Day: May 23, 2026

Teenage Girl Missing While Hiking In Tanjong Malim

IPOH, May 23 -- A teenage girl has been reported missing after possibly being lost while hiking at Bukit Changkat Asa near Tanjong Malim today. Perak Fire and Rescue Department operations division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said they received a call at 1.26 pm and dispatched a team of firefighters to the location. "A girl, Nur Izzati Humaira Azizul, 19, is believed to have gotten lost while descending the hill during a hike with five friends and family members,” he said in a statement tonight, adding that the search began at the last place she was seen. The search and rescue operation was suspended at 7 pm today and would be handed over to the Kuala Kubu Bharu Fire and Rescue Department for further action, he added. -- BERNAMA

IPOH, May 23 — A teenage girl has been reported missing after possibly being lost while hiking at Bukit Changkat Asa near Tanjong Malim today. Perak Fire and Rescue Department operations division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said they received a call at 1.26 pm and dispatched a team of firefighters to the location. “A […]

RM5 Mln Set Aside For Rhythm Programme This Year

MELAKA, May 23 -- The government has approved a RM5 million allocation under the 2026 Budget initiative to implement the Ritma Kehidupan Harmoni (Rythm) Programme nationwide this year. Social Welfare Department (JKM) director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said the programme includes 133 Healthy Elderly programmes and 133 therapy programmes for persons with disabilities (PwDs), expected to benefit 13,300 senior citizens and PwDs this year. He said the initiative also includes six zonal training series involving 2,900 participants. “The Rythm Programme aims to improve the wellbeing of the elderly and PwDs through health and therapy programmes at Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE), Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres (PDK) and Welfare Department institutions nationwide. “It also focuses on social wellbeing, holistic care and strengthening intergenerational ties to build a more caring and inclusive community,” he told reporters here today. Earlier, he officiated the Southern Zone Basic Care Seminar for the Elderly and PwDs held in conjunction with the programme, which was also attended by Melaka Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Datuk Kalsom Nordin. Che Murad said the programme involves strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), particularly in youth volunteerism and welfare activities. He said the initiative not only nurtures compassion and volunteerism among youths, but also strengthens community support for the elderly and PwDs. “It also serves as a platform to unite communities across generations, strengthen social support networks and build a more caring and inclusive society,” he said. For the southern zone covering Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor, he said JKM had implemented 12 of the 13 targeted programmes under the first phase, with plans to expand the initiative to the central, northern, eastern, Sabah and Sarawak zones. “So far, the programme in the southern zone has benefited 608 elderly individuals, with the involvement of 438 youth volunteers,” he added. -- BERNAMA

MELAKA, May 23 — The government has approved a RM5 million allocation under the 2026 Budget initiative to implement the Ritma Kehidupan Harmoni (Rythm) Programme nationwide this year. Social Welfare Department (JKM) director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said the programme includes 133 Healthy Elderly programmes and 133 therapy programmes for persons with disabilities (PwDs), […]

FOMCA Calls For Stronger Monitoring Following SKDS Expansion

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 -- The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) has called on the government to strengthen monitoring of essential goods prices and enforcement following the expansion of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS). In a statement today, FOMCA said that although the expansion of diesel subsidies for jeeps and pick-up trucks nationwide could help reduce transportation costs, there is no automatic guarantee that the savings would translate into lower retail prices. “Fuel and logistics costs are important components within the supply chain. However, effective monitoring and enforcement are necessary to ensure that cost savings are reflected in retail prices instead of being absorbed as additional profits by certain parties,” it said. FOMCA also welcomed the government’s decision to expand the SKDS eligibility for jeeps and pick-up trucks nationwide, particularly for operators involved in land freight transportation. The association said the move was timely as transportation and logistics costs continued to contribute to higher prices of food, agricultural produce and daily essentials faced by consumers. According to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the improved SKDS mechanism will allow companies nationwide that own jeeps and pick-up trucks for land freight purposes to register under the system beginning June 1. The government has also expanded eligibility to include certain vehicles previously registered under individual ownership, subject to company registration and transfer of vehicle ownership requirements. FOMCA said it appreciated the government’s continued efforts to address the rising cost of living amid global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, which have contributed to higher global fuel and commodity prices. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) has called on the government to strengthen monitoring of essential goods prices and enforcement following the expansion of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS). In a statement today, FOMCA said that although the expansion of diesel subsidies for jeeps and pick-up trucks nationwide […]

Old General Post Office Reopens As KL Heritage, Culinary Destination

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 -- Khazanah Nasional Berhad has reopened the Old General Post Office (PPBL) at Block 2 of the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad Complex, revitalising the iconic heritage landmark as a vibrant cultural and culinary destination in the heart of the federal capital. The reopening marks the third heritage conservation project undertaken by Khazanah Nasional in Kuala Lumpur under its Kuala Lumpur Heritage (Warisan KL) initiative, following earlier restorations involving Block 1 of the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad Complex and Seri Negara. Khazanah Nasional managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said the initiative was not only about conserving historic buildings, but also about revitalising Kuala Lumpur as a destination with a distinct identity. “Through the conservation of heritage assets, we hope to encourage more Malaysians and international tourists to explore the city, thereby supporting local economic activities, strengthening the nation’s cultural identity, and boosting the tourism ecosystem as well as the urban economy. “Drawing from Malaysia’s diverse culinary traditions, including elements recognised as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, PPBL demonstrates how heritage can remain relevant, inclusive and sustainable for present and future generations,” he said. The PPBL opening ceremony was attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud. Khazanah Nasional said the PPBL, which once served as Kuala Lumpur’s main General Post Office, has been revitalised as a heritage-based culinary space bringing together eight local brands and offering food-, culture- and community-oriented experiences. In conjunction with the opening, Khazanah Nasional also launched the “Warkah Untuk Malaysia” campaign, which runs from May 23 to 31 July, inviting the public to share their hopes and aspirations for the country through handwritten postcards or digital platforms. Members of the public are encouraged to take part in the campaign through special writing spaces at selected venues, including PPBL, or via online platforms. The initiative seeks to bring together the voices and stories of Malaysians, reflecting a shared spirit of unity, hope and love for the nation. Selected postcards will be compiled into a video, which will be published in conjunction with the National Month and Malaysia Day celebrations from Aug 31 to Sept 16, 2026. PPBL is open to the public from today (May 23), with visiting hours from 10 am to 10 pm. --BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Khazanah Nasional Berhad has reopened the Old General Post Office (PPBL) at Block 2 of the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad Complex, revitalising the iconic heritage landmark as a vibrant cultural and culinary destination in the heart of the federal capital. The reopening marks the third heritage conservation project undertaken by […]

PM Anwar Calls for Greater Religious Harmony, Rejects Racist Sentiments

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to continue strengthening unity, mutual respect and harmony among the country’s diverse races and religions in line with the MADANI vision. Speaking at the MADANI Harmony Discourse held in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebration, Anwar stressed the importance of understanding, humanity and peaceful coexistence in maintaining national stability and progress. He said Malaysia was founded on the spirit of cooperation and moderation under the leadership of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, where diversity was embraced as a core foundation of the nation since independence. Anwar noted that while Islam remains the religion of the Federation and Malays and Bumiputera form the majority population, the country was built on mutual respect and appreciation for the diversity of races and faiths. He added that the MADANI concept reinforces values such as courtesy, ethics and humanity as key pillars of nation-building. The Prime Minister also urged for continued interfaith discourse and dialogue, warning against attempts to spread hatred, fear and division for narrow political interests. “It is time for peace-loving Malaysians to defend national unity,” he said. Anwar further cautioned against allowing small groups that manipulate racial sentiments and spread slander to undermine the country’s future and the spirit of coexistence that has long defined Malaysia. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to continue strengthening unity, mutual respect and harmony among the country’s diverse races and religions in line with the MADANI vision. Speaking at the MADANI Harmony Discourse held in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebration, Anwar stressed the importance of understanding, humanity […]

Anwar Tells Agencies To Reach Out To Small Traders On Aid, Financing

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the relevant agencies to intensify ground efforts to provide explanations and assistance to small and medium traders who are still unaware of financing facilities and aid provided by the government. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the matter was important to ensure the group is not left out from benefiting from the various initiatives created specifically to help increase their income and expand their businesses. “There are some who are still unaware of the facilities available. So I ask the relevant agencies to go to the ground and provide explanations,” he told reporters after visiting the Taman Melawati Farmers’ Market here today. He said hawkers and small traders should continue to be given attention, as they number hundreds of thousands but still lack a strong platform to voice their views. Regarding his visit, Anwar said the feedback he received from hawkers and small traders was generally very positive, with most expressing gratitude for the opportunity to obtain micro-financing facilities provided by the government and its agencies. “I asked them myself. Most are already very grateful and thankful to the bodies and agencies that helped them, even for a RM10,000 loan,” said the Prime Minister. Anwar also said most of them were more focused on earning a living than complaining about the challenges they faced. He said among the issues raised by traders was the relatively high price of certain essential goods they purchased, but the problem could be eased through the role of agencies such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority, which helps provide supplies at more affordable prices “I asked whether there were any problems, whether they could obtain loans and afford repayments. Alhamdulillah, the feedback received has been very encouraging,” he said. Previously, the MADANI Government announced more than RM5 billion in micro-financing facilities for 2026, expected to benefit more than 400,000 micro-entrepreneurs. The facilities involve loans of up to RM100,000, with financing rates for certain schemes as low as four per cent per annum. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the relevant agencies to intensify ground efforts to provide explanations and assistance to small and medium traders who are still unaware of financing facilities and aid provided by the government. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the matter was important to […]

More Than 27,000 Cattle Imported To Meet Aidiladha Demand

PADANG BESAR, May 23 -- More than 27,000 cattle have been imported to meet the supply for the upcoming Aidiladha celebration. These livestock have undergone strict screening and quarantine procedures by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS). MAQIS deputy director-general Dr. Azhari Sharidan Abu Bakar said the department guarantees that all the cattle, most of which come from Thailand, are free from diseases and safe to be sold and slaughtered for the Qurban ritual. He said they have been monitored during a 14-day quarantine period for any signs of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). "These two are among the main diseases we monitor throughout the quarantine," he told Bernama at the MAQIS Animal Quarantine Station in Padang Besar. Dr. Azhari Sharidan also noted that the department has recorded the import of approximately 1,000 buffaloes so far, in preparation for the upcoming Hari Raya Haji celebrations. Meanwhile, he stressed that all livestock must pass MAQIS screening to control animal diseases and protect public health and safety, and urged importers to comply strictly with regulations. He explained that some importers house their cattle in private quarantine premises approved by MAQIS rather than at government stations, though MAQIS officers regularly monitor the livestock. If government quarantine stations are full, cattle may be quarantined in private premises or even at the importer's own location, but that requires prior application to MAQIS for approval, as long as all procedures and conditions are met. He admitted that non-compliance does occur, particularly when cattle are removed and sold before completing the full fourteen-day quarantine period. MAQIS recorded one such case last year and two the year before, and the department can take action under the Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011. Finally, he noted that livestock enter the country through three Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complexes, namely Padang Besar ICQS, Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS, Kedah, and Rantau Panjang ICQS, Kelantan. -- BERNAMA

PADANG BESAR, May 23 — More than 27,000 cattle have been imported to meet the supply for the upcoming Aidiladha celebration. These livestock have undergone strict screening and quarantine procedures by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS). MAQIS deputy director-general Dr. Azhari Sharidan Abu Bakar said the department guarantees that all the cattle, […]

M’sia, NZ To Enhance Agricultural Cooperation Amid Global Supply Uncertainties

PUTRAJAYA, May 23 -- Malaysia and New Zealand have expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation to address the global fuel supply crisis and food supply chain uncertainties, including strategic collaboration on critical agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, dairy products and grains. In addition, Malaysia expressed confidence in New Zealand’s regulatory system for agricultural products and encouraged the country to explore opportunities for sharing expertise in the field. The matter was highlighted during a courtesy call by New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia Michael Walsh on Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak here yesterday. The meeting followed an earlier discussion held in September 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral agricultural trade relations between Malaysia and New Zealand. KPKM said in a statement today that New Zealand also offered capacity-building opportunities for KPKM officers through the ASEAN-New Zealand Manaaki Scholarship, in addition to existing cooperation under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee of the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA). Isham also invited New Zealand to participate in the 2026 Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA), scheduled to take place from Aug 28 to Sept 6, in Serdang under the theme “Value Creation for Food Security”. Agricultural trade between Malaysia and New Zealand totalled RM5.57 billion in 2025, with Malaysia’s exports comprising animal feed ingredients, while major imports from New Zealand consisted of dairy products. Dairy products remained New Zealand’s largest export component to Malaysia, contributing about 75 per cent of total bilateral trade in the sector. In addition, the two countries continue to maintain close cooperation through regional and multilateral platforms, including the MNZFTA and the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area. Malaysia and New Zealand will also celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 23 — Malaysia and New Zealand have expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation to address the global fuel supply crisis and food supply chain uncertainties, including strategic collaboration on critical agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, dairy products and grains. In addition, Malaysia expressed confidence in New Zealand’s regulatory system for agricultural products and encouraged […]

Trump Says US-Israeli War On Iran Will ‘Be Over With Soon’

WASHINGTON, May 23 -- President Donald Trump appeared to signpost Friday that a conclusion to the US-Israeli war against Iran is on the horizon, Anadolu Ajans reported. "We have stopped them. They're not going to ever have a nuclear weapon. They're never going to have a nuclear weapon. And we'll have that over with soon. It'll be over with soon," the US president told his supporters in the state of New York. "You're going to see numbers like you've never seen, both on the upside and also in terms of cost; you're going to see cars go down," he added. Earlier Friday, Iran's semi-official news agency reported that a Qatari delegation is negotiating with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran in a bid to end the war amid Pakistani mediation. The report came after Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran as part of Islamabad's ongoing mediation efforts to end the war. It is the second such trip to Tehran by Munir. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has been in Tehran for the past two days as part of indirect talks between the US and Iran. The flurry of diplomatic activity comes as reports suggest negotiators are closing gaps on an agreement to end the war. Mediation to draw hostilities to a close began when Pakistan secured a ceasefire on April 8, halting the war and later hosting the highest-level talks between the US and Iran since 1979 on April 11-12. Islamabad has intensified its mediation process to secure a second round of direct talks between the two sides. -- BERNAM

WASHINGTON, May 23 — President Donald Trump appeared to signpost Friday that a conclusion to the US-Israeli war against Iran is on the horizon, Anadolu Ajans reported. “We have stopped them. They’re not going to ever have a nuclear weapon. They’re never going to have a nuclear weapon. And we’ll have that over with soon. […]