Thursday, 23 July 2026 George Town
M Malay Pusat

Your hub for Malaysian news, trends and culture.

RK
World Desk

Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh tracks geopolitics, trade and ASEAN-level diplomacy.

1283 articles published

Andy Burnham Takes Office as UK PM, Pledges Economic Overhaul

Andy Burnham, the prominent Labour figure known for his northern England advocacy, became Britain's prime minister on Monday, committing to fundamental economic restructuring to address household finances and public service deficiencies.

· · 4 min read

MACC arrests Kelantan police chief over alleged bribery

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission detained a Kelantan police station chief on allegations involving a bribery case worth approximately RM1,000, marking another high-profile corruption case within law enforcement.

· · 3 min read

Ministers must resign if they attack coalition partners, Anwar warns

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued a direct ultimatum to cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and federal agency heads, stating they must resign immediately if they exploit their official positions to publicly criticise or attack other members of the ruling unity coalition.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Set to Clarify KWAP's eFishery Deal in Parliament

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will appear in the Dewan Negara to clarify the Retirement Fund Incorporated's controversial investment in eFishery, addressing parliamentary scrutiny over the fund's capital allocation.

· · 3 min read

PH Youth Demands BN Cabinet Exits Over PN Cooperation in State Elections

Pakatan Harapan's youth wing has escalated tensions within Malaysia's unity government by demanding all Barisan Nasional ministers and deputy ministers resign from the Cabinet, alleging they have undermined the coalition's core principles through cooperation with Perikatan Nasional.

· · 4 min read

New York Mayor Weighs Netanyahu Arrest Possibility at UN Summit

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is actively considering whether to pursue the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the upcoming United Nations summit in New York, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Netanyahu's office.

· · 4 min read

Ipoh Police Bust Romance Fraud Ring, Arrest 12 Chinese Nationals

Authorities in Ipoh have dismantled a cross-border romance fraud operation, arresting 12 Chinese nationals suspected of running sophisticated love scam call centres. The coordinated raids target networks preying on victims across the border.

· · 3 min read

PN and BN align to challenge PH's grip on Negri Sembilan

Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional have forged an electoral understanding aimed at dislodging Pakatan Harapan from power in the upcoming Negri Sembilan state election, signalling a significant realignment in the state's political landscape.

· · 3 min read

Nepturis paid RM1 million to Bersatu, trial hears

A High Court witness has testified that construction firm Nepturis Sdn Bhd issued a RM1 million cheque payable to Bersatu, marking a significant development in Muhyiddin Yassin's ongoing trial.

· · 3 min read

PAS Eyes Clean Sweep in Negri Sembilan Following PN-BN Pact

PAS has declared confidence in winning all five state seats it is contesting in Negri Sembilan's upcoming election, emboldened by a recent agreement between Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional that removes direct competition.

· · 4 min read

Sarawak Teenager Held in Hong Kong Over Alleged Cannabis Smuggling

A 19-year-old from Sarawak has been arrested in Hong Kong on suspicion of attempting to smuggle three kilogrammes of cannabis. Malaysian authorities believe the teenager was deliberately recruited by organised crime networks to transport drugs across borders.

· · 4 min read

Man arrested for death threat against MCBA officer

Klang police have detained a 46-year-old suspect accused of threatening to shoot an assistant environmental health officer from the MCBA, raising fresh concerns about workplace safety.

· · 3 min read

Anwar Urges Melaka DAP to Reconsider State Exit Plan

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appealed to Melaka DAP to postpone its planned withdrawal from the state administration, emphasizing the need to sustain focus on development initiatives and improve living standards for residents.

· · 4 min read

King Receives MACC Chief Commissioner at Istana Negara

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, met with MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman at the royal palace today, marking an official engagement with the nation's anti-corruption watchdog.

· · 3 min read

France battles massive wildfire south of Paris as arson arrests made

France is fighting two major wildfires that have consumed more than 1,300 hectares of forest near Paris. Authorities have arrested two people suspected of deliberately starting the fires, raising fresh concerns about deliberate forest destruction in Europe.

· · 3 min read

Trader arrested in Melaka for alleged abuse of ten boys

Police in Melaka have arrested a 36-year-old trader suspected of molesting ten young boys and sexually assaulting one over a multi-month period, prompting authorities to intensify child protection efforts.

· · 4 min read

Syed Saddiq Faces Federal Court Test on Corruption Acquittal

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman presented an optimistic demeanor as he appeared at Malaysia's Palace of Justice for the Federal Court's verdict on prosecutors' challenge to his earlier acquittal on corruption allegations.

· · 4 min read

Family Sues ECRL Parties Over Home Safety Damage Claims

A Malaysian family has initiated legal action for RM1.33 million against three parties connected to the East Coast Rail Link project, claiming construction activities have jeopardised their home's safety and structural condition.

· · 4 min read

Nga Reiterates Resignation Pledge Conditional on Najib's Sentence

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has clarified that his earlier statement about resigning from Cabinet was specifically conditional on Datuk Seri Najib Razak being freed without serving an adequate jail term for his crimes.

· · 4 min read

MACC clears Nik Nazmi in RM53m elephant transfer bribery inquiry

Malaysia's anti-corruption watchdog has found no evidence implicating former Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in a RM53 million bribery scheme tied to the relocation of three elephants to Japan.

· · 3 min read

Six Rohingya Men Arrested in RM200,000 Aluminium Formwork Theft

Authorities in Melaka have detained six Rohingya individuals on suspicion of orchestrating a significant theft targeting construction materials. The alleged theft involved aluminium formwork estimated at RM200,000 from a warehouse facility in Sungai Udang.

· · 3 min read

Teen Suspect in Banting School Stabbing Remanded for Four Days

Police have secured a four-day remand order for a teenage suspect in connection with a stabbing attack on a 15-year-old pupil at a secondary school in Banting. Authorities are investigating circumstances surrounding the violent incident.

· · 3 min read

UK Far-Right Politician Farage Confronts Fresh Gift Disclosure Row

Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's hard-right movement, is under scrutiny after allegations emerge that a convicted fraudster bankrolled his security and staff costs before he entered Parliament, raising fresh questions about financial transparency.

· · 4 min read

Sungai Rengit traders seek infrastructure relief after years of temporary conditions

Traders and fishermen operating at Medan Selera Sungai Rengit in Kota Tinggi have spent nearly ten years at a temporary site, facing persistent infrastructure and security challenges. They are placing their hopes on the newly elected representative following the 16th Johor state election to finally address these critical issues.

· · 3 min read

Thai PM Anutin to visit Malaysia for talks on security and trade

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit Malaysia on July 9 and 10 for talks with PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, focusing on transnational security challenges and expanding bilateral economic ties between the neighbouring nations.

· · 3 min read

DAP Accused of Inconsistency Over Najib Pardon Proposal

Ex-Skudai assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim has alleged that a DAP leader supported granting former premier Najib Razak a royal pardon and house arrest alternative, raising questions about the party's consistency on judicial matters.

· · 4 min read

Man held in Kota Kinabalu after Lawas parang assault

Police arrested a 38-year-old man at a Kota Kinabalu hotel in connection with a serious parang attack in Lawas. The suspect had fled to the capital after injuring another man with the traditional blade weapon.

· · 3 min read

Syed Saddiq to learn fate in final appeal tomorrow

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman will discover the outcome of his final legal appeal tomorrow when the Federal Court delivers its judgment on corruption charges that could determine his freedom.

· · 4 min read

Iraq Stages Major Corruption Crackdown in Baghdad's Fortified Green Zone

Iraqi security forces swept through Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone early Sunday, conducting extensive raids that resulted in the detention of multiple MPs and government officials suspected of corrupt practices. The operation underscored intensifying anti-corruption efforts.

· · 3 min read

Bomb Discovery Forces Temporary Runway Closure at Labuan Airport

Labuan Airport suspended runway operations on June 26 after bombs were discovered 150 metres from the airfield. The Royal Malaysian Air Force and airport authorities launched joint inspections, forcing cancellations and diversions on multiple routes.

· · 4 min read

Eight arrested over alleged theft of donations at India's Ram Mandir temple

Police in India have arrested eight people, including temple employees, over allegations of theft and mishandling of donations at the Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh. The scandal threatens to undermine confidence in the Hindu temple, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024.

· · 4 min read

Oman Pledges Free Transit Through Strait of Hormuz Under US-Iran Deal

Oman has expressed strong support for the recently concluded US-Iran memorandum of understanding, pledging that future arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz will remain free from transit fees, reinforcing its role as a stabilising force in regional maritime security.

· · 4 min read

PERKESO Achieves Over 96% Claims Processing Compliance Rate

PERKESO has exceeded its 96% compliance target in processing claims and benefit payments, with some schemes achieving nearly 100% performance. The organisation has strengthened its systems through digitalisation and introduced fast-track mechanisms for emergency cases.

· · 4 min read

EU Designates Amazon and Microsoft Cloud Services as Digital Gatekeepers

European Union regulators have classified Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure as 'gatekeepers' under the Digital Markets Act, subjecting the world's largest cloud providers to stringent regulatory requirements designed to promote fair competition and data portability.

· · 4 min read

France Chasing Top Spot in World Cup Group I to Minimize Travel Burden

France will pursue the top position in their World Cup Group I when facing Norway on Friday. Assistant coach Guy Stephan emphasized that securing first place would allow the team to remain based in the Boston area through the quarter-finals, avoiding extensive travel across the United States.

· · 4 min read

Swift arrest in Penang mosque handbag robbery

Police in George Town arrested a 54-year-old man within hours of a handbag theft during dawn prayers at a local mosque, demonstrating rapid response to crime in places of worship.

· · 3 min read

Iran Blocks IAEA Inspections Pending US Nuclear Deal

Iran has rejected International Atomic Energy Agency inspections of its nuclear facilities, insisting such access will only be granted after reaching a final agreement with the United States and securing comprehensive sanctions relief.

· · 4 min read

SK Hynix plans $29 billion ADR listing to fuel AI chip expansion

South Korea's SK Hynix is pursuing a landmark $29 billion ADR listing on Nasdaq to fund expanded AI chip manufacturing and advanced packaging facilities, positioning itself as a major beneficiary of surging global demand for memory semiconductors.

· · 4 min read

Japan's New PM Faces Backlash at War Memorial Over Pacifism Shift

Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi encountered vocal opposition at a World War II memorial ceremony, with protesters demonstrating against Tokyo's evolving security posture and departure from its historic pacifist tradition.

· · 3 min read

Fire Engulfs Madrid's Torre Moeve, Spain's Second-Tallest Building

A significant fire broke out at Madrid's Torre Moeve, Spain's second-tallest skyscraper, on Tuesday afternoon following an explosion. The building was evacuated as a precaution, and firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze with minimal casualties.

· · 3 min read

Kitchen Paper Fire Destroys 27 Homes in Kelantan Village

A fire that destroyed 27 houses in Kampung Gok Kapur on June 8 was triggered by papers deliberately burned with a gas lighter in a residential kitchen, authorities confirmed. The incident displaced 110 villagers.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia Moves to Prosecute Child Sexual Abusers Operating Overseas

Malaysia is strengthening its child protection framework by amending the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 to prosecute abuse committed abroad, targeting Malaysian citizens, residents, and those targeting Malaysian children anywhere globally.

· · 4 min read

ECB Wins Parliamentary Support for Digital Euro Project

The European Central Bank has gained crucial parliamentary backing for its digital euro initiative, an electronically-issued central bank currency designed to reduce eurozone dependence on American payment systems.

· · 4 min read

LRT3 Shah Alam Line Opens June 29, Serving Two Million Residents

Malaysia's Light Rail Transit 3 will commence operations on June 29, with an official launch ceremony on June 28 officiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The 37.8km line connects Bandar Utama to Johan Setia, benefiting approximately two million residents across western Klang Valley.

· · 3 min read

Iran Delegation Departs Switzerland After Major Round of US Talks

Iran's delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, left Switzerland for Tehran following nearly 18 hours of talks with the US at the Lake Lucerne Summit, with mediators reporting constructive progress and agreement on mechanisms for advancing negotiations.

· · 4 min read

How Britain's Monarch Appoints a New Prime Minister

King Charles III holds one of the British monarchy's few remaining personal prerogatives: appointing the next prime minister. The process involves formal constitutional conventions and centuries-old ceremonial traditions.

· · 5 min read

Trump's Revised Tariff Framework Reshuffles Winners and Losers Across Global Trade

Following a Supreme Court ruling against blanket tariffs, Trump's administration has restructured its protectionist approach using trade investigation mechanisms. Southeast Asian nations and major trading partners now face divergent outcomes, with some gaining negotiating leverage while others face steeper barriers.

· · 6 min read

Iran and US Agree Draft on Temporary Oil Sanctions Relief

Iran and the United States have completed a draft agreement on temporarily easing sanctions affecting Iranian oil shipments, negotiators confirmed Sunday. The deal advances implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum signed by both nations' presidents.

· · 4 min read

Data Leak Tied to Pre-2022 Breaches, Not Current Systems: MKN

Malaysia's security authorities have clarified that a viral data leak involves information stolen in cyber incidents before 2022, not current platforms. NACSA is investigating and urging citizens to avoid accessing unlawfully obtained data.

· · 5 min read

Trump escalates row with Italy's Meloni over photograph encounter

US President Donald Trump has intensified a diplomatic dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing her of repeatedly trying to arrange photographs together while also raising concerns about broader geopolitical disagreements.

· · 4 min read

Pegula Stuns Sabalenka to Secure Berlin Final Berth

American Jessica Pegula produced a commanding performance to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets and advance to the Berlin WTA final for the second occasion in her career.

· · 3 min read

Woman in 20s Arrested Over False Kidnapping Claims

Kuala Lumpur police have arrested a woman in her 20s following a kidnapping report that investigators determined to be false. The Bukit Aman CID chief indicated inconsistencies in her account prompted the arrest.

· · 3 min read

Hong Kong Hospital Admits Surgeon Operated on Wrong Organ, Killing Patient

An investigation into a fatal surgical error at Tseung Kwan O Hospital in Hong Kong found that a surgeon misidentified organs due to confirmation bias, operating on a patient's stomach instead of her colon. The 85-year-old woman died weeks later, prompting calls for the surgeon's dismissal.

· · 4 min read

Morocco Coach Backs Hakimi Despite Fan Jeers at World Cup

Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi has rallied behind captain Achraf Hakimi following hostile crowd reactions during the team's World Cup victory over Scotland, as the footballer faces trial on rape allegations in France.

· · 3 min read

Cambodia Pushes Thailand to Accelerate Border Demarcation Efforts

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged Thailand to appoint a head of the Joint Boundary Commission and accelerate stalled border demarcation work, reaffirming both nations' commitment to peaceful dispute resolution through established international frameworks.

· · 4 min read

Japanese Man Arrested for Confining Child in Garbage Can

Japanese authorities arrested a 35-year-old man who allegedly confined his partner's five-year-old daughter in a garbage can for five minutes, claiming it was discipline. Child welfare authorities were alerted eight days later.

· · 3 min read

Achraf Hakimi Ordered to Stand Trial on Rape Charges in France

A French appeals court in Versailles has confirmed that Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, defender for Paris Saint-Germain, will stand trial on rape charges. The decision upholds an earlier ruling regarding allegations made by a young woman.

· · 3 min read

Foreign Teen Charged with Rape of Elderly Woman in Sandakan

A 19-year-old foreign national has been formally charged in Sandakan Sessions Court with the rape of a 61-year-old woman. The alleged incident occurred on March 21, marking another serious crime case in the Sabah district.

· · 3 min read

Asean and Russia Chart Path for Deeper Ties at Kazan Summit

At a summit in Kazan marking 35 years of diplomatic relations, Asean and Russia adopted a new five-year cooperation framework and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties across maritime, trade, energy and security sectors.

· · 5 min read

Three Women Detained in World Cup Betting Crackdown

Kuching police have remanded three women suspected of operating illegal betting syndicates linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The arrests followed coordinated raids across the district.

· · 3 min read

UAE Becomes First Arab Nation to Ban Social Media for Under-15s

The United Arab Emirates has announced a cabinet-backed social media ban for children under 15, positioning itself as the first Arab nation to adopt such a measure. Platforms have 12 months to implement age verification systems or face potential blocking.

· · 4 min read

Nine Arrested in Pekan Fake Medical Certificates Racket

Police have arrested nine people in connection with a scheme involving the sale and purchase of counterfeit medical certificates in Pekan, Pahang, with four new detainees added to the investigation this week.

· · 3 min read

Why Telegram Faces a Growing Global Backlash Over Security and Crime

Telegram, the encrypted messaging app favoured by activists and journalists, now faces bans and restrictions across multiple countries over allegations it enables terrorism, fraud and crime. India's latest temporary suspension highlights the platform's growing regulatory challenges.

· · 5 min read

Man Charged with Murder of Ex-Girlfriend's Boyfriend

A 30-year-old man has been formally charged with murdering his former girlfriend's partner in Batu Gajah, Perak, in a case highlighting ongoing relationship violence concerns across Malaysia.

· · 3 min read

AirAsia Alerts Public to Fraudulent Recruitment Website Scam

AirAsia has alerted the public to a fraudulent recruitment website mimicking its official careers portal. The scam collects personal information and demands processing fees. Job seekers should only apply through the official careers.airasia.com portal.

· · 4 min read

US and India Make Significant Headway in Long-Stalled Trade Negotiations

The United States and India have made substantial progress in negotiating a comprehensive trade agreement, with both nations committing to finalise a balanced and commercially viable deal. The development follows high-level talks between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi.

· · 4 min read

Vietnam Sets Mandatory Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Delays

Vietnam has introduced Decree No. 208, mandating airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays exceeding 15 minutes. The regulation, effective next month, covers assistance, rebooking rights, and refunds for cancellations and significant schedule changes.

· · 4 min read

Suspect Held Over Theft of 43m KTMB Cables in Taiping

Police in Taiping have apprehended a suspect accused of stealing approximately 43 metres of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad cables from the Padang Rengas-Kamunting railway sector, highlighting ongoing infrastructure crime challenges.

· · 3 min read

SJKT Rajaji To Get New RM8 Million School Building In Farlim

The Education Ministry has greenlit an RM8 million new building for SJKT Rajaji in Penang's Farlim area, relocating the 76-year-old Tamil school from cramped quarters to a spacious 2.3-acre site funded by corporate sponsorship.

· · 4 min read

Selangor Warns Public Against Fake KitaSelangor Voucher SMS Scams

The Selangor state government has cautioned residents to be wary of fraudulent SMS and messages concerning the KitaSelangor Voucher programme, stressing that applications remain closed and all information should come from official government channels only.

· · 3 min read

Spanish striker Rafa Mir sentenced to 8½ years for sexual assault

A Valencia court has convicted Spanish footballer Rafa Mir of sexual assault and assault causing injury, sentencing him to eight-and-a-half years in prison. The 28-year-old Elche player now faces potential career consequences as Spain intensifies scrutiny of misconduct in professional sports.

· · 3 min read

Florida sues TikTok for breaching child safety law

Florida has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the platform of breaking state child protection laws by permitting underage users to open accounts and exposing them to harmful content.

· · 2 min read