Thursday, 23 July 2026 Malacca City
M Malay Time

The stories shaping Malaysia, in focus.

RK
International Correspondent

Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh covers world for the publication.

1285 articles published

Tabung Haji RCI report expected this week, PM confirms

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim indicates the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Tabung Haji's final report may be released this week, contingent on whether Cabinet authorisation is necessary.

· · 3 min read

Penang police seize RM470k worth of ecstasy, arrest man

Penang police have arrested a suspect and confiscated 3.1kg of MDMA valued at approximately RM470,000 following a raid in Teluk Air Tawar. The operation marks another significant drug seizure in the state.

· · 3 min read

Sabah NGO Chief Detained in RM2 Million Misappropriation Probe

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested the head of a Sabah-based NGO over allegations of RM2 million misappropriation meant for a cultural hall project, marking another enforcement action against non-profit sector leadership.

· · 3 min read

Swift Police Response Nets House Trespasser in Johor Baru

Johor Baru police have arrested a 48-year-old man on suspicion of trespassing into a house in Kampung Melayu Majidee. The rapid response time demonstrates the force's commitment to addressing residential security concerns in the district.

· · 3 min read

MACC Should Probe eFishery Deal Despite Early All-Clear, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled that although initial assessments reveal no misconduct in the Retirement Fund Incorporated's RM163.4 million investment in Indonesian aquaculture firm eFishery, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission should still conduct a formal investigation.

· · 3 min read

Hungarian PM Magyar Courts Chess Legend Polgar for Presidency

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has announced plans to invite world chess icon Judit Polgar to serve as the country's next president, a largely ceremonial position that would elevate the legendary competitor to the nation's highest office.

· · 4 min read

Four Teenagers Arrested in Sungai Petani Motorcycle Theft Ring

Authorities in Sungai Petani have arrested four teenagers, three of whom are brothers, in connection with a series of motorcycle thefts occurring near a Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd railway parking area. The arrests took place following investigations into crimes committed on July 14.

· · 4 min read

Hamzah Reminds Muhyiddin of Coalition Roots as Political Tensions Simmer

Wawasan president Hamzah Zainudin has publicly rebuked Muhyiddin Yassin, reminding the former prime minister that he would not have achieved the top job without backing from PAS and UMNO—highlighting festering tensions within Malaysia's fractured political landscape.

· · 4 min read

BN-PN Electoral Pact in Tampin Seeks to Prevent Three-Way Contests

Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional have formed a limited electoral understanding in Tampin for the Negri Sembilan state election. The arrangement aims to prevent three-way contests that could split opposition votes, though both coalitions retain their distinct political identities.

· · 4 min read

Subang Jaya Woman Charged With Newborn's Death

A supermarket saleswoman has been charged with murdering her newborn child in Subang Jaya. The case marks another tragic incident involving infanticide in the Selangor region.

· · 3 min read

New KWAN Law Plugs RM5 Billion Withdrawal Loophole

Parliament has passed legislation closing regulatory gaps that allowed a RM5 billion KWAN withdrawal in 2021. The new law requires parliamentary approval for all future fund withdrawals.

· · 4 min read

King Receives MACC Chief Commissioner at Istana Negara

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim held an audience with MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman at Istana Negara today, signalling continued royal oversight of the nation's anti-corruption efforts.

· · 3 min read

Tow Truck Agent Nabbed with 6,000 Yaba Pills Worth RM60,000

Police in Kelantan arrested a 35-year-old tow truck operator after uncovering a significant drug cache. Officers discovered 6,000 yaba pills worth approximately RM60,000 concealed in a vehicle, prompting immediate action by narcotics units in the region.

· · 3 min read

Two Elderly Women Held for Smuggling Plant Seedlings from Thailand

Authorities in Tanah Merah apprehended two elderly women attempting to bring assorted plant seedlings across the Thai border through an unauthorised waterway entry point, underscoring ongoing challenges in managing illegal commerce between Malaysia and neighbouring Thailand.

· · 3 min read

Nga Reiterates Resignation Pledge Over Najib's Sentence Concerns

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has clarified that his previous resignation threat was specifically tied to any scenario where former prime minister Najib Razak might be released without serving an appropriate sentence for his offences.

· · 4 min read

Tun Mahathir Extends Gratitude for 101st Birthday Celebrations

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed his gratitude to the Malaysian public for the heartfelt messages and greeting cards sent to commemorate his milestone 101st birthday, acknowledging the widespread affection shown by citizens.

· · 3 min read

Arrest Made in Death of Former UK Minister Ann Widdecombe

UK authorities have arrested a man on suspicion of murder after 78-year-old former minister Ann Widdecombe was discovered dead with serious injuries at her residence. The case has shocked Britain's political establishment.

· · 3 min read

MACC Clears Nik Nazmi in RM53m Elephant Transfer Bribery Inquiry

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has announced it has found no evidence implicating former Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in allegations of a RM53 million bribe connected to transferring three elephants to Japan.

· · 4 min read

Judge Steps Aside in Zaid Ibrahim Defamation Appeal

The Court of Appeal has set July 13 for case management in the defamation appeal involving lawyer Zaid Ibrahim and the Malaysian Bar, after Justice Latifah Tahar stepped down from the panel.

· · 4 min read

Muhyiddin Had No Hand in Jana Wibawa Awards, Court Told

A High Court proceedings heard testimony that former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin did not interfere with Jana Wibawa infrastructure project awards, according to accounts presented during litigation.

· · 3 min read

Actress Tests Positive for Drugs in Major KL Entertainment Raid

Police arrested an actress known for appearing in a television police drama after she allegedly tested positive for three drugs during an Operation Noda enforcement sweep at an unlicensed entertainment outlet in Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur.

· · 4 min read

MACC Arrests Three in RM20 Million Rice Financing Fraud

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested three individuals, including two directors of rice and padi companies, for allegedly using forged paperwork to secure approximately RM20 million in trade financing.

· · 4 min read

Reject Slander and Empty Pledges, Onn Hafiz Tells Johor Voters

Johor's caretaker Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has appealed to voters to resist what he characterises as opposition strategies relying on character attacks and unfounded campaign pledges during the final stretch of the state election campaign.

· · 4 min read

Police Arrest Suspect in Banting School Stabbing Incident

Authorities have apprehended a suspect following a stabbing at a secondary school in Banting. The arrest marks a significant development in the case as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

· · 3 min read

Police Bust Illegal World Cup Betting Operation in Kuala Lumpur

Law enforcement raided an unlicensed World Cup betting call centre in Taman Wahyu, Sentul, early yesterday, leading to the arrest of 34 individuals. The operation represents part of ongoing efforts to dismantle underground gambling networks.

· · 3 min read

Anwar's Book of Ideas Aimed at Guiding Future Nation-builders

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has released a comprehensive book documenting his ideas, experiences, and vision for nation-building, hoping it will serve as a foundational reference for future generations in developing leadership and national character.

· · 3 min read

Syed Saddiq's Corruption Case to Reach Climax on July 13

Malaysia's Federal Court will deliver its judgment on July 13 regarding the prosecution's final appeal against Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman's acquittal on corruption charges, a decision that could reshape the political landscape.

· · 3 min read

Super Micro Taiwan Staff Held in AI Server Export Investigation

Super Micro Computer reported that two employees at its Taiwan subsidiary have been detained pending court proceedings, while two others were released on bail, as part of a Taiwanese prosecution investigation into the suspected unlawful export of sophisticated AI servers equipped with Nvidia chips.

· · 3 min read

Zahid warns Pas directive won't guarantee BN gain in Johor polls

Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamzah has cautioned that Pas' directive discouraging its backers from supporting Pakatan Harapan candidates will not necessarily result in automatic electoral victories for Barisan Nasional in the upcoming Johor state election.

· · 3 min read

Lawyer Ang denies defaming Loke, vows to fight suit

George Town-based lawyer Ang Woei Shang has categorically rejected defamation claims brought by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, announcing his resolve to mount a vigorous courtroom defence and explore potential counterclaims.

· · 4 min read

Hamzah Challenges Azam Baki Appointment to Financial Crime Advisory Role

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has questioned the government's decision to appoint former MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki as adviser to the National Financial Crime Prevention Centre, citing the former official's prior entanglement in corporate and shareholding controversies.

· · 4 min read

Thai Woman and Partner Held in Major Bentong Drug Seizure Worth RM728,000

Police in Bentong have arrested a Thai woman and her Malaysian partner following a significant drugs bust in Genting Permai. The seizure, valued at approximately RM728,000, resulted from a three-month investigation into their alleged activities as couriers for a larger trafficking network.

· · 4 min read

Brunei Intensifies Hunt for Man Feared Killed in Crocodile Attack

Rescue operations in Brunei have extended into a third day as authorities search for a man believed attacked by a crocodile while fishing in Kampong Baru Sungai Bera. Multi-agency teams using boats, drones and aerial surveillance have found no trace of the victim.

· · 4 min read

Japan Strengthens Space Defence with Air Force Restructuring

Japan's parliament has enacted legislation to reorganise its Air Self-Defence Force, adding space to its official mandate. The move aims to strengthen space defence capabilities and satellite surveillance as security pressures mount.

· · 4 min read

Nine Dead, 27 Rescued After Lagos Shopping Complex Collapses

A three-story shopping complex in Lagos, Nigeria collapsed on Thursday, leaving nine dead and 27 rescued. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause, with building collapses remaining a persistent problem across Nigeria.

· · 4 min read

Thailand's Anutin at 100 Days: Crisis Manager, Not Reformer

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has successfully navigated immediate political and energy crises in his first 100 days, but analysts warn his government is avoiding deeper economic reforms needed to address slow growth and mounting household debt.

· · 5 min read

EU Moves to Rein in Amazon and Microsoft Cloud Services as Digital 'Gatekeepers'

European Union antitrust authorities have signalled plans to classify Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure as 'gatekeepers' under the Digital Markets Act, subjecting the world's leading cloud providers to strict competitive rules and marking a major regulatory expansion into artificial intelligence infrastructure.

· · 5 min read

Iraq Clarifies OPEC Position as Output Quota Row Deepens

Iraq's Oil Ministry has rejected reports suggesting the country might quit OPEC over production quotas, while simultaneously reiterating demands for higher output ceilings aligned with its technical capabilities.

· · 4 min read

US safety investigators open inquiry into fatal Tesla crash in Texas

American safety regulators have launched an investigation into a deadly Tesla Model 3 crash in Texas that killed a 76-year-old woman. The victim's family is suing Tesla for more than $1 million, alleging gross negligence in the company's autonomous driving systems.

· · 4 min read

Three ICC Judges Challenge Trump's Sanctions in US Court

Three International Criminal Court judges have filed a lawsuit against President Trump and senior US officials, disputing the legality of sanctions imposed against them and raising questions about international judicial independence.

· · 4 min read

PERKESO Exceeds 96% Claims Processing Compliance Target

Malaysia's Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has exceeded its claims processing compliance target, achieving more than 96% on average last year. The organisation has implemented stricter Customer Charter standards and enhanced digitalisation to improve service delivery for contributors.

· · 4 min read

Anthropic's Claude Becomes Slack's AI Colleague with New Tag Feature

Anthropic has introduced Claude Tag, allowing its AI assistant Claude to actively participate in Slack channels, monitor conversations, and assist with coding tasks. The feature represents a significant upgrade from Claude's existing limited Slack integration.

· · 4 min read

Government Raises KRT Annual Grant to RM10,000 Starting 2027

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved raising the annual grant for Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRT) to RM10,000 from RM6,000, to take effect on January 1, 2027. The increase recognises KRT's grassroots role in community development.

· · 4 min read

How Worker Bees Engineer a 'Royal Palace' to Crown Their Queen

Scientists have discovered that honeybee queens owe their status not just to royal jelly diet, but to a specially engineered wax chamber built by worker bees. The finding reshapes understanding of how colonies develop their leaders.

· · 5 min read

Two couples claim trial in viral maid abuse case

Two married couples in Johor Baru have claimed trial to charges stemming from a viral video depicting alleged abuse of domestic helpers, facing multiple offences including causing hurt and criminal intimidation.

· · 3 min read

KPMG Australia Leadership Overhaul as Firm Tackles Trust Crisis

KPMG Australia is undertaking significant leadership changes, with the firm's chair and multiple partners departing as the company responds to serious allegations that it improperly used confidential client information to win new business.

· · 4 min read

SPAN Investigates Fatal Water Tower Accident in Kuala Selangor

Malaysia's water regulator SPAN is investigating a fatal incident at the Saujana 1 water tower in Kuala Selangor where a maintenance worker drowned on June 16, with preliminary findings suggesting non-compliance with confined-space safety protocols.

· · 4 min read

Trump's Tariff Overhaul Reshuffles Global Trade Winners and Losers

Donald Trump's administration has restructured its tariff approach following a Supreme Court ruling, replacing across-the-board levies with targeted investigations. The reshuffled arrangement produces starkly different consequences for various trading nations, with some Southeast Asian economies facing significant tariff increases.

· · 6 min read

Iran and US Reach Agreement on Temporary Oil Sanctions Relief

Iran and the United States have completed a draft agreement providing temporary relief from sanctions on Iranian oil exports, according to Tehran's negotiating team. The accord represents progress under the broader Islamabad Memorandum framework signed this month.

· · 4 min read

Iran to Recover US$6 Billion in Frozen Qatar Assets Under New US Deal

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that US$6 billion in frozen assets held in Qatar will be returned to Tehran under a preliminary accord with the United States. High-level delegations from both countries are engaged in technical negotiations in Switzerland.

· · 4 min read

Delivery Rider's Remand Extended in RM10,000 Wallet Theft Case

A 37-year-old delivery rider has had his remand extended until June 23 in connection with an alleged RM10,000 wallet theft from a supermarket in Semenyih. The case highlights growing concerns about theft incidents in commercial establishments.

· · 3 min read

Woman and Associate Held Over Alleged Staged Kidnapping Scheme

A woman and her alleged accomplice have been remanded for two weeks over allegations of staging a kidnapping to extort RM18,000 in ransom. Police are investigating the scheme, which marks another case of fraudulent crime fabrication.

· · 3 min read

Pegula stuns Sabalenka to book Berlin final spot

American Jessica Pegula upset world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic Berlin WTA semi-final, winning 6-2, 6-7 (4-7), 6-0 to reach the grass-court tournament final for the second time.

· · 3 min read

MMC Strengthens Ties with Northern Media Practitioners at HAWANA 2026

The Malaysian Media Council hosted an informal dinner gathering with over 50 media practitioners from Malaysia's northern states during HAWANA 2026, marking the first engagement under new chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan and signalling MMC's commitment to regional representation.

· · 4 min read

Rare Landspout Storm Devastates Bercham, Affecting 240 Homes

A rare landspout storm struck Bercham in Ipoh yesterday evening, damaging more than 240 homes and eight business premises. Authorities have launched relief operations and repair efforts, with no lives lost in the incident.

· · 4 min read

HAWANA Summit Reaffirms Journalism's Role in Evolving Media Landscape

Malaysia's HAWANA 2026 Summit gathered approximately 1,000 journalists and media professionals in Penang to discuss the profession's relevance, celebrate contributions, and address emerging challenges including artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

· · 5 min read

Thai Court Jails Man 18 Months for Monarchy Facebook Comment

A Thai man has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for a comment posted in a Facebook monarchy discussion group, marking another conviction under Thailand's strict lèse-majesté laws that continue to spark international concern.

· · 4 min read

Mutual Respect Core to Malaysia's Harmony, Says Queen

Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah has underscored the critical role of mutual respect in maintaining Malaysia's social cohesion and national well-being, citing Islamic principles and her own interactions with diverse visitors.

· · 5 min read

Canadian PM Carney Celebrates Historic World Cup Victory, Praises Team Spirit

Canada achieved a watershed moment in its football history by securing its first-ever World Cup finals victory. Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the jubilant squad in Vancouver, highlighting the team's exceptional character and determination despite a serious injury sustained during the match.

· · 4 min read

Achraf Hakimi to Face Trial on Rape Charges in France

A French appeals court has confirmed that Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi will proceed to trial on rape allegations. The decision upholds an earlier ruling that the Paris Saint-Germain player must face judicial proceedings.

· · 3 min read

147 Ex-Military Personnel Interview For MRSM Warden Positions

MARA has completed physical interviews for 147 former military personnel vying for Full-Time External Warden roles at MRSM colleges nationwide. The selection process, held in Kuala Lumpur, involved fitness and face-to-face assessments ahead of July deployment.

· · 4 min read

Over 2 Million Indian Medical Candidates Face Retake of Scandal-Hit Entrance Exam

More than 2 million Indian medical school candidates are resitting a high-stakes entrance examination after authorities cancelled the original May test following allegations of question paper leaks. The controversy has sparked student unrest and forced the government to implement extraordinary security measures.

· · 5 min read

PM Anwar Extends Condolences Following Death of Seremban Student

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed his condolences to the family of a Form Four student who died at a secondary school in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. Authorities have initiated counselling support and ruled out bullying as a contributing factor.

· · 3 min read

Teacher Arrested in Besut Drug Den Raid; Four Suspects in Custody

Authorities in Terengganu have detained four individuals, including an educator, following an enforcement operation targeting a residential property allegedly used for narcotics trafficking. The case highlights ongoing police efforts to dismantle drug networks across the state.

· · 3 min read

Thai Court Hands 18-Month Sentence for Royal Facebook Comment

A Thai court has sentenced a 43-year-old man to 18 months in prison for a Facebook comment deemed defamatory towards the Thai monarchy. The case highlights the ongoing use of Thailand's strict royal insult laws to prosecute online speech.

· · 5 min read

Former Ateneo Basketball Coach Questions Over Players' Drowning Deaths

Tab Baldwin, former coach of Ateneo de Manila University's men's basketball team, appeared for questioning at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headquarters regarding the deaths of two players who drowned during a shore training exercise in Aurora.

· · 4 min read

Jeremy Clarkson Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, Reveals on TV

British television personality Jeremy Clarkson has disclosed a prostate cancer diagnosis, revealing the condition during his farming reality series. The 66-year-old underwent surgery to remove part of his prostate and faces recovery complications.

· · 5 min read

AirAsia Alerts Public to Fraudulent Job Portal Scam

AirAsia has alerted job seekers to beware of a fraudulent recruitment website operating under the domain airasiaexpress.com that impersonates the airline's official careers portal and solicits illegal processing fees.

· · 4 min read

Grammy-nominated rapper Mystikal sentenced to 20 years for 2022 rape

Michael Lawrence Tyler, known professionally as Mystikal, has been handed a 20-year prison sentence for raping a woman at his Louisiana residence. The Grammy-nominated rapper pleaded guilty to third-degree rape following a plea deal that reduced initial first-degree charges.

· · 4 min read

US and India Make Headway on Long-Stalled Trade Pact

The United States and India have announced meaningful progress in negotiations for a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, with US officials set to visit New Delhi next week to advance talks.

· · 3 min read

Tokoh Maal Hijrah Awards Honour Islamic Scholars for Service to Ummah

Malaysia's Tokoh Maal Hijrah awards have recognised two distinguished Islamic scholars for their contributions to the Muslim community. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof say the accolades should inspire Muslims nationwide to pursue knowledge and societal development.

· · 4 min read

Three arrested in medical certificate forgery scheme at workshop

Three individuals working at a Pekan workshop have been detained by authorities for their suspected involvement in manufacturing and distributing fraudulent medical certificates that bore the identity of a legitimate government medical officer.

· · 4 min read

Man held over KTMB cable theft in Taiping

Perak authorities have arrested a man suspected of stealing 43 metres of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad cables from railway infrastructure in Taiping, part of ongoing efforts to combat theft from critical transport networks.

· · 3 min read

Two women detained in Brunei vice crackdown

Brunei authorities arrested two local women in separate raids on Sunday targeting suspected vice activities. The operations in Kampong Salambigar and Kampong Lumapas resulted in evidence seizures and ongoing investigations.

· · 1 min read

Tyra Banks sues Netflix over defamatory 'ANTM' documentary

Supermodel Tyra Banks has launched a defamation lawsuit against Netflix, accusing filmmakers of selective editing and deliberate omission to portray her negatively in a docuseries about her reality competition show.

· · 2 min read

Florida Sues TikTok Over Child Safety Law Violations

Florida has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the platform of violating state law designed to protect children under 14. The case centres on allegations that TikTok allows underage users to create accounts and misrepresents harmful content exposure.

· · 1 min read