Day: May 14, 2026

Sultan Ibrahim Receives Fan Bingbing at Pasir Pelangi Palace

Sultan Ibrahim graciously received internationally renowned actress Fan Bingbing during an audience at Pasir Pelangi Palace in Johor Bahru on May 12. Fan Bingbing, who also serves as Melaka Tourism Ambassador, was recognised for her efforts in promoting Malaysia through the international film industry. During the session, discussions also touched on the achievements of Mother Bhumi, a Malaysian film directed by award-winning local filmmaker Chong Keat Aun. The film features an international cast including Fan Bingbing, Natalie Hsu from Hong Kong, Bai Run-yin from Taiwan, as well as Malaysian actors Pearlly Chua, Alvin Wong, Rithaudin and Pauline Tan. Mother Bhumi has brought international recognition to Malaysia through its success at prestigious film festivals and award platforms including the Golden Horse Awards, Tokyo International Film Festival and Far East Film Festival. Also present during the audience were film producer Wong Kew Soon and Fan Bingbing’s manager, Jersey Chong, who hails from Johor.

JOHOR BAHRU, 14 MAY — Sultan Ibrahim graciously received internationally renowned actress Fan Bingbing during an audience at Pasir Pelangi Palace in Johor Bahru on May 12. Fan Bingbing, who also serves as Melaka Tourism Ambassador, was recognised for her efforts in promoting Malaysia through the international film industry. During the session, discussions also touched […]

KESUMA Focuses On Talent Development To Drive Quality Job Creation – Datuk Seri Ramanan

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 -- The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) will work with the Ministry of Education (MOE) strengthen the development of Malaysia’s future talent, in line with a World Bank report, which underscores productivity and talent development as core aspects of the employment agenda. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the collaboration would include early exposure for school students to future career pathways in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and other high-skilled sectors. In a statement today, he said the early exposure initiative is aimed at ensuring students are better equipped to make informed decisions on their education and career pathways before entering the job market. “KESUMA will continue to expand cross-ministerial collaboration, together with its agencies and strategic industry partners, to ensure that skills development, training and talent interventions are implemented in a more focused, responsive and results-oriented manner. “This includes efforts to improve job matching through MyFutureJobs, strengthen the marketability of local talent and assist more Malaysians in accessing high-value and better-paid jobs,” he said. Ramanan said KESUMA had taken note of the findings of the World Bank’s Malaysia Economic Monitor April 2026 report titled “Raising the Ceiling, Raising the Floor: The Jobs Agenda as a Productivity Agenda”, which was launched today. He said the report emphasised that the country’s employment agenda should be anchored in productivity, talent development and quality job creation, to ensure Malaysia continues moving towards a high-income economy. “The report underlines that Malaysia’s main challenge today is no longer just creating jobs, but ensuring that the jobs created are well-matched with skills, productivity and are capable of raising people’s incomes. “The report also highlights that investments in AI, digitalisation and high-value sectors must be supported by a skills ecosystem that is more responsive to industry demand, including TVET, lifelong learning and the strategic use of labour market information,” he said. Ramanan said the findings of the report are in line with KESUMA’s commitment to ensuring that the country’s employment agenda moves towards quality job creation driven by skills, productivity and improved labour market matching. “The World Bank report recognises that talent development, AI readiness and the use of accurate labour market information play an important role in ensuring that Malaysia is able to build a more competitive workforce and is prepared to face economic and technological changes. “In line with the 13th Malaysia Plan, KESUMA, through TalentCorp, continues to strengthen the MyMahir ecosystem, including the Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC), the use of Critical Occupations List (MyCOL) data, and the implementation of the AI Readiness Index (AIRI), to ensure the country’s skills development is more aligned with current and future industry needs,” he said. The World Bank report also acknowledges the importance of initiatives such as MyMahir FSTC, the MyMahir platform and the use of labour market information such as MyCOL, in helping Malaysia build a more responsive and industry-driven skills ecosystem. Meanwhile, KESUMA said in the same statement that its departments and agencies would continue to play an important role in strengthening labour standards, occupational safety and health, industrial relations, TVET and the development of the country’s technical talent. “This includes certification, labour market initiatives, job placement, salary improvements, social protection and support for workers affected by technological change and structural economic uncertainty, thereby reducing skills mismatches and empowering Malaysians for high-productivity jobs. “In line with the spirit of Pekerja MADANI Kesuma Bangsa, KESUMA is committed to ensuring that the country’s economic growth and rising productivity translate into better jobs, more meaningful wages and fairer future opportunities for all Malaysians,” the statement said. --BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) will work with the Ministry of Education (MOE) strengthen the development of Malaysia’s future talent, in line with a World Bank report, which underscores productivity and talent development as core aspects of the employment agenda. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the collaboration […]

PBTs Urged To Consider Rental Cuts Until Year-End

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 -- Local authorities (PBTs) nationwide have been urged to consider reducing rental rates for business premises, stalls and food courts under their jurisdiction until the end of 2026. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the move was a proactive effort by the MADANI Government to safeguard public welfare and assist hawkers and small traders currently coping with rising operating costs. “This strategic move aims to ease the burden of operating costs faced by local hawkers and small traders, thus stimulating economic growth at the grassroots level,” he said in a statement today. He said that the initiative could also help ensure the continuity of business operations, sustain job opportunities and strengthen the economic resilience of the local community. “By providing this rental reduction, we are not only assisting small traders to stay afloat, but also helping to ensure the stability of prices of goods and services for consumers,” he said. Nga said that the ministry would work closely with all PBTs to identify suitable implementation methods based on financial capabilities and local needs, to ensure public well-being and the urban economic ecosystem continued to be strengthened. “The welfare of the people has always been a priority for the MADANI Government. We want to ensure that no group is left behind in national development and continues to benefit from the country’s economic growth,” he said. Nga said that the move would also complement various ongoing efforts to assist the people and the small business community, including entrepreneurship assistance programmes, the provision of more conducive business facilities, the upgrading of food courts and public markets, and initiatives such as MyKiosk. Last Tuesday, the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) urged PBTs and state governments nationwide to reduce rental rates for premises or shops under their jurisdiction with immediate effect. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the move was crucial in helping small traders, night market operators and micro-entrepreneurs cope with rising operating costs, which account for an average of between seven and 58 per cent of total business expenses. “They are exposed to weak cash flow and often rely on a single source of income. Without intervention, the risk of business closures could increase significantly,” he said during the online briefing on the global supply crisis. --BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — Local authorities (PBTs) nationwide have been urged to consider reducing rental rates for business premises, stalls and food courts under their jurisdiction until the end of 2026. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the move was a proactive effort by the MADANI Government to safeguard public welfare and […]

Over RM5.3 Million Worth Of Wildlife Parts Seized In Kota Kinabalu – Bukit Aman

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 -- Police arrested a man and seized various protected wildlife parts worth more than RM5.3 million during a raid at an antique shop on Jalan Gaya in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, yesterday. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation (WCB/PSK) commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said the 53-year-old suspect, who is also the owner of the shop, was arrested during the raid at 9.45 am. Inspections uncovered 16 tusks believed to be from wild boars, nine teeth believed to be from tigers, 10 teeth believed to be from bears, 13 bezoar stones, and 394 swiftlet nests weighing 2,243 grammes. “Initial investigations found that the man admitted purchasing swiftlet nests and bezoar stones from a supplier in Lintas, Sabah, without a valid licence or permit. “The protected wildlife parts are believed to have been obtained from villagers in Tawau at low prices before being sold in the local market around Kota Kinabalu,” he said in a statement today. Mohd Zaki said all the items were kept without permits from the authorities, with the total value of the seizure estimated at RM5.32 million. The suspect and seized items were taken to the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters before being handed over to the Sabah Wildlife Department for further action. The case is being investigated under Sections 41(1) and 41(2) of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Police arrested a man and seized various protected wildlife parts worth more than RM5.3 million during a raid at an antique shop on Jalan Gaya in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, yesterday. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department’s Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation (WCB/PSK) commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said […]

Vance Says US ‘making Progress’ On Iran Deal

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- US Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that Washington is "making progress" in negotiations with Iran while stressing President Donald Trump's red line that Tehran must never have a nuclear weapon. "I spent a good amount of time on the phone with both Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff this morning and a number of our friends in the Arab world this morning. I think that we are making progress," Anadolu Ajansi reported Vance told reporters when asked if the US is still engaging with the Iranians after Trump called Tehran's response "unacceptable." "The fundamental question is, do we make enough progress that we satisfy the president's red line? And the red line is very simple. He needs to feel confident that we've put a number of protections in place such that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon," Vance said. "I thought we made some progress in Pakistan, but we've made more since then," he said. "The President has set us off on the diplomatic pathway for now, and that's what I'm focused on," he added. Asked about Trump's remarks that he does not think about "Americans' financial situation" when negotiating with Iran, Vance responded: "I think that's a misrepresentation of what the president said." "I agree with the president. Iran should not have a nuclear weapon. We're obviously engaged in a very aggressive and very engaged diplomatic process to try to ensure that that doesn't happen," he added. Vance said the ultimate aim was to give the American people assurance that Iran would never obtain nuclear weapons, describing the current diplomatic track as the president's chosen pathway for now. Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a set deadline. On Sunday, Iran sent Pakistan its response to a US proposal for ending the war, but Trump dismissed it as “totally unacceptable.” -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

WASHINGTON, May 14 — US Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that Washington is “making progress” in negotiations with Iran while stressing President Donald Trump’s red line that Tehran must never have a nuclear weapon. “I spent a good amount of time on the phone with both Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff this morning and […]

WHO Chief Says No New Deaths Reported In Hantavirus Outbreak Since May 2

GENEVA, May 14 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Wednesday that no new deaths from the cruise-ship-linked hantavirus outbreak have been reported since May 2, while the global public health risk remains low. Anadolu Ajansi repoted WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X that a total of 11 cases have so far been reported to the agency as of May 12. According to Tedros, eight of those cases have been laboratory-confirmed as infections caused by the Andes virus. Hantavirus is a rare disease usually transmitted through infected rodents or their droppings, though the strain responsible for this outbreak, the Andes virus, can also spread between humans with prolonged close contact, often in enclosed settings. He added that one additional case remains under further laboratory testing. “WHO continues to assess the risk to the global population as low,” Tedros said. The WHO chief also said the agency remains in close contact with experts from all involved countries and continues to receive weekly health reports concerning passengers and crew through official International Health Regulations channels. Tedros said international coordination efforts remain ongoing to support measures aimed at protecting public health. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

GENEVA, May 14 — The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Wednesday that no new deaths from the cruise-ship-linked hantavirus outbreak have been reported since May 2, while the global public health risk remains low. Anadolu Ajansi repoted WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X that a total of 11 cases have […]

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 14, 2026

INDONESIA 1.PRESIDENT PRABOWO ORDERS TASK FORCE TO SPEED UP DEREGULATION EFFORTS -- ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto has instructed State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi to prepare the formation of a special task force aimed at accelerating deregulation efforts. 2.INDONESIA CONFIRMS US NAPHTHA SHIPMENT ARRIVING IN MAY 2026 -- ANTARA Trade Minister Budi Santoso confirmed that imports of naphtha, the main raw material for plastic resin, are scheduled to arrive in mid-May 2026. MYANMAR 1.ENGAGING LUCRATIVE INDIAN TOURISM MARKET -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Myanmar Tourism Federation will hold roadshows in at least five major Indian cities to showcase tourist destinations. These extensive campaigns are to promote long-term sustainable tourism in the Indian market. 2.INCREASING LIVE SEAFOOD EXPORTS TO RAISE REVENUE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Authorities are planning to export more live marine products that will generate lucrative revenue for the country. Live lobsters, shell crabs and shrimps are in high demand in overseas markets for their freshness. PHILIPPINES 1.MARCOS: NO STATE FORCES IN SENATE SHOOTING, NO ORDER TO ARREST BATO -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Wednesday night said no state security forces were involved in the shooting incident inside the Senate complex and denied reports that government agencies had been ordered to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. 2.MAGNITUDE 5.5 QUAKE JOLTS PARTS OF CAGAYAN -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY A magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted Dalupiri Island in Cagayan province on Thursday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). SINGAPORE 1. RULE OF LAW BOOSTS SINGAPORE'S SOCIAL FABRIC; GOVERNMENT'S JOB IS TO REFLECT SOCIAL VALUES IN LAW: EDWIN TONG The rule of law is a framework for strengthening Singapore's social fabric because it is "the basis on which we believe that no one is above the law, and so no segment of society will rise ahead or fall behind because of who we are", Law Minister Edwin Tong said on Wednesday. 2. SINGAPORE TO TRIAL MULTI-CANCER EARLY DETECTION TESTS AND TARGETED CANCER SCREENING -- THE STRAITS TIMES A clinical study involving 1,000 people at higher risk of cancer due to genetic factors or pre-cancerous conditions will be carried out in the second half of 2026 to evaluate the use of popular multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests. THAILAND 1. ACTUAL INVESTMENT JUMP STRENGTHENS THAILAND'S GROWTH OUTLOOK -- THE NATION Thailand’s actual investment rose 18% to 260 billion baht in Q1 2026, as the government pushes BOI Fast Pass and 3% plus GDP growth. 2. FUEL CRISIS RESULTS IN FEWER FLIGHTS FOR THAI PILOTS -- BANGKOK POST Pilots in Thailand have begun to feel the impact of reduced flights, as some low-cost carriers have announced a 20% cut in allowances and reduced productivity pay to cope with rising operational costs. VIETNAM 1.EMPOWERING STUDENT STARTUP ENTREPRENEURS -- VIETNAMPLUS The Education Ministry will implement a student entrepreneurship programme to develop a comprehensive startup ecosystem across the education sector. The new plan shifts focus from individual startups to an integrated and sustainable model. 2.UPGRADING CROSS-BORDER CRIME PREVENTION CENTRE -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam Customs is strengthening the Narcotics Targeting Centre by equipping it with modern surveillance equipment to tackle cross-border crimes. The centre will focus on the trafficking of narcotics, emerging psychoactive substances and hazardous chemicals smuggling. -- BERNAMA

INDONESIA 1.PRESIDENT PRABOWO ORDERS TASK FORCE TO SPEED UP DEREGULATION EFFORTS — ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto has instructed State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi to prepare the formation of a special task force aimed at accelerating deregulation efforts. 2.INDONESIA CONFIRMS US NAPHTHA SHIPMENT ARRIVING IN MAY 2026 — ANTARA Trade Minister Budi Santoso confirmed that imports […]

Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Hamidi Praises ‘Konspirasi’ for Promoting Courage and Integrity

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 MAY -- Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday has praised local film Konspirasi for delivering strong positive messages and addressing challenges relevant to today’s modern world. He made the remarks after attending a special screening of the film at TGV Alamanda, Putrajaya, last night alongside members of the production crew and cast, including director Ghaz Abu Bakar and lead actor Adi Putra. According to Zahid, the film successfully highlights the values of courage in defending the truth, while also emphasizing integrity, teamwork, trust and the spirit of perseverance within a team. He also described the incorporation of modern technology and communication elements in the film as a major strength, making it more relatable to younger audiences and relevant to contemporary global challenges. “Congratulations to the entire production team, the cast and everyone involved in making this film a success. I hope local productions like this will continue to win the hearts of the people and eventually penetrate international markets,” he said. Konspirasi is expected to emerge as one of the notable local films capable of attracting audiences through its combination of action, positive messaging and modern cinematic storytelling. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ZAHID HAMIDI

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 MAY — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday has praised local film Konspirasi for delivering strong positive messages and addressing challenges relevant to today’s modern world. He made the remarks after attending a special screening of the film at TGV Alamanda, Putrajaya, last night alongside members of the production crew and […]