Day: June 3, 2026

Gas Supply For Domestic Use Remains Sufficient, Says Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 -- Malaysia’s gas supply remains sufficient for now, with the majority of the country’s electricity generation supported by domestic sources, according to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang. He said authorities continue to monitor developments in the industry. “About 80 per cent of electricity generation in Malaysia is supported by domestic sources, so we are not too dependent on external supplies. “For now, supply is adequate, and there is no cause for major concern,” he told reporters after launching the ‘Revolutionising Industry with Graphene’ initiative here today. Meanwhile, Gas Malaysia Bhd president and chief executive officer Azli Mohamed said the industry is not facing any supply constraints, with the company’s primary source of gas coming from Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas). “Our reliance on the Middle East is minimal. Our supply comes mainly from domestic sources and Australia. Essentially, there are no issues meeting industry demand, and we are able to supply our more than 1,000 customers,” he said. However, Azli noted that the industry could still face indirect challenges, including higher transportation costs and supply chain disruptions. He cited the rubber industry as an example, as it depends on raw materials sourced from countries such as South Korea and China. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Malaysia’s gas supply remains sufficient for now, with the majority of the country’s electricity generation supported by domestic sources, according to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang. He said authorities continue to monitor developments in the industry. “About 80 per cent of electricity generation in Malaysia is […]

MRL Launches Mobile Exhibition Truck Ahead of ECRL Operations In January 2027

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 -- The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project reached 94 per cent construction progress as of May and is scheduled to enter the testing and commissioning phase before starting commercial operations in January 2027. Following this, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) launched the ECRL 2026 Mobile Exhibition Truck today to engage local communities and raise public awareness of the project's development and future operations. The truck launch was officiated by the Chief Secretary to the Government and MRL chairman, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, along with MRL chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak, at Publika here. "This roadshow programme is part of MRL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public engagement with communities along the ECRL alignment, especially in rural and semi-urban East Coast areas. "In addition, it also aims to enhance public safety awareness in tandem with the energisation works of the ECRL project's electrical system," read a statement from MRL. Shamsul Azri, in the same statement, said the ECRL is a long-term national investment to strengthen connectivity, stimulate regional development, and create a more balanced economic growth in Peninsular Malaysia. He said the initiative reflects MRL's commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and public participation in the implementation of high-impact national infrastructure projects, in line with the Malaysia MADANI aspirations. Darwis said ahead of the testing and commissioning phase, the public needs clear, easily accessible sources on the project's progress and its benefits to their daily lives. “The ECRL Mobile Exhibition Truck provides a more community-friendly platform, allowing the public to obtain direct information, pose questions, and understand the role of the ECRL in strengthening connectivity, mobility, and economic opportunities on the East Coast,” he said. The truck will tour selected locations from June 3 to July 15. It starts at Dataran Bentong, Pahang, tomorrow (June 4), followed by Felda Mempaga (June 5), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Pekan (June 6), and East Coast Mall, Kuantan (June 7), before moving to other East Coast locations. For further information on the schedule and upcoming stops, the public can visit MRL's official website at www.mrl.com.my or follow ECRL on Instagram, Facebook, and X. The 665-kilometre ECRL’s Kota Bharu–Gombak alignment is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, before commercial operations begin in January 2027. The Gombak–Port Klang alignment is expected to be completed in December 2027 and become fully operational in January 2028. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project reached 94 per cent construction progress as of May and is scheduled to enter the testing and commissioning phase before starting commercial operations in January 2027. Following this, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) launched the ECRL 2026 Mobile Exhibition Truck today to […]

KESUMA TVET: SKILLS ECOSYSTEM ALWAYS READY TO FACE GLOBAL CHALLENGES

PUTRAJAYA, June 3 -- Minister of Human Resources YB Dato' Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan emphasized the MADANI Government's commitment to continuously strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda as a key driver for human capital and national economic development in conjunction with the National TVET Day 2026 celebration. ​He stated that TVET has now become one of the country's strategic agendas in facing the changing global economic landscape driven by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and industrial digitalization. ​"TVET is not just a skills training system, but the foundation of economic resilience, industrial strength, and the future of the nation's competitiveness," he said in a statement today. ​The KESUMA Minister also announced that KESUMA TVET will continue to strengthen the development of national talent through industry-driven training supported by the active involvement of the Industry Lead Body (ILB) and the Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC). ​"As a result, the employability rate of graduates from training institutions under KESUMA reached 95.5% within six months after completing their training, with 85.1% of graduates working in fields related to the training they underwent, and the employer satisfaction rate touching 97.2%. This proves the high quality of training and alignment between the programs offered and the actual needs of the industry," he said. ​According to him, for the Perdana UP_TVET intake in July 2026 alone, more than 20,000 study placements are being offered across 315 TVET institutions nationwide, thereby opening up vast opportunities for the younger generation to acquire quality skills training. ​In an effort to strengthen the nation's TVET ecosystem, Ramanan said the Department of Manpower (JTM) continues to play an important role through its network of 33 ADTEC campuses, including JMTI and the Proton Institute, as well as satellite campuses in Senai and Anjung Muadzam. ​He added that TVET training offers now encompass 11 main clusters, including manufacturing, electronics, ICT, welding, automation, transportation, and electrical power, alongside new technology fields such as semiconductors, robotics, cybersecurity, aerospace, renewable energy, and hydrogen technology. ​Strategic collaborations with industry players such as PROTON, PETRONAS, PETROS, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), Infineon Technologies, Huawei Technologies (Malaysia), and Micron Memory Malaysia also strengthen the quality of training through technology transfer, industrial training, and career opportunities for graduates. ​He also highlighted the establishment of the KESUMA Semiconductor Academy (ASK) at the Malaysia-Japan Technical Institute (JMTI) in Penang as a step to expand training in the field of semiconductors and future technologies. ​At the same time, the Department of Skills Development (JPK) continues to strengthen the TVET system through the Malaysian Skills Certification System (SPKM), the Malaysia TVET Rating (MTR), and the implementation of the Malaysian Modular Skills Certificate (SKMM) to expand access to training as well as reskilling and upskilling programs. ​Ramanan also stated that the MADANI Inclusive TVET (TiM) approach ensures that access to skills training can be enjoyed by all segments of society, including the B40 group, persons with disabilities (OKU), Orang Asli, women, school dropouts, and rural communities. This effort is further strengthened through the Nibong Tebal Campus, which is OKU-friendly, serving as an example of the commitment to inclusivity in TVET education. ​The Government is also currently strengthening reforms to the National Skills Development Act 2006 (Act 652) to improve TVET governance, expand flexible learning pathways, and enhance industry involvement in national talent development. ​"The Government believes that the development of a sustainable and inclusive TVET ecosystem is a strategic national investment to produce a future workforce that is highly skilled, innovative, and competitive," he said. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB KEMENTERIAN SUMBER MANUSIA

PUTRAJAYA, June 3 — Minister of Human Resources YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan emphasized the MADANI Government’s commitment to continuously strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda as a key driver for human capital and national economic development in conjunction with the National TVET Day 2026 celebration. ​He stated that TVET has […]

MPM aims to leverage throwball to achieve international success

KUALA LUMPUR: Throwball has great potential as a new sport that can expand the participation of people with disabilities (OKU) in competitive sports, as well as opening up opportunities for the country to achieve success on the international stage . Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) President Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin said the sport is currently growing in the international arena, and has the potential to be competed in the Commonwealth Games in the future before paving the way to bigger platforms including the Paralympic Games. He said Malaysia had formed men's and women's teams to compete in international tournaments after the conclusion of the Asian Para Throwball Championships, which were held from yesterday until June 5 in the capital. "This is a new sport and I believe the team that has been formed can bring surprises. After the tournament in Malaysia, we also see the opportunity to send a team to India to gain more competition experience," he said. He said this to reporters after officiating the Second Asian Para Throwball Championship 2026 at the Paralympic Sports Centre of Excellence, here today. Megat D Shahriman said the development of throwball is also in line with MPM's goal of providing more sports options for the disabled community in the country. He said the sport could be an alternative for athletes who may not be suitable or meet the classification for other para sports such as para powerlifting , amputee football or sitting volleyball. "We want more individuals with disabilities to participate in sports. It's not necessarily that they can play all types of sports, but maybe they can play throwball . Our objective is to ensure that more individuals with disabilities can adopt a healthy lifestyle and undergo the rehabilitation process through sports," he said. Commenting on the national contingent for the Asian Para Throwball Championship, he said 22 athletes, consisting of 11 men and 11 women, were selected to represent the country after a selection process involving nearly 50 participants. "This sport is still very new and in the early stages of development. If it is contested at the Commonwealth Games, our chances of winning a medal are bright because many countries are still in the development phase of this sport," he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Throwball has great potential as a new sport that can expand the participation of people with disabilities (OKU) in competitive sports, as well as opening up opportunities for the country to achieve success on the international stage . Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) President Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin said the sport is […]

The ceremony of parading the flag symbolizing ATM’s loyalty to the king and country

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 -- The Parade of the Banners of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a manifestation of the Malaysian Armed Forces' (ATM) unwavering loyalty to the king and country, as well as a symbol of the highest respect for military history and tradition. Commander of the 12th Malaysian Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Mahamad Fazli Mat Idris, said the pennant is a symbol of sovereignty in the ATM service which is always preserved by every member because it symbolizes the dignity, honour and identity of a team. "This ceremony is one of the most important military events in the ATM and is usually held three times throughout the five-year reign of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, namely in the first, third and last years of His Majesty's reign." "These banners have a long history and have long been considered the highest symbol that must be defended under any circumstances, which is why every member involved in the ceremony of marching or guarding the banners will have their own spirit and pride," he said. He said this when he was a guest on the Focus 30 programme titled "Getting to Know the ATM Flags: Symbols of Honour and National Military Traditions" published by Bernama Radio, here today. Mahamad Fazli said that this year, the ceremony was held in conjunction with the third year of the reign of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim after the first time it was held in 2024 and was scheduled again in 2008, which was the last year of His Majesty's reign. He said the ceremony, which will be held at Dataran Pahlawan Negara, Putrajaya on June 5, will see five banners of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong paraded by a combined contingent from the Malaysian Army (TDM), Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM). "This ceremony involved 41 officers and 635 members of other ranks in the parade, while the total number involved, including administrative and support matters, was 148 officers and 1,192 members of other ranks." "The banners awarded by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to the ATM regiments, corps and services are not just a recognition of the team's outstanding services, but are also a historical record of sacrifice through the 'Battle Honours' or combat honours that are inscribed on them," he said. Mahamad Fazli said the ATM banners could be a medium that brought the community closer to the history, sacrifices and role of the ATM in defending the country, in line with the defense approach that involves the entire government and society. In this regard, he encouraged the public to watch the live broadcast of the ceremony via the RTM channel on June 5 to understand the meaning and significance of the ceremony as a symbol of unity, sovereignty, peace and the close relationship between the Royal Institution, the ATM and the people. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — The Parade of the Banners of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a manifestation of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (ATM) unwavering loyalty to the king and country, as well as a symbol of the highest respect for military history and tradition. Commander of the 12th Malaysian Infantry Brigade, Brigadier […]

MedPlanner Launches HEMI Health and AskHEMI, Completing a Full Patient-Clinician AI Ecosystem

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 June 2026: MedPlanner Sdn. Bhd. today announced the launch of two new AIpowered solutions completing its full clinical AI ecosystem: HEMI Health, an AI medical scribe with built-in medicolegal protection for clinicians, and AskHEMI, a multilingual 24/7 AI health companion for patients managing chronic conditions. Both join HEMI Teams, the company’s hospital clinical coordination platform, completing a care journey ecosystem powered by a single proprietary AI engine: HEMI (Health Medical Intelligence). This launch completes MedPlanner’s evolution into a full-stack clinical AI company, addressing every stage of the care journey: institutional coordination, clinical documentation, and patient support at home. Dr Ezam Mat Ali, Founder and CEO of MedPlanner and Consultant Paediatrician, said, “As a clinician, I have seen first-hand how fragmented systems fail the people they are meant to serve. Doctors are buried in paperwork. Patients leave appointments confused and unsupported. MedPlanner exists because we believed there was a better way. One engine. One connected intelligence. Addressing the full journey from hospital ward to patient at home.” HEMI Health addresses one of the most persistent problems in modern clinical practice: the burden of documentation and the growing medicolegal risk clinicians carry alone. The platform combines AI medical scribing with structured clinical reasoning documentation, evidence-based decision support, and professional complaint response tools. For the first time, clinicians have a single tool that protects their workflow and their careers simultaneously. It is currently available to clinicians in Malaysia and the United Kingdom. Its medicolegal protection suite, which supports contemporaneous reasoning documentation, reflective practice, and structured complaint response, is a capability not seen elsewhere in the clinical AI market. “Other companies build AI products. We built an engine. HEMI Health does not just scribe. It documents clinical reasoning, supports professional self-protection, and builds a contemporaneous record that stands up in any review. That is not a feature. That is a foundation,” Dr Ezam added. AskHEMI fills the gap between clinical appointments, offering patients, carers, and the general public 24/7 access to clinically grounded health guidance in their own language. Unlike generic AI assistants, AskHEMI is built on HEMI, a proprietary clinical knowledge base designed for healthcare, not repurposed from the open web. It understands local health systems, escalates appropriately, and communicates with empathy. AskHEMI is available globally as a free download on iOS and Android, with multilingual support. Enterprise customization is available for healthcare organizations, insurance groups, and wellness brands seeking a branded health AI companion. All three MedPlanner solutions are powered by HEMI (Health Medical Intelligence), a proprietary clinical AI engine built around structured clinical reasoning, safety-first principles, and the realities of clinical workflow, with a common compliance framework meeting GDPR and NHS standards throughout. To support its global rollout, MedPlanner has incorporated HEMI Limited in London, UK, as its international distribution arm for commercial and partnership activity across the UK, Europe, and beyond. MedPlanner will showcase all three solutions at NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester on 10 and 11 June 2026, Stand A34, marking the company’s formal introduction to the UK health technology market

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 June 2026 — MedPlanner Sdn. Bhd. today announced the launch of two new AIpowered solutions completing its full clinical AI ecosystem: HEMI Health, an AI medical scribe with built-in medicolegal protection for clinicians, and AskHEMI, a multilingual 24/7 AI health companion for patients managing chronic conditions. Both join HEMI Teams, the company’s […]

Mastercard Brings Artist Accelerator to Southeast Asia to Champion Emerging Local Music Talent

Malaysia, 3 June 2026 – Across Southeast Asia, local music is shaping culture and redefining how audiences connect with artists—making homegrown talent a powerful force across the region’s music ecosystem. Against this backdrop, Mastercard today announced the launch of Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA, bringing its global music platform to Southeast Asia for the first time through Indonesia and Thailand, in collaboration with SoundOn, part of the TikTok family. The program is designed to champion local artists and help transform creative potential into sustainable, fan-powered careers—while bringing consumers and Mastercard cardholders closer to the music and moments that matter to them. Driven by a fan-first vision, Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA focuses on turning listeners into loyal fans and passion into possibility, equipping artists with the mentorship, tools and digital support needed to grow their presence, confidence and commercial viability in today’s creator-led economy. The program launches at a moment when local music is gaining undeniable momentum across the region, with homegrown content accounting for 35% of on-demand streaming in Indonesia in 2023, up 12 percentage points compared to three years earlier, alongside similar growth trends in Thailand’s pop and independent music scenes . Tailored for Southeast Asia’s diverse, digitally native markets, Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA reflects Mastercard’s commitment to supporting the creative economy and elevating local music culture—starting with Indonesia and Thailand, and with ambitions to expand across the region in the second half of the year. “Across Southeast Asia, music is more than something people listen to—it’s how they express who they are and what they care about,” said Dheeraj Raina, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing & Communications, Southeast Asia, Mastercard. “Local artists are at the heart of this cultural movement, yet many still face barriers to turning talent into sustainable careers. With Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA, we’re creating what matters most: bringing fans closer to the artists they love, creating exclusive, priceless experiences for our cardholders, and giving creators the mentorship, tools and platforms they need to thrive. By doing so, we’re helping Southeast Asia’s creative economy grow—one artist, one fan and one meaningful connection at a time.” The Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA will guide participating artists through a curated development journey, combining mentorship from local experts with live performance opportunities to help them sharpen their craft, build confidence and connect with wider audiences across Indonesia and Thailand. Mastercard cardholders will have access to the program’s experiences through participating issuers and stakeholders in the region, creating an exclusive channel for fans to get closer to the music, artists and their passion. Winning artists from Indonesia and Thailand will be supported through a strategic creative initiative designed to elevate their journey beyond the program—amplifying their music and story at scale, deepening fan connection, and supporting their transition toward sustainable, market ready careers. “SoundOn is committed to helping artists at all stages of their career turn creative momentum into long-term success, and we're excited to partner with Mastercard to support the next generation of talent in Southeast Asia,” said Tom Chou, Head of SoundOn, Southeast Asia. “Through this program, artists will have the opportunity to connect with TikTok's global music-loving community, grow their fanbase and share their stories in authentic and meaningful ways. We've seen firsthand how powerful community and discovery can be in helping artists break through, and we're proud to help create more opportunities for local talent across Indonesia and Thailand.” The Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA will be supported by a regional content plan across TikTok and social channels, tracking and celebrating each artist’s journey from raw talent to wider recognition. Fans can follow the artists’ progress, behind-the-scenes moments and key milestones throughout the program on Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA TikTok page @artistacceleratorsea.

Malaysia, 3 June 2026 – Across Southeast Asia, local music is shaping culture and redefining how audiences connect with artists—making homegrown talent a powerful force across the region’s music ecosystem. Against this backdrop, Mastercard today announced the launch of Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA, bringing its global music platform to Southeast Asia for the first time […]

Budget 2027: Savings measures will not affect MOE’s main plans – Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR: The government's austerity measures in drafting the 2027 Budget will not affect the Ministry of Education's (MOE) main plans, especially in the scope of recruiting new teachers and building additional classrooms, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. He also assured that the austerity measures would not disrupt beneficiaries of the Supplementary Food Plan (RMT) program, which is considered important for students' nutritional intake. Apart from that, Fadhlina said repairs to dilapidated schools and building maintenance would continue as usual. "We do not want the people to feel worried and upset because although the call for austerity is a very important and critical call at this time, I would like to assure you that it will not interfere or interfere in a context closely related to priorities at the ministerial level," he said. He said this to reporters after opening the International Symposium on Libraries, Translation and Artificial Intelligence (LiTr.AI) 2026 at Wisma Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), here today. Fadhlina said the Ministry of Education would also ensure that any austerity measures would not affect the launch of the new curriculum next year, as well as the entry of six-year-old children into year one. Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hinted that the 2027 Budget would be drafted with more austerity measures following global economic pressures that affected the country's fiscal position, including involving the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said global geopolitical uncertainties, including the chain of tensions following the attack by the United States and its ally Israel on Iran, were having an impact on the global economy, thus demanding more prudent government spending. Meanwhile, regarding the provision of RM100 book vouchers for secondary school students under the Ministry of Education and students of public higher education institutions (IPTA), which was announced by the Prime Minister when opening the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2026 last Friday, Fadhlina said it would begin to be distributed as soon as school sessions reopened. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s austerity measures in drafting the 2027 Budget will not affect the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) main plans, especially in the scope of recruiting new teachers and building additional classrooms, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. He also assured that the austerity measures would not disrupt beneficiaries of the Supplementary Food Plan (RMT) […]