Day: May 13, 2026

Over 100,000 Litres Of Diesel Seized In Ulu Tiram Smuggling Bust

JOHOR BAHRU, May 13– Region Two Marine Police Force (PPM) seized 103,560 litres of diesel believed to have been misappropriated, along with various equipment worth a total of RM1.327 million, during Ops Taring Landai at two premises in Ulu Tiram yesterday. Its commander, ACP Noor Azman Jamal, said the operation was carried out following a […]

Anwar Receives Courtesy Call From International Scholar Vali Nasr

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today received a courtesy call from international scholar Prof Seyyed Vali Reza Nasr at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya. In a Facebook post, Anwar said Vali Nasr, a renowned scholar, author and international relations expert in West Asian politics and Islamic studies, was in Malaysia […]

AKPS KLIA Foils Cocaine Smuggling Bid Worth Nearly RM1.5 Mln

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has foiled an attempt to smuggle 3.3 kilogrammes of cocaine, estimated to be worth RM1.48 million, into the country last Sunday. KLIA Entry Point commander Mohd Safrie Zakaria said the seizure was made at the arrival hall […]

Agrobank Expects 700,000 Registered Hawkers To Benefit From Agro Penjaja-i

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — About 700,000 hawkers registered under hawker associations are expected to benefit from the Agro Penjaja-i initiative launched today, said Agrobank president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin. Speaking at a press conference after the Agro Penjaja-i launch here today, Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah said the initiative […]

2026 World Cup: RTM, Unifi TV To Air All 104 Matches – Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Local football fans will be able to watch all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup through Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Unifi TV following a strategic collaboration with three of the country’s major telecommunications companies, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the collaboration involving Unifi, CelcomDigi […]

Form One Student Dies After Falling Unconscious At Gua Musang School Hostel

KOTA BHARU, May 13– A male Form One student died after reportedly being found unconscious at the hostel of Sekolah Menengah Paloh in Gua Musang yesterday. Gua Musang police chief Supt Sik Choon Foo said police received a report regarding the incident from the victim’s father at 8.53 am yesterday. He said the school had […]

Geopolitical uncertainty an opportunity for ASEAN to accelerate aviation reform

BANGKOK: ASEAN sees the current geopolitical and economic uncertainties involving the aviation sector as an opportunity to boost regional cooperation as well as accelerate long-overdue reforms. Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN Economic Community Satvinder Singh said the reforms included aspects of liberalising cargo services, standardising regulations and accelerating the implementation of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM) which could further strengthen the Southeast Asian aviation sector. He is also optimistic that the current global challenges can strengthen the ASEAN aviation sector for the next one to two years. "I hope we can come together again in another year or two to say that this crisis has its benefits and this is what unites us," he said at a panel session at the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia Pacific and Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition here, today. Satvinder said ASEAN member states were seen to be using the crisis as a catalyst to improve coordination, strengthen resilience and accelerate reforms that had previously been at a slower pace. He said ASEAN was also finalising what was described as the world's largest regional digital agreement that had legal validity and was expected to be signed later this year in Manila. The agreement is expected to support the aviation sector and regional connectivity by improving payment systems, data flows and e-commerce integration. In addition, he said that despite concerns about trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions, ASEAN entered 2026 in a strong position with the region's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by 4.9 percent in 2025, exceeding the initial projection of 4.2 percent. Regional trade also grew by 8.8 percent, rising from US$3.8 trillion (US$1= RM3.93) to US$4.3 trillion while foreign direct investment (FDI) grew by 10 percent. Satvinder said ASEAN leaders have also shown strong unity in addressing current challenges, including cooperation to ensure the resilience of the energy and aviation sectors. He cited Thailand's offer to support neighboring countries with surplus jet fuel as an example of the spirit of cooperation in the region. The current crisis is also an opportunity to strengthen aspects of intra-ASEAN travel and regional integration. In addition, he stressed the importance of accelerating the ratification process of aviation agreements within ASEAN to enhance the implementation of the ASAM. "We need to increase the ratification process in the region and leverage existing efforts to enable this agreement to be fully implemented," he said. ASEAN, he said, has made great progress in its efforts to liberalize third and fourth freedoms of traffic rights and is now continuing negotiations on air services agreements with key allies including the European Union, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. "However, there is still much to be done, particularly in liberalising air cargo services, harmonising regulations and strengthening mutual recognition in the aviation safety system," he said. Satvinder also stressed the strategic importance of air cargo links to the ASEAN semiconductor industry, with the region producing 60 to 70 percent of the world's semiconductors and largely dependent on air transport services. Apart from aviation liberalisation, Satvinder said ASEAN is also working to advance broader regional initiatives in the aspects of digitalisation and sustainability. Commenting on sustainability, he said ASEAN countries are likely to increase efforts in the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biofuels by leveraging the strong capabilities of the agricultural sector and the region's extensive agricultural waste resources. According to Satvinder, while the current crisis is creating operational challenges across the aviation sector, the situation also highlights the urgent need for ASEAN countries to move faster in terms of regional coordination, resilience and long-term transformation. -- BERNAMA

BANGKOK: ASEAN sees the current geopolitical and economic uncertainties involving the aviation sector as an opportunity to boost regional cooperation as well as accelerate long-overdue reforms. Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN Economic Community Satvinder Singh said the reforms included aspects of liberalising cargo services, standardising regulations and accelerating the implementation of the ASEAN Single Aviation […]

Abdul Halim begins duties as MACC Chief Commissioner

PUTRAJAYA: The new Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman, officially began his duties today. He replaces Tan Sri Azam Baki who retired after 42 years of service in the MACC yesterday. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, in a statement today, congratulated Abdul Halim on his appointment as the new MACC Chief Commissioner effective today. "God willing, I believe that his credibility and experience in the legal field will continue to provide added value, strengthen the role and elevate the MACC's position as a prestigious enforcement body both domestically and internationally. Happy serving!" he said in a post on his official Facebook page today. Shamsul Azri also shared a photo of the handing over of Abdul Halim's appointment letter as the new MACC Chief Commissioner. Meanwhile, Shamsul Azri also expressed his appreciation to Azam and described the many successes and reforms that have been implemented in leading the MACC as a superior enforcement body. "Tan Sri (Azam)'s service will always be remembered and hopefully he will continue to contribute to the country in whatever capacity he may be in the future," he said. On April 25, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim approved the appointment of Abdul Halim, who is also a former High Court Judge, as the new Chief Commissioner of the MACC, effective May 13. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA: The new Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman, officially began his duties today. He replaces Tan Sri Azam Baki who retired after 42 years of service in the MACC yesterday. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, in a statement today, congratulated Abdul […]

Jitra Half Marathon Targets Record 2,200 Entries

ALOR SETAR, May 13– The Jitra Half Marathon (JHM), organised by Bina Darulaman Berhad (BDB), will return on Sept 19, targeting a record 2,200 participants. BDB Group chief executive officer Che Abdul Khalid Md Din said JHM 2026 returns to the calendar of events of BDB Leisure Sdn Bhd after it was last held in […]

Thunderstorm warning, heavy rain in eight states until 5pm this evening

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in eight states until 5pm this evening. MetMalaysia in a statement today announced that the bad weather is expected to hit Perlis, Kedah (including Langkawi) as well as several districts in Perak, namely Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Batang Padang and Muallim. The same warning also affects Pahang, including Cameron Highlands and Bentong, as well as Hulu Selangor in Selangor. In Johor, the areas expected to be affected are Batu Pahat, Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Bahru. Meanwhile, in Sabah, the affected areas are the Interior covering Keningau and Tambunan), as well as the West Coast, Tawau, Kinabatangan in Sandakan and Kudat. In Sarawak, warnings have been issued for Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Kapit including Song and Kapit as well as Tatau in Bintulu. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in eight states until 5pm this evening. MetMalaysia in a statement today announced that the bad weather is expected to hit Perlis, Kedah (including Langkawi) as well as several districts in Perak, namely Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, […]