Day: March 28, 2026

Malaysia to Issue Diplomatic Note Rejecting Renewed Sabah Claim

SEREMBAN: Malaysia will send a diplomatic note to Philippines to firmly reject renewed claims over Sabah, following recent remarks by Filipino senator Robin Padilla. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Putrajaya has consistently issued such diplomatic responses whenever the Sabah claims is raised, stressing that the state’s status as part of Malaysia is final. He said […]

Seven Malaysian Tankers Await Safe Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz – Mohamad

TEHRAN: Iran continues to maintain its stance of fully controlling ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, only allowing ships deemed “non-hostile” to transit as long as they coordinate with Tehran authorities. This was stated in an official letter from Iran to member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In the letter, Iran stressed that foreign ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz provided they comply with announced safety regulations and are not involved in any form of support for aggressive actions against the country. Iran added that ships linked to the United States, Israel or parties involved in the current conflict are not eligible for passage. Ship tracking data in recent days shows that Iran has allowed a small number of ships to transit through its territorial waters, including ships from China, India and Pakistan. This route is often used to allow Iranian authorities to verify the identity and purpose of ships before they are allowed to pass, according to maritime analysts. Due to the risk of attacks and tensions in the narrow waters near Oman, many commercial ships are now changing their routes to routes closer to the Iranian coast, including the area around Larak Island. The move gives Iran a monitoring advantage as well as strengthening its control over maritime traffic in the strategic route. The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz peaked after the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, causing shipping traffic to almost come to a standstill and affecting global oil supplies. The Strait of Hormuz previously handled around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. With rising shipping costs and global oil prices, Iran is now trying to balance its economic interests while maintaining pressure on its perceived enemies. Free navigation access in the Strait of Hormuz is also one of the main points in the 15-point peace plan developed by the United States and sent to Iran via Pakistan. But so far, there is no sign that Tehran is willing to give up its strategic advantage without comprehensive security guarantees. Iran has said it will not relax control over the maritime route as long as the conflict continues, with several government sources insisting that pressure on the enemy will continue until there is a full ceasefire.

SEREMBAN, 28 Mac (Bernama) — Seven tankers owned by Malaysian companies are currently awaiting clearance to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz following heightened security tensions in the Middle East, said Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan. He clarified that the vessels, including those belonging to Petronas and Sapura Energy, have not been detained but are waiting […]

PN to Treat MIC’s Silence as Rejection of Membership Offer

KOTA BHARU — Perikatan Nasional (PN) will regard the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) as having rejected its invitation to join the coalition if no official response is received soon, said PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, as reported by Sinar Harian.  He said PN had given MIC sufficient time to confirm whether it would accept or decline […]

Rafizi Claims ‘Mr R’, Raises Questions Over Alleged Corporate Influence

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 — Pandan Member of Parliament Rafizi Ramli has identified the individual referred to as “Mr R” in statements by businessman Victor Chin, alleging that the person is lawyer Sandraruben Neelamagham, also known as Ruben. Rafizi claimed that Ruben holds roles as a NexG corporate advisor and director of Solid HighTech, and is believed to act as an intermediary between a group described as a “corporate mafia” and key stakeholders in matters involving pressure on shareholders. According to Rafizi, communications between Victor Chin and Ruben suggest that “Mr R” operates on behalf of a more influential figure, often referencing a “boss” in their exchanges. He further linked the alleged “boss” to Farhash Wafa Salvador, a former political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Rafizi questioned whether the alleged influence of these individuals extended to directing authorities to exert pressure on NexG shareholders, and whether such connections played a role in securing a government contract worth billions of ringgit for NexG. “I have fulfilled my promise to reveal who Mr R is,” Rafizi said in a social media post, adding that the matter now warrants an explanation from the Prime Minister regarding the allegations raised.

KUALA LUMPUR — Pandan Member of Parliament Rafizi Ramli has identified the individual referred to as “Mr R” in statements by businessman Victor Chin, alleging that the person is lawyer Sandraruben Neelamagham, also known as Ruben. Rafizi claimed that Ruben holds roles as a NexG corporate advisor and director of Solid HighTech, and is believed […]

GOF Arrests Three Thai Men For Attempting To Smuggle Petrol, Diesel Into Thailand

KANGAR -- The General Operations Force (GOF) detained three Thai men who were attempting to smuggle petrol and diesel into Thailand using modified vehicle tanks on Jalan Kangar-Padang Besar, near the Padang Besar Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex (ICQS) yesterday. Its Northern Brigade Commander, SAC Balveer Singh a/l Mahindar Singh said the police arrested the men, aged between 22 and 45, after inspecting three suspicious-looking pickup trucks during ‘Op Taring Bravo 1’ at 9 am. "As a result of the inspection, it was found that there was a quantity of liquid suspected to be petrol and diesel, in the modified tanks of each vehicle believed to be for smuggling petrol and diesel into Thailand," he said in a statement tonight. He said the total amount of petrol and diesel seized amounted to 410 litres, estimated to be worth RM 2,015.70, and the three vehicle drivers were believed to be actively involved in smuggling due to high demand in neighbouring country, with the total seizure amounting to RM 217,015.70 including the vehicles. "This (smuggling attempt) was due to the lower prices and the reduced stock of petrol and diesel in Thailand as a result of the ongoing global geopolitical crisis," he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961 read together with Section 8(4)(a) (Act 122). He also said that the Perlis Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) also issued summonses to each of the foreign drivers for modifying the vehicle. He added that the operation was carried out by the Royal Malaysia Police through GOF Northern Brigade headquarters’ Risk Branch, in collaboration with the Perlis branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Perlis JSPT.

KANGAR — The General Operations Force (GOF) detained three Thai men who were attempting to smuggle petrol and diesel into Thailand using modified vehicle tanks on Jalan Kangar-Padang Besar, near the Padang Besar Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex (ICQS) yesterday. Its Northern Brigade Commander, SAC Balveer Singh a/l Mahindar Singh said the police arrested […]

Human Resources Ministry Marks 100 Days, Launches Initiatives to Empower Over Half a Million Malaysians- YB Ramanan

KUALA LUMPUR — It has been 100 days since the appointment of Minister of Human Resources, who has focused on implementing policies with direct benefits for the people. Key priorities include strengthening social protections, skills development, and safeguarding employee welfare. The ministry is finalizing the Traveler Scheme, which will protect over 400,000 Malaysians commuting to Singapore, while also exploring expanded social protection for maternity mothers to bolster the nation’s social safety net. Among the major initiatives launched is Scheme Lindung 24/7 under PERKESO, which will cover nearly 10 million formal workers, ensuring protection regardless of working hours. Other programs include free occupational safety and health training for 10,000 tourism workers as part of the Year of Visiting Malaysia 2026, the Upskilling and Reskilling program for 90,000 citizens, and 5,000 job placements for Malaysian Armed Forces veterans through partnerships between PERKESO, JHEV, and PERHEBAT. The minister also highlighted government support for the gig economy, including RM100 million allocated for gig worker skills training. The VETRI MADANI 2026 Programme has been introduced to provide technical, AI, and engineering skills to the B40 community, enhancing job opportunities and living standards. The minister emphasized that these achievements are the result of collective effort and reaffirmed a commitment to inclusive, long-term initiatives that empower the nation’s workforce. “This is not just a promise, this is a promise I’m fulfilling,” the minister said, underscoring the government’s dedication to building a strong, competitive, and inclusive workforce.

KUALA LUMPUR — It has been 100 days since the appointment of Minister of Human Resources, who has focused on implementing policies with direct benefits for the people. Key priorities include strengthening social protections, skills development, and safeguarding employee welfare. The ministry is finalizing the Traveler Scheme, which will protect over 400,000 Malaysians commuting to […]

Fingular expands into Shariah-compliant segment with new brand Tazee

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia— Fingular, a fintech holding headquartered in Singapore, announces the launch of Tazee, a new Shariah-first consumer financing brand in Malaysia. The new brand  focuses on providing fully Shariah-compliant, fast digital financing solutions tailored to local market needs. Customers seeking Shariah-aligned financial solutions face challenges in accessing suitable digital options. Islamic banks typically […]

Ewon Targets Completion of 50 SMJ Homes in Kadamaian This Year

KOTA BELUD, March 28, 2026 — Kadamaian State Assemblyman Ewon Benedick wants all 50 units of Rumah Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) in the Kadamaian constituency to be completed this year to provide better living conditions for families in need. Ewon, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and […]

MINDET Strengthens Regional Partnerships with ASSEAN JCI, NGOs to Boost Sabah’s Investment Appeal — Ewon

KOTA KINABALU, March 28, 2026 — Sabah’s Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) will continue strengthening collaboration with regional organisations such as the Association of JCI Senator in The South East Asian Nations and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to promote Sabah as a competitive investment destination. Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and MINDET […]

Ewon Benedick Balances Grassroots Visits in Kadamaian with Sabah Investment Promotion Drive

KOTA BELUD, March 28, 2026 — Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Ewon Benedick carried out a packed schedule on Saturday, balancing grassroots engagements in Kadamaian with efforts to promote Sabah as an investment destination later in the day. In the morning, Ewon, who also serves as Sabah’s Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport as […]