Day: May 8, 2026

J&T Express Provides Logistics Support For Sandakan Fire Victims

SANDAKAN, May 8 -- J&T Express Malaysia⁠ has mobilised its logistics resources to assist communities affected by the recent fire at Kampung Bahagia here, which destroyed about 1,000 houses and displaced an estimated 9,007 residents. Public Affairs and Branding Manager Steve Yap said the company is working closely with Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat⁠ and Yayasan Sime Darby⁠ to provide free logistics support for the delivery of essential relief supplies to the affected area. He said J&T Express Malaysia had deployed aid in several phases based on the evolving needs of affected families to ensure continuous assistance throughout the recovery period. “We are deeply concerned about the situation in Sandakan. Upon learning of the incident, we immediately engaged the relevant authorities and mobilised our resources to complement ongoing relief operations. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and extend further support where necessary,” he said in a statement today. Yap said the company continues to play an important role in ensuring the efficient and reliable delivery of humanitarian aid during emergencies by leveraging its nationwide logistics network. He added that the company remains open to collaborations with government agencies and private sector partners on future community support initiatives. For CSR-related inquiries, the public may contact J&T Express Malaysia via email at jtpr@jtexpress.my.

SANDAKAN, May 8 — J&T Express Malaysia⁠ has mobilised its logistics resources to assist communities affected by the recent fire at Kampung Bahagia here, which destroyed about 1,000 houses and displaced an estimated 9,007 residents. Public Affairs and Branding Manager Steve Yap said the company is working closely with Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat⁠ and Yayasan Sime […]

Strategic Collaboration Advances Malaysia’s AI-driven Education, Agro Innovation Agenda

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 -- A strategic collaboration involving MARDICORP Sdn Bhd, Koperasi Pemodalan Sahabat Terengganu Berhad (KOSAHABAT), Showme Kidz International Sdn Bhd (Showme School) and Ember AI Sdn Bhd is set to accelerate Malaysia’s aspiration of becoming an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven nation by 2030. The collaboration, formalised through the signing of two memoranda of understanding (MoUs), aims to strengthen AI adoption across the agriculture and education sectors while empowering students, agropreneurs and local communities through scalable digital learning initiatives. Ember AI, in a statement, said that under the first MoU, it will collaborate with MARDICORP and KOSAHABAT to advance generative AI learning and innovation within the agricultural and agri-food sectors through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), agropreneur development and community empowerment programmes. The second MoU between Showme School and Ember AI focuses on integrating generative AI into inclusive education environments to support adaptive and personalised learning experiences for students. Ember AI chief executive officer (CEO) Billy Ng, in the same statement, said the collaboration demonstrates how AI can serve as a meaningful enabler for education and workforce development when supported by strong industry and community partnerships. “Our goal is to create learning ecosystems that are scalable, adaptive and capable of supporting students, young agropreneurs, and communities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” he said. According to Ng, Ember AI’s platform was built with scalability in mind, with infrastructure capable of supporting up to five million users nationwide while delivering personalised and data-driven learning experiences. Meanwhile, MARDICORP managing director Mohamad Zamir Ghazali emphasised that Malaysia’s agricultural transformation requires stronger collaboration between industry players, educational institutions, technology providers, cooperatives and grassroots communities. “To strengthen Malaysia’s food security agenda and attract more young people into agriculture, we need ecosystems that combine education, technology, industry knowledge and practical implementation. Agriculture cannot continue depending solely on ageing farmers or subsidies. “We need to cultivate interest among young people again and create pathways where technology and innovation make agriculture more competitive, sustainable and future-ready,” he said. He added that MARDICORP aims to bridge between agricultural expertise, research and AI-driven learning platforms to make knowledge more accessible and practical for agropreneurs and farming communities, as translating existing agricultural knowledge and technology into accessible tools remains among the biggest challenges. Meanwhile, KOSAHABAT president Prof Dr Fakhrul Anwar Zainol described the collaboration as an important step towards nurturing a new generation of technology-driven agropreneurs with not only education, but also guidance, platforms, mentorship and exposure to real industry ecosystems. The statement said that Showme School, recognised for its Finland-inspired holistic learning philosophy and inclusive education approach, will serve as a key implementation partner for AI-driven classroom innovation across its campuses in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Bharu, Johor Bahru and Kuala Terengganu. Showme School CEO and principal Redzuan Abdul Aziz said the school believes AI, when guided by the right values, has great potential to support inclusive education, and students should not only learn about technology, but also understand how to shape and use it responsibly and ethically for the future. Among the initiatives planned under the collaboration are generative AI learning programmes for TVET agriculture and K-12 education, industrial training, student field projects, agropreneur incubation and community empowerment initiatives, as well as workshops and awareness programmes. Pilot programmes are expected to begin in mid-2026, starting with KOSAHABAT’s agropreneur initiatives in Semenyih before expanding nationwide across Showme School campuses nationwide. “Collectively, the initiatives are projected to benefit between 1,500 and 2,400 students and agropreneurs through AI-driven learning and smart agriculture programmes,” the statement read.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — A strategic collaboration involving MARDICORP Sdn Bhd, Koperasi Pemodalan Sahabat Terengganu Berhad (KOSAHABAT), Showme Kidz International Sdn Bhd (Showme School) and Ember AI Sdn Bhd is set to accelerate Malaysia’s aspiration of becoming an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven nation by 2030. The collaboration, formalised through the signing of two memoranda of […]

Government Strengthens Worker Welfare Through Inclusive Labour Reforms – Datuk Seri Ramanan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the government remains committed to ensuring the welfare, protection and long-term prosperity of Malaysian workers through various progressive labour initiatives and social protection measures. He said the country’s unemployment rate has declined to 2.9 per cent, the lowest level recorded in the past 11 years, reflecting stronger economic recovery and improved job opportunities for Malaysians. According to him, women’s participation in the labour force has also risen to 56.5 per cent, showing growing inclusivity and greater opportunities for women across various sectors. Ramanan added that more than 4.4 million workers nationwide are now benefiting from the implementation of the minimum wage policy, aimed at improving living standards and ensuring fairer income distribution. “The government is also continuing efforts to strengthen social security protection for workers and their families,” he said in a statement today. Among the initiatives highlighted were the extension of the Housewives’ Social Security Scheme protection age limit to 60 years old, as well as the 24-hour Protection Scheme involving 9.6 million contributors nationwide. He also said the upcoming Gig Workers Act 2025 would provide legal protection and welfare safeguards for more than 1.64 million gig workers in Malaysia, in line with the changing landscape of employment and the digital economy. Ramanan stressed that the Madani Government will continue to prioritise policies that provide workers with better protection, wider opportunities and a more prosperous quality of life. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB RAMANAN RAMAKRISHNAN

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the government remains committed to ensuring the welfare, protection and long-term prosperity of Malaysian workers through various progressive labour initiatives and social protection measures. He said the country’s unemployment rate has declined to 2.9 per cent, the lowest level recorded in […]

PN Selangor Urges State Govt To Fully Implement Sultan’s Decree On Pig Farming Issue

SHAH ALAM, May 8 — Perikatan Nasional leaders in Selangor have called on the state government to fully implement the decree of the Sultan of Selangor regarding environmental pollution and water contamination linked to pig farming activities in the state. In a joint statement today, Selangor Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Parti Islam Se-Malaysia said […]

Pakatan Harapan To Hold 2026 Convention In Johor On May 17

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Pakatan Harapan will hold its 2026 convention on May 17 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, bringing together coalition leaders and delegates under the theme “Tekad MADANI, Harapan Rakyat”. In a joint statement issued by Fahmi Fadzil, Adly Zahari and Syahredzan Johan today said the coalition said the convention would serve as a platform to strengthen leadership cohesion and organisational unity, while coordinating political strategies and outlining Pakatan Harapan’s direction in addressing current national challenges. The event, scheduled from 8am to 6pm, comes as the coalition intensifies preparations ahead of upcoming state elections and the 16th General Election (GE16). As the backbone of the MADANI Government, Pakatan Harapan said it would continue focusing on strengthening the national economy, maintaining political stability and reinforcing public confidence. Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim is expected to deliver a special address to delegates during the convention. Other senior coalition leaders are also expected to attend as part of efforts to reinforce unity and readiness in facing current political challenges. The coalition noted that the last Pakatan Harapan convention was held in 2022, adding that the return of the gathering reflects its continued commitment to organisational strengthening, reform initiatives and the implementation of the MADANI Government agenda for the benefit of the people. --Minutesmy / Darsini Saravanan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Pakatan Harapan will hold its 2026 convention on May 17 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, bringing together coalition leaders and delegates under the theme “Tekad MADANI, Harapan Rakyat”. In a joint statement issued by Fahmi Fadzil, Adly Zahari and Syahredzan Johan today said the coalition said the convention […]

Govt Resolves RM19 Mln MSME Digital Grant Delays Following Ministerial Intervention

PUTRAJAYA, May 8 — The Ministry of Digital has confirmed that all delayed disbursements under the Geran Digital PMKS MADANI (GDPM) programme have been successfully completed following ministerial intervention to address payment issues affecting participating companies. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the ministry worked closely with the Ministry of Finance to expedite the settlement […]

Lim Guan Eng Proposes RM5 Billion Interest-Free Loans, Moratorium For MSMEs

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng has urged the government and banking sector to introduce a RM5 billion interest-free loan scheme and a one-year loan moratorium for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) following Bank Negara Malaysia’s decision to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent. In a […]

BNM expected to maintain OPR at current level throughout the remainder of 2026

\According to HSBC Global Investment Research, BNM made a small but significant change in its statement when it clarified its monetary policy stance as “consistent” with the current outlook, from “supportive”. However, the HSBC branch still believes that BNM is likely to maintain the rate for the remainder of this year. HSBC Senior ASEAN Economist Yun Liu said BNM also changed its language on inflation by expecting inflation to "increase slightly" from "remaining moderate", reflecting concerns over domestic cost pressures stemming from high global commodity prices. "Malaysia is in a more resilient position compared to other regional countries because Malaysia is a net exporter of energy. This does not mean that Malaysia will be protected from energy shocks, however, the impact is expected to be smaller compared to other Asian economies," he said in a research note. According to RHB Investment Bank Bhd, monetary policy will continue to be data-driven, guided in particular by growth prospects and inflation trends, while strong economic fundamentals and continued subdued inflation support a broadly stable policy stance. The investment bank maintained its 2026 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast at 4.7 percent, but expected a continued rise in oil prices to US$140 per barrel could reduce Malaysia's growth prospects by between 0.5 and one percentage point. Meanwhile, CIMB Treasury and Market Research is of the view that BNM's latest statement contains a clearer acknowledgement that rising energy prices and supply chain disruptions due to conflicts in West Asia have begun to affect global growth momentum. According to him, the central bank continues to view current inflationary pressures as largely supply-driven and temporary, thus reinforcing expectations for the OPR to be maintained for a longer period than the initial tightening. CIMB also explained that Malaysia's direct trade exposure to Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Iran and Iraq remains moderate at around 1.5 to 2.0 percent of total exports. This suggests the overall impact is expected to occur through commodity prices and global demand flows rather than direct trade disruptions, he added. MBSB Investment Bank Bhd also maintained its expectation that the OPR would remain set at that rate this year, supported by resilient domestic growth, positive labour market conditions, continued investment activity and continued demand for electrical and electronics exports. The investment bank warned, however, that prolonged geopolitical conflict could cause global energy prices to remain high and could lead to an inflation outlook "high for an extended period" for the rest of the year. "Therefore, government policy measures, particularly fuel subsidies and targeted interventions, will be important in curbing the possibility of increasing inflationary pressures," he added. BNM's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Thursday decided to maintain the OPR at 2.75 percent. The rate has not changed since a 25 basis point cut in July 2025. In a statement yesterday, the central bank explained that at the current OPR level, the MPC believes the monetary policy stance is appropriate and consistent with the prospects of continued price stability and sustainable economic growth.

KUALA LUMPUR: The decision on the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) being maintained at the current level of 2.75 percent on Thursday reinforced expectations that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) may keep the rate unchanged for the remainder of 2026. The expectation comes despite investment banks and research arms warning that prolonged geopolitical tensions and high oil […]

ASEAN targets 30 percent intra-regional trade by 2030 – Mohamad

CEBU: ASEAN is committed to strengthening intra-regional trade, including increasing trade between member countries to at least 30 percent by 2030. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said ASEAN member states need to move as a more organised and united bloc to address the impact of global conflicts, including disruptions to regional trade, economy and security, especially during conflicts in West Asia. He said ASEAN needs to emphasize efforts to streamline free trade agreements (FTAs) and facilitate the movement of goods among member countries to strengthen intra-ASEAN trade. "Intra-ASEAN trade has not yet reached 25 percent. We want trade between ASEAN countries to reach at least 30 percent by 2030." "We are looking at the current status, the obstacles and the steps that need to be taken. Therefore, we want the memorandum of understanding (MoU), ASEAN FTA and the movement of goods to be streamlined." "If possible, trade between ASEAN countries should also not be subject to tariffs," he told Malaysian media on Thursday. Mohamad said the conflict in West Asia was an important lesson to ASEAN that cooperation and understanding among member countries was essential to face regional and global challenges. "Each has its strengths and advantages. We need to find a formula for how we can strengthen cooperation and help each other," he said. Regarding the ASEAN Foreign and Economic Ministers' Joint Meeting held on Thursday, Mohamad said it was an initiative initiated under the Malaysian chairmanship to ensure coordination between the political-security and economic pillars. He said that ASEAN's development had previously been largely based on political and security aspects, but the focus had now shifted to strengthening the economy and more comprehensive regional cooperation. He said that a joint meeting involving ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Economic Ministers was held to ensure that every decision could be coordinated across all ASEAN pillars, including economic, social and cultural.

CEBU: ASEAN is committed to strengthening intra-regional trade, including increasing trade between member countries to at least 30 percent by 2030. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said ASEAN member states need to move as a more organised and united bloc to address the impact of global conflicts, including disruptions to regional trade, economy and […]