Thursday, 23 July 2026 Kuching
M Malayan Daily

In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.

RK
International Correspondent

Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh covers world for the publication.

1265 articles published

Zahid Rules Out Speculation of Move Against Anwar

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has firmly rejected suggestions that Barisan Nasional intends to remove Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, emphasising the coalition's ongoing dedication to Malaysia's unity government framework.

· · 4 min read

Tabung Haji RCI Report Expected Within Days, Says Anwar Ibrahim

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has signalled that the long-awaited Royal Commission of Inquiry report into Tabung Haji management may be released as soon as today, or no later than Wednesday, contingent on Cabinet clearance procedures.

· · 4 min read

MACC Expected to Reveal KWAP-eFishery Investigation Findings This Week

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is anticipated to reveal significant developments in its probe of KWAP's substantial RM200 million investment in Indonesian aquaculture technology company eFishery this week, marking a critical juncture in the high-profile investigation.

· · 3 min read

MACC Investigates KWAP's RM200 Million eFishery Investment Loss

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has launched an investigation into the Retirement Fund Inc's substantial losses from its investment in Indonesian aquaculture firm eFishery, signalling heightened scrutiny of institutional fund management.

· · 4 min read

BN Ministers Serve at PM's Discretion, Says Zahid

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has affirmed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim retains complete authority to remove underperforming ministers from the coalition, a statement underscoring the hierarchical power dynamics within Malaysia's ruling alliance.

· · 4 min read

Sabah NGO Leader Arrested in RM2 Million Misappropriation Probe

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a Sabah-based NGO president suspected of misappropriating RM2 million earmarked for a cultural hall development project, signalling intensified enforcement against financial misconduct in the non-profit sector.

· · 3 min read

Stop exploiting racial divisions in campaigns, urges Asyraf Wajdi

A prominent political figure has cautioned against inflammatory racial narratives in the Negri Sembilan election campaign, specifically criticising attempts to discourage Chinese voters from supporting MCA candidates within Barisan Nasional.

· · 3 min read

Fourteen Foreigners Charged with Immigration Offences in Kelantan

Fourteen foreign men faced charges at Pasir Mas Sessions Court for illegal entry into Malaysia, overstaying beyond permitted periods, and misusing their travel documents in what appears to be part of ongoing immigration enforcement operations.

· · 4 min read

PH Youth Demands BN Cabinet Resignations Over PN Electoral Alliance

Pakatan Harapan's youth coalition has intensified political tensions by demanding the resignation of all Barisan Nasional ministers and deputy ministers, citing what it views as a fundamental breach of the unity government framework through electoral cooperation with Perikatan Nasional.

· · 4 min read

GOF Busts Major Durian Smuggling Operation at Kelantan Jetty

Malaysia's General Operations Force has cracked down on an illegal durian trafficking ring, intercepting 350 kilograms of the fruit valued at over RM50,000 and arresting a 20-year-old driver at an unlicensed jetty in Kelantan.

· · 4 min read

Coalition Alignment Opens Door for Pas Revival in Negri Sembilan

Pas has signalled confidence in capturing all five state seats it contests in the upcoming Negri Sembilan election, buoyed by a strategic understanding between Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional that reshapes the electoral landscape.

· · 4 min read

PN Denies Bersatu's Account of Delayed Coalition Seat Talks

Perikatan Nasional has rejected Bersatu's assertion that PN's Seat Negotiation Committee meeting was postponed due to PAS pursuing separate political engagement with Barisan Nasional, escalating internal coalition discord.

· · 4 min read

Bangladesh Seizes US$6.2 Billion in Assets Tied to Ousted PM Hasina

Bangladesh has frozen approximately 760 billion taka (US$6.2 billion) in assets belonging to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members, and ten prominent business conglomerates, signalling the interim government's commitment to recovering state wealth.

· · 4 min read

Capital Charges For Drug Trafficking Trio In Batu Pahat

Two brothers and a woman have been charged at Batu Pahat magistrate's court with trafficking MDMA-laced vape liquid and possessing ketamine. The trio faces serious drug trafficking charges that could carry capital punishment under Malaysian law.

· · 4 min read

Anwar urges Melaka DAP to postpone state government exit

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appealed to Melaka DAP to shelve plans for leaving the state administration, arguing that the focus should remain centred on progress and improving living standards for ordinary Malaysians.

· · 4 min read

King Receives MACC Chief in Audience at Istana Negara

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim received Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman for an audience at Istana Negara, reflecting the monarchy's engagement with key anti-corruption institutions.

· · 3 min read

Proton X70 Driver Charged Over Fatal Crash in Petaling Jaya

A Proton X70 driver faced charges in court following a collision on Jalan 17/21 in Petaling Jaya that claimed the life of a motorcyclist on May 5. The incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns in the metropolitan area.

· · 3 min read

Man Fined RM6,500 for Assaulting Policeman During Raid

A 26-year-old labourer in Machang has been convicted and fined RM6,500 by the Magistrate's Court after assaulting a policeman during a law enforcement operation, pleading guilty to obstruction charges.

· · 3 min read

Myanmar's Path Forward Demands Inclusive Dialogue, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has outlined Malaysia's position on Myanmar's protracted crisis, emphasizing the need for broad-based dialogue involving all parties and respecting the Burmese people's right to shape their own destiny.

· · 4 min read

Ex-KLK Worker Faces Court Over Alleged Palm Oil Stock Concealment

A former Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad employee appeared in Ipoh Magistrate's Court to contest allegations of deliberately hiding the true status of crude palm oil stocks, marking another corporate accountability case in Malaysia's plantation sector.

· · 4 min read

Nigeria Targets Global Tech Giants Over Unlawful News Content Use

Nigeria's competition authority has opened investigations into major technology and artificial intelligence companies, accusing them of illegally exploiting news content and engaging in unfair market practices that disadvantage local publishers.

· · 4 min read

Police arrest suspect in Banting school stabbing

Authorities have detained a suspect in connection with a stabbing that occurred at a secondary school in Banting. The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the incident.

· · 3 min read

Rural Development Must Align With Global Priorities, Says Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has emphasised that Malaysia's National Rural Economic Agenda should serve as a strategic blueprint, ensuring rural communities advance in harmony with global development priorities and international standards.

· · 3 min read

Police smash illegal World Cup betting operation in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur police conducted a pre-dawn raid on an unregistered betting call centre in Sentul's Taman Wahyu neighbourhood, leading to the arrest of 34 individuals involved in illegal World Cup wagering operations. The enforcement action highlights ongoing efforts to curb underground gambling networks.

· · 4 min read

Election Served BN's Dominance Play, Claims Anwar

Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim has accused Barisan Nasional of dissolving Johor's assembly merely to reassert its historical political dominance in the state, amid broader contestation over governance and power dynamics.

· · 3 min read

Anwar to press Beijing on durian trade during China visit

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will raise the plight of Malaysian durian growers during talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang next month, seeking to reverse a sharp price decline tied to oversupply in domestic markets.

· · 4 min read

MACC Denies Connection to Man in Viral Social Media Post

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has publicly distanced itself from a viral social media post, stating that the man featured in the image is not affiliated with the agency, amid widespread speculation online.

· · 3 min read

Malaysia unmoved by potential US pardon for Jho Low, asserts Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has declared that Malaysia will maintain its own legal position regarding fugitive businessman Jho Low regardless of whether the United States grants him a presidential pardon, emphasising the nation's independent approach.

· · 3 min read

MACC embraces AI and data analytics to tackle evolving corruption threats

Malaysia's anti-corruption watchdog is modernising its enforcement arsenal, deploying artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to counter increasingly complex corruption offences. The upgrade reflects growing recognition that traditional investigative methods need high-tech reinforcement.

· · 4 min read

Thai woman and partner arrested in RM728,000 drug seizure near Bentong

Authorities have arrested a Thai woman and her Malaysian partner in connection with a significant narcotics operation in Bentong. The pair allegedly distributed drugs for an organised syndicate over three months, with confiscated substances valued at approximately RM728,000.

· · 3 min read

Kelantan Umno Claims Pas Support for BN Vindication Against 'Umdap' Slur

Kelantan Umno has seized on Pas's directive instructing members to back Barisan Nasional candidates in the Johor state election, interpreting the move as tacit acknowledgement that the 'Umdap' designation levelled against the party constituted unfounded political slander.

· · 3 min read

PM Anwar Denies Order to Axe Johor Felda Settlers' Day Event

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that he did not direct the cancellation of Johor's Felda Settlers' Day celebration in Kluang, clarifying that only standard election-period restrictions on government machinery use were applied.

· · 3 min read

Four arrested over gang robbery at durian orchard in Melaka

Police in Melaka have arrested four men suspected of orchestrating a coordinated robbery at a durian orchard. The gang allegedly stole durians and a motorcycle worth approximately RM9,000 from a property near Anjung Gapam in Bemban.

· · 3 min read

Myanmar Driver Caught Smuggling 23 Million Baht Through Thai Border

Thai authorities arrested a 31-year-old Myanmar national at the Mae Sai border checkpoint after discovering over 23 million baht concealed in dried fish and potato cartons. The seizure highlights ongoing currency smuggling concerns across Southeast Asia's porous borders.

· · 4 min read

Japan Strengthens Space Defence with Air Force Reorganisation

Japan's parliament has enacted legislation to reorganise its Air Self-Defence Force, incorporating space capabilities into its structure. The move reflects Tokyo's strategic pivot toward defending critical satellite infrastructure amid regional tensions.

· · 5 min read

Iran Rebuffs US Claims Over Use of Unfrozen Assets

Iran's top negotiator has rejected US claims that unfrozen Iranian assets will be spent on American agricultural goods, signalling continued friction between Tehran and Washington despite recent peace talks.

· · 3 min read

Thailand's Anutin Chalks Up 100 Days: Crisis Management Over Systemic Reform

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has successfully maintained political stability through his first hundred days in office and navigated an energy crisis stemming from Middle East conflict. However, analysts warn his government has made little progress on deeper economic reforms needed to address sluggish growth and household debt.

· · 5 min read

Iran Blocks IAEA Site Inspections Pending US Nuclear Deal

Iran has rejected International Atomic Energy Agency inspections at its nuclear sites, insisting such access will only be permitted after a comprehensive agreement with the United States and complete sanctions removal.

· · 4 min read

PERKESO Achieves Over 96% Claims Processing Compliance Rate

The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has surpassed a 96 per cent compliance rate in processing claims and benefit payments, according to Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, reflecting improvements through digitalisation and stricter service standards.

· · 4 min read

Fathers Must Expand Beyond Provider Role, Says LPPKN

Malaysia's National Population and Family Development Board emphasises that modern fathers must move beyond financial provision to become active participants in emotional support, education and family communication.

· · 5 min read

Labuan Opens Upgraded Recreation Park to Boost Community Health

Labuan has inaugurated a renovated public recreation park at Tanjung Purun following a RM495,382 upgrade. The facility features modern amenities including an 800-metre jogging track and outdoor fitness equipment, with additional sports courts planned by December.

· · 4 min read

Government Boosts Neighbourhood Watch Funding To RM10,000 Annually

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved raising the annual grant for Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRT) to RM10,000 from RM6,000, a decision that recognises the grassroots institutions' decade-long contribution to community safety and social cohesion.

· · 4 min read

King Presents BYDPA Scholarships to 14 Outstanding Scholars

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim has awarded 14 prestigious Yang di-Pertuan Agong Scholarships to scholars pursuing advanced research degrees, with seven pursuing PhDs and seven undertaking Master's studies across leading institutions.

· · 3 min read

13-Year-Old Student Critical After Fall at Ipoh Secondary School

A 13-year-old boy is fighting for his life in hospital after falling from a secondary school building in Ipoh. Police are investigating the incident as officers gather witness statements and examine all circumstances surrounding the fall.

· · 3 min read

ECB Wins Parliamentary Support for Digital Euro Launch

The European Central Bank has secured crucial parliamentary backing for its digital euro initiative, an electronic payment system designed to reduce the eurozone's dependence on American payment platforms amid growing transatlantic tensions.

· · 4 min read

Two couples enter plea in widely-shared maid abuse case

Two married couples have entered not guilty pleas in Johor Baru courts following widespread social media attention to footage allegedly showing abuse of their domestic helpers. They face multiple charges.

· · 3 min read

Water Authority Investigates Fatal Accident at Selangor Tower

Malaysia's National Water Services Commission is investigating a fatal incident at the Saujana 1 water tower in Kuala Selangor where a maintenance worker drowned on June 16. Preliminary findings suggest non-compliance with confined-space safety protocols.

· · 4 min read

Thailand Charts Path to 3% Growth With Sweeping Structural Reforms

Thailand's government has unveiled an ambitious structural reform agenda aimed at lifting annual economic growth to 3% by 2030, up from the current 2.7%. The strategy prioritizes seven strategic industries and seeks to achieve high-income nation status within 12 years.

· · 5 min read

Senior Prince Group Executive Arrested in Tokyo for Document Fraud

Tokyo police have arrested Hu Shi, a senior executive of Prince Holding Group, alongside two accomplices for submitting fraudulent address notifications. The Cambodia-headquartered syndicate faces US and British sanctions over large-scale cross-border scams.

· · 4 min read

Iran and US Begin Direct Talks in Switzerland Amid Regional Tensions

Direct negotiations between Iran and the United States have commenced in Switzerland with mediation from Qatar and Pakistan. The inaugural session, led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, addresses implementation of a recently signed memorandum of understanding.

· · 4 min read

Army Suspends Grenade Training After Fatal Hobart Camp Blast

The Malaysian Army has suspended all hand grenade training activities following a fatal blast at Hobart Camp in Kedah that killed two personnel. Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin says the ban remains in effect until investigations conclude.

· · 4 min read

Two Brothers Held in RM1.76 Million Drug Seizure in Terengganu

Authorities in Terengganu have detained two siblings accused of operating a residential drug storage operation. The enforcement action resulted in the recovery of narcotics estimated at RM1.76 million from their home in Kampung Duyong Besar.

· · 3 min read

Twin bombings in Thailand's deep south wound dozen police officers

Coordinated bomb attacks in Thailand's southern Yala and Pattani provinces on June 19 injured 11 police officers, two critically. The incidents targeted border patrol and special operations units, prompting emergency response and a blood donation appeal.

· · 4 min read

Penang Hosts HAWANA 2026, Celebrating Media's Role in Nation-Building

Penang has been selected to host HAWANA 2026, the National Journalists' Day celebration, bringing together approximately 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and ASEAN countries to recognise the contributions of journalists and strengthen media professionalism.

· · 4 min read

Perak's Domestic Tourism Surge Offsets International Visitor Decline

Perak's domestic tourism climbed to 10.4 million overnight arrivals last year, marking steady growth despite a 1.5 per cent contraction in international visitor numbers. State officials attribute the foreign visitor decline to reduced flight connectivity and global aviation sector pressures.

· · 4 min read

One dead, dozens injured as trains collide near London

A fatal collision between two passenger trains north of London has claimed one life and left dozens injured, including 11 in critical condition. UK emergency services are responding to the major incident.

· · 3 min read

Malaysian Media Council Strengthens Regional Ties with Northern Journalists

The Malaysian Media Council hosted a networking dinner with over 50 media practitioners from four northern states during HAWANA 2026, marking the first engagement by new chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan and signalling the council's commitment to representing journalists beyond Kuala Lumpur.

· · 4 min read

Cambodia Pushes Thailand to Resume Stalled Border Commission Work

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged Thailand to appoint a head for the Joint Boundary Commission and restart long-stalled border survey work, reaffirming both nations' commitment to peaceful resolution of their territorial disputes.

· · 5 min read

Japanese Man Arrested for Confining Five-Year-Old in Garbage Can

Japanese police arrested a 35-year-old man from Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, for confining his partner's five-year-old daughter inside a garbage can for approximately five minutes. The suspect has admitted to the charges and called the act a form of discipline.

· · 4 min read

Teacher Among Four Held in Besut Drug Den Raid

Four men, including a teacher, have been arrested following a police raid on a house in Besut suspected of operating as a drug distribution point. The operation uncovered drug-related activities in the state.

· · 3 min read

Teacher Arrested in Cannabis Distribution Raid in Terengganu

Authorities arrested a schoolteacher and three others during a drug enforcement operation in Besut, Terengganu. Police seized suspected cannabis from a residential property in Kampung Raja as part of ongoing investigations into distribution networks.

· · 4 min read

Oil Flows as US-Iran War Deal Takes Effect, but Regional Tensions Persist

An interim accord between the US and Iran has ended their four-month conflict, allowing oil tankers to resume passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, deep disagreements over Iran's nuclear programme and Israel's continued operations in Lebanon threaten the fragile peace.

· · 5 min read

Man Charged Over Death of Ex-Girlfriend's New Partner

A 30-year-old man appeared before magistrates in Batu Gajah today, facing a murder charge in connection with the death of his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend, an incident that occurred two weeks prior.

· · 3 min read

Penang Confident HAWANA 2026 Will Be Major Success, Says Chow

Penang's Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has expressed strong optimism about the upcoming HAWANA 2026 national journalists' celebration, following months of coordination with the Communications Ministry to ensure smooth execution.

· · 4 min read

Grace Period Sought for Kota Kinabalu's Parking Crackdown

Kota Kinabalu's City Hall is facing calls to implement a six-month grace period before aggressively enforcing parking regulations, with warnings that towing vehicles without public awareness could cause undue hardship.

· · 4 min read

US and India Signal Momentum Toward Long-Delayed Trade Deal

India and the United States have achieved substantial progress in negotiations towards a comprehensive trade agreement, with officials instructed to finalise terms. The development comes after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump at the G7 summit.

· · 3 min read

Wall Street's AI Obsession Spawns New ETF Wave as 'MANGOS' Acronym Takes Flight

US asset managers Yorkville America and Corgi Securities have filed applications to launch exchange-traded funds targeting the newly minted MANGOS acronym, which groups six companies with significant artificial intelligence exposure, reflecting how rapidly ETF product development is accelerating.

· · 4 min read

Son of Sri Lanka's Former President Arrested on Corruption Charges

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, 38, son of former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested on corruption charges involving misappropriation of state funds for overseas naval officer training. The arrest marks the latest escalation in investigations targeting the once-dominant political dynasty.

· · 3 min read

Britain's Social Media Ban for Under-16s: How It Will Work

The UK government will ban social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for children under 16, with enforcement through action against platforms rather than fining children. Details will emerge in July.

· · 5 min read

Suspect held over KTMB cable theft in Taiping

Authorities in Taiping have apprehended a man suspected of stealing approximately 43 metres of cables belonging to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad from railway infrastructure in the Padang Rengas-Kamunting sector.

· · 2 min read

Indonesia's Free Meals Programme Under Fire as Graft Probe Deepens

Indonesia Corruption Watch is pushing authorities to suspend President Prabowo Subianto's US$15 billion free meals programme and dissolve the National Nutrition Agency overseeing it, citing governance failures and widespread corruption risks that demand far broader investigation.

· · 5 min read

Two women detained in Brunei vice crackdown

The Royal Brunei Police Force arrested two local women on Sunday in separate operations across Brunei-Muara District on suspicion of involvement in vice-related activities.

· · 1 min read

Florida sues TikTok for violating child safety law

Florida's attorney general has sued TikTok, claiming the platform breaches state legislation that prohibits social media companies from allowing children under 14 to create accounts. The case seeks compliance measures and damages.

· · 2 min read