Day: April 1, 2026

BNM Fined Bank Rakyat RM1 Million Over Cybersecurity Breaches

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 — Bank Negara has imposed a RM1 million administrative monetary penalty on entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Berhad(Bank Rakyat) for failing to meet required cybersecurity and customer data protection standards. The central bank said the penalty, imposed on Jan 20, 2026, followed the discovery of multiple breaches under its Risk Management in Technology Policy Document (RMiT PD) and Management of Customer Information and Permitted Disclosures Policy Document (MCIPD PD). The violations were uncovered after a cybersecurity incident in which an external threat actor gained unauthorised access to the bank’s IT infrastructure. Investigations found that the breaches stemmed from inadequate cybersecurity controls and weaknesses in incident response. BNM said Bank Rakyat failed to implement robust cybersecurity measures and did not sufficiently safeguard customer information as required under regulatory guidelines. The bank has since taken remedial steps to strengthen its cybersecurity framework, including improvements to its information and communication technology (ICT) controls, resources and governance. In determining the penalty, BNM considered several factors, including the severity of the breaches, the bank’s lack of reasonable care in ensuring compliance, its existing control environment, past compliance record, and actions taken after the incident to prevent recurrence. Bank Rakyat paid the RM1 million penalty on Jan 26, 2026. BNM reiterated that all financial institutions must comply with its technology risk management and customer information policies, warning that it will take firm supervisory and enforcement action against any institution that fails to meet regulatory requirements.

KUALA LUMPUR — Bank Negara has imposed a RM1 million administrative monetary penalty on Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Berhad(Bank Rakyat) for failing to meet required cybersecurity and customer data protection standards. The central bank said the penalty, imposed on Jan 20, 2026, followed the discovery of multiple breaches under its Risk Management in Technology Policy […]

PERKESO Ready To Enforce Gig Workers Act 2025, Works With Platform Providers

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 -- The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) is fully prepared to implement social protection for gig workers, including through system integration using Application Programming Interface (API) technology with platform providers. In a statement today, PERKESO said the integration aims to enable contribution deductions to be carried out automatically from each gig worker transaction without the need for manual intervention, thereby improving efficiency, transparency and compliance. In this regard, all gig platform providers are urged to ensure their systems are ready so that the integration process can be implemented smoothly and swiftly. “This step is in line with the implementation of the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872), which mandates all platform providers to register their gig workers with PERKESO. “In addition, platform providers that have yet to register are still subject to the responsibility of registering and deducting contributions to ensure gig workers remain protected,” it said. Under the new mechanism, contributions at a rate of 1.25 per cent will be automatically deducted from each income transaction once a task is completed, ensuring more consistent and continuous social protection for gig workers. “This approach not only expands social security coverage but also ensures that gig workers receive appropriate protection without compromising their work flexibility,” the agency said. Regarding the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (LINDUNG Kendiri), PERKESO statistics show that the number of reported accidents under the scheme increased from 4,021 cases in 2023 to 4,839 cases in 2024, and further to 5,496 cases in 2025. Over the same period, the number of benefit recipients also rose from 6,294 in 2023 to 6,725 in the following year, before reaching 7,893 in 2025. “These statistics signal that it is time for social protection for this group to be given more serious and comprehensive attention, in line with the increasingly dynamic and flexible nature of today’s employment landscape. “Therefore, strengthening protection is not only important to safeguard gig workers when facing risks, but also to ensure the welfare of their dependants in the event of unforeseen circumstances. It added that the implementation of Act 872 places Malaysia in a strategic position as one of the pioneers in the region to introduce a comprehensive legal framework specifically for the gig sector.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) is fully prepared to implement social protection for gig workers, including through system integration using Application Programming Interface (API) technology with platform providers. In a statement today, PERKESO said the integration aims to enable contribution deductions to be carried out automatically from each gig worker […]

AirAsia MOVE partners with rising Malaysian squash star Erwin Kros

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 April 2026 – AirAsia MOVE (MOVE), the region’s leading travel platform, today announces a new partnership with rising Malaysian squash star, Erwin Kros. This collaboration marks the first milestone of MOVE’s ‘Rise Without Limits’ initiative, a campaign fueled by the company’s belief in aspiring talent who dare to push beyond expectations, ensuring […]

Driver Charged With Murder In Fatal Crash In Klang, Admits To Drug Use

KLANG, April 1 (Bernama) -- A car driver believed to have been under the influence of drugs has been charged in the Magistrate’s Court here today with murder over the death of a motorcyclist in a crash on Sunday. R. Saktygaanapathy, 28, was charged with causing the death of Amirul Hafiz Omar, 33, at Jalan Raya Barat, Klang, at 11.47 am on March 29. The charge, framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, carries the death penalty or imprisonment of up to 40 years and, if not sentenced to death, a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction. No plea was recorded from the accused after the charge was read out before Magistrate M. Khartiyayini, as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court. In another charge at the same court, Saktygaanapathy pleaded guilty to self-administration of drugs believed to be benzodiazepine (Benzo) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at the Narcotics Office of the South Klang District Police Headquarters (IPD) at 3.30 pm on the same day. He was charged under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, and may include a supervision order of up to three years upon conviction. Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin did not offer bail, citing the seriousness of the murder charge. The accused was unrepresented. The court then set June 3 for mention of all cases and the submission of pathology reports. Earlier, the accused arrived at the Klang Court complex at about 8.50 am in handcuffs, escorted by police officers. Meanwhile, the victim’s wife, Nor Nadia Abdul Majid, 32, was present in court to follow the proceedings. In the incident last Sunday, South Klang police Chief ACP Lim Jit Huey said the victim was killed after being struck by a car allegedly driven at high speed and in a dangerous manner in a crash on Jalan Raya Barat.

KLANG, April 1 — A car driver believed to have been under the influence of drugs has been charged in the Magistrate’s Court here today with murder over the death of a motorcyclist in a crash on Sunday. R. Saktygaanapathy, 28, was charged with causing the death of Amirul Hafiz Omar, 33, at Jalan Raya […]

Celebrate an Easter at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali

BALI, Indonesia,  /PRNewswire/ — The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, the premier luxury beachfront destination in Nusa Dua, invites guests to indulge in a sophisticated celebration filled with coastal elegance, gourmet dining, and unforgettable family moments. Nestled along the pristine shores of Sawangan Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali offers the perfect setting to embrace the joy of the season. From exclusive Easter-themed […]

Eight Decades of Service: PM Anwar Salutes JPJ’s Role in Nation’s Transport Safety

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ) on its 80th anniversary, recognising the department’s longstanding contribution in ensuring a safe and orderly national transportation system. In his message, the Prime Minister highlighted JPJ’s vital role over the past eight decades in maintaining road safety and regulating transport in line with the evolving needs of the rakyat and current developments. He noted that with increasingly complex road conditions, JPJ’s responsibilities demand continuous firmness, accountability, and efficiency. Strengthening enforcement efforts and improving service quality, he said, must remain a priority to preserve public confidence. Anwar Ibrahim also expressed appreciation for the dedication and integrity of JPJ personnel, commending their commitment in carrying out their duties effectively. He expressed hope that JPJ will continue to uphold its mandate with resilience, ensuring the safety and well-being of the nation while adapting to future challenges in the transport sector.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ) on its 80th anniversary, recognising the department’s longstanding contribution in ensuring a safe and orderly national transportation system. In his message, the Prime Minister highlighted JPJ’s vital role over the past eight decades in maintaining […]

NEC Appoints New Managing Director to Drive Next Phase of Growth in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NEC Corporation of Malaysia today announced the appointment of Takayuki Inaba as Managing Director, effective immediately. Inaba, who concurrently serves as President and CEO of NEC Asia Pacific, brings nearly four decades of experience at NEC Corporation, driving business growth and building strategic partnerships across Asia’s most dynamic markets, […]

Patient Trust and Quality Care Power Malaysia’s Rising Healthcare Reputation

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem continues to strengthen its reputation for quality and innovation, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), part of the IHH Healthcare multinational network has been recognised as one of the World’s Best Hospitals for 2026 by Newsweek. The recognition reflects not only clinical excellence, but also the growing trust […]