The stories shaping Malaysia, in focus.
Malaysian authorities have intensified enforcement against illegal mining, arresting 99 suspects and seizing RM119 million in assets during a targeted five-day operation in late August.
Police arrested 15 suspects operating an illegal gold mining syndicate at Bukit Kor in Marang, Terengganu, which was generating approximately RM13,000 in daily revenue.
Kelantan has initiated 63 criminal investigations into illegal mining and land encroachment following 77 enforcement operations across four districts. Authorities seized 65 excavators valued at RM15.8 million and pledged stricter penalties for repeat offences.
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan researchers have identified anticoagulant properties in buffalo leech saliva protein after a three-year study, potentially offering new therapeutic applications in the global medical industry.
Six individuals have been detained following a significant enforcement operation against unlicensed mining in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. Authorities seized machinery, vehicles and iron ore valued at RM2.98 million, marking a major success in combating the illegal extraction sector.
Kelantan has initiated a formal investigation into a large-scale illegal gold mining operation in Gua Musang after authorities confiscated mining equipment valued at RM4.2 million, signalling intensified enforcement against unregulated mineral extraction.
Malaysia's parliament has approved the KWAN Bill 2026, restructuring the National Trust Fund to draw contributions from multiple natural resource sectors rather than relying solely on Petronas, marking a strategic pivot toward broader economic sustainability.