Day: April 15, 2026

CABINET MINISTER DELIVERS VISHU DAY SPEECH, CALLS FOR KEEPING NEIGHBOURHOOD SPIRIT ALIVE

KUALA LUMPUR: National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo today extended their greetings on Vishu Day to the entire Malayalee community in Malaysia. In a Facebook post, Aaron said that every community plays an important role in building a peaceful, stable and harmonious country, while calling for the spirit of neighbourliness, which has been at the core of Malaysian society since ancient times, to be revived. "In an increasingly fast-paced and individualistic world, the values ​​of greeting neighbors, caring for each other, sharing sustenance and celebrating festivals together regardless of background, need to be re-empowered." "Neighborhood spirit is a social bulwark that can prevent division, bridge the gap between communities, and instill a genuine sense of belonging," he said. Aaron said the Vishu festival marks the beginning of a new year in the Malayalam calendar, but also carries a symbol of hope, well-being and better beginnings. "In the cultural diversity we have, every festival like Vishu becomes a bridge that connects us as one big Malaysian family," said Aaron. Gobind, on the other hand, hopes that the Malayalee community will be blessed with a new chapter filled with opportunities, new hopes, as well as joy, love, and prosperity. "To all those celebrating Vishu, congratulations on this auspicious day," he said.

KUALA LUMPUR: National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo today extended their greetings on Vishu Day to the entire Malayalee community in Malaysia. In a Facebook post, Aaron said that every community plays an important role in building a peaceful, stable and harmonious country, while calling for the spirit […]

Biodiesel B100 has the potential to be a strategic alternative for the country’s energy

KUALA LUMPUR: Palm-based B100 biodiesel has the potential to be a strategic alternative in strengthening the country’s energy security, especially in weathering the uncertainty of global fuel supply, said FGV Biotechnologies Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Roziyatulshima Zamil. He said B100 biodiesel refers to fuel produced entirely from palm oil without any fossil fuel admixtures, […]

US Treasury Puts Financial Institutions On Notice As Iran Oil Waiver Set To Expire

WASHINGTON, April 15 -- The US Treasury Department issued a sweeping warning to all financial institutions on Tuesday, saying it is ready to apply secondary sanctions on any entity it determines to be working in support of Iranian activities, Anadolu Ajansi reported. The Treasury said it is "moving aggressively with economic fury" to maintain what it called "maximum pressure on Iran" amid a deadlock in direct negotiations. "Financial institutions should be on notice that the department is leveraging the full range of available tools and authorities and is prepared to deploy secondary sanctions against foreign financial institutions that continue to support Iran’s activities," it said on X. "The short-term authorisation permitting the sale of Iranian oil already stranded at sea is set to expire in a few days and will not be renewed," it added. The department was referring to a short-term 30-day waiver it issued on March 20 to allow for the sale of Iranian oil that was already at sea, estimated to have been roughly 140 million barrels. The action was taken to mitigate the spike in global energy prices caused by the US and Israeli decision to go to war with Iran. The war, and Iran's retaliatory decisions to close the Strait of Hormuz and target energy infrastructure on the territories of the US' Gulf Arab allies, sent energy prices skyrocketing, particularly oil. The waiver is set to expire on April 19. Marathon direct talks between the US and Iran concluded Saturday, without the two sides agreeing on terms to permanently end the war. US President Donald Trump said earlier Tuesday that he expects the talks to resume in Pakistan within the next two days, though no formal announcement has been made. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

WASHINGTON, April 15 — The US Treasury Department issued a sweeping warning to all financial institutions on Tuesday, saying it is ready to apply secondary sanctions on any entity it determines to be working in support of Iranian activities, Anadolu Ajansi reported. The Treasury said it is “moving aggressively with economic fury” to maintain what […]

SIBLINGS’ HARI RAYA GIFT MOVES PRIME MINISTER TO RETURN KINDNESS

KUALA TERENGGANU -- The heartfelt gesture of two siblings giving their Hari Raya money to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday moved the national leader, who reciprocated with a gift of his own today. Aesha Khadeeja Anuar, 10, said she and her younger brother, Uwais AlQorni, 8, never expected their spontaneous gesture of giving their Hari Raya money to the Prime Minister as he was about to board a plane at Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Nerus last night, would be returned today, leaving them with a particularly special memory. “…my brother, mother (Liza Fazilah Abdul Hamid, 49) and I were on our way home after coming back from Quran lessons. When we reached a traffic light, we saw a police escort with the Prime Minister’s convoy heading towards Kuala Nerus, so I asked my mother to follow them until we reached the airport. “When we saw the Prime Minister at the airport, we quickly took out our school allowance and gave it to him. I wanted to give him Hari Raya money because it’s Syawal. I gave RM5 and my brother gave RM2,” she said after receiving donations and Hari Raya money from Anwar at their home here today. The Hari Raya money and tablets donated by Anwar were handed over by the director of the Terengganu Federal Development Department, Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM), Datuk Abdul Kahar Abdul Latif. Aesha Khadeeja said she and her brother hope to visit Anwar at his Putrajaya office one day and bring him keropok lekor as a gift, adding that the Prime Minister has always been close to her heart, as he shares the same name as her father, Anuar Rashid. Earlier, Anwar shared a one‑minute 23‑second video on his Facebook page showing Aesha Khadeeja and Uwais AlQorni handing him Hari Raya money packets from outside the airport fence. In the caption, he said he was deeply moved by the children’s sincerity, calling it a humble and touching gesture. “I see this as a symbol of unity among the people, regardless of age, supporting one another as we go through the crisis we are in now. Seeing these faces, I feel a deep sense of tenderness and affection; it is our responsibility to ensure every Malaysian child is raised with love, good guidance and equal opportunities. “May Uwais and Aesha grow up to be knowledgeable, well‑mannered and bring good to their family and to the nation,” he said. Yesterday, Anwar made a one‑day visit to Terengganu, attending several events, including the launch of the National Quran Recitation and Memorisation Ceremony at the Dewan Arena Indoor Stadium in the State Sports Complex, Gong Badak, Kuala Nerus. -- BERNAMA

KUALA TERENGGANU — The heartfelt gesture of two siblings giving their Hari Raya money to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday moved the national leader, who reciprocated with a gift of his own today. Aesha Khadeeja Anuar, 10, said she and her younger brother, Uwais AlQorni, 8, never expected their spontaneous gesture of giving […]

COURTESY CALL TO SARAWAK PREMIER STRENGTHENS FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT AND PEOPLE’S WELFARE – DATUK SERI DR. ZAHID HAMIDI

KUCHING, April 15 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continued his official agenda yesterday with a courtesy visit to the Premier of Sarawak, Abang Johari Openg, at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi. During the meeting, Zahid expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in constructive discussions covering a range of issues, particularly those related to development initiatives and the welfare of the people in Sarawak. “Alhamdulillah, we were able to exchange views on key matters that will further enhance development and improve the well-being of the rakyat, especially in Sarawak,” he said. Zahid also took the opportunity to formally submit an official note regarding the implementation of the Rural Water Supply Project (BALB) on behalf of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), underscoring the government’s continued commitment to improving essential infrastructure in rural areas. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the federal and Sarawak state governments to ensure that development efforts are effectively implemented for the benefit of the people. “Insya-Allah, this strong relationship will continue to be reinforced and bring meaningful benefits to the rakyat,” he added. The visit reflects ongoing collaboration between federal leadership and the Sarawak state administration in advancing inclusive and sustainable development across the region. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Zahid Hamidi

KUCHING, April 15 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continued his official agenda yesterday with a courtesy visit to the Premier of Sarawak, Abang Johari Openg, at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi. During the meeting, Zahid expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in constructive discussions covering a range of issues, particularly those related to development […]

PM ANWAR IBRAHIM UNVEILS BOLD NATIONAL STRATEGY TO SHIELD MALAYSIANS FROM GLOBAL ENERGY CRISIS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced a comprehensive and decisive national strategy following a high-level meeting of the National Economic Action Council (MTEN), aimed at protecting Malaysians from the prolonged global energy crisis. Describing the situation as “prickly and expected to persist,” Anwar stressed that the government’s top priority is safeguarding the welfare of the people while maintaining discipline and realism in all policy measures. At the heart of the immediate response is ensuring uninterrupted supply of energy and essential goods. The Prime Minister highlighted the critical role of PETRONAS, alongside early-stage planning, to guarantee sufficient supply in the coming months. To ease the burden of rising costs, the government will expand diesel subsidies, targeting farmers, smallholders, and individual vehicle owners. This move is expected to cushion vulnerable groups from the impact of global fuel price volatility. In tandem, demand-side measures are being intensified. These include improving energy efficiency and implementing Work From Home arrangements for civil servants starting immediately. Enforcement operations—dubbed “Cold Ops”—will also be ramped up to combat hoarding and smuggling activities that threaten national fuel supply stability. Looking ahead, Anwar emphasized a strategic shift toward renewable energy to reduce dependence on imported fuels. Biodiesel has been identified as a practical near-term solution, with plans to gradually increase the blend rate to B15 using existing infrastructure. “This allows us to act immediately while preparing for more advanced systems in the future,” he said. The Prime Minister also added that Malaysia’s strong industrial base and domestic capacity will not only stabilize current supply but also strengthen long-term energy resilience. “Insya-Allah, with determination, discipline, and unity, we will overcome this challenge together,” Anwar affirmed. The announcement signals a coordinated national effort to navigate global uncertainties while ensuring the stability of Malaysians’ daily lives. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced a comprehensive and decisive national strategy following a high-level meeting of the National Economic Action Council (MTEN), aimed at protecting Malaysians from the prolonged global energy crisis. Describing the situation as “prickly and expected to persist,” Anwar stressed that the government’s top priority is […]