Day: April 8, 2026

Nurul Izzah Criticises Singapore Minister’s Stance on Strait of Hormuz

Petaling Jaya – PKR Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar has criticised Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan over his recent remarks on the Strait of Hormuz, describing his position as narrow and misaligned with regional diplomatic principles. In a media statement issued on Wednesday, the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Deputy President said Balakrishnan’s refusal to consider […]

MCMC Investigates 42 Cases Of Fake News On Energy Crisis – Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, April 8 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has opened 42 investigation papers into the spread of false information related to the global energy crisis and the West Asia conflict circulating on social media and digital platforms as of 3 pm today. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said of the total, 31 pieces of content involved false reports on fuel costs, while 22 individuals from various locations nationwide have been called in to have their statements recorded to assist investigations. MCMC has also submitted 355 requests to remove false content from various social media platforms, with 154 items already taken down by platform providers, while the remainder are still under review, he added. “I urge all Malaysians to remain vigilant when encountering information, especially on social media, particularly those related to the global energy crisis. “In a time when the world is facing current challenges, there are parties who take advantage by spreading unverified information solely to gain attention and influence,” he said at a briefing on the global energy crisis during his weekly press conference here today.

PUTRAJAYA, April 8 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has opened 42 investigation papers into the spread of false information related to the global energy crisis and the West Asia conflict circulating on social media and digital platforms as of 3 pm today. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said of the total, […]

Oil prices fall below US$100 per barrel driven by ceasefire talks

KUALA LUMPUR: Oil prices fell below US$100 per barrel after the United States (US) and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire plan in exchange for Tehran allowing safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz. So far, Brent crude oil has fallen 13.20 percent to US$94.85 while West Texas Intermediate has fallen 14.58 percent to US$96.48 per barrel. SPI Asset Management Managing Partner Stephen Innes told Bernama: “What we are seeing now is not a structural change but more of a mechanical reduction in the geopolitical risk premium that has been factored in based on a worst-case scenario. "In the near term, oil prices could remain below US$100 but the minimum level is unstable. Without a concrete easing of tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, the risk of another price spike is very high," he said. Innes said the two-week ceasefire plan provided a fresh start. He said the situation gave the market room to reassess the situation but did not resolve the main issue as the lack of real progress in reopening the strait could cause prices to rise again. He said supply-side risks remained due to infrastructure damage which could take several months to repair. At the same time, he said the clear indication is that keeping the strait open to ship movement will greatly help lower prices. In that scenario, he said a return to the US$90 per barrel level would be appropriate if tensions eased and gained momentum. He said a more optimistic outcome depended on continued diplomatic coordination, although this remained uncertain. Meanwhile, he said the market had not fully factored in the expectation that the strait would remain open. Innes said political considerations related to the US midterm elections could curb a prolonged conflict, especially given its position as the world's largest oil producer. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid told Bernama that a two-week ceasefire would allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, where 20 percent of global oil supply depends. He said the continued easing of tensions, if achieved, would pave the way for the reconstruction of oil and gas facilities which would help ease supply constraints. "Recovery will happen in stages. What the market wants is certainty that the conflict will end and business can continue." "However, it is still too early. The current situation is very uncertain. Therefore, the expectation is that crude oil prices will remain unstable in the near future," he said.

KUALA LUMPUR: Oil prices fell below US$100 per barrel after the United States (US) and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire plan in exchange for Tehran allowing safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz. So far, Brent crude oil has fallen 13.20 percent to US$94.85 while West Texas Intermediate has fallen 14.58 percent […]

Cloud seeding operations in Kedah and Perlis successful, to continue in Perak today

PUTRAJAYA: The cloud seeding operation (OPA) carried out yesterday was categorised as successful when data from observation stations and Malaysia's MyRAE MET system showed significant rainfall in two states, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He, who is also the Chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP), said data in Perlis showed rainfall ranging from 10 millimetres (mm) to 45 mm from 7 to 8 pm, while in Kedah it recorded between 6 mm to 57.4 mm from 7 to 10 pm. "This success proves that implementing OPA under suitable atmospheric conditions is very effective in addressing the issue of water shortage in critical catchment areas." "This is an intervention measure to increase rainfall in the dam catchment area which has been affected by dry weather and lack of rain over the past few weeks," he said in a statement today. OPA is focusing on 11 major dams in the alert, warning and critical categories involving three states in the north, namely Perak, Kedah and Perlis, as well as one area in the south of the peninsula, namely Johor, from April 6 to 8. Ahmad Zahid said the OPA would continue today, targeting the Temenggor and Bukit Merah Dam catchment areas in Perak. Regarding yesterday's OPA which targeted the catchment areas of the Muda, Pedu and Ahning Dams in Kedah and the Timah Tasoh Dam in Perlis, he said the technique used was to spray a salt solution into the cumulus tower cloud formation using a C130-Hercules aircraft belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). "During the operation, meteorological analysis showed the presence of very active convective and cumulus tower clouds in the target zone. "The operational effectiveness factor is also supported by high atmospheric moisture content and unstable atmospheric conditions, which technically drive the growth of rain clouds more efficiently after the seeding process is carried out," he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said such integrated efforts proved that preparedness, science-based action and continuous efforts could be the main bulwark in facing the challenges of climate change and weather uncertainty. He also assured that the government would continue to strengthen such proactive approaches to ensure the security of water supply, the well-being of the people and the sustainability of the country's agricultural sector.

PUTRAJAYA: The cloud seeding operation (OPA) carried out yesterday was categorised as successful when data from observation stations and Malaysia’s MyRAE MET system showed significant rainfall in two states, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He, who is also the Chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP), said data in Perlis […]

TFC CEO Sheikh Farouk resigns

KUALA NERUS: Terengganu Football Club Sdn Bhd (TFCSB) today announced the resignation of c as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Terengganu FC (TFC) team effective April 1. TFCSB, through a media statement today, announced that Sheikh Farouk had played an important role in strengthening management and contributing to the overall development of TFC throughout his term of service starting in August last year. The statement stated that all of Sheikh Farouk's efforts and contributions are greatly appreciated and will always be remembered by club members and TFC supporters. "The club wishes him continued success in whatever field he ventures into. Hopefully all the experience gained with TFC will be a valuable asset for him to continue moving forward," the statement said. In the same statement, Sheikh Farouk said he appreciated the support given and wished continued success for the Turtle Squad.

KUALA NERUS: Terengganu Football Club Sdn Bhd (TFCSB) today announced the resignation of c as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Terengganu FC (TFC) team effective April 1. TFCSB, through a media statement today, announced that Sheikh Farouk had played an important role in strengthening management and contributing to the overall development of TFC throughout […]

Fatin Nurfatehah Hopes Women’s Compound Squad Gets Nod For 2026 Asian Games

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 -- Compound archer Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh hopes that the national women’s compound squad will be sent to compete at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, which is scheduled to take place from Sep 19 to Oct 4. She said that in various archery competitions this year, her focus is on competing at the Asian Games, which is one of the most important tournaments for her this season. However, the 35-year-old revealed that so far, there has been no official decision regarding the participation of the women’s compound squad in the quadrennial sporting event. “The biggest target this year should be the Asian Games, but for the women’s compound team it is still 50-50. I have not received confirmation that the women’s compound team will be sent. “I hope that with our recent achievements (2026 Asia Cup Archery Championship), we will be given the opportunity to go to the Asian Games. If not, it’s okay, we will just compete in domestic-level tournaments,” she said when contacted by Bernama recently. At the 2026 Asia Cup (Stage 1) Archery Championship in Bangkok, Thailand last month, Fatin Nurfatehah won three medals - two silvers in the women’s compound individual and mixed team events alongside partner Mohd Juwaidi Marzuki, as well as one bronze in the women’s compound team event. The national women’s team was made up of Fatin Nurfatehah, Aina Syazwana Abdul Muhaimin, and Ng Sui Kim. At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Fatin Nurfatehah was eliminated in the second round of the individual event, while in the mixed team event the national squad advanced to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Malaysia did not send a team for the women’s team event. Meanwhile, Fatin Nurfatehah, who won a mixed team bronze medal at the 2023 World Cup in Antalya, Turkiye, believes that exposure to international-level competitions is the key factor that differentiates the performance of national athletes from their rivals. According to her, to compete at the highest level, more frequent participation in overseas tournaments can strengthen mental preparation in facing pressure and the intensity of competition. “Our opponents take part in more competitions than we do. When you compete more frequently, your experience increases, and in terms of mental and psychological readiness, they are also better prepared because they are exposed to more major tournaments. “I think the most important thing for an archer to perform at their best is thorough preparation in terms of both physical and mental aspects. When the preparation is sufficient and we step into competition, insya-Allah, we will be able to give our best,” said the athlete from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Fatin Nurfatehah and her teammates are scheduled to compete in the 2026 World Cup (Stage 2) in Shanghai, China from May 5 to 10.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 — Compound archer Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh hopes that the national women’s compound squad will be sent to compete at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, which is scheduled to take place from Sep 19 to Oct 4. She said that in various archery competitions this year, her focus is […]

No Navy Escort Required For Malaysian Vessels In Strait Of Hormuz – Adly

MELAKA, April 8 -- There is no need for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to escort Malaysian vessels after Iran cleared them to exit the Strait of Hormuz. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said this was due to Iran’s full cooperation, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. “The matter falls under the Foreign Ministry, and we are grateful for the cooperation shown by the Iranian government. We hope Iran will continue to assist on issues related to our energy and economic needs,” he said. He was speaking to reporters after launching the Malaysian Armed Forces Autism Initiative (IA-ATM) at the community rehabilitation centre in Umi Kem Terendak, Sungai Udang, today. On Monday, the Iranian Embassy in Malaysia announced via its official X account that the first Malaysian vessel had passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported on Sunday as saying that discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had enabled Malaysia to secure clearance for seven vessels stranded in the strait. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that carries about 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil and gas supply, has been disrupted following ongoing attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran since Feb 28. Meanwhile, the IA-ATM programme at Umi Kem Terendak, which started on Aug 4, 2025, will run until June 4, 2026, benefiting 20 children with autism through structured learning and therapy sessions. The programme includes 12 new modules developed by the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM). Also present were Malaysian Armed Forces assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel Services Maj Gen Datuk Indera Zahari Mohd Ariffin, Tabung Haji Southern Region director Rozimin Ahmed Kamil, NASOM chairman Julian Wong Ming Vui, and Melaka Social Welfare Department director Halyjah Muhammad.

MELAKA, April 8 — There is no need for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to escort Malaysian vessels after Iran cleared them to exit the Strait of Hormuz. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said this was due to Iran’s full cooperation, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. “The matter falls under the […]

Members of the Democratic Party have introduced a resolution to impeach Donald Trump.

WASHINGTON: Democrats in the United States House of Representatives have introduced a resolution to impeach President Donald Trump under 13 articles. "The resolution...accuses Donald J. Trump, US President, of high crimes and misdemeanors," according to the text of the document, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported. The document accuses Trump of starting wars and assassinations, committing war crimes and piracy on the high seas. "Trump has unconstitutionally initiated wars of aggression or mutual hostility against Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Nigeria and Gaza. "He has threatened military force against Panama, Colombia, Cuba and Greenland. In all of these efforts, President Trump has acted without the congressional authorization required by the Constitution," the resolution said. Democrats also accused the president of introducing a military element into domestic law enforcement, a series of unconstitutional arrests and deportations, retaliation against constitutionally protected speech or association, sabotaging the rule of law and other crimes. -- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

WASHINGTON: Democrats in the United States House of Representatives have introduced a resolution to impeach President Donald Trump under 13 articles. “The resolution…accuses Donald J. Trump, US President, of high crimes and misdemeanors,” according to the text of the document, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported. The document accuses Trump of starting wars and assassinations, committing war crimes […]

US accepts 10-point proposal to end war – Iran

ISTANBUL: The United States (US) has "in principle" accepted a 10-point proposal aimed at ending the war, Iran said early Wednesday, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing a report by the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) network. Iran's Supreme National Security Council said in a statement that the proposal would serve as a framework for negotiations aimed at finalizing a broader agreement, but did not detail the plan. IRIB, citing statements and related reports, said the proposals included guarantees of non-aggression against Iran, Iran's continued control of the Strait of Hormuz, recognition of Tehran's right to enrich uranium, the lifting of all primary and secondary US sanctions, the termination of United Nations (UN) Security Council and International Atomic Energy Agency Board resolutions against Iran, payment of compensation, the withdrawal of US military forces from Iran and an end to hostilities in all places including Lebanon. According to the council, the talks do not mean the war is over, stressing that any final agreement depends on ensuring Iran's conditions and finalizing the details. He added that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured during the negotiation period through coordination with the Iranian military. The talks are scheduled to begin on Friday in Islamabad under Pakistani mediation and will last up to two weeks, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement. US President Donald Trump said earlier that Washington would postpone strikes on Iran for two weeks, describing Tehran's proposal as a "workable basis" for negotiations. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL: The United States (US) has “in principle” accepted a 10-point proposal aimed at ending the war, Iran said early Wednesday, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing a report by the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) network. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said in a statement that the proposal would serve as a framework […]

Malaysia Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement

PUTRAJAYA, April 8 -- Malaysia welcomes the two-week ceasefire agreement reached between the United States (US) and Iran, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.  It said the significant development serves as a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions and restoring much-needed peace and stability to the West Asia region. Malaysia has urged all parties to fully respect and implement all terms of the ceasefire in good faith to prevent any return to hostilities.  It also urged all parties to avoid any provocative actions or unilateral measures that could negatively impact the fragile stability of the region or jeopardise global economic and energy security. “Malaysia expresses its appreciation to all parties involved in the diplomatic efforts and mediations that led to this agreement.  “This breakthrough demonstrates that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving long-standing conflicts and ensuring long-term regional security,” the ministry said. All the respective parties should use this window of opportunity to continue their dialogue toward a durable, comprehensive, and peaceful settlement to their differences, it added.  “Malaysia calls upon the international community to support these peace efforts and contribute toward a just and lasting resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of all peoples in the region,” the statement read.  US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a two-week suspension of military operations against Iran following a mediation brokered by Pakistan. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Supreme National Security Council declared that Tehran would cease defensive operations if attacks on the country is halted. According to reports, negotiation between the parties involved is expected to take place in Islamabad on Friday. -- BERNAMA 

PUTRAJAYA, April 8 — Malaysia welcomes the two-week ceasefire agreement reached between the United States (US) and Iran, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday. It said the significant development serves as a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions and restoring much-needed peace and stability to the West Asia region. Malaysia has urged all parties […]