Day: April 6, 2026

Ewon Launches Norcy BeautyLab’s Third Factory

KUDAT: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Ewon Benedick, today officiated the opening of the third factory of Norcy BeautyLab Sdn. Bhd. in Matunggong. The factory is owned by local woman entrepreneur Norsiah Ahiddin, who previously established her first mini factory at the Matunggong Entrepreneurship Centre and a […]

Ramanan Stands Firm: Defending PKR as a House That Must Not Be Torn Down from Within

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 — Malaysia has entered a new era in labour protection with the enforcement of the Gig Workers Act 2025 [Act 872], marking a major milestone in safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers in the rapidly expanding digital economy. The landmark legislation, which officially comes into force today, reflects the strong commitment of the MADANI Government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to ensure that economic progress goes hand in hand with social justice. Described as a bold and comprehensive move, the Act provides long-awaited legal recognition and protection for gig workers, a sector that has grown significantly in recent years due to technological advancements and shifting employment trends. With an estimated 1.64 million gig workers in Malaysia set to benefit, the law introduces key safeguards including basic workers’ rights, improved transparency in contractual agreements, clearer dispute resolution mechanisms, and stronger social security protections. Officials подчеркнули that Malaysia’s approach places it ahead of regional peers such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Philippines, where gig worker protections are still being introduced gradually or remain limited to specific sectors. In contrast, Malaysia’s dedicated legal framework positions the country among Asia’s leaders in addressing the challenges of the gig economy. The Ministry of Human Resources, Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia, played a central role in developing the Act, working closely with a wide range of stakeholders including gig worker associations, trade unions, academics, and media representatives. “This is not just about economic growth, but about fairness and inclusion,” the government said, emphasizing that the goal is to build a digital economy that is not only innovative and fast-growing, but also equitable and sustainable. The introduction of Act 872 is seen as a defining step in positioning Malaysia not merely as a participant in the regional gig economy, but as a model nation demonstrating that technological advancement and social protection can progress together. The government expressed appreciation to all parties involved in shaping the legislation, noting that the achievement reflects a collective national effort to secure a more just and resilient future of work.

The heated exchange at the Johor PKR Convention should not be reduced to mere personality clashes—it reflects a deeper question about loyalty, responsibility, and the proper way to defend a political party. In this context, Ramanan Ramakrishnan was right to take a firm stand. When Ramanan said, “YB, you should defend the party. This party […]

Government Moves to Strengthen Bumiputera Economic Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty

KUALA LUMPUR — The government is stepping up efforts to strengthen the resilience of the Bumiputera economy in response to ongoing global uncertainties, through a series of strategic measures and immediate actions. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was discussed during the Steering Committee Meeting of the Bumiputera Economic Council (MEB) No. 1/2026, which he chaired earlier today. He noted that the meeting focused on ensuring the Bumiputera economy remains resilient and continues to grow despite current economic challenges. “To achieve this, three key actions have been identified for immediate implementation,” he said. The first involves conducting a comprehensive assessment across critical sectors to better understand the real impact on the ground. Secondly, the government will introduce targeted interventions, including more flexible financing options, cost-related incentives, and efforts to strengthen local supply chains to support Bumiputera businesses. The third measure emphasizes firm and accountable execution without delay, supported by close monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of all initiatives. At the same time, PM Anwar Ibrahim stressed that long-term strategies must not be overlooked. These include accelerating digitalisation, empowering young entrepreneurs, and expanding into new markets to enhance competitiveness and self-reliance. He expressed confidence that with well-coordinated planning and strong collaboration among all stakeholders, the Bumiputera economy will remain robust and well-prepared to face future challenges. --Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris --Photo: FB Zahid Hamidi

KUALA LUMPUR — The government is stepping up efforts to strengthen the resilience of the Bumiputera economy in response to ongoing global uncertainties, through a series of strategic measures and immediate actions. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was discussed during the Steering Committee Meeting of the Bumiputera Economic Council (MEB) No. 1/2026, which […]

PPP Youth Raises Concerns Over SPM Moral Education Assessment

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6, 2026 — Sathiah Sudakaran, National Youth Chief of the Parti Progresif Penduduk (PPP), has expressed concern over the assessment of Moral Education in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations. Sathiah highlighted cases where students achieving A+ in nearly all other subjects fail to obtain A+ in Moral Education, raising questions about […]

No Licences For Photo Touts In Capital Over Safety Concerns – Hannah Yeoh

PUTRAJAYA, April 6 -- The government will not issue permits or special licences to individuals offering unofficial photography services, or photo touts, in popular tourist areas of the capital due to safety concerns, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh. She added that site inspections with management and security authorities revealed these locations to be high-risk for such activities. “The main concern is safety. These locations are simply not safe for taking photos, so we cannot consider issuing licences. It’s not just about the welfare of photo touts or tourism. “At the KLCC junction, for instance, a car could hit someone at any time. It's a safety issue,” she said after attending the Putrajaya International Language Initiative for Youth and Special Community Mobility Assistance programme today. Hannah added that two inspections were conducted at the KLCC area with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and security personnel. “DBKL has installed additional CCTV cameras at the junction, and during our site visit, we observed a noticeable drop in photo tout activity. The police are also conducting ongoing joint operations with DBKL,” she said. Public announcement systems in multiple languages have been set up, broadcasting every 10 minutes to remind tourists not to use the services of photo touts. Hannah added that checks on detained photo touts revealed some were foreigners using false identities. “This is not just a matter of operating without a licence; some are using fake identities, meaning they are not citizens. For this reason, issuing licences cannot be considered at this time,” she said. Media reports previously noted that photo touts had been warned to cease operations in the capital, particularly around popular tourist areas, due to various issues they posed. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, April 6 — The government will not issue permits or special licences to individuals offering unofficial photography services, or photo touts, in popular tourist areas of the capital due to safety concerns, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh. She added that site inspections with management and security authorities revealed […]

RM20 Language Classes Launched to Boost Putrajaya Youth Skills

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6, 2026 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh has launched an expanded international language programme in Putrajaya, offering classes from as low as RM20 to help develop a more globally competitive younger generation. Implemented through Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj), the initiative aims to strengthen youth capabilities in multiple […]

Prosperity Initiatives for Residents of the Kuala Lumpur

Inisiatif Sejahtera Untuk Warga Wilayah Persekutuan

1. Padang Merbok is opened to the public 2. Involvement of Members of Parliament in DBKL budgeting and planning 3. Rental prices for Ramadan bazaar lots in Kuala Lumpur 2026 are reduced 4. Combatting tender cartels to ensure the best services for the people 5. Fighting corruption to create a clean administration and build public […]

Heated Exchange Erupts at Johor PKR Convention Over Criticism of Rafizi

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 APRIL — A Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) convention in Johor was briefly disrupted yesterday following a tense exchange between party leaders R. Ramanan and Hassan Abdul Karim yesterday. The confrontation began when YB Datuk Seri Ramanan, a PKR vice-president, delivered a speech that included sharp criticism of Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. In his remarks, YB Ramanan questioned Rafizi’s actions and suggested they had been detrimental to the party. MP Hassan, the Pasir Gudang Member of Parliament, interrupted the speech, objecting to the criticism on the grounds that Datuk Seri Rafizi was not present to respond. He argued that party conventions should not be used as a platform to attack absent colleagues. The situation quickly escalated as YB Datu Seri Ramanan defended his stance, insisting that party members must prioritise unity and address internal issues openly. MP Hassan, however, maintained that such criticisms should be handled through proper channels rather than aired publicly. The verbal exchange grew increasingly heated, drawing attention from delegates and briefly halting proceedings before order was restored. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within PKR, particularly over differing views on leadership accountability and how internal disagreements should be managed. Following the event, MP Hassan reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with how the matter was handled and called for a more appropriate forum for debate. The party has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. --Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 APRIL — A Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) convention in Johor was briefly disrupted yesterday following a tense exchange between party leaders R. Ramanan and Hassan Abdul Karim yesterday. The confrontation began when YB Datuk Seri Ramanan, a PKR vice-president, delivered a speech that included sharp criticism of Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi […]

Malaysia Airlines Expands East Asia Network with Fukuoka Return and New Route

SINGAPORE,/PRNewswire/ — Malaysia Airlines is significantly expanding its East Asia footprint with the return of direct flights to Fukuoka, Japan, and the launch of new services to Shenzhen and Changsha, China. Commencing between July and September 2026, these additions bring the airline’s China network to nine key gateways and reinforce its commitment to providing greater travel flexibility […]

Blokees made its debut at 2026 Thailand Toy Expo, exhibiting multiple products

SHANGHAI,  /PRNewswire/ — From April 2 to 31, the Assembly Character Toys brand Blokees made its debut at the 2026 Thailand Toy Expo. Blokees unveiled its two major categories — Blokees Model Kits and Blokees Wheels, highlighting a diverse product matrix of more than 300 products across 17 globally recognized IPs, including Ultraman, Transformers, DC, […]