Day: May 5, 2026

German Pharmacies Decline As Sector Warns Of Underfunding

BERLIN, May 5 2026– The number of pharmacies in Germany continued to decline at the start of the year, according to data released on Tuesday by the German Pharmacists’ Association, reported German Press Agency (dpa). At the end of March, there were 16,541 pharmacies nationwide, 60 fewer than at the start of the year, the […]

KLIA Aerotrain Expected To Resume 24-hour Service By End Of Month – Loke

SEPANG, May 5 -- The aerotrain service at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is expected to resume 24-hour operations by the end of this month, pending approval from the relevant authorities, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said all necessary tests have been carried out by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), and a full report is currently being submitted to the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) for further assessment. “It is expected that after APAD’s approval, by the end of this month the aerotrain will resume 24-hour operations,” he told a press conference after launching the MyKLIA and MyPutrajaya Monthly TravelCard (MTC) at KLIA Terminal 2 (T2) here today. Elaborating further, Loke said the aerotrain is currently still in operation but is halted for a few hours at night to allow for maintenance and inspections. “It is still operating, but we suspend services for a few hours at night to carry out track maintenance and inspections,” he said. On Nov 14 last year, MAHB reiterated its commitment to strengthening the reliability of the KLIA aerotrain system through the implementation of a comprehensive action plan (CAP) to fully address technical issues that emerged since the service resumed in July 2025. Previously, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said that the KLIA Terminal 1 Aerotrain had recorded 19 incidents between July 2 and Sept 30, due to various issues, including human-related incidents such as passengers forcing train doors open. Since resuming operations on July 1, the aerotrain system has served about seven million passengers, completed more than 53,000 return trips, and recorded an operational service availability (OSA) of 98.41 per cent. -- BERNAMA

SEPANG, May 5 — The aerotrain service at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is expected to resume 24-hour operations by the end of this month, pending approval from the relevant authorities, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said all necessary tests have been carried out by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), and a full report […]

PM Anwar Orders RMAF, JBPM To Intensify Cloud Seeding In Northern Peninsula

PUTRAJAYA, May 5 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) to step up cloud seeding operations in northern Peninsular Malaysia in view of the hot and dry weather. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the operations must be carried out urgently. “We are aware that northern Kedah, in particular, is experiencing a longer-than-usual dry spell, causing difficulties for farmers and padi growers. “As such, we have instructed the RMAF to intensify cloud seeding, and I have also asked JBPM, which has relatively smaller capacity, to continue the operations over the next few days,” he said at a press conference on the global supply crisis here today. Yesterday, Anwar also instructed the Meteorological Department to expedite similar operations in critically affected states, particularly Kedah and Perlis. He said the move is an urgent response to current weather conditions, adding that the use of drone technology should be explored to overcome logistical constraints and ensure smoother implementation of the operations. -- BERNAMA PUTRAJAYA, May 5 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) to step up cloud seeding operations in northern Peninsular Malaysia in view of the hot and dry weather. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the operations must be carried out urgently. “We are aware that northern Kedah, in particular, is experiencing a longer-than-usual dry spell, causing difficulties for farmers and padi growers. “As such, we have instructed the RMAF to intensify cloud seeding, and I have also asked JBPM, which has relatively smaller capacity, to continue the operations over the next few days,” he said at a press conference on the global supply crisis here today. Yesterday, Anwar also instructed the Meteorological Department to expedite similar operations in critically affected states, particularly Kedah and Perlis. He said the move is an urgent response to current weather conditions, adding that the use of drone technology should be explored to overcome logistical constraints and ensure smoother implementation of the operations. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 5 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) to step up cloud seeding operations in northern Peninsular Malaysia in view of the hot and dry weather. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the operations must be […]

MOTAC Approves Nearly RM22.9 Mln For 9 Terengganu Tourism Projects

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 5 (Bernama) -- The federal government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), has approved nearly RM22.9 million for the implementation of nine projects in Terengganu between Jan 1 and April. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said the projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) include new builds, as well as upgrades to facilities, aimed at further boosting the state’s tourism sector. He said the projects include building and upgrading tourism facilities at Pulau Bidong State Park in Kuala Nerus, constructing a public jetty for tourists to Pulau Tenggol, along with other facilities in Dungun, upgrading existing tourism facilities in Hulu Kekabu, Guntung in Setiu, as well as improving signage and pathways throughout the Islamic Civilisation Park in Kuala Terengganu. “During the 12th Malaysia Plan period, MOTAC approved 76 projects worth RM31.26 million in Terengganu,” he said at the handover of the Terengganu Cultural Village project and the conservation, refurbishment and upgrading project for the Terengganu State Museum Board here today. Also present were State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee deputy chairman Sulaiman Sulong and Terengganu Tourism director Datuk Tengku Mohd Ariffin Tengku A. Rahman. Shaharuddin said the RM5.2 million project represents more than physical development, but a significant effort to preserve, elevate and strengthen Terengganu’s cultural heritage. He said that with upgraded, more modern and safer facilities, Terengganu Cultural Village is set to become a more attractive and competitive tourism destination, further contributing to local economic growth and the state’s tourism industry. “The Cultural Village serves as a platform to showcase the uniqueness of local arts, customs, traditional architecture and way of life to future generations. “On behalf of the ministry, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all parties that these facilities must be properly maintained to avoid over-reliance on federal government funding,” he said. The Terengganu Cultural Village project and the conservation, refurbishment and upgrading project by the Terengganu State Museum Board include several components, among them the Laman Warisan Hall, pavilions, walkways and footbridges, toilets, as well as traditional structures such as Rumah Nelayan, Rumah Bujang Selasar, Rumah Bujang Berkembar, Rumah Limas Belanda, Rumah Tele and Istana Tengku Long. Approved under the Ministry of Finance’s Special Allocation (COVID-19), the project began on May 24, 2023, and was completed on March 3, 2026. -- BERNAMA

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 5 — The federal government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), has approved nearly RM22.9 million for the implementation of nine projects in Terengganu between Jan 1 and April. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said the projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) include new builds, as well […]

Bank Indonesia To Maintain Market Intervention As Rupiah Weakens Amid Global Pressures

JAKARTA, May 5 2026– Bank Indonesia (BI) will continue to intervene in the market to ensure  orderly functioning as the rupiah weakens to around 17,400 against the US dollar amid ongoing global pressures. Head of BI’s Monetary and Asset Management Department, Erwin Gunawan Hutapea, said the central bank continues to optimise interventions in the foreign […]

PM Anwar Ibrahim Announces Immediate Cost-of-Living Measures Amid Global Supply Concerns

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today announced a series of immediate measures following a National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, as the government moves to address rising cost-of-living pressures amid concerns over a looming global supply crisis. Speaking after the meeting, Anwar said the MADANI Government is taking proactive steps to ensure targeted assistance reaches those most affected, particularly farmers, small businesses, and low-income communities. Among the key initiatives introduced is “Defending the Field,” which includes a RM200 upfront payment under the Special Paddy Incentive Assistance scheme to help ease farmers’ cash flow and support agricultural operations. To mitigate the effects of extreme weather on food production, the government will also intensify cloud seeding operations, with coordinated efforts involving the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) and the Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) in critical areas. In support of small and medium enterprises, Anwar announced a reduction in rental rates for business premises owned by federal agencies. Local authorities (PBT) have also been urged to follow suit, taking a cue from measures already implemented by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). Additionally, the Rahmah MADANI Sales Programme will be expanded on a weekly basis to more locations nationwide, with increased participation from small traders to ensure affordable essential goods remain accessible to the public. “The government will continue refining its approach to ensure assistance is more targeted and effective, so that every initiative truly reaches the people on the ground,” Anwar said. He expressed confidence that Malaysia can weather the current economic challenges through collective responsibility, compassion, and firm resolve. -- MINUTESMY -- CREDIT: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today announced a series of immediate measures following a National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, as the government moves to address rising cost-of-living pressures amid concerns over a looming global supply crisis. Speaking after the meeting, Anwar said the MADANI Government is taking proactive steps to […]

MACC remands two statutory body instructors suspected of accepting bribes

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Terengganu has remanded two lecturers from a statutory body in the state on suspicion of soliciting and accepting a bribe of approximately RM30,000 in return for issuing competency qualification certificates. The four-day remand order until May 8 was issued by Magistrate Iffah Nabihah Mohd Ishak after an application was made by MACC at the Kuala Terengganu Magistrate's Court this morning. According to sources, the two male suspects, aged in their 20s and 40s, were arrested at about 12 noon yesterday when they appeared to give statements at the Terengganu MACC office. "Initial investigations found that both suspects were suspected of abetting the act in 2025 and the bribe money requested was in return for providing 'instant approval' of competency certificates to each course participant. "The two suspects are believed to have received between RM900 and RM1,500 from about 31 participants and the bribe money was obtained through money transfer transactions to their respective personal bank accounts," he said. According to sources, MACC is currently investigating whether the competency certificate fraud is occurring on a larger scale and has not ruled out the possibility of conducting a review of each certificate issued by the relevant agency to identify the validity of the certificate. Meanwhile, Terengganu MACC Director Hazrul Shazreen Abd Yazid, when contacted, confirmed the arrest and said the case was being investigated under Section 16(a) of the MACC Act 2009. He also did not rule out the possibility that a series of follow-up arrests would be made to assist in the investigation. -- BERNAMA

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Terengganu has remanded two lecturers from a statutory body in the state on suspicion of soliciting and accepting a bribe of approximately RM30,000 in return for issuing competency qualification certificates. The four-day remand order until May 8 was issued by Magistrate Iffah Nabihah Mohd Ishak after an application […]

Noraqilah Admits Still ‘Behind’ Pearly-Thinaah

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 2026– Rising national women’s doubles shuttler Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan admitted there remains a gap between her performance and that of the country’s top pair, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, particularly in terms of maturity and experience on court. Noraqilah, who partnered Low Zi Yu at the Uber Cup 2026 in Denmark, however said […]

Trump Policy Coverage Dominates Pulitzer Prize Winners

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- The Pulitzer Prizes this year honoured multiple works examining the impact of policies by US President Donald Trump, reported German news agency dpa. Pulitzer administrator Marjorie Miller said during the announcement on Monday that much of the coverage had centred on controversial topics of the year, including immigration policy, sharp cuts to US development aid and reporting on files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Washington Post was awarded for its reporting on the impact of the Trump administration's restructuring of federal agencies. The New York Times won for investigations that uncovered how Trump used his power to financially benefit his family. Journalists at the Chicago Tribune were recognised for their coverage of operations by US immigration authorities in the city. Awards were also given for reporting on artificial intelligence, a deadly flood in the US state of Texas and destruction in Gaza. A special citation went to Julie K Brown of the Miami Herald for her 2017–18 investigations into Epstein and the abuse of young women. Miller said the awards also underscored a commitment to press freedom at a time of growing pressure on media, pointing to restrictions on access to the White House and Pentagon as well as legal action taken by the president against news outlets. The Pulitzer Prizes are widely regarded as the most prestigious awards in journalism and are also given for achievements in literature, music and theatre. --BERNAMA-dpa

WASHINGTON, May 5 — The Pulitzer Prizes this year honoured multiple works examining the impact of policies by US President Donald Trump, reported German news agency dpa. Pulitzer administrator Marjorie Miller said during the announcement on Monday that much of the coverage had centred on controversial topics of the year, including immigration policy, sharp cuts […]