have formally requested repatriation to Pyongyang decades after completing prison terms in South Korea. The group, aged 80 to 96, served lengthy sentences while maintaining allegiance to communist ideology after being captured during the Korean War. Ahn Hak-sop, now 95, endured over 40 years imprisonment… Continue reading Elderly North Korean spies seek repatriation to Pyongyang from Seoul