Day: May 25, 2026

Diesel Fleet Card Proposal For 17,000 Agri-Providers To Go To MTEN

PUTRAJAYA, May 25 -- The government will table a proposal at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) to extend the subsidised diesel fleet card system to 17,000 agricultural machinery service providers in a bid to lower paddy cultivation costs. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the proposed initiative involves an allocation of about RM200 million. He said the proposal covers agricultural machinery operators, including those providing tractor, harvester, and fertiliser spreader services, who play an essential role in the country’s paddy cultivation chain. "The majority of paddy farmers rely on these agricultural service providers. Therefore, this matter will be brought to MTEN," he told reporters after launching the Kebuniti Agriculture Information Centre, known as Gardentopia, here today. Mohamad said the move was proposed following an increase in operational costs, particularly diesel costs, which affected machinery service providers and, indirectly, burdened paddy farmers. Malaysian Farmers' Brotherhood Organisation (PeSAWAH) chairman Abdul Rashid Yob reportedly said that paddy farmers are currently struggling with rising operational costs, which have dampened their motivation to continue cultivation. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 25 — The government will table a proposal at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) to extend the subsidised diesel fleet card system to 17,000 agricultural machinery service providers in a bid to lower paddy cultivation costs. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the proposed initiative involves an allocation […]

X Star Deepens Collaboration with Google Cloud to Scale Agentic AI for Global Markets

SINGAPORE, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- X Star has set out how its growing collaboration with Google Cloud is helping it bring self-developed AI models and Agentic AI framework to a wider international audience. By drawing on high-performance cloud computing resources and scalable infrastructure support, X Star is sharpening the way it deploys its models, lifting system throughput and trimming operational costs across the markets it serves. X Star together with Google Cloud, hosted Boundless Cloud, Global Motion, an executive roundtable on cloud intelligence, AI, and global growth. The collaboration gives X Star a firmer technical footing for its next generation of AI applications. It allows the company to deliver AI-powered solutions across financial services, automotive and intelligent marketing in a more stable, scalable and real-time way, supporting clients wherever they choose to operate. Building a Stronger Foundation for Global Deployment Reaching customers across international markets places real demands on infrastructure. Working with Google Cloud, X Star can improve model deployment efficiency, enhance throughput and optimise costs, three priorities that matter as the company scales. That foundation underpins the reliable delivery of X Star's self-developed models and Agentic AI framework, and gives clients in financial services, automotive and intelligent marketing the confidence that solutions will perform consistently at scale. Advancing Agentic AI for Complex Business Workflows X Star is exploring deeper integration with Google's Gemini models to enhance the capabilities of its AI agents, including reasoning, multimodal understanding, and task orchestration. The aim is to support complex, multi-step business processes with greater reliability and contextual understanding. These enhanced agent capabilities are expected to further strengthen products such as Xport and other AI-driven solutions, enabling more intelligent interactions, faster decision-making, and more seamless workflow execution. The intention is for these systems to operate smoothly across the entire business journey, supporting clients from the first interaction through to the final outcome. Expanding a Global AI Marketing and Customer Growth Ecosystem X Star and Google Cloud are also looking at broader opportunities across the Google ecosystem, including potential synergies with Google Ads and related marketing technologies. The thinking is to pair X Star's AI-powered growth and conversion capabilities with Google's global advertising and distribution ecosystem. For clients in the automotive and financial industries, that combination is designed to improve customer acquisition efficiency, lift conversion performance and build more intelligent end-to-end marketing workflows. It also creates new opportunities for businesses looking to scale customer engagement and expand into global markets. Looking Ahead The collaboration brings together X Star's self-developed AI models and deep industry focus with Google Cloud's computing infrastructure and ecosystem reach. As X Star continues to grow its presence in financial services, automotive and intelligent marketing, this partnership offers a dependable platform for delivering Agentic AI to clients around the world. About X Star Technology X Star Technology is a leading AI innovator in automotive finance. Headquartered in Singapore, with a presence across Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East, X Star partners with over 2,000 dealers, manufacturers and financial institutions. The company builds proprietary AI models and Agentic AI infrastructure, delivering AI-powered solutions across financial services, automotive and intelligent marketing. Its proprietary Agentic AI platform automates the full lending lifecycle, and products such as Xport are built to support long-horizon business processes through intelligent, context-aware and execution-oriented AI systems that drive smarter, faster and seamless mobility financing at scale. www.xstar.sg Source: X Star

SINGAPORE, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — X Star has set out how its growing collaboration with Google Cloud is helping it bring self-developed AI models and Agentic AI framework to a wider international audience. By drawing on high-performance cloud computing resources and scalable infrastructure support, X Star is sharpening the way it deploys its models, […]

Wei Chong-Kai Wun Out Of Singapore, Indonesia Opens, Head Coach Confirms

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 -- National men’s doubles pair, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, will miss two upcoming Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour tournaments, namely the Singapore Open starting tomorrow and the Indonesia Open on June 2. Head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi said the decision was made as Wei Chong has yet to fully recover from a knee injury. “Wei Chong’s leg has not fully healed, and he is still recuperating. “For the time being, he is not ready for tournaments, so they will skip the Singapore and Indonesia Opens,” he said recently. Herry added that he and the player are expected to meet a doctor soon to obtain a clearer assessment of the injury. Last week, Wei Chong-Kai Wun also withdrew from the Malaysia Masters due to Wei Chong’s knee problem. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — National men’s doubles pair, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, will miss two upcoming Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour tournaments, namely the Singapore Open starting tomorrow and the Indonesia Open on June 2. Head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi said the decision was made as Wei Chong has yet to fully […]

Three members of the Senate take oath as Senators today

KUALA LUMPUR: Three members of the Senate, including a newly appointed senator, took the oath of office before the Speaker of the Senate, Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, today. The Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the International University of the Islamic Religious Council of the Federal Territory (UniMAIWP), Datuk Seri Professor Noor Inayah Ya'akub, is a new appointment. Meanwhile, two members of the Senate were re-elected, namely Hussin Ismail and RA Lingeshwaran, who were re-elected by the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly (DUN) and Penang State Legislative Assembly respectively. In his speech, Awang Bemee said Noor Inayah, who was elected by the Penang State Assembly, will serve for a period of three years effective May 14, 2026 until May 13, 2029. He said Lingeshwaran would also serve for the same period while Hussin's appointment would be effective from April 23 to April 22, 2029. "On behalf of the Senate, I extend my deepest congratulations and welcome the appointment and re-election of all the Honorable Senators who took the oath today," he said after the Senate Oath-Taking Ceremony. Awang Bemee hopes that all appointed senators will utilize their respective experience, expertise and wisdom through active participation in debate sessions, asking quality questions and effective involvement in the Senate Select Committee for the well-being of the people and the progress of the country. "In this challenging environment, the people have high hopes that the institution of Parliament will continue to play an effective role in examining government policies, presenting insightful views and proposing practical, balanced and constructive solutions," he said. He also reminded that the National Assembly not only functions as a body that examines and approves bills, but is also a forum for mature, prudent and constructive debate in the interests of the people. According to the Parliamentary calendar, the Dewan Negara sitting for the Second Meeting, Fifth Term of the 15th Parliament will last for 10 days starting July 20. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Three members of the Senate, including a newly appointed senator, took the oath of office before the Speaker of the Senate, Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, today. The Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the International University of the Islamic Religious Council of the Federal Territory (UniMAIWP), Datuk Seri Professor Noor Inayah […]

11 men charged with being members of the RT6 Gang organised crime group

KUALA LUMPUR -- A total of 11 men were arraigned in the Sessions Court here today on charges of being members of an organised crime group known as the "RT6 Gang" from 2020. A. Raja Ratanam, K. Sunthreson, C. Vijaya Kumar, N. Nadarajah, T. Raman, R. Vijayan, M. Kumaaran, N. Harichandran, S. Maran, Suwaran Singh Minder Singh and Mohammad Atif Khan Mohammad Ali Khan, aged 22 to 48, nodded in understanding after the charges were read out separately before Judge Izralizam Sanusi. No confession was recorded from them as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. According to the charges, they are alleged to have been members of the "RT6 Gang" organised crime group in the Sentul district between 14 Jan 2020 and 27 April 2026. The charge was brought under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code which provides for a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years, if convicted. The court did not grant them bail and set June 24 for the case to be mentioned again for the submission of documents. The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutors Lokman Kasim and Yazid Mustaqim Roslan. At the proceedings, the defense was lined up by lawyers Datuk Rajpal Singh, Eu Kah Mun, M. Mathaven, Grace Francis, Muhammad Izzhar Idris, S. Kirthen, S. Premila and Kelvin Francis. Only Nadarajah and Raman were not represented by lawyers. Yesterday, the media reported that the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department successfully dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate known as the RT Gang through action under the Special Security Measures Act 2012. Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the syndicate is believed to have been active in drug processing and distribution activities as well as violent crimes around the Klang Valley since 2020. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR — A total of 11 men were arraigned in the Sessions Court here today on charges of being members of an organised crime group known as the “RT6 Gang” from 2020. A. Raja Ratanam, K. Sunthreson, C. Vijaya Kumar, N. Nadarajah, T. Raman, R. Vijayan, M. Kumaaran, N. Harichandran, S. Maran, Suwaran Singh […]

Mechanic again charged with possession of firearms, ammunition, imitation weapons

SIK -- A mechanic was again brought to court today on three charges of possessing firearms, ammunition and imitation weapons, earlier this month. Mohd Shahifuldin Mohd Shahiran, 46, pleaded not guilty to all charges before Sessions Court Judge Rohaida Ishak here. For the first charge, he was charged with possessing a Remington Model 1100 rifle made in the United States without a valid license or permit at a house in Kampung Luar Siong, Baling at about 6pm on May 6. The charge was brought under Section 8 of the Firearms (Heavier Penalties) Act 1971 which provides for a maximum prison sentence of 14 years and whipping of not less than six strokes, if convicted. The man was also charged with possessing 156 live ammunition of various types without a valid license or permit at the same time and date. For the offence, the charge was made under Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act 1960 which carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years or a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or both, if convicted. In addition, Mohd Shahifuldin was charged with possessing an imitation pistol labeled Glock 19 Gen 4 made in Austria along with a magazine of bullets without a valid reason at the location on the same time and date. For the offence, the charge was made under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960 which provides for a maximum prison sentence of one year or a fine of up to RM5,000 or both, if convicted. The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Nadia Jamal, while the man was not represented by a lawyer. The court did not grant bail and set July 12 for mention of the case. On May 13, Mohd Shahifuldin pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court and Magistrate's Court in Baling to five charges related to possession of firearms, ammunition and imitation weapons. -- BERNAMA

SIK — A mechanic was again brought to court today on three charges of possessing firearms, ammunition and imitation weapons, earlier this month. Mohd Shahifuldin Mohd Shahiran, 46, pleaded not guilty to all charges before Sessions Court Judge Rohaida Ishak here. For the first charge, he was charged with possessing a Remington Model 1100 rifle […]

JPJ agrees to return THM services online immediately – Loke

PUTRAJAYA -- The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has agreed to restore the online vehicle transfer of title (THM) transaction service immediately and any system delays for improvements will be implemented during this long holiday weekend. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the decision was reached as a result of discussions with RTD Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, following media reports regarding the suspension of the service last night. "JPJ has informed the Ministry of Transport (MOT) regarding abuse and fraud occurring in the title transfer system, resulting in liabilities that need to be borne by JPJ. Therefore, JPJ needs to make improvements to the online system immediately. "However, I have advised JPJ to ensure that the system improvement work does not disrupt the daily affairs of ordinary users and does not cause major congestion at JPJ offices," he said in a post on Facebook today. The media previously reported the temporary suspension of all online vehicle THM transactions effective today, involving all digital channels including public portals, kiosks and its business partners MyEG and eAuto Sdn Bhd. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has agreed to restore the online vehicle transfer of title (THM) transaction service immediately and any system delays for improvements will be implemented during this long holiday weekend. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the decision was reached as a result of discussions with RTD Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly […]