Day: May 27, 2026

Five Of Seven Trapped In Laos Cave Found Healthy And In Good Spirits

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 -- Five of the seven people trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos for about a week are alive, healthy and in good spirits, although rescuers say the extraction operation remains difficult and dangerous. One of the Thailand-based divers involved in the mission, Mikko Paasi, said the five survivors were found in the terminal chamber of the cave after days of intensive search efforts by rescue teams. Posting on Facebook, Paasi said the operation had been “far from easy” and praised all teams involved in the rescue mission. “After a week of hard teamwork, we finally found five of the missing seven miners trapped in a Laotian flooded mine. “For me and @benzscout (Norrased Palasing), we need to dive straight back and bring the miners more supplies to help them regain strength and get ready for the way out,” the Finnish diver wrote. Paasi, one of the rescuers involved in the dramatic 2018 rescue of 12 boys and their football coach from a flooded cave in northern Thailand, added that the extraction operation was still ahead and is not going to be easy. Sharing his relief after the discovery, Paasi wrote: “Those who say it can’t be done, shouldn’t interrupt people doing it. What a feeling!” Attached to the post was a video showing the five survivors being asked their names and about their condition, with most replying that they were fine but hungry. Earlier, the head of the Thai rescue team, Kengkard Bongkawong, said: “As of 4.30 pm (0930 GMT), we found five people. We will continue searching for the other two,” Reuters reported. Meanwhile, another Thai volunteer rescuer, Chakrakrit Taengtung, also posted a video on Facebook showing Norrased and Paasi with the five survivors cheering and raising their arms in the air. Seven Laotian villagers were reported to have entered a cave in central Xaysomboun province and became trapped on May 20 after water levels began to rise, media reports said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Five of the seven people trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos for about a week are alive, healthy and in good spirits, although rescuers say the extraction operation remains difficult and dangerous. One of the Thailand-based divers involved in the mission, Mikko Paasi, said the five survivors were found […]

Sarawak GOF Seizes Over 342,000 Litres of Subsidised Diesel

KUCHING, May 27 -- The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade siezed over 342,000 litres worth about RM1.8 million under Op Tiris conducted at several locations in Sarawak since March 16 until yesterday. Its commander, SAC Lim Bak Phai said that various assets and equipment, including tanker lorries, heavy machinery and skid tanks worth almost RM17.5 million were also seized. “The brigade recorded 58 cases with 69 arrests during the operation, and one of its major success was the seizure of a tug boat in Bintulu that was used to store 20,000 litres of diesel without a valid permit,” he said in a statement today. The operation also recorded seizures of over 5 tons of subsidised cooking oil worth almost RM40,000 and over 7 tons of coarse sugar worth over RM31,000 with an overall seizure value of RM950,000. “The operation also managed to track down various modus operandi used by syndicates including storing, transfer and distribution of diesel without permits believed to involve a network of misappropriation of controled items in the state,” he said in a statement today. All suspects arrested and seizures have been handed over to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for further action and investigation under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961. -- BERNAMA

KUCHING, May 27 — The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade siezed over 342,000 litres worth about RM1.8 million under Op Tiris conducted at several locations in Sarawak since March 16 until yesterday. Its commander, SAC Lim Bak Phai said that various assets and equipment, including tanker lorries, heavy machinery and skid tanks worth almost […]

Retail Prices Of Petrol, Diesel To Drop From Tomorrow Until June 3

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 -- The retail prices of RON95 and RON97 petrol have been reduced by 15 sen and 20 sen per litre respectively, while the price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia has been reduced by 10 sen per litre for the period from May 28 to June 3. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) in a statement today announced that the retail price of RON95 petrol has been reduced to RM3.92 per litre from RM4.07, RON97 to RM4.65 from RM4.85, while diesel in Peninsular Malaysia has been reduced to RM4.87 from RM4.97. According to the ministry, in line with the Automatic Price Mechanism (APM) formula, the retail prices of petrol and diesel for the week in question were reduced following the decline in the average international market price in the previous week. “However, this decline does not indicate that the pressure on the global petroleum market has subsided as market uncertainty following the conflict in the Middle East that has lasted for more than 12 weeks still persists. “In addition, the damage to oil production and refining facilities in the Middle East will require a long period of time to recover,” the statement said. Meanwhile, MOF said the MADANI Government continues to maintain the price of subsidised petroleum products in a targeted manner to preserve the livelihood of the people and the operations of certain sectors in the uncertain global market conditions. The subsidised prices maintained are RON95 through BUDI95 at RM1.99 per liter, diesel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan (RM2.15), while for the Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS) and the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre respectively. According to MOF through BUDI95, the government continues to maintain the subsidised RON95 price for more than 14 million eligible recipients, with more than 90 per cent of the total fuel consumption in the country involving subsidy recipients. “At the current unsubsidised RON95 price of RM3.92 per litre, the consumption of 200 litres will cost RM784. This means that the MADANI Government will bear RM386 for each recipient who uses the full BUDI95 entitlement. “Through the monthly eligibility ceiling of up to 200 litres, BUDI95 recipients will only pay up to RM398 per month for the full use of the entitlement,” the statement said. MOF said to balance the cost of living and fiscal expenditure needs prudently, the government will continue to take a targeted approach to protect the people from fuel price fluctuations, in addition to ensuring that the country’s supply remains sufficient and secure. Meanwhile, the government calls on the people to practise fuel consumption prudently through more efficient travel planning and reducing unnecessary travel to help ensure that the country’s supply continues to be secure in the current uncertain global market conditions. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — The retail prices of RON95 and RON97 petrol have been reduced by 15 sen and 20 sen per litre respectively, while the price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia has been reduced by 10 sen per litre for the period from May 28 to June 3. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) […]

KUSKOP, CGC Strengthen MSME Access To Financing – Steven Sim

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 -- The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) has welcomed the role of Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd (CGC) in helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gain access to financing through guarantee schemes, financial advisory services and financing facilitation initiatives. Its Minister Steven Sim said the efforts were crucial in helping underserved MSMEs obtain financing and working capital amid rising operating costs and geopolitical uncertainties linked to conflicts in West Asia. “Many MSMEs, particularly micro and small enterprises, still face difficulties obtaining financing due to limited credit history and high borrowing costs,” he said in a statement today after chairing a meeting with CGC on efforts to strengthen financing and capital access for MSMEs in Malaysia. During the meeting, CGC briefed KUSKOP on ongoing initiatives, including credit guarantee schemes, financing facilities, digital marketing training, youth entrepreneur development programmes and MSME networking sessions nationwide. Sim also called on agencies under KUSKOP, particularly SME Corp Malaysia, to strengthen cooperation with CGC and enhance outreach on financing assistance through platforms such as the MyKNP financing advisory service and the imSME online financing referral platform, supported by CGC and Bank Negara Malaysia. He said KUSKOP remained committed to working closely with financial institutions, development financial institutions and ecosystem partners to improve financing access, strengthen MSME resilience and advance the ‘Empowering Malaysian Businesses’ agenda. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) has welcomed the role of Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd (CGC) in helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gain access to financing through guarantee schemes, financial advisory services and financing facilitation initiatives. Its Minister Steven Sim said the efforts were crucial […]

India Strengthens Ebola Surveillance At Airports

HYDERABAD, May 27 -- India has heightened Ebola watch at its airports after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the latest outbreak of the disease in parts of Africa as a public health emergency. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be adopted at airports, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said in a post on X on Tuesday. Airports have strengthened health surveillance measures for passengers arriving from or transiting through affected countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan, with mandatory self-declaration and health screening protocols in place, the top airport operator said. India on Sunday issued a travel advisory for its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. There were more than 900 suspected cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the DRC and 220 suspected deaths, WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus said on Monday. -- BERNAMA

HYDERABAD, May 27 — India has heightened Ebola watch at its airports after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the latest outbreak of the disease in parts of Africa as a public health emergency. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be adopted at airports, the Airports […]

Police Officer, Wife Killed In Crash Near Pekan

KUANTAN, May 27 -- A police officer and his wife were killed, while their four children were injured after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with another car at KM76 of Jalan Kuantan-Segamat near Pekan early this morning. Pekan police chief Supt Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin said the victims were Inspector Syah Lokman Ludza Ramli, 50, who served at the Kuantan District Police Headquarters, and his wife Nurulfiza Ardiana Ambak, 46, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene. He said the accident is believed to have occurred at about 3 am and involved a Proton Wira driven by the victim and a Honda City. “Initial investigations found that the Honda City, driven by a 26-year-old man, was travelling from Gelang Patah to Terengganu, while the Proton Wira driven by the victim was heading from Kuantan towards Jempol. “Upon arriving at the scene, the driver of Proton Wira is believed to have lost control of the vehicle before veering into the opposite lane and colliding with the Honda City,” he said in a statement today. He said the driver of the Honda City sustained minor injuries, while his 26-year-old wife, who is 22 weeks pregnant, is receiving treatment at the Emergency Zone of Muadzam Shah Hospital. “Four children of Syah Lokman and Nurulfiza Ardiana, aged between 10 and 18, were also injured and are receiving treatment at the same hospital, including one who suffered a fractured left leg,” he said. The bodies of both victims were sent to Pekan Hospital for post-mortem examinations, and the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. -- BERNAMA

KUANTAN, May 27 — A police officer and his wife were killed, while their four children were injured after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with another car at KM76 of Jalan Kuantan-Segamat near Pekan early this morning. Pekan police chief Supt Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin said the victims were Inspector Syah Lokman Ludza […]

Prisons Department To Fully Cooperate With SUHAKAM’s Taiping Prison Riot Report

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 -- The Malaysian Prison Department will fully cooperate with relevant authorities in studying the findings of SUHAKAM's public inquiry into the Taiping Prison riot last year. In a statement today, the department said it views every finding, recommendation and issue in the report with the utmost seriousness, including allegations involving prison management and staff. "We will cooperate fully to examine the report thoroughly, in detail, and with integrity, to ensure every issue raised receives proper attention. "The department remains committed to safety, welfare, rehabilitation and human rights compliance, in line with legal provisions and established prison management standards," the statement read. The department also urged all parties to refrain from speculation or making premature conclusions that could affect this process and further action by authorities. Last Monday, SUHAKAM's public inquiry panel released its final findings on the Jan 17, 2025, Taiping Prison riot, which killed an elderly inmate. The panel suggested turning Taiping Prison into a museum, saying it is no longer fit for use as a prison. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — The Malaysian Prison Department will fully cooperate with relevant authorities in studying the findings of SUHAKAM’s public inquiry into the Taiping Prison riot last year. In a statement today, the department said it views every finding, recommendation and issue in the report with the utmost seriousness, including allegations involving prison […]

School Assembly Area at SK Sri Cheeding Resurfaced for Students’ Safety and Comfort

KUALA LANGAT, MAY 27 -- Parliamentary Coordinator of Kuala Langat and Vice Chief of Keadilan Kuala Langat, Haridass Ramasamy recently visited Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Cheeding together with the village head of Sri Cheeding to inspect the resurfacing works being carried out at the school’s assembly area. The visit reflects Haridass continued commitment towards improving the welfare and safety of students within the Kuala Langat parliamentary constituency. According to him, the upgrading works were undertaken to ensure that students and teachers could carry out school activities in a safer and more comfortable environment. He expressed hope that the completed resurfacing project would help provide better facilities for the school community, especially during assemblies and outdoor activities held within the school compound. “Student safety should always be prioritised. I hope this effort will provide greater comfort not only to the students, but also to the teachers and staff who use the area every day,” he said during the visit. Haridass also shared that he was grateful to be able to fulfil a promise made to the school administration in helping to resolve the long-standing issue affecting the condition of the assembly site. The initiative was welcomed positively by the school and local community, who described the improvement as a meaningful contribution towards creating a more conducive learning environment for students at the school. --MINUTESMY

KUALA LANGAT, MAY 27 — Parliamentary Coordinator of Kuala Langat and Vice Chief of Keadilan Kuala Langat, Haridass Ramasamy recently visited Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Cheeding together with the village head of Sri Cheeding to inspect the resurfacing works being carried out at the school’s assembly area. The visit reflects Haridass continued commitment towards improving the […]

PM Anwar Ibrahim Reaffirms Malaysia’s Support for Peace in Call With Iran President

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a telephone conversation with President Masoud Pezeshkian of the Iran to convey Eid Mubarak greetings and express solidarity and prayers from Malaysians for the people of Iran. Anwar said Malaysia hopes Iran will soon return to peace and that all tensions and bloodshed can be resolved through peaceful means, wisdom and responsible diplomacy. He reiterated Malaysia’s firm stance in condemning all forms of attacks and invasions, including drone strikes and military actions involving Israel and the United States, which he said continue to claim innocent lives. The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation to Iran for its support and cooperation in assisting with the release of a Malaysian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz recently, adding that mutual respect and friendship should continue to strengthen relations between nations. According to Anwar, Pezeshkian also conveyed appreciation for Malaysia’s consistent position in upholding peace, justice and humanitarian principles on the international stage. The Iranian President also invited Anwar to visit Tehran to further enhance bilateral relations and strategic cooperation between the two countries. “Insya-Allah, I will arrange a visit to Iran at an appropriate time,” Anwar said, adding that Iran remains close to his heart due to the many friendships and shared commitment towards knowledge, brotherhood and humanitarian values. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE : FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a telephone conversation with President Masoud Pezeshkian of the Iran to convey Eid Mubarak greetings and express solidarity and prayers from Malaysians for the people of Iran, yesterday. Anwar said Malaysia hopes Iran will soon return to peace and that all tensions and bloodshed can […]