Day: April 7, 2026

Malaysia Airports Clamps Down On Illegal Street Racing At LTSIP

KOTA BHARU, April 7 -- Malaysia Airports has clamped down on illegal street racing at the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP). In a statement today, Malaysia Airports said that it has taken proactive measures in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Road Transport Department (JPJ) to strengthen enforcement and prevent such activities. The statement highlighted that this strategic partnership between the agencies plays a vital role in ensuring the airport’s safety while preventing similar unlawful activities. “In addition to enforcement, LTSIP management has restricted access to certain kerbside areas after the last scheduled flights at night, using traffic cones. “This measure serves as an extra precaution to prevent irresponsible individuals from using the area for illegal street racing,” the statement added. Malaysia Airports has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safety and order across airports, ensuring the well-being of both travellers and the public. Yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke directed JPJ to conduct a large-scale enforcement operation at LTSIP to curb illegal street racers, known locally as mat rempit. Earlier media reports said that the area in front of the departure hall at the new LTSIP terminal in Pengkalan Chepa, which has been operational for less than a month, had been repeatedly used as a ‘racing track’. The activity reportedly began during Ramadan and continued until last Friday night, drawing public attention after videos by travellers circulated on social media.

KOTA BHARU, April 7 — Malaysia Airports has clamped down on illegal street racing at the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP). In a statement today, Malaysia Airports said that it has taken proactive measures in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Road Transport Department (JPJ) to strengthen enforcement and prevent such activities. The […]

DAP Urges Public Action on Energy Crisis, Backs Reforms and Road Safety Measures

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7, 2026 — The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has called on its leaders and elected representatives to step up engagement with grassroots communities to raise awareness about the global energy crisis. In a statement following its monthly meeting, Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook said party members have […]

320 Kelantan athletes complete motivational camp ahead of SUKMA Selangor 2026

KOTA BHARU: A total of 320 athletes and 30 coaches who will represent Kelantan at the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor, completed a self-motivation camp last Saturday. Kelantan State Sports Council Assistant Sports Officer Muhammad Aiman ​​Hakim Amir said the motivational camp, which lasted for three days starting on April 2, was his party's preparation for the athletes to face the biennial games. "This motivational camp is our initiative to build cooperation between athletes, coaches and management, as well as to build self-confidence and high discipline among those involved. "In fact, the filling of this camp also involves psychology, motivation and anti-doping slots for athletes," he said when contacted by Bernama today. Muhammad Aiman ​​Hakim said that all athletes participating in the camp not only need to prepare with physical and tactical training, but mental and emotional preparation is also given focus, especially when facing challenges from athletes from other states. "This camp can indirectly foster a high fighting spirit to achieve the medal targets set by the respective sports management," he said, adding that the Kelantan contingent will participate in 30 types of sports this time. Among the sports are athletics, swimming, netball, weightlifting, Muay Thai, badminton, futsal and archery. Asked about the medal target for this year's games, he said the management had not yet officially announced it due to several factors. SUKMA 2026 will take place from August 15 to 24 with the opening ceremony at the Sepang International Circuit, while the Para SUKMA Games will begin from September 5 to 10. A total of 474 events from 37 sports were contested in nine districts involving 52 competition venues, while the Para SUKMA held in Petaling and Klang involved 10 sports and 316 events.

KOTA BHARU: A total of 320 athletes and 30 coaches who will represent Kelantan at the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor, completed a self-motivation camp last Saturday. Kelantan State Sports Council Assistant Sports Officer Muhammad Aiman ​​Hakim Amir said the motivational camp, which lasted for three days starting on April 2, was his party’s […]

Addressing burnout, achieving balance: A new definition of workplace well-being Name Name

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's fast-paced work culture with long working hours and the need to be constantly connected can lead to chronic stress and burnout , thus increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Resident Medical Officer at the Health Centre, Sunway Medical Centre, Bandar Sunway, Dr Wee Hui Yin said that patients rarely mention the term burnout , but they often show signs of stress during consultation sessions and health history assessments. "Many don't call it burnout , but it manifests itself in the form of fatigue, irritability, sleep problems and lower tolerance at work as well as at home," he said in a statement on Monday. Dr Wee said the burnout rate in Malaysia was alarming, with 67 percent of workers reporting burnout in 2024, a significant jump from 58 percent in 2022, adding that Millennials and Gen Z were the most vocal groups. However, he said, middle-aged adults may be more vulnerable because they are part of the "sandwich generation", who have to balance careers with the responsibilities of caring for children and aging parents, and often harbor stress rather than deal with it directly, thus increasing their long-term health risks. Looking at the changes, Dr Wee said companies now realise that supporting employee wellbeing is not just about providing emotional support. He said that workplace wellness now requires a more holistic system that combines physical health assessments with lifestyle guidance and emotional well-being support. According to him, the human body experiences two different health problems when there is continuous stress, namely, first, physiological discomfort with prolonged exposure to stress hormones such as cortisol which can cause increased blood sugar levels, higher bad cholesterol, greater accumulation of visceral fat and high blood pressure. Patients can also experience depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and dangerous levels of alcohol consumption, further leading to more serious health risks. "These changes significantly increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Stress also causes inflammation and hardening of the arteries. This is why some people develop heart problems even though there are no obvious risk factors," said Dr Wee. Dr Wee said that the company's health screening program will not achieve meaningful results if it only focuses on annual tests, without medical follow-up and appropriate lifestyle interventions. "A certain number of patients come every year, but their health outcomes remain the same. Often, it is not because of a lack of awareness, but a lack of time, guidance and support, coupled with long working hours, unhealthy routines and a feeling of not knowing where to start. This means that no real change has been made," he said. According to Dr Wee, preventive health routines require regular monitoring of blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, kidney function, stress levels and sleep quality. The results of this test should be used to change lifestyle and seek follow-up treatment, and not just be a regular health check-up report. Dr Wee said, a holistic approach that combines medical care with lifestyle, diet and mental health, using lifestyle medicine, we always encourage healthy eating, stress management and quality sleep as chronic diseases continue to increase in Malaysia. Dr Wee referred to the world's "Blue Zones" such as Okinawa (Japan), Loma Linda (California, USA) and Sardinia (Italy), whose residents consistently live longer, healthier lives and suffer less from chronic diseases. “This community shares a simple formula we call the Power of 9. They move naturally every day, eat plant-based meals, manage stress well, and maintain strong social connections. It’s not about rigid routines or unrealistic health goals. "The goal is to help individuals make small, practical changes that they can stick to. This can be achieved by walking more at work, preparing nutritious meals at home and spending more time with family," he said. For individuals who feel “too busy” to prioritize their health, Dr Wee's advice is simple, start small and start now, restoring balance does not require sudden, comprehensive lifestyle changes. He recommends taking short breaks to walk or stretch every few hours to improve focus and relieve stress. Movement does not necessarily have to be formal exercise, such as standing more often, using the stairs, parking further away or taking a short walk. For acute stress, Dr Wee recommends the square breathing technique , which involves inhaling, holding, exhaling and pausing for four seconds each for a period of one to two minutes. In addition, quality sleep is important, with a target of seven to nine hours per night, and avoiding the use of devices late at night as it can interfere with the body's recovery process. He said that workplace culture plays a key role, as a culture that demands long working hours and the need to be constantly connected can have a negative impact on employees' physical and mental health, thus affecting the quality of their work. "Being at work longer does not mean you are more effective," he said, adding that offering practical supports such as childcare, clear work boundaries, self-care practices and healthy leadership help reduce stress and burnout, especially for caregivers in the middle of their careers.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s fast-paced work culture with long working hours and the need to be constantly connected can lead to chronic stress and burnout , thus increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Resident Medical Officer at the Health Centre, Sunway Medical Centre, Bandar Sunway, Dr […]

Trump repeats criticism of Japan, South Korea for not helping in Iran war

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Monday repeated criticism of Japan, South Korea, Australia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for not providing naval assistance to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Kyodo reported that during a press conference at the White House, Trump complained that Japan and South Korea were “not helping” despite the presence of tens of thousands of US troops in both countries to protect them from North Korea, which he said has “many nuclear weapons.” Trump's suggestion that US military support for the two key allies in Asia, as well as Australia, should be reciprocated, came after he once again described NATO as cowardly. Instead, Trump praised several countries in West Asia including Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia as "good" partners to the United States since the country and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28. While repeating his threats against Iran, Trump insisted that the United States had already won the war militarily. He said unless Tehran reaches a deal with Washington, Iran's critical infrastructure could be destroyed within four hours. Trump set Tuesday at 8pm in Washington as a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway vital to global oil supplies. Tehran has largely blocked the strait since the war began, affecting energy markets. Reopening the shipping lanes, Trump said, is a "huge priority." "We have to have an agreement that I can accept and part of that agreement is that we want free passage for oil and everything." "(Otherwise,) we have a plan due to our military strength, with every bridge in Iran being completely destroyed by 12 midnight tomorrow, and every power plant in Iran being crippled, burning, exploding, and no longer usable," he said. Speaking with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe, the president said the United States was actually more willing to not destroy Iran's critical infrastructure. “It would take them 100 years to rebuild now. "If we leave today, it will take them 20 years to rebuild their country, and it will not be as good as before. "The only way they can rebuild their country is by leveraging the ingenuity of the United States," Trump said. Earlier in the day, Iran's official news agency, IRNA, said the country wanted a permanent end to the war, not a ceasefire. Rejecting Washington's 15-point ceasefire proposal, which the news agency said was conveyed through Pakistan, Iran presented its own 10-point plan, including a framework to end regional hostilities and ensure safe passage through the strategic waterway. In comments at a separate event before the press conference, Trump described Iran's proposed response as an "important step" but not yet enough.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Monday repeated criticism of Japan, South Korea, Australia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for not providing naval assistance to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Kyodo reported that during a press conference at the White House, Trump complained that Japan and South Korea were “not helping” despite the […]

Finmo Appoints Matt Poblocki as General Counsel to Strengthen Global Regulatory Infrastructure

SINGAPORE, April 7 -- Finmo today announced the appointment of Matt Poblocki as General Counsel, reinforcing its regulatory and legal foundations as it scales its treasury management platform with embedded global payments across key international markets. The appointment comes as Finmo expands its licensed footprint across key financial hubs, including recent milestones in the UK and Dubai, while continuing to scale its treasury management platform with embedded global payments. At Finmo, Matt will focus on scaling Finmo's global financial infrastructure and enabling its expansion across new markets, including the company's existing regulated product suite and continued expansion across Singapore, Australia, the UK, and North America. Matt brings nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of fintech, regulation, and commercial strategy. He most recently served as General Manager of Binance across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at PayPal, eBay and was instrumental in designing Afterpay's APAC operations as its first regional hire. "Matt's appointment reflects Finmo's current trajectory." said David Hanna, Chief Executive Officer at Finmo. "As we grow, building trusted financial infrastructure isn't just about meeting regulatory requirements; it's about creating the foundations that allow CFOs to operate with clarity, and control. Matt brings a rare combination of regulatory expertise, commercial leadership, and experience scaling fintech platforms, which will be critical as we continue to expand." "What stood out to me about Finmo is the ambition to redefine how finance teams operate, moving from fragmented systems to connected, real-time intelligence." said Matt Poblocki, General Counsel at Finmo. "Finmo sits at the intersection of payments, treasury, and real-time financial intelligence — and scaling that in regulated markets requires both strong foundations and a clear path to execution. My focus is on enabling the business to move quickly and confidently, while building the frameworks that support long-term, global growth." /PRNewswire/

SINGAPORE, April 7 — Finmo today announced the appointment of Matt Poblocki as General Counsel, reinforcing its regulatory and legal foundations as it scales its treasury management platform with embedded global payments across key international markets. The appointment comes as Finmo expands its licensed footprint across key financial hubs, including recent milestones in the UK […]

Amorepacific Museum of Art Presents APMA, CHAPTER FIVE – FROM THE APMA COLLECTION

SEOUL, April 7 — The Amorepacific Museum of Art (APMA) has launched a major contemporary art exhibition titled APMA, CHAPTER FIVE – FROM THE APMA COLLECTION, featuring works by more than 40 Korean and international artists. Running from April 1 to August 2, the exhibition brings together around 80 works spanning painting, photography, sculpture and installation, offering a broad survey of contemporary artistic practices across different cultural and historical contexts. Among the internationally acclaimed artists featured are Kiki Smith, Rose Wylie, Carol Bove, Gala Porras-Kim, David Hockney and Donald Judd, whose works explore themes ranging from mythology and nature to material experimentation and reinterpretations of visual language. The exhibition also highlights leading figures in Korean contemporary art, including Nam June Paik, Lee Bul, Haegue Yang and Lee Ufan. Key works on display include Paik’s landmark installation Kon-Tiki, which helped establish video art as an independent genre, and TV Vertical Flower, presented in a museum setting for the first time in over two decades. New and significant works are also featured, such as Stacked Corners – Ventilated Square of Orange and Blue by Haegue Yang, alongside Lee Bul’s The Secret Sharer, known for its exploration of modern societal anxieties. According to the museum, the exhibition traces the evolution of Korean contemporary art—from the monochromatic Dansaekhwa movement to its expansion into diverse media and themes—while also examining broader global shifts in artistic experimentation. In conjunction with the exhibition, APMA will host a series of public programs, including curator-led tours and in-depth professional sessions, aimed at enhancing visitor engagement and understanding of the collection. /PRNewswire/

SEOUL, April 7 — The Amorepacific Museum of Art (APMA) has launched a major contemporary art exhibition titled APMA, CHAPTER FIVE – FROM THE APMA COLLECTION, featuring works by more than 40 Korean and international artists. Running from April 1 to August 2, the exhibition brings together around 80 works spanning painting, photography, sculpture and […]