Day: June 3, 2026

PLUS expects 2.2 million vehicles per day to use highways from tomorrow until Sunday

KUALA LUMPUR: PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) expects nearly 2.2 million vehicles per day to use its highway network during the return journey to the capital after the end of the double festive holidays starting tomorrow until Sunday. PLUS in a statement today said the increase involved a combination of long-distance traffic movements as well as travel between major cities heading to the Klang Valley after the end of the Aidiladha holiday period and multiple celebrations as well as school holidays. "Users are advised to follow the MyPLUS-TTA timetable which can be accessed via the PLUS app and plan your return journey according to the suggested times. This measure is important to help balance traffic flow and reduce congestion at hotspot locations along the highway," the statement said. To manage the surge in vehicles, PLUS has also activated Smart Lanes at 33 hotspots along the highway, in addition to ensuring that public facilities at Rest and Care (R&R) areas and roadside stops such as food and beverage stalls operate 24 hours. The public can contact PLUSLine at 1800-88-0000 or LPT2Line 1800-88-0220 if they require emergency assistance. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) expects nearly 2.2 million vehicles per day to use its highway network during the return journey to the capital after the end of the double festive holidays starting tomorrow until Sunday. PLUS in a statement today said the increase involved a combination of long-distance traffic movements as well as […]

BERSAMA Confirms Participation in Johor State Election

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 -- Parti Bersama Malaysia (BERSAMA) has confirmed that it will take part in the 16th Johor State Election. In a statement, the party said the decision was finalised after several discussions involving its leadership and selected members from across the country. “The Johor State Election 2026 provides an opportunity to introduce BERSAMA to Johor voters, even though the party was relaunched less than a month ago on May 17,” the statement said. BERSAMA added that its participation in the election would allow the party to build its election machinery within a short period, test its effectiveness, and identify weaknesses in preparation for future general elections. In line with this effort, BERSAMA will launch a nationwide tour called Jelajah Kancil, starting in Johor this Saturday. The party said the tour will focus on its 12 key policy agendas, with each state highlighting one specific agenda. The Johor State Legislative Assembly (DUN) was dissolved last Monday following consent from Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail. — BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Parti Bersama Malaysia (BERSAMA) has confirmed that it will take part in the 16th Johor State Election. In a statement, the party said the decision was finalised after several discussions involving its leadership and selected members from across the country. “The Johor State Election 2026 provides an opportunity to introduce […]

GEN Z COULD BE THE FUTURE MALAYSIAN CINEMA HAS BEEN WAITING FOR

There was a time when Malaysian cinema struggled to capture the attention of its youngest audience. Many young Malaysians grew up preferring Hollywood blockbusters, Korean dramas or Japanese anime, often viewing local films as less exciting or less relatable. For years, the industry faced criticism for repetitive storylines, predictable scripts and a lack of innovation. Today, however, something appears to be changing. A new generation of filmmakers, actors and audiences — collectively known as Generation Z — is quietly transforming the landscape of Malaysian cinema. Their influence extends beyond what appears on screen. They are changing how films are written, promoted, distributed and ultimately judged by audiences. Gen Z is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age. They consume content differently from previous generations. They are accustomed to streaming platforms, short-form videos, social media trends and instant access to global entertainment. As a result, their expectations for storytelling are significantly higher. Young viewers are no longer satisfied with films that rely solely on familiar formulas. They want authenticity. They want stories that reflect real-life experiences, contemporary struggles and diverse perspectives. They are drawn to characters who feel genuine rather than idealised. This shift is encouraging filmmakers to think differently. Rather than attempting to imitate Hollywood productions, many young Malaysian creators are embracing stories rooted in local culture and experiences. Whether exploring urban life, family relationships, social issues or youth identity, these filmmakers are proving that local stories can resonate strongly when told with honesty and creativity. The rise of digital platforms has also lowered barriers to entry. A decade ago, aspiring filmmakers needed substantial financial backing and industry connections to showcase their work. Today, talented creators can build audiences through YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and streaming services before ever stepping into a cinema. Some of Malaysia's most promising young filmmakers began by creating content online. They learned filmmaking techniques through experimentation, feedback and collaboration rather than traditional pathways. This democratisation of content creation has introduced fresh voices into an industry that once appeared difficult to enter. Perhaps even more significant is how Gen Z has changed film marketing. Traditional advertising campaigns no longer hold the same influence they once did. Social media discussions, viral clips, audience reviews and influencer recommendations now play a major role in determining a film's success. A movie can generate enormous interest through a single viral moment online. Conversely, a poorly received film can quickly face criticism across social media platforms. The audience is no longer a passive consumer. They actively shape public perception and contribute to a film's popularity. This changing dynamic has forced filmmakers and studios to engage more directly with audiences. At the same time, the success of Malaysian films in recent years suggests that local audiences are increasingly willing to support homegrown productions when the quality meets expectations. Strong performances at the box office have demonstrated that Malaysians are not inherently biased against local films. They simply want compelling stories worth their time and money. However, challenges remain. While the industry has shown encouraging signs of growth, sustainable success requires more than a few box-office hits. Investment in script development, film education, technical training and international collaboration remains essential. Young filmmakers need opportunities to experiment, fail and improve without facing overwhelming financial obstacles. The industry must also avoid becoming overly dependent on trends. What resonates with Gen Z today may not necessarily resonate tomorrow. Long-term growth will depend on the ability to balance innovation with strong storytelling fundamentals. Nevertheless, the influence of Gen Z is undeniable. Their creativity, technological fluency and willingness to challenge conventional ideas are bringing fresh energy into Malaysian cinema. More importantly, they are helping redefine what success means for the industry. Success is no longer measured solely by ticket sales. It is measured by cultural relevance, audience engagement, international recognition and the ability to tell stories that genuinely connect with people. For years, Malaysian cinema searched for ways to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape. Ironically, the answer may have been growing up alongside smartphones, social media and streaming platforms all along. Gen Z is not just the future audience of Malaysian cinema. They are becoming its creators, critics, promoters and strongest advocates. And if the industry continues to embrace their ideas and energy, Malaysian cinema's most exciting chapter may still be ahead. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

There was a time when Malaysian cinema struggled to capture the attention of its youngest audience. Many young Malaysians grew up preferring Hollywood blockbusters, Korean dramas or Japanese anime, often viewing local films as less exciting or less relatable. For years, the industry faced criticism for repetitive storylines, predictable scripts and a lack of innovation. […]

Not Just Clothes: Why Gen Z Fashion in Malaysia Is All About Identity

Walk into any café in Kuala Lumpur on a weekend afternoon, and you'll notice something interesting. At one table, a group of friends dressed in oversized shirts, baggy jeans and sneakers are taking photos for social media. Across the room, another group mixes vintage jackets with thrifted accessories, creating looks that seem effortless yet carefully curated. Outside, a young woman pairs a modern hijab style with streetwear-inspired pieces, proving that modest fashion and contemporary trends can go hand in hand. This is Gen Z fashion in Malaysia—diverse, expressive and impossible to define with a single trend. For many young Malaysians today, fashion is no longer just about looking good. It has become a way to communicate who they are, what they believe in and how they see the world. Unlike previous generations that often followed fashion rules dictated by magazines, celebrities or major brands, Gen Z grew up in an era where inspiration is only a swipe away. TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest have transformed the fashion landscape, exposing young people to styles from Seoul, Tokyo, London and New York in real time. Yet what makes Malaysian Gen Z unique is their ability to adapt global trends to local culture. Rather than simply copying what they see online, many young Malaysians are blending international influences with their own identities. Traditional elements, local brands and cultural heritage often find their way into everyday outfits, creating a style that feels both global and distinctly Malaysian. One trend that continues to gain momentum is thrift shopping. For Gen Z, visiting a thrift store is more than just a hunt for bargains. It is an experience. The thrill of discovering a one-of-a-kind jacket or vintage shirt often carries more appeal than purchasing something mass-produced from a fast-fashion retailer. There is also a growing awareness of sustainability. Many young consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the fashion industry. As conversations around climate change become more prominent, buying second-hand clothing or supporting local businesses has become a conscious choice for many. Fashion has also become more inclusive than ever before. Today's generation is less interested in fitting into rigid style categories and more focused on expressing individuality. Whether someone prefers minimalist aesthetics, streetwear, modest fashion or a combination of multiple styles, the emphasis is on authenticity rather than conformity. Perhaps that is what truly defines Gen Z fashion in Malaysia. It is not about expensive brands or following the latest trend. It is about confidence. It is about creativity. And most importantly, it is about having the freedom to wear something that feels genuinely perso nal. As Malaysia's younger generation continues to shape culture, their influence on fashion will only grow stronger. Brands, retailers and designers are already paying attention, recognising that today's youth value originality, sustainability and self-expression more than status symbols.                                   In the end, Gen Z fashion is not really about clothes at all. It is about identity. And for a generation determined to be seen and heard on its own terms, what they wear has become one of the most powerful ways to tell their story. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Walk into any café in Kuala Lumpur on a weekend afternoon, and you’ll notice something interesting. At one table, a group of friends dressed in oversized shirts, baggy jeans and sneakers are taking photos for social media. Across the room, another group mixes vintage jackets with thrifted accessories, creating looks that seem effortless yet carefully […]

HAJ PILGRIMS WARNED: Excess Zamzam Water Could Lead to Luggage Delays, Inspections

MAKKAH, June 3 — Malaysian haj pilgrims have been reminded not to carry excessive quantities of Zamzam water in their luggage, as doing so could result in baggage delays, inspections and potential damage to personal belongings. Haj Pilgrims Operations Deputy Director Mohd Ridzuan Yusoff said some pilgrims continue to attempt to bring home additional Zamzam water by concealing it in their checked baggage despite repeated warnings from authorities. He said such practices violate airline regulations and Saudi authorities' rules, which could lead to luggage being detained for further screening. “Some pilgrims believe Zamzam water can be hidden by wrapping it in various materials, but modern screening equipment is capable of detecting the contents of luggage,” he told reporters while monitoring the City Check-In (CCI) operation in Makkah today. According to Mohd Ridzuan, once prohibited items are detected, authorities may open the luggage for inspection, and there is no guarantee that the contents will be repacked in their original condition. He added that personal belongings could also be misplaced or damaged during the inspection process. As such, he urged pilgrims to adhere strictly to all regulations and avoid taking unnecessary risks in an effort to bring back additional Zamzam water. Meanwhile, Mohd Ridzuan said the City Check-In (CCI) service, implemented by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) in collaboration with airlines, continues to ease the return journey for Malaysian pilgrims. Under the initiative, pilgrims can check in their luggage up to 48 hours before departure, allowing bags to be processed directly from their accommodation buildings. “Pilgrims only need to bring themselves and essential permitted items when travelling to the airport. This significantly reduces the burden on them after completing their haj pilgrimage,” he said. He also reminded pilgrims that the maximum baggage allowance remains 30 kilogrammes per person, regardless of the number of bags checked in. “For example, if one bag weighs 12kg and another weighs 18kg, the combined weight must not exceed the 30kg limit,” he explained. Introduced in 2013, the CCI operation has become one of Tabung Haji’s key initiatives to enhance travel convenience and comfort for Malaysian haj pilgrims. — BERNAMA

MAKKAH, June 3 — Malaysian haj pilgrims have been reminded not to carry excessive quantities of Zamzam water in their luggage, as doing so could result in baggage delays, inspections and potential damage to personal belongings. Haj Pilgrims Operations Deputy Director Mohd Ridzuan Yusoff said some pilgrims continue to attempt to bring home additional Zamzam […]

TNB builds smart energy future through AI, workforce synergy

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 -- Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) sees the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) as not replacing workers, but rather as an effective instrument to enhance human capabilities in decision-making as TNB continues its digital transformation journey towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Representing TNB at the Gartner APAC CIO Leadership Forum 2026 in Sydney recently, TNB Chief Digital and Information Officer Azlan Ahmad said meaningful transformation on a national scale requires efforts to bridge the gap between two long-standing organizational cultures. The culture is an engineering mindset that focuses on building systems and an information technology mindset that focuses on problem solving. By encouraging collaboration between the two fields, the utility company aims to ensure that as the national grid becomes smarter, the workforce itself will be more competent. "Success in the transformation is not only measured through the use of technology, but also through the psychological readiness of the organization," he said at the forum. He said the efforts were strengthened through the TNB Value Potential Harnessing Program, an organization-wide framework designed to ensure that each initiative delivers measurable results in terms of profitability, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. To address the challenges of the transition, Azlan stressed the importance of involving employees based on their different levels of readiness to accept change. He also highlighted the different perspectives between users who quickly accept new technologies and conservative engineers who prioritize the stability of critical control systems. According to him, a human-centric approach requires building trust and maintaining deep engagement with long-standing employees before implementing any digital initiatives. “By addressing concerns about job security and elevating the role of the workforce from manual tasks to higher-value advisory roles, technology serves as a nervous system that helps humans navigate complex energy transitions,” he said. TNB believes that the journey towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is guided by intelligence and empathy, as well as being driven by the great benefits that AI can bring to the country. "This effort is not just about upgrading the grid but the evolution of the country's legacy, by empowering the workforce to become co-creators of the digital future," said Azlan. He said through this approach, TNB strives to ensure that Malaysia's ever-evolving energy landscape remains resilient, inclusive and better in the future. The forum is an important platform to demonstrate TNB's maturity in developing AI, not just following industry trends to focus on the psychological readiness and operational resilience required by a future-ready workforce. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) sees the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) as not replacing workers, but rather as an effective instrument to enhance human capabilities in decision-making as TNB continues its digital transformation journey towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Representing TNB at the Gartner APAC CIO Leadership […]

YTL AI Cloud receives NVIDIA Exemplar Cloud status

YTL AI Cloud receives NVIDIA Exemplar Cloud status

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — YTL Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cloud has officially achieved NVIDIA Exemplar Cloud status, making it among the first cloud infrastructure providers in Asia to receive the certification, placing it in the elite group of global hyperscale and artificial intelligence (AI)-specific clouds. YTL in a statement announced that the NVIDIA Exemplar Cloud […]

Russia remains a reliable energy supplier to Southeast Asia – Lavrov

MOSCOW: Russia has always been and will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy and food supplies to all Southeast Asian countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported . "Taking this opportunity, I would like to reiterate: Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of energy and food to all Southeast Asian countries," Lavrov said in a video message on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and the Philippines. Diplomatic relations with the Philippines began on June 2, 1976, while the exchange of embassies between the two countries took place in 1977. --BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

MOSCOW: Russia has always been and will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy and food supplies to all Southeast Asian countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported . “Taking this opportunity, I would like to reiterate: Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of energy and food […]

Australia’s population reaches 28 million

CANBERRA: Australia's population reached 28 million on Tuesday, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, Xinhua reported. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that based on current growth trends, the country's population will reach 28 million at around 6am Australian Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, two years after its population will surpass 27 million in 2024. According to the ABS, on average, one person from overseas arrives to settle in Australia every 59 seconds, while one birth is recorded every two minutes and 16 seconds. The bureau also estimates that one death occurs every three minutes and 33 seconds, while one resident migrates from Australia to live overseas every two minutes and 35 seconds. ABS projects that the country's population will reach 30 million people by 2031. Meanwhile, the ABS is scheduled to conduct the first national population census since 2021 next August. --BERNAMA-XINHUA

CANBERRA: Australia’s population reached 28 million on Tuesday, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, Xinhua reported. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that based on current growth trends, the country’s population will reach 28 million at around 6am Australian Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, two years after its population will surpass 27 million […]

Six shops destroyed in fire in Tanjong Karang

SHAH ALAM, June 3 — Six shop lots, including a gold shop and telecommunications equipment outlets, were severely damaged in a fire that broke out along Jalan Besar, Tanjong Karang, late Tuesday night. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department Assistant Director of Operations Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said the department received an emergency call regarding the incident at 11.27pm and immediately dispatched firefighting teams to the scene. According to the operations commander, the blaze involved six shop lots measuring approximately 40 by 20 square feet each. The fire destroyed about 90 per cent of the premises. The affected businesses comprised two pharmacies, two telecommunications equipment shops, a gold shop and a mini market. "No casualties were reported in the incident, and firefighters successfully brought the fire under control at 3.54am," Ahmad Mukhlis said in a statement on Wednesday. The firefighting operation involved 16 personnel and officers from the Tanjong Karang, Kuala Selangor, Sekinchan and North Klang Fire and Rescue Stations. The cause of the fire and the extent of the losses are still under investigation.

SHAH ALAM, June 3 — Six shop lots, including a gold shop and telecommunications equipment outlets, were severely damaged in a fire that broke out along Jalan Besar, Tanjong Karang, late Tuesday night. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department Assistant Director of Operations Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said the department received an emergency call regarding the incident […]