Day: April 7, 2026

Product Diversification Key to Strengthening Halal Industry- Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Hamidi

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasised the importance of product diversification in empowering Malaysia’s halal industry following his visit to the Al-Meswak Mu’min Factory. The visit took place after the groundbreaking ceremony of the PERDA Halal Park, where Zahid observed first-hand the role of industry players in supporting the nation’s halal ecosystem. He expressed satisfaction with the factory’s progress, noting that it has responded well to the government’s call to expand halal offerings beyond traditional food and beverage products. “I am pleased to see developments like this. The factory has clearly embraced efforts to diversify halal products into other high-potential segments,” he said in a statement. Zahid stressed that the halal industry must continue to evolve in a broader and more innovative direction to remain competitive and penetrate larger global markets. “This is the direction we must take — a more dynamic and forward-looking halal industry,” he added. He also highlighted the importance of close collaboration between industry players and government agencies to ensure continued growth and global reach for local halal products. “Insya-Allah, through strong cooperation, our local halal products will be able to go further and compete internationally. Let us continue to support locally produced halal goods,” he said. --Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris --Photo: FB Zahid Hamidi

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasised the importance of product diversification in empowering Malaysia’s halal industry following his visit to the Al-Meswak Mu’min Factory. The visit took place after the groundbreaking ceremony of the PERDA Halal Park, where Zahid observed first-hand the role of industry players in supporting the […]

AmBank Group backs Weststar Aviation Services with RM2 billion financing to accelerate expansion

KUALA LUMPUR — AmBank Group, through AmBank Islamic Berhad, has granted RM2 billion financing to Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd. This marks a significant step in strengthening Malaysia’s aviation transportation infrastructure while supporting industries that are vital to the country’s economic development. The financing is part of a syndicated financing facility, to support Weststar’s helicopter fleet expansion, strengthen working […]

AirAsia bags second consecutive ‘Top Influential Brand’ win in Singapore

SINGAPORE, 7 April 2026 – AirAsia was once again named the Top Influential Brand in the Airline category at the 2026 Asia CEO Summit & Awards Ceremony organised by Influential Brands, marking the airline’s second consecutive win in the category. The award continues to recognise AirAsia’s position as the largest foreign low-cost carrier in terms of […]

Minister Outlines 10-Point Action Plan to Strengthen SME Support with Banks

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7, 2026 — The Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), Steven Sim Chee Keong, recently met with 16 top executives from the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM), led by Chairman of the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) Dato’ Sri Khairussaleh Ramli, to discuss strengthening cooperation between the banking sector […]

Dr. Mahathir Rejects Claims of Dividing the Malay Community via Bersatu

Former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has emphasized that unity among Malays is essential for winning elections and forming the federal government, cautioning that fragmentation across multiple parties will weaken their chances. In a Facebook post, Dr. Mahathir highlighted the enduring relevance of the slogan “Bersatu Teguh, Bercerai Roboh” (United We Stand, Divided We Fall), while noting that some leaders still equate becoming prime minister with heading a political party. He stressed that such thinking ignores electoral realities, pointing out that no party can secure a general election victory if votes are split among too many factions. “If you do not win the general election, it is not possible to become prime minister, even if you have support from the party you lead,” he said, questioning the emphasis on party leadership as a route to the premiership. Dr. Mahathir added that consolidating support is critical for Malay leadership to prevail, warning that fielding too many candidates in the same constituency could result in collective defeat. He concluded that the priority should be on unity and strategic coordination, rather than individual ambitions, to ensure electoral success

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7, 2026 — Former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad addressed recent claims that he has caused division among the Malay community, explaining the rationale behind leaving UMNO and founding Parti Bersatu. Dr. Mahathir in a Facebook posting said he left UMNO because the party had strayed from its original mission, prioritising personal […]

PM Anwar Calls For A Renewed Global Commitment To Diplomacy

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called for the immediate de-escalation of conflicts in West Asia and a renewed global commitment to diplomacy, warning that continued violence risks triggering far-reaching economic and security repercussions. Delivering his keynote address at the Kuala Lumpur-Ankara Dialogue 2026, Anwar described the current situation in West Asia as a “harsh and dismal reality”, marked by the loss of thousands of lives, destruction of civilian infrastructure and indiscriminate attacks on critical facilities. “As we gather to strengthen the linkages between Malaysia and Turkiye, we do so at a time when the world is once again confronted with a harsh and dismal reality, the tragedy of war in West Asia,” he said. Anwar noted that the ongoing conflict has resulted in immense human suffering, with thousands of lives lost and innocent civilians, including school children, being massacred while seeking shelter in their classrooms, bridges are blown to smithereens, and oil as well as nuclear installations are bombed indiscriminately. “The human and physical cost continues to mount, even as diplomatic efforts are being pursued to halt the violence and restore stability,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called for the immediate de-escalation of conflicts in West Asia and a renewed global commitment to diplomacy, warning that continued violence risks triggering far-reaching economic and security repercussions. Delivering his keynote address at the Kuala Lumpur-Ankara Dialogue 2026, Anwar described the current situation […]

Peninsula Waters Clear Of KHV Despite Sabah Cases – DOF

PUTRAJAYA, April 7 -- Malaysia’s Department of Fisheries (DOF) has confirmed that public waters in Peninsular Malaysia remain safe and free from Koi Herpesvirus (KHV), despite reported cases in parts of Sabah. DOF director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said ongoing surveillance under the National Fish Health Surveillance Programme has detected no spread of KHV in rivers and lakes across the peninsula. “Data also show a decline in cases at private koi farms, from seven in 2022 to three in 2025, with all incidents fully contained and no spillover into public waters,” he said in a statement today. However, he said that the department will continue strengthening control measures, including conducting periodical inspections at least twice a year at farms breeding Cyprinidae species, which is the largest group of freshwater fish. “DOF will also tighten import controls at national entry points in collaboration with the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS), while enhancing monitoring and rapid response readiness for any unusual incidents,” he said. The Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry recently ordered the immediate capture and disposal of all non-endemic koi and Cyprinidae species from Tagal conservation areas and rivers. Its minister, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, said the move followed confirmation that KHV, carried by the affected species, was the main cause of deaths among pelian (kelah) fish reported in several districts since Aug 1 last year. Adnan described the situation in Sabah as a stark reminder that fish disease threats can arise at any time, stressing that strict biosecurity measures and full compliance with quarantine and farm management protocols are essential. “With no treatment or vaccine available for KHV, the immediate culling of infected fish remains the most effective way to break the chain of infection and prevent wider spread,” he said. He also warned that releasing diseased fish or discharging contaminated water into public drainage systems is irresponsible and could severely impact native species such as kelah and lampam, as well as disrupt aquatic ecosystems. The DOF also urged operators and the public to promptly report any unusual fish deaths to the nearest fisheries office.

PUTRAJAYA, April 7 — Malaysia’s Department of Fisheries (DOF) has confirmed that public waters in Peninsular Malaysia remain safe and free from Koi Herpesvirus (KHV), despite reported cases in parts of Sabah. DOF director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said ongoing surveillance under the National Fish Health Surveillance Programme has detected no spread of KHV in rivers […]

Trailer Driver Charged With Murder Of Three In Segamat Crash

SEGAMAT, April 7 -- The trailer driver involved in the fatal crash that claimed the lives of three family members at KM212 of the Johor Bahru–Seremban Road, near the Taman Golden Hill junction in Gemas Baharu last week, was charged at the Magistrate’s Court here today. The accused, Muhamad Shafiq Salleh, 29, nodded in understanding as the charge was read before Magistrate Amalina Johar. No plea was recorded, however, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. According to the charge sheet, the accused is alleged to have caused the deaths of K Myakrishnan, 72, his wife S Sevendai, 65, and Sevendai’s brother S Palamiandy, 75, at the location at 3.50 pm on April 2. He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of 30 to 40 years. If the death penalty is not imposed, the convicted person must also be sentenced to a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane. No bail was offered to the accused, and the court set May 21 for a case mention to allow for the submission of post-mortem, medical, forensic, pathology and Puspakom reports. Deputy public prosecutor Nur ‘Aina Muhammad Ismail Tadj appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented. Three people, including a married couple, were killed in the accident, while two others were injured after a trailer collided with the rear of the van carrying the victims at the Taman Golden Hill junction in Gemas Baharu. Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke directed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to conduct an immediate audit and investigation into the trailer operator. Loke said strict action must be taken, including holding the company accountable for failing to monitor its driver’s conduct, noting that the driver tested positive for methamphetamine.

SEGAMAT, April 7 — The trailer driver involved in the fatal crash that claimed the lives of three family members at KM212 of the Johor Bahru–Seremban Road, near the Taman Golden Hill junction in Gemas Baharu last week, was charged at the Magistrate’s Court here today. The accused, Muhamad Shafiq Salleh, 29, nodded in understanding […]

Intel Elevates Santhosh Viswanathan to Lead Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) Region

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7, 2026 – Intel Corporation today announced the appointment of Santhosh Viswanathan as Vice President and Managing Director for the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. Expanding his leadership scope from India to APJ, Viswanathan will lead Intel’s overall business, brand, and customer engagements across both regions, bringing together the region under a unified leadership structure. Viswanathan will be responsible for driving business growth, deepening engagement with customers and partners, and advancing Intel’s strategic priorities across one of the company’s most dynamic and diverse regions. Viswanathan is a seasoned Intel leader with over two decades of experience across multiple geographies. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Managing Director for Intel India, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening India as a key growth engine for the company. Prior to that, he led Intel’s operations across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, in addition to holding regional leadership roles across APJ. Earlier in his career, Viswanathan served as Global Director of Operations at Intel in the United States, where he led sales operations strategy and planning for the global sales organization and supported major transformation initiatives across markets. “APJ is one of the most diverse and fast-growing regions in the world, and its strength lies in its people, partners, and technology ecosystems. I am excited to take on this expanded responsibility and work closely with our teams and customers to unlock new opportunities, drive growth, and create lasting impact across the region,” said Santhosh Viswanathan, Vice President and Managing Director – Intel APJ. Viswanathan holds a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management, as well as an MBA. --Minutes MY / Sugan Balan

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7, 2026 – Intel Corporation today announced the appointment of Santhosh Viswanathan as Vice President and Managing Director for the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. Expanding his leadership scope from India to APJ, Viswanathan will lead Intel’s overall business, brand, and customer engagements across both regions, bringing together the region under […]