KLANG: A total of 36 deaths involving incidents in Malaysian waters were recorded as of last month, said Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Maritime Air Operations Division director First Admiral Mohd Tahir Khalid. The deaths were due to multiple factors, including fishing, boating, recreational activities and bad weather. He added that data was based on 251 individuals involved in 108 incidents recorded by the agency, highlighting a need to improve public awareness on maritime ..

PETALING JAYA: Authorities are urging the public to report individuals riding motorcycles without helmets in residential areas, especially teenagers. According to the Road Transport Department (RTD), Rule 4 of the Motorcycle (Helmet) Rules 1973 mandates that all motorcyclists and pillion riders must wear helmets while riding. Failure to comply is punishable with a compound fine of RM300. In addition, Section 39 of the Road Transport Act 1987 states that any individuals, including parents or ..

GEORGE TOWN: Puzzles have always fascinated Jayaram Menon, an engineer who turned educator more than a decade ago to help students connect academic knowledge with real-world problem-solving through logic-based learning. After retiring from Renesas Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, he became the only non-Western participant selected for Mensa Internationals pilot Leadership Programme in 2010. Jayaram is redefining how students interact with maths and science using puzzles as a bridge between abstract ..

PETALING JAYA: Students looking to enrol at universities should consider job opportunities alongside their personal interests, academics have advised. Universiti Teknologi Mara Perlis campus Faculty of Business and Management senior lecturer Dr Muhammad Aiman Arifin said students need to take a long- term view and consider current global workforce demands. While interest remains important, he explained it should be a secondary factor in course selection, with greater emphasis placed on future ..

PENAMPANG : The Kaamatan and Gawai festivals are not mere celebrations of gratitude because they also serve as a platform to enhance the cultural bond between the people of Sabah and Sarawak, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said that the close ties between the two states must be preserved, as they constitute the core of unity and harmony among the multiracial communities in East Malaysia. Sabah and Sarawak not only share borders but also a Bornean identity steeped in ..

JAKARTA : A Malaysian hiker was rescued after sustaining injuries while trekking to Danau Segara Anak on Mount Rinjani in Indonesias West Nusa Tenggara province. The incident occurred at 3.20 pm local time on Friday, prompting immediate action from authorities. The injured hiker, identified as Nazli Awan Mahat, was assisted by a local guide who alerted the Sembalun Resort. Mount Rinjani National Park Authority (BTNGR) head Yarman confirmed the successful evacuation on Saturday. The hikers ..

KEPALA BATAS : The Community Communication Department (JKOM) is broadening its initiatives to engage specific groups, ensuring effective dissemination of government policies and the Malaysia MADANI framework. Deputy director-general (management) Kafrawi Ridzuan Tarmizi highlighted the positive reception of these tailored programmes. Speaking after the 2025 MADANI Unity Programme in Kepala Batas, Kafrawi noted that the initiatives aim to correct misconceptions about MADANI, often wrongly ..

KUALA LUMPUR : Zainab Sabu, the elder sister of Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, died today at the age of 76. The news was shared by Mohamad in a heartfelt post on his official Facebook page, where he described her as a loving and resilient figure who made many sacrifices for their family. Mohamad, who is also president of Parti Amanah Negara, said he is currently en route to Rome, Italy, on official duty and expressed sorrow at being unable to be with his family ..

BALING : The RM22.80 million Sabo Dam in Sungai Kupang is set for early completion, offering enhanced flood protection for Balings 5,000 residents. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed the project is now 62% complete, surpassing the initial 20% target. Contractors have assured the dam will be ready two months ahead of schedule by late next year. Its rare for such projects to progress this swiftly, Saifuddin said during a site visit as Kedah state development action ..

KOTA TINGGI : Two elderly men were killed, and nine others, including a seven- month-old baby, were injured in a five-vehicle collision near Felda Pasak along Jalan Desaru-Kota Tinggi today. The Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre received an emergency call at 4.17 pm, dispatching six firefighters who arrived at the scene within 11 minutes. The accident involved five vehicles: four cars a Toyota Corolla, Perodua Axia, Proton Saga, and Perodua Bezza and a Hino lorry, the ..

BAGAN DATUK : The Perak Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the village chiefs office have initiated a census to expedite aid distribution for victims of the Hutan Melintang fire. District Disaster Management Committee chairman Nazrul Fazami Mohamad confirmed that multiple agencies are coordinating efforts to assess the damage and assist affected families. JKM and the village chiefs office are working swiftly to complete documentation for aid disbursement. Victims are urged to file police ..

PASIR PUTEH : The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) successfully rescued 1,259 individuals through 226 search and rescue (SAR) operations nationwide last year. Kelantan Maritime director Captain Erwan Shah Soahdi revealed that 64 fatalities were recorded, while 25 victims remain missing. Speaking at a press conference during the 2025 Maritime Awareness and Safety Day celebration, Erwan Shah highlighted the agencys operational efficiency. The statistics reflect MMEAs preparedness in ..

LABUAN : Minister in the Prime Ministers Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has stressed the need for coordinated efforts to reduce Labuans heavy dependence on imported food. She highlighted urban and alternative farming as key solutions to overcome the islands limited agricultural land. Speaking at the launch of the Interim Report on the 2024 Agriculture Census in the Federal Territories, Dr Zaliha acknowledged Labuans challenges, including land scarcity and ..

JOHOR BAHRU : The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) has introduced 22 new pineapple-based products developed in partnership with local entrepreneurs between 2021 and 2024. This initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen Malaysias downstream pineapple industry ahead of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Elmie Adha Ismail, Director of LPNMs Product Development and Biotechnology Division, stated that the board targets 25 innovative products by the end of 2024, reflecting the 13MPs emphasis ..

KUALA LUMPUR : The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) is expanding opportunities for young entrepreneurs, leveraging Malaysias ASEAN chairmanship to foster cross-border business growth. Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz highlighted key initiatives like the ASEAN SME Academy and the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) as pivotal in breaking barriers for startups. Speaking at the Nusantara Youth Forum 2025 in Putrajaya, Tengku Zafrul emphasised DEFAs potential to ..

SHAH ALAM : Police are investigating the discovery of a newborn baby boy abandoned by the roadside in Kampung Api-Api, Kuala Selangor. The infant, wrapped in a plastic bag, was found near a mosque on Friday night. Kuala Selangor police chief Supt Azaharudin Tajudin confirmed the incident, stating that Sungai Buloh Hospital alerted authorities at approximately 9.11 pm. Initial examinations revealed the baby was full-term, weighing 2.135 kilogrammes, and in stable condition. The infant is ..

KUALA LUMPUR : Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail extended his sympathies to the family of Lance Corporal Muhammad Amirul Aiman Muhammad Othman, who lost his life during a police operation early this morning. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the minister expressed his sorrow over the passing of the 24-year-old officer and urged the bereaved family to stay resilient. May Allah SWT forgive his sins and place him among the righteous, he wrote, acknowledging the officers service to the ..

KUALA LUMPUR : Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has assured immediate aid for victims of a fire that razed 23 houses and premises in Kampung Bagan Pasir Laut, Hutan Melintang, Bagan Datuk early this morning. Officers from his office were swiftly deployed to assess the situation and assist affected families. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Bagan Datuk MP, expressed gratitude to firefighters, security personnel, and volunteers for their rapid response. The fire, which broke out ..

KUALA LUMPUR : A powerful earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale jolted the Scotia Sea earlier today. The tremor occurred at 4.32 pm local time, with its epicentre located 3,152 km southeast of Puerto Montt, Chile. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) reported the quake had a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. Despite its strength, authorities confirmed no tsunami threat to Malaysia or surrounding regions. Earthquakes in the Scotia Sea are not uncommon due to its position ..

PASIR MAS: Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has called for party unity to prevent past election losses caused by internal sabotage. Speaking at the Rantau Panjang Umno Division delegates meeting, he stressed that disunity, not rival strength, led to previous defeats. Thats what we want to avoid in the future, he told reporters, emphasising the need for a strong party machinery within the Unity Government. Responding to claims that some factions want Umno to contest GE16 ..

KUALA LUMPUR: Police are appealing for public assistance to trace a 49-year- old local man who has been reported missing since last month. Subang Jaya police chief ACP Wan Azlan Wan Mamat confirmed that Hasni Hashim was last seen at Menara Suria, Jalan Subang Mas, Taman Subang Mas, Subang Jaya, Selangor, at 2.40pm on May 27. The missing person report was received at 1.55pm on Wednesday. Hasni has a tanned complexion, short black hair, stands at 170 cm tall and weighs approximately 80kg, Wan ..

JAKARTA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have pledged to strengthen strategic cooperation, particularly in the Ambalat maritime border area. The leaders emphasised peaceful collaboration to benefit both nations economically and diplomatically. During a joint press conference at Istana Merdeka, Anwar highlighted the need to expedite economic cooperation in contested regions rather than waiting for prolonged legal resolutions. If we wait to finish ..

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has launched the 2025 Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM) under the theme Jom Beli Lokal to strengthen domestic economic growth and support local entrepreneurs. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali highlighted that the campaign aims to enhance sales value and market penetration for Malaysian-made products while reducing reliance on imports. This initiative directly supports local entrepreneurs and contributes to national ..

KUALA LUMPUR: The Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (SAMENTA) has lauded the Ministry of Finances updated Sales and Service Tax (SST) expansion, calling it a significant relief for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SAMENTA president Datuk William Ng highlighted that the revised policy raises the annual sales threshold for service tax on rental and financial services, sparing around 75% of SMEs from an additional eight per cent tax burden. When the expansion of the SST was ..

KUANTAN: The Pahang government has set aside RM500,000 to repair the homes of Tok Batin (village chiefs) and Orang Asli communities across the state. The decision follows inspections revealing several houses in poor condition requiring immediate attention. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the funding reflects the states commitment to inclusive development. No community should be left behind. Weve tasked Pahang Orang Asli Corporation Sdn Bhd (Oraco) to identify homes needing ..

GEORGE TOWN: A factory analysis manager in Bayan Baru fell victim to a love scam, losing RM300,000 after being deceived by a man posing as an American businessman on social media. Penang Police deputy chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin revealed that the 45-year-old woman met the suspect on Facebook in November last year. The man, who claimed to be an IT entrepreneur operating abroad, later moved their conversations to WhatsApp, expressing interest in a serious relationship. Mohd Alwi stated, ..

PASIR MAS: The recent bullying incident at Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Besut has prompted stern action from Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), with six students suspended and expelled following an investigation. MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki emphasised that such behaviour will not be tolerated, calling it a lesson for all MRSM students nationwide. Speaking to reporters after officiating the UMNO Division delegates meeting in Rantau Panjang, Asyraf Wajdi confirmed the disciplinary ..

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a weather advisory predicting dry and hot conditions across most parts of the country from June 28 to July 1. Director-General Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip stated that weather model analyses indicate maximum temperatures could reach 35 degrees Celsius in certain areas. He urged the public to limit outdoor activities during this period to avoid heat-related health risks. For real- time updates, Mohd Hisham recommended ..

JASIN: A 12-year-old girl lost her life in a devastating accident on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) near Jasin this morning. The victim, identified as Iris Sofea Mohamed Siddiq Khan, was ejected from her familys vehicle after a tyre burst, leading to a fatal collision. According to Jasin police chief Supt Mohamad Rusli Mat, the incident occurred around 8 am at KM 189.1 of the southbound PLUS expressway. The Toyota Vellfire, driven by Iris Sofeas father, Mohamed Siddiq Khan, 36, suffered a ..

JOHOR BAHRU: The government is ramping up efforts to promote local fruits through the Eat Local Fruits campaign, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and bolster farmers incomes nationwide. Agriculture and Food Safety Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced the initiative during the launch of the 2025 Malaysian Pineapple Day here today. Mohamad urged all federal and state agencies to serve local fruits at official functions as part of the campaign. We want to prioritise local produce and ..

GEORGE TOWN: Mediation has proven to be a cost-effective and efficient method for resolving workplace disputes, saving employers and employees millions while fostering industrial harmony. Human Resource Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong highlighted that 65 per cent of cases referred to the Department of Industrial Relations were successfully resolved through mediation in 2024, preventing unnecessary legal battles. Speaking at the inaugural Industrial Mediation Symposium 2025, Sim noted that ..

KUALA LUMPUR: The nationwide Maal Hijrah 1447H/2025M celebration saw grand events across eight states and the federal capital, emphasising unity, reflection, and religious devotion. Activities included religious talks, Quran recitations, and awards for outstanding contributions to Islam and the nation. In Kuala Lumpur, nearly 8,000 attendees gathered at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, graced the event alongside Prime Minister ..

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman and the Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are intensifying efforts to locate suspects involved in two separate fatal shootings in Brickfields and Cheras. Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad confirmed joint investigations are underway, with the Sarawak CID aiding in determining the motive behind the Cheras incident. Mohamed Usuf stated that creating suspect photofits has been challenging. Witnesses could not provide clear ..

JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) is encouraging young entrepreneurs to explore the thriving pineapple industry, which promises substantial economic returns and innovation opportunities. LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali highlighted the sectors potential for youth engagement, emphasising the role of technology and fresh perspectives in driving growth. Youth involvement can generate lucrative income and introduce modern approaches like IoT and mechanisation, he said ..

BATU PAHAT: A 27-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stealing a Rolex watch worth RM100,700 from a car parked at a house in Taman Sinar Berlian. The victim discovered the theft at around 9.30 pm last Tuesday after noticing signs of a break-in. Batu Pahat police chief ACP Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said the victim also reported RM700 missing from the vehicle. A search operation led to the suspects arrest at a house in Taman Seri Wangsa in the early hours of June 25. Police ..

KUALA LUMPUR: The Rasa Asli Desa Risda Carnival 2025 kicked off today, running until June 30, with organisers targeting over 10,000 visitors. The event features 28 entrepreneurs from 13 states presenting more than 60 types of local culinary delights. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Datuk Rubiah Wang highlighted the ministrys support for rural entrepreneurs, particularly smallholders under the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda). Programmes like ..

GEORGE TOWN: Six fishermen from southern Penang have been given new boats and engines under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) scheme, marking a significant improvement in their livelihoods. For Hashimi Hamzah, 50, from Sungai Batu, the new boat is an early birthday gift ahead of his 50th birthday on July 3. His previous boat was destroyed in a storm six months ago, forcing him to work as a crew member on others boats. The new boat is an unexpected blessing. It means a lot to me because ..

SHAH ALAM: Water levels in all seven dams across Selangor currently exceed 95% capacity, ensuring supply stability for the next three to six months despite the ongoing Southwest Monsoon. Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim confirmed the states preparedness to manage water resources during the dry season. The Southwest Monsoon, active since May 10 and expected to persist until September, brings reduced rainfall and low humidity. However, Izham noted that ..

MOSCOW: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof met with Rosatom director-general Alexey Likhachev today to explore bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy development. The meeting, lasting an hour, highlighted Malaysias commitment to a balanced energy future. Fadillah emphasised Malaysias interest in strengthening ties with Rosatom, particularly in technical knowledge exchange, infrastructure development, and public education on nuclear energy. We value our collaboration and aim for a ..

KUALA LUMPUR: The strong friendship between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is reshaping regional diplomacy, blending personal rapport with strategic cooperation. Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, the Prime Ministers senior political secretary, highlighted how their bond transcends formal politics, offering a model of progressive leadership rooted in shared struggles and mutual respect. History shows both leaders overcame ..