Day: June 4, 2026

Support And Protection, Not Stigma, For Pregnant Teenagers – Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 -- Teenage girls involved in out-of-wedlock pregnancies will continue to receive support to ensure they return to school and sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said. She said these students must be given every opportunity to continue their education and avoid dropping out of the school system. “They should return to their studies after completing their confinement period. I am very firm on this matter. There can be no shortcuts in life because education is the key to breaking the cycle of violence and rebuilding one’s future. “The Ministry of Education (MOE) will usually assist these students in returning to school and ensure they are able to sit for the SPM without disruption to their education,” she said in a Facebook post. The minister stressed that teenage pregnancy should be addressed through a support-, protection- and education-based approach to safeguard the welfare of both mother and child. Fadhlina said that once a pregnancy is discovered, the teenager should be taken to the nearest health clinic or rural health centre to register for maternal healthcare and open a pregnancy health record or the “pink book”. “The priority must be the pregnancy and the health of the young girl. The younger the teenager, the greater the risks to both her pregnancy and her health. The government healthcare system is fully equipped and has the expertise to manage these cases,” she said. She also advised parents to lodge a police report and arrange counselling support immediately so that the teenager can share the full circumstances of the case, enabling appropriate follow-up action. With her post, the minister also shared a media report on a young mother who pleaded guilty to causing the death of her baby in Johor yesterday. She said the case was particularly distressing to her as a former activist involved in establishing Bayt Al-Rahmah, a shelter for girls facing out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Addressing the challenges faced by parents, including feelings of shame and anger, Fadhlina said institutions such as Bayt Al-Rahmah play an important role in providing a safe environment and protection for expectant mothers until childbirth. “The government also provides similar support services through the Social Welfare Department (JKM), which offers shelter and protection under government-run institutions,” she said. Fadhlina further highlighted that the post-partum period is a critical phase that may lead to depression or other mental health complications if adequate care is not provided. Comprehensive support, including healthcare, breastfeeding assistance and continuous counselling, she said, is essential to ensure young mothers do not face overwhelming stress. “There are many young girls out there who are frightened and worried about their pregnancies. What is far more important is that we adopt preventive and supportive approaches when seeking solutions to this social issue. “We can save the lives of both mothers and children by acting early, trusting the system rather than social stigma, and building strong support networks within our communities,” she added. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — Teenage girls involved in out-of-wedlock pregnancies will continue to receive support to ensure they return to school and sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said. She said these students must be given every opportunity to continue their education and avoid dropping out of the […]

Yuneswaran Calls For Stronger Understanding Of Rukun Negara, Key To National Unity

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 -- The Rukun Negara remains a fundamental pillar of national unity and must be understood and embraced by all Malaysians, Deputy National Unity Minister Datuk Seri R. Yuneswaran said. He said that while the national ideology is taught in schools, parents also play a crucial role in educating and reminding their children about its principles to strengthen unity and national identity. “We have been taught about and memorised Rukun Negara since our school days. If anyone still does not understand it, I believe they have failed to appreciate the true spirit of Malaysia. “The five principles of Rukun Negara form the foundation for uniting our society. I believe all politicians should also learn, understand and appreciate the purpose behind the establishment of the Rukun Negara.” He said this to reporters after a courtesy visit to Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai at Wisma Bernama today. Yuneswaran was commenting on remarks by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Monday, urging Malaysians to uphold the spirit of the Rukun Negara and stressing that those unwilling to abide by its principles do not deserve to be called Malaysian citizens. His Majesty also reminded political leaders not to provoke sensitive issues involving race, religion and royalty (3R) ahead of the election season. Yuneswaran said political leaders must set a positive example by refraining from exploiting 3R issues for political gain. “Racial issues are often played up by certain parties when they are unable to counter facts with facts. If the government has made mistakes, there are proper channels to raise concerns, such as through media statements, rather than spreading falsehoods. “If the government is wrong, offer constructive views. Any government would be willing to listen. But when 3R issues are used to create tension or advance political interests, we strongly reject such actions,” he said. He added that Malaysians are now more politically mature and assess leaders based on their service, performance and ability to unite communities rather than on racial or religious rhetoric. Meanwhile, Yuneswaran said his visit to Bernama was aimed at strengthening ties with the agency’s senior management and enhancing cooperation in disseminating information related to national unity. He also expressed appreciation for Bernama’s credible multilingual reporting, which helps the ministry address the spread of fake news and tensions fuelled by irresponsible individuals on social media. Also present were Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) Mohd Shukri Ishak, and acting deputy editor-in-chief (Economic News Service) Harlina Samson. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — The Rukun Negara remains a fundamental pillar of national unity and must be understood and embraced by all Malaysians, Deputy National Unity Minister Datuk Seri R. Yuneswaran said. He said that while the national ideology is taught in schools, parents also play a crucial role in educating and reminding their […]

Thunderstorms, heavy rain in five states until 3pm

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in five states until 3pm this afternoon. MetMalaysia in a statement today announced that the situation occurred in Terengganu (Dungun and Kemaman), Pahang (Jerantut) and Selangor (Hulu Langat). The same situation is expected to hit Negeri Sembilan (Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Jempol and Tampin) and Johor (Segamat, Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Bahru). -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in five states until 3pm this afternoon. MetMalaysia in a statement today announced that the situation occurred in Terengganu (Dungun and Kemaman), Pahang (Jerantut) and Selangor (Hulu Langat). The same situation is expected to hit Negeri Sembilan […]

Johor allocates over RM66 million to strengthen state’s public health sector

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor State Government has spent more than RM66 million to strengthen the state's public health sector during its four-year administration. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the allocation was channeled to ensure the welfare and health of approximately four million people in the state continue to be maintained. He said the state government cannot remain silent and must always emphasize public health issues because they involve the lives of the people. "If we follow the old method, the state government would not need to spend more than RM66 million for the Johor State Health Department (JKNJ), but when the lives of almost four million Johor residents are involved, we cannot turn a blind eye and turn a deaf ear." "That's why I have never hesitated to go to the field to strengthen JKNJ and I will continue to pay attention to the state's public health sector," he said. He said this when speaking at the opening of the Johor State-Level Nurses' Day Celebration here today, which was also attended by Johor Health Director Dr Mohtar Pungut. Onn Hafiz said the state government would also continue to help find solutions to the issue of health workforce shortages, especially involving nurses and doctors in Johor. "In Johor, we know there is a shortage of nurses and doctors. We will work together to find the best method to ensure that these vacancies can be filled immediately," he said. At the same event, Onn Hafiz also announced an allocation of RM500,000 to nurses throughout Johor as a token of appreciation for their services and sacrifices, in addition to RM100,000 to medical assistants in the state. He said the move was part of the state government's ongoing efforts to strengthen appreciation for health workers by increasing allocations to nurses and medical assistants in recognition of their contributions to the health sector. He said the allocation to state nurses had shown a continuous increase since 2023, namely RM200,000 in the first year, RM300,000 in the following year and RM400,000 in 2025. -- BERNAMA

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor State Government has spent more than RM66 million to strengthen the state’s public health sector during its four-year administration. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the allocation was channeled to ensure the welfare and health of approximately four million people in the state continue to be maintained. He said […]

KKDW needs to shift to a culture of impact, accountability – Ahmad Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) needs to shift from a culture of mere process compliance to a work culture based on impact and accountability to ensure that every policy and programme truly brings change to rural people, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said KKDW cannot just be an organization that complies with processes and governance, but must instead be responsible for outcomes that directly impact the well-being of the people. "We must move from a culture of compliance to a culture of impact . From a culture of activity to a culture of accountability . This is the new discipline that I want and we all want to implement at KKDW," he said when speaking at the KKDW monthly gathering, here today. Ahmad Zahid said the people do not judge the government based on the number of meetings or presentations held, but rather through the ability of the government's policies and actions to change their lives. He also urged all KKDW leadership and staff to act faster, be brave in making decisions and honestly assess the organization's weaknesses, as well as be closer to the people to address rural development issues. Therefore, he asked the Secretary-General (KSU) and the ministry's deputy KSUs, directors-general and headmasters to make this mid-term review a turning point with each finding translated into clear decisions and effective implementation. "Every decision must have a timeline between us or the responsible party and every responsibility must lead to actions that we can all work towards. The biggest weakness of an organization is not when it admits it has a problem but when it knows about the problem but does not dare to act," he said. He also outlined six main disciplines that should form the basis of the mid-term review of the KKDW, namely relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability and coherence. Ahmad Zahid said rural development can no longer be seen as a mere welfare agenda, but rather must be considered as a national defence agenda that is important to guarantee national stability. "If the villages are weak, the country will be fragile. If the villages lag behind, the country will lose balance. But if the villages develop, God willing, Malaysia will have a strong foundation to face any challenges ahead," he said. Ahmad Zahid said KKDW needed to move with new disciplines that would have a major impact on the people as well as speed up the implementation of development programmes and projects. He said that although the country's economy continued to show resilience with economic growth remaining positive, the main question was whether the development implemented was truly benefiting the rural people. Giving the example of the construction of the 1,800-kilometre Rural Link Road (JPD) under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), Ahmad Zahid said the project opened up access to education, health, the economy and job opportunities for rural communities. He said the national rural economic agenda needs to be seen as a comprehensive ecosystem that connects infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, education, training and employment opportunities. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid praised the initiatives of several agencies under KKDW including the Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH) which implemented the KETENGAH Food Valley project, commercial pineapple plantations, broiler farming, in addition to the development of the first coffee plantation area in Kelantan by the South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR) as well as the KEDA Food Valley project developed by the Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA). He also expressed his appreciation to the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) following the increase in the enrollment of Orang Asli students into institutions of higher learning (IPT) and the Master's Education Preparation Plan (RPPS), which was described as the highest in the community's educational history. He said early education institutions such as Child Guidance Centres (TABIKA), Child Care Centres (TASKA), Smart Pre-Tahfiz, Smart Classroom and Special Early Childhood Centres under the Community Development Department (KEMAS) also play an important role in building a rural generation that is knowledgeable, technologically literate and confident. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) needs to shift from a culture of mere process compliance to a work culture based on impact and accountability to ensure that every policy and programme truly brings change to rural people, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He, who is also the […]

Energy Transition No Longer an Option, but a National Imperative – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that the transition towards clean and sustainable energy is no longer a choice but a critical necessity as the world grapples with geopolitical uncertainties, growing energy demands and rapid technological transformation. Speaking at the inauguration of the Energy Transition Conference (ETCon) 2026, Anwar said the global energy landscape is undergoing a profound shift that requires governments, industries and stakeholders to rethink traditional approaches and embrace innovative solutions for a more resilient future. The Prime Minister described ETCon 2026 as an important platform that brings together local and international energy industry leaders, policymakers, experts and investors to exchange ideas, share expertise and explore strategic pathways for advancing sustainable energy development. "The future of the global energy sector demands a shift in mindset and the courage to explore new solutions. Recent developments, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, have shown that the world can no longer rely entirely on fossil fuels," he said. PM Anwar noted that global disruptions have exposed vulnerabilities in conventional energy supply chains, reinforcing the urgency of accelerating the adoption of renewable energy sources that are cleaner, more sustainable and better equipped to withstand future shocks. He also highlighted the growing impact of technological advancements and globalization, which continue to drive unprecedented demand for reliable and sufficient energy supplies worldwide. "The rapid development of data centres, which serve as the backbone of artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy and the semiconductor industry, has made the energy transition agenda more urgent and strategic than ever before," he said. According to Anwar, countries that successfully balance economic growth with sustainable energy development will be better positioned to compete in the increasingly digital and technology-driven global economy. The Prime Minister further reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to making the ASEAN Power Grid a success, describing it as one of the region's most important energy initiatives. He said the project would strengthen regional cooperation in the development, sharing and distribution of energy resources through a more integrated, efficient and secure energy network. "The ASEAN Power Grid will not only enhance regional energy security but also support economic growth and sustainability across Southeast Asia, ensuring that ASEAN nations can collectively navigate future energy challenges," he added. PM Anwar stressed that Malaysia remains committed to leading regional efforts towards a cleaner energy future while ensuring energy security, economic competitiveness and long-term sustainability for future generations. ETCon 2026 is expected to serve as a catalyst for stronger collaboration among governments, industry players and stakeholders as nations work towards achieving their energy transition goals and climate commitments. -- MINUTESMY -- CREDIT: FB FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that the transition towards clean and sustainable energy is no longer a choice but a critical necessity as the world grapples with geopolitical uncertainties, growing energy demands and rapid technological transformation. Speaking at the inauguration of the Energy Transition Conference (ETCon) 2026, […]

KBS always supports Judge Danish

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has always provided support and encouragement to national Moto3 racer, Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli, to continue to bring glory to the country at the World Motorcycle Championship. Its Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said that not only Hakim Danish, but his party also provided support for the development of the country's two-wheeled motorsports through a fund injection of RM1.8 million this year. "We always provide support to all our athletes, such as this year under the Sports Matching Grant, we channeled RM800,000." "Through SIC (Sepang International Circuit) we channeled RM1 million. So the total for this year is RM1.8 million," he said. Dr Mohammed Taufiq said this at a press conference after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the National Youth and Sports Department with Delivery Hero Malaysia Sdn Bhd (foodpanda Malaysia), MyTeksi Sdn Bhd (Grab Malaysia) and Gamuda Land Leisure Sdn Bhd. He said KBS would also discuss any assistance and distribution of additional funds, including to Judge Danish following his success in scoring his first podium this season at the Italian Grand Prix (GP) at the Mugello Circuit, as well as recognising the great potential of motorsports for the development of national sports. Last March, KBS confirmed that no specific funds were given to the Terengganu rider to help him navigate this season's Moto3 campaign. Last Sunday, the 18-year-old racer created a sensational success by achieving his first podium of the season after finishing third in the Italian GP at the Mugello Circuit. The AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSi team rider was 0.456 seconds (s) behind the race winner, Brian Uriarte from the Red Bull KTM Ajo team who recorded a time of 33 minutes 07.80s while second went to his teammate Alvaro Carpe (33:08.219s). Hakim Danish's achievement at the Italian GP saw him end Malaysia's podium drought in the Moto3 competition since Khairul Idham Pawi last achieved it when he emerged victorious at the Argentine GP in 2016. Dr Mohammed Taufiq also congratulated Judge Danish on the Terengganu-born racer's proud success. Earlier, he said the two-year MOU with the three companies at today's ceremony was a sign of support for the Rakan Muda programme with attractive offers for those who participate in the programme, including discounts on Foodpanda Malaysia and a free two-month subscription fee for Grab Unlimited by Grab Malaysia. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has always provided support and encouragement to national Moto3 racer, Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli , to continue to bring glory to the country at the World Motorcycle Championship. Its Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said that not only Hakim Danish, but his party also provided support for […]