PUTRAJAYA : The Immigration Department has been directed to intensify large- scale enforcement operations at the locations of foreigners, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the operation would be implemented with agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Volunteer Department, the Registration Department and local authorities. As of May 13, the Immigration Department carried out 5,001 operations and detained 34,287 illegal immigrants and 669 ..

PUTRAJAYA : The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Immigration Department are in the final phase of security preparations ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, scheduled to take place in the federal capital later this month, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said a total of 7,227 PDRM personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety and smooth movement of delegates, while more than 2,000 immigration personnel are on standby to ensure full compliance with immigration ..

JEJU: South Korea is set to resume tariff talks with Washington on the sidelines of a key APEC meeting Friday, an official told AFP, as ministers jostle to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Trade ministers from the top economies that make up APEC are meeting on South Korea's Jeju Island amid concerns over the global trading system after US President Donald Trump unveiled bombshell levies on most partners last month. AFP reporters saw ministers scurrying to meet Greer, who has been ..

PUTRAJAYA : The gap between students with access to education and those left behind is expanding amid economic pressures, said Minister in the Prime Ministers Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She pointed to socio-economic challenges, particularly among low-income (B40) families, that have forced many students to sacrifice study time to support their families financially. In todays rapidly changing world, the education gap is widening. We must implement and sustain ..

CANNES: There are not many fans of Donald Trump's dream to save Hollywood with tariffs among the dealmakers at the Cannes film festival -- even among those who voted for him. Unlike Robert De Niro -- a vocal critic who called Trump Americas philistine president at the festivals opening ceremony -- they told AFP they have no political or personal axes to grind with him. But they see his idea of 100-percent tariffs on movies produced in foreign lands as a massive potential disaster for an ..

KUALA LUMPUR : Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) acknowledges the need to revise the gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for 2025 amid the global economic uncertainty, but prefers to avoid making revisions based on assumptions, said BNM governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour. He explained that the central bank wants to base its forecasts on solid foundations to ensure credibility. We want to have solid grounds before coming out with a credible forecast for the year. This is important ..

JEJU (South Korea) : Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the easing of US-China trade tensions would help soften the impact of tariffs on the global economy, including Malaysias. Therefore, he welcomed the recent US-China trade deal, in which the worlds two largest economies agreed to reduce tariffs on each other for 90 days For Malaysia, I think it is good because this is a de-escalation between the United States and China. They are giving priority ..

TUARAN : The Sabah Ministry of Community Development and Peoples Wellbeing and its agencies have been allocated over RM162 million this year to implement various social programmes that benefit the people. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said RM76.29 million of the allocation is for the benefit of persons with disabilities (PwD), senior citizens, single mothers, children and orphans through the implementation of various specifically targeted assistance schemes. Meanwhile, RM956,000 is ..

ZAPOPAN: With her followers watching on TikTok, Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez revealed her fears of being kidnapped or killed. Soon afterwards, a gunman arrived and shot her dead. The 23-year-old's livestreamed murder has shocked Mexico -- where killings and kidnappings are a daily occurrence -- and brought into sharp focus both its femicide epidemic and growing violence against influencers. Around 10 women or girls are murdered every day in the Latin American nation, but few draw ..

KUALA LUMPUR : Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) expects any impact from potential United States (US) tariffs on semiconductors to be limited for Malaysia, thanks to the countrys diversified export base and continued demand in key sectors. Governor Datuk Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour pointed out that Malaysia is well-positioned to manage the risks. Malaysia benefited from front-loading of exports as businesses try to avoid higher tariffs, and 32 per cent of our exports to the US are exempted from tariffs, ..

KUALA LUMPUR : Former national womens doubles player Woon Khe Wei believes it is in Pearly Tan and M. Thinaahs best interest to remain under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) despite speculation that the womens doubles pair may consider turning independent. Khe Wei said the structured environment, top-tier facilities and professional coaching available within BAM provide the ideal platform for Pearly and Thinaah to focus solely on their training and performance. I think it is better ..

KUALA LUMPUR : The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has opened applications for the Temporary Change of Licence (LPS) for the peak season, starting yesterday (May 15) until June 4, in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration. In a statement today, APAD said the move was to ensure sufficient express bus services for Hari Raya Aidiladha, which would be celebrated on June 7 and 8. Interested bus operators are invited to apply for the LPS. Applications can be submitted via the i-SPKP ..

AS Malaysia celebrates Teachers Day, it is worth recognising a group of educators who are often left out of the national conversation: teachers of refugees. Despite playing a central role in the education of displaced children, their contributions and challenges seldom receive the acknowledgement they deserve. It is time we changed that. These teachers work in community learning centres across the country, often run by refugee communities themselves. They are not assistants or temporary ..

GEORGE TOWN : The Penang State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today offered its condolences and paid tribute to Malaysias fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on April 14. Penang Governor, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, in gracing the First Meeting of the Third Term of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly, called on Muslim assemblymen to recite Al-Fatihah, while non-Muslims were invited to observe a moment of silence or offer prayers ..

KUALA LUMPUR : The recruitment of foreign workers into Malaysia must be based on actual sectoral needs and demands, not driven by business interests or profit-making motives, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. In a statement issued by the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) today, Sim said the ministrys approach aligns with efforts to ensure a more transparent, ethical and jointly responsible labour management system. The statement followed Sims courtesy meeting yesterday with Dr Asif ..

TAIPEI: The main Taiwan and U.S. trade representatives met in South Korea for trade negotiations, yielding optimism that further talks would lead to reduced U.S. tariffs on Taiwan exports, the island's Vice-Premier Cheng Li-chiun said on Friday. At a news conference marking Premier Cho Jung-tai's first year in office, Cheng said chief Taiwan negotiator Jenni Yang reported good bilateral talks in which both sides shared expectations of future Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation and continued talks ..

KATHMANDU: An Indian climber and another from the Philippines became the first mountaineers to die on Mount Everest in the current March-May climbing season of the world's highest peak, hiking officials said on Friday. Subrata Ghosh, 45, from India, died on Thursday below the Hillary Step while returning after reaching the 8,849 metre (29,032 feet) peak. He refused to descend from below the Hillary Step, said Bodhraj Bhandari of Nepals Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition organising company. No ..

WITH food prices rising, especially for non-local fare, Malaysians nowadays hesitate to spend their money, afraid they may not get their moneys worth. A dessert seller based in Penang recently came under scrutiny for selling tiramisu at a staggering RM40. However, unlike the typical tiramisu where sponge fingers are used to layer the cream, this seller uses crpes, which are thin pancakes. Desserts such as tiramisu are usually priced on the higher side due to the use of expensive ingredients ..

REAL ASSET manager Dexus said on Friday it may be forced to divest its 27% stake in Melbourne Airport after receiving a notice from the airport's board alleging a breach of confidentiality agreements. The stake is held through Dexus Bloc in Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC), which owns Melbourne and Launceston airports, with Dexus acting as the manager. If the allegations are upheld, Dexus said it would be required to sell the stake to other APAC shareholders at fair market value. ..

KAOHSIUNG: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te offered his support and encouragement to the armed forces on Friday ahead of what the government has warned could be a new round of Chinese military exercises near the island from as early as next week. Taiwan cannot rule out that China will hold more military drills to stir up trouble around Tuesdays one-year anniversary of Lai taking office, a senior government spokesperson said on Thursday in Taipei. China calls Lai a separatist and has rebuffed his ..

BORUSSIA DORTMUND can take the final step in their miraculous run to the Bundesliga top four with a big win at home against Holstein Kiel on Saturday. After a 2-0 loss at RB Leipzig in March, Dortmund were 11th and did not look like finishing in the top half of the table, let alone the top four. But since then, Dortmund have won six and drawn one of their seven games, putting the chance of qualifying for the Champions League through a top-four finish firmly in their own hands ahead of ..

SAN FRANCISCO: Stephen Curry said Thursday he is excited about the Golden State Warriors' ability to challenge for more championships in the future despite their disappointing early exit from the NBA playoffs. The Warriors bowed out of the post-season on Wednesday as the Minnesota Timberwolves romped to a 121-110 win to complete an emphatic 4-1 win in their Western Conference best-of-seven semi-final series. Curry spent the final four games of the series as a frustrated spectator on the ..

A COURT in Rio de Janeiro ordered the dismissal Thursday of Brazilian football federation head Ednaldo Rodrigues over suspicions that a signature in his employment contract was forged. The decision marks a new blow to Brazilian football, which celebrated some rare good news just four days ago with the announcement that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will take the reins of the national team later this month. The Rio court said one of the signatories of Rodriguess 2025 contract had been ..

KUCHING : The Digital Ministry will host an international animated film festival early next year in Sarawak as a platform to highlight local talent and make Malaysia as an investment destination in the creative industry. The minister, Gobind Singh Deo, said the festivals organisation also ensured the success of local talent not only in Malaysia, but also in the region and became a global leader. The aspect we have to focus on is how we can bring the countrys existing talents globally. I went to ..

KUALA LUMPUR : The High Court here today allowed Tan Sri Razarudin Husains application to commence a third committal proceeding against blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris for violating the terms of a public apology made previously to the Inspector-General of police. The application is over the publication of a video by Wan Muhammad Azri last May 1, two days after he issued an unreserved apology to Razarudin Husain for making defamatory and demeaning remarks against the IGP. The case is related ..

HISTORY beckons for Crystal Palace at Wembley in Saturday's FA Cup final as Manchester City have one final shot at avoiding a rare trophyless season under Pep Guardiola. Twice FA Cup runners-up, Palace have never won a major trophy in their 119-year history. The Eagles sense this may finally be their time up against a City side far from their former glories of Guardiola's trophy-laden reign. Palace warmed up for the Wembley showpiece by cruising to a 2-0 win at Tottenham last weekend to equal ..

PETALING JAYA : Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) is optimistic about achieving a 40 per cent target of public transport usage in the country by 2030, in line with ongoing efforts to enhance existing facilities and services. Its president and group chief executive officer, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said that with government support, his team is implementing strategic planning to increase the number of users (ridership) from 1.3 million this year to 1.5 million next year. Among the main ..

WASHINGTON: The US government rested its case against Facebook-owner Meta on Thursday, as it tries to persuade a US judge that the tech giant bought Instagram and WhatsApp to neutralize them as rivals. The landmark case, brought by the Federal Trade Commission, could see Meta forced to divest itself of the two apps, which have grown into global powerhouses since their buyouts. The trial, held in a federal court in Washington, is presided over by Judge James Boasberg who will decide the outcome ..

KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysias current account balance (CAB) recorded a RM16.7 billion surplus in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q 2025), equivalent to 3.4 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP), supported by net exports of goods and a smaller deficit in the secondary income account, said Statistics Department Malaysia (DOSM). In a statement, chief statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the improvement was driven by net exports of goods, which amounted to RM38.5 billion. Exports of goods ..

KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia has called for greater investment in capacity building across Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies to support the transition to sustainable trade. Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said more support is needed in areas such as circular economy practices, smart agriculture, and carbon accounting. APEC should align sustainability standards, such as carbon measurement, environmental, social, and governance ..

PUTRAJAYA : The government has extended the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 (PRM 2.0) from May 19 this year until April 30, 2026, for undocumented migrants in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the decision, approved by relevant regulatory bodies including the Attorney Generals Chambers, aims to allow undocumented migrants to return to their home countries voluntarily without facing legal action. PRM 2.0 is not ..

KUCHING : The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar expressed his heartfelt appreciation to teachers across the country for their unwavering commitment and dedication in ensuring the younger generation continues to receive quality education. In his message in conjunction with the 54th Teachers Day celebration today, he said teachers are not spared from challenges, especially those serving in areas where infrastructure is still underdeveloped in having to deal with ..

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Russian President Vladimir Putin must pay the price for avoiding peace ahead of a European Political Community meeting in Albania on Friday. Putin's tactics to dither and delay, while continuing to kill and cause bloodshed across Ukraine, (are) intolerable, Starmer said in a statement ahead of the summit, taking place the same day talks are expected between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey. The European Political Community (EPC), which brings ..

KUALA LUMPUR : The dedicated bus lane along Jalan Ampang will be extended to cover the evening peak hours starting May 19, operating from 4.30pm to 7pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday). Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus), in a statement today, said the extension is being carried out in collaboration with the Selangor Public Works Department (JKR). It will cover a 0.62-kilometre stretch from the Jalan Memanda 1 junction to Jalan Memanda 9, and from the Jalan Cengal junction to the Jalan Wawasan Ampang ..

IN a constantly evolving global economy, accounting is more than just numbers its the language of business, and those fluent in it are vital across all industries. At Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), the Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) delivers an academic experience that bridges theory and practice, shaping future-ready graduates who thrive in todays dynamic job market. The four-year Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) programme is recognised by key professional bodies, such as ..

KUALA LUMPUR : The two Deputy Prime Ministers took to social media to extend their Teachers Day greetings today, expressing appreciation and gratitude to all educators in the country. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasised that every success achieved today cannot be separated from the contributions of teachers who patiently guided students from the early stages of learning and instilled understanding of lifes values. They are noble individuals who tirelessly impart ..

PUTRAJAYA : Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today said honesty, commitment and first-class thinking must continue to be instilled among workers as the backbone of the countrys progress. He said this through a Facebook post in conjunction with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformations (PETRA) monthly assembly today. The assembly is not just a monthly routine, but a space for reflection and an injection ..

IN the wake of the devastating fire tragedy that ravaged Putra Heights residential area on April 1, Da Ma Cai stepped forward with a heartfelt contribution to aid the victims on their road to recovery. Brand-new foldable mattresses, grocery shopping vouchers and power banks were donated to 25 badly affected families following close coordination with the Topaz Putra Heights Residents Association. Da Ma Cai staff volunteers personally presented the aid to the victims, and hosted a simple luncheon ..