PETALING JAYA : Cybercrime has overtaken piracy as Aseans primary security concern, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail after chairing the 19th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in Malacca last week. Once, the focus was sea piracy. Today, the most dangerous threats come from the digital sphere (such as) online scams and money laundering. These crimes have no borders and no ethnicity. Victims could be anyone, from small business owners to students. The ..

PETALING JAYA : PAS leaders have signalled the partys readiness to be the big brother in Perikatan Nasional, positioning PAS for greater influence in shaping the coalitions strategies and political direction. PAS central working committee member Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad said the push for PAS to lead PN was not merely a party aspiration but also a reflection of grassroots sentiment. Many Malaysians, especially at the grassroots, believe PAS has the leadership capability to steer Perikatan ..

KOTA KINABALU : Electricity supply to Sabahs east coast has been fully restored after a disruption that lasted since last Saturday. Sabah Electricity chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Yaakob Jaafar confirmed power returned at 10.20 pm Tuesday night. He thanked frontline personnel and support teams for their tireless efforts in restoring electricity. Mohd Yaakob also expressed appreciation to consumers for their patience throughout the disruption period. The outage occurred after a landslide in ..

PUTATAN : Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged residents in Sabahs east coast districts to prepare for possible evacuations as strong wind squalls are forecast to hit Sandakan and Lahad Datu within the next two to three days. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, stated that the weather system previously affecting the west coast is now expected to shift eastward. This is not to cause panic, but to ensure readiness, he told reporters after ..

KOTA KINABALU : The Coroners Court heard that the late Zara Qairina Mahathir swore a solemn oath to Allah while crying and screaming to repeatedly deny theft allegations made against her. School head warden Azhari Abd Sagap testified that the incident occurred after the deceased was summoned for questioning about a theft reported by a Form One student to the dormitory leader. Zara Qairina was asked by her dorm leader to swear by Wallahi in response to the theft accusation, the 31-year-old ..

PETALING JAYA : Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has affirmed that all component parties within PN are entitled to express their views, stressing that diversity of opinion is both welcomed and respected. He said Bersatus annual general assembly had unanimously agreed to nominate party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also PN chairman, as the coalitions candidate for Malaysias 11th prime minister. Azmin emphasised that PN is built on equal partnership, not on a big ..

PETALING JAYA : PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awangs criteria for Perikatan Nasionals (PN) prime minister candidate has been read as a direct snub to coalition chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, analysts say. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said the message from PAS was clear Muhyiddin, who is 77, no longer fits the bill. Based on age, yes, its evident that PAS has rejected Muhyiddin as a candidate ..

KUANTAN : A trailer truck crashed into the Felda Kechau 8 Auxiliary Police Control Post in Kuala Lipis this morning, resulting in injuries to both the driver and one auxiliary police officer. Lipis District Police Chief Supt Ismail Man confirmed the incident occurred around 9:50 am when a 28-year-old male driver of an empty trailer truck lost control while travelling from Sungai Temau towards Kuantan. The impact caused the roof and walls of the control post to collapse onto a motorcycle that ..

KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia is accelerating its halal industry through digital transformation and global collaboration initiatives. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the Halal+ 2030 framework during the World Halal Development Conference, emphasising technology integration and international cooperation. The initiative focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence, blockchain and Internet of Things technologies to ensure full traceability across halal supply chains. ..

SHAH ALAM : Raja Azlan Raja Ideris, the second son of former Selangor State Executive Councillor Datuk Raja Ideris Raja Ahmad, shared that his father always put the peoples welfare first, even as his health declined and he appeared less in public. He said his fathers commitment to serving the community became second nature to him, owing to his extensive experience in the political landscape, particularly through Barisan Nasional (BN) and Selangor UMNO. Family members, neighbours, political ..

PUTRAJAYA : The Ministry of Education has ordered immediate evacuation of quarters near the landslide site at Institute of Teacher Education Gaya Campus in Sabah. Several immediate measures include demolishing affected building blocks to facilitate new construction. The ministry has also arranged rental of nearby premises outside campus to ensure uninterrupted academic activities. Work to rebuild the damaged water tank has been carried out following the incident. No injuries were reported from ..

IPOH : A severe storm damaged eighteen houses and a mosque in Pantai Remis, Manjung, following heavy rain and strong winds. The Manjung District Civil Defence Force Operations Control Centre received incident notification at 8.56 am through the District Disaster Management Committees WhatsApp group. The storm occurred around 12.30 am, prompting APM personnel deployment to the affected area at 12.20 pm. Personnel arrived at Al-Aliah Mosque by 1.15 pm to assess the extensive damage caused by the ..

KOTA KINABALU : The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department has suspended the search for a Sabah Electricity worker feared drowned after being swept away by floodwaters in Sungai Nuntunan, Apin-Apin, Keningau last night. State director Mohd Pisar Aziz confirmed in a statement today that the operation to find the 35-year-old man will resume tomorrow. The search operation began at 9.30 am today and covered a 40-kilometre radius along the Pagalan River, including Sungai Kampung Banjar, Sungai Kampung ..

KOTA KINABALU : Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived in Kota Kinabalu at 7.40 pm today to assess the disaster situation currently affecting several parts of Sabah. Ahmad Zahid was briefed by the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), chaired by State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport briefing room. Also present was Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who is also UMNO Sabah chairman. As ..

JAKARTA : Student exchange programmes between Malaysia and other countries significantly enhance bilateral relations through cultural and academic exchanges. Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin stated that these initiatives provide valuable international exposure while fostering mutual understanding. He explained that such programmes allow students to become informal ambassadors who promote their home countries abroad. This student exchange is crucial ..

IPOH : Police are actively searching for a suspect involved in a housebreaking incident that occurred in Lapangan Perdana on September 13. Ipoh district police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad confirmed the suspect was captured on surveillance footage wearing a blue cap and face mask during the 2.48 pm break-in. The suspect fled using a Proton Persona car bearing the registration number BMH 7286, he stated in an official release. Police investigations revealed the vehicle had been ..

KUALA LUMPUR : The Malaysian delegation of the Global Sumud Flotilla has resumed its voyage towards Gaza after docking in Tunisia. According to the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation, the group will rendezvous with Group B which is currently awaiting them at sea. The organisation stated that the Malaysian delegation remains resolute in its mission despite navigating rough waters from Barcelona to Tunisia. MAPIM described the journey as more than a humanitarian effort, ..

KUALA LUMPUR : The retail price of RON95 petrol will remain unchanged at RM2.05 per litre for the period of September 18-24. RON97 petrol will increase by three sen from RM3.18 to RM3.21 per litre during the same period. Diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia will also rise by three sen from RM2.90 to RM2.93 per litre. The diesel price in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan will remain at RM2.15 per litre. The Ministry of Finance stated that these prices are determined using the Automatic Pricing ..

KOTA KINABALU : A doctor testified at the Coroners Court that Zara Qairina Mahathirs mother received sufficient time to decide against a post-mortem examination for her daughter. Dr Logaraj Ratha stated that Noraidah Lamat appeared calm and composed during their consultation and was given space to make an informed decision about the procedure. The doctor explained everything using simple language and allowed ample time for consideration while noting her clear responses to his questions. Police ..

KUALA LUMPUR : PLUS Malaysia Berhad has committed RM37 million to enhance public toilet facilities at 56 locations along its highway network since 2023. The comprehensive improvement programme covers Rest and Service Areas, laybys, overhead bridge restaurants, and toll plazas throughout the PLUS-operated highway system. PLUS completed upgrades for 32 public toilet facilities in 2023, followed by an additional 16 locations last year. Another eight locations are scheduled for upgrades within the ..

JAKARTA : The Raja Muda of Perlis has emphasised the crucial role of Malaysias embassy in strengthening diplomatic relations with Indonesia. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail stated that the embassy must protect Malaysias political and economic interests while fostering stronger people-to-people connections. His Royal Highness described the embassy as a vital bridge for enhancing mutual understanding, cooperation and friendship at all levels. The royal address occurred during an official ..

KOTA BHARU : Police have arrested four Myanmar nationals including a married couple for the suspected murder of their countryman at workers quarters near Sonchong farm in Gua Musang. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat confirmed the suspects aged between 30 and 46 have been remanded for seven days starting from yesterday. A team from the Kelantan Criminal Investigation Department raided workers quarters in the Ulu Galas Permanent Forest Reserve and arrested three men and one woman at ..

KUALA LUMPUR : The Royal Malaysia Police are awaiting crucial information from Myanmars anti-narcotics unit regarding a major drug trafficking syndicate targeting Malaysia. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed the ongoing investigation into the cross-border criminal network during a press conference at the Police Training Centre. He stated that Malaysian authorities are working closely with their Myanmar counterparts to gather additional details about the ..

KUALA TERENGGANU : Terengganu maintains its position as Malaysias top tourist destination during the current school holiday period. The state, recently named Malaysias happiest by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, has achieved hotel booking rates exceeding 90% according to official data. Both domestic and international visitors continue to choose Terengganu for its renowned natural environment and cultural heritage offerings. Tourists consistently flock to experience the states beautiful ..

BUTTERWORTH : Penang Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Department of Environment successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle 40.25 tonnes of municipal solid waste through the North Butterworth Container Terminal. The interception occurred on August 23 when authorities discovered two containers filled with prohibited waste materials including plastic, rubber, wood, stones, and various metals. State Customs director Datuk Rohaizad Ali confirmed that the shipment originated from ..

KUALA LUMPUR : Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has extended his heartfelt appreciation to all parties involved in the successful celebration of Malaysia Day 2025, held in Penang yesterday. Fahmi, who also chairs the National Day and Malaysia Day Main Organising Committee, said the support and participation of the public had added significant meaning to the event. We are celebrating not just our history, but also the spirit of unity that binds us as a nation. Thank you to everyone who ..

SHAH ALAM : Former Selangor State Executive Councillor (Exco) Datuk Raja Ideris Raja Ahmad died of old age at his residence in Section 7 here this morning. He was 81. Raja Ideris, had previously held the portfolios of Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries, as well as Agricultural Modernisation, Natural Resources Management and Entrepreneur Development. He also served as the assemblyman for Sabak from 1990 to 2008, and for Sungai Air Tawar from 2008 to 2013, under the leadership of former ..

KUALA LUMPUR: A comprehensive landslide simulation drill will take place in Wangsa Maju tomorrow as part of national disaster preparedness efforts. The Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Information Department confirmed the exercise will run from 8 am to 4 pm in a hilly area opposite Fairview International School. This drill represents Simulation Series 1/2025 under the National Disaster Management Agency Directive No. 1 for the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur ..

KOTA KINABALU: The head warden of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha testified that Zara Qairina Mahathir never lodged any complaints about issues she may have faced while living in the school hostel. Azhari Abd Sagap, who is also Zara Qairinas Arabic teacher, told the Coroners Court that she stayed in the Qurratu Ayun hostel on the third floor of Rabiatul Adawiyah Block with 11 other students under his direct supervision. As her Arabic teacher and as the head warden, I never ..

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Digital is building an ecosystem to support Malaysias transformation into an artificial intelligence nation by 2030. Minister Gobind Singh Deo stated that the ministry has taken concrete steps through infrastructure development and technology adoption to ensure national readiness. We have taken real steps that show we are committed to building an ecosystem, he told reporters after launching the SmartGov Malaysia Summit 2025 and Malaysia Digital Xceleration Summit ..

BUTTERWORTH : The Penang Royal Malaysian Customs Department seized two containers carrying smuggled cigarettes worth over 7 million ringgit at Port Klang in mid-August. Director Datuk Rohaizad Ali stated the containers from Thailand were destined for the Republic of Congo in Africa and were transiting through the port. He explained that the syndicates activities were detected by the Customs Enforcement Divisions Operations Unit, which led to the seizure. A thorough inspection revealed 25.9 ..

PUTRAJAYA : Cooperatives must fully embrace digitalisation across both financial operations and marketing strategies to remain competitive according to Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. He highlighted the significant opportunity for cooperatives to lead sustainability efforts through sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and community-based tourism as the global economy shifts towards green practices. The cooperative business models focus ..

PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry will commence trial operations of the National Integrated Immigration System at Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar and Bangunan Sultan Iskandar in Johor starting Monday. This initial testing phase will run from September 22 until February 28 next year at these major land border crossings. The ministry confirmed the trial will expand to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2 alongside airports in Bayan Lepas, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu during the same period. ..

JOHOR BAHRU: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia has firmly dismissed allegations of discrimination against local students as completely unfounded. The university emphasised its role as a platform for knowledge, research and innovation that shapes national progress through quality education. Every learning programme at UTM undergoes development based on comprehensive market requirement research involving industry panellists. These programmes also receive accreditation from relevant professional ..

KUALA LUMPUR: Allyson Ee triumphed over 11 other contestants to be crowned Miss International Malaysia 2025 (MIM2025). The 25-year-old chemical engineer from Johor, who took home a cash prize of RM10,000, will represent Malaysia at the Miss International 2025 pageant in Tokyo in November. Yap Wen Wei from Kelantan was named first runner-up, while the third place was secured by Selangors Chua Jian-Vern. Expressing her gratitude after winning the title, Ee said it would give her the opportunity ..

PAPAR : All parties, regardless of background, must put their differences aside and prioritise helping people affected by disasters, particularly in the ongoing landslide and flood situation in Sabah, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said. He said political issues, including talk of dissolving the Sabah State Assembly or the possibility of state elections, should not take precedence over the welfare of the people at this time. I do not want to think about dissolution, not now. What matters ..

PUTRAJAYA: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) will establish a regulatory framework for the low-altitude economic sector to support its development and ensure safety. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that this framework is essential for pioneering the new sector, which aligns with the governments economic mission. The low-altitude economy is a new field that we need to pioneer because it is also very relevant to our economic development and aligns with the governments mission ..

PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry is implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and the education community in flood-affected regions of Sabah and Sarawak. Emergency assistance is currently being distributed to all impacted educational institutions through the Sabah and Sarawak Education Departments. Fifty-three educational institutions have been affected by flooding as of 8 am today, including 24 primary and five secondary schools in Sabah plus 22 primary ..

PETALING JAYA : Steering a yacht across treacherous waters is not for the faint-hearted. But for Fabian Fernandez, it is a test of courage, grit and an abiding love for the sea, one that has taken him around the world. The 54-year-old sailor is on the verge of circumnavigating the globe single- handedly, a feat he is expected to complete by the end of this month or early next month. Sailing aboard his vessel Destiny 12, his three-year voyage has spanned more than 35,000 nautical miles (about ..