Day: June 6, 2026

MARA TVET achieves almost 100 percent marketability – DPM Ahmad Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 270 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under the People's Trust Council (MARA) recorded a graduate employability rate of approximately 99.5 percent, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He, who is also the Chairman of the National TVET Council, said that this proud achievement proves that MARA TVET institutions are at the forefront of making the national TVET agenda a success, which is now entering the TVET 2.0 phase. "I also really appreciate that the private sector has been at the forefront of supporting TVET across the country by offering not only new modules but also providing equipment, tools and machinery for certain TVET institutions. "They are welcoming TVET 2.0 not only with the various contributions that I mentioned earlier, but they have also signed an agreement with the National TVET Council and most TVET institutions in Malaysia, that all TVET students will be employed by this industry, 100 percent absorbed into the industry," he said when speaking at the National TVET Day 2026 celebration, here, today. The National TVET 2026 celebration was held at Dataran Putrajaya here, with the opening ceremony and launch of TVET 2.0 officiated by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the implementation of TVET 2.0 will focus more on new fields that have high marketability such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and renewable energy, without neglecting conventional fields that continue to be in demand. "In TVET 2.0, apart from the focus I have given, we have also sent teaching staff from certain TVET institutions abroad for free, not funded by the government but funded by the industry abroad for our teachers," he said. In addition, he said, the industry also offers premium salaries to TVET graduates, with a minimum salary of RM2,500 for those who complete the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) course, above the current minimum wage rate. He said the employability rate of TVET graduates nationwide had also increased to 98.7 percent at the end of May compared to 95.1 percent previously. "This is an achievement that we are grateful for and as I often say, achieving success is difficult but maintaining it is even more difficult. Our duty and responsibility is not only to maintain that success but also to continue to improve it," he said. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said that students from tahfiz schools and pondok schools are now also given the opportunity to pursue TVET, including in aerospace engineering and maritime engineering through programmes offered by UniKL. "This will raise the level of maahad tahfiz students who have so far only focused on the fields of syariah and usuluddin. God willing, we will see in the next three to five years, apart from continuing to maintain memorization of the Quran, they will become engineers and be involved in aerospace," he said. He said the move is expected to produce more highly skilled professionals among tahfiz students without affecting their mastery in the field of religion. Ahmad Zahid also said that seven universities in the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN) offer higher education pathways to TVET students up to master's and doctorate (PhD) levels. He said the government has allocated RM7.9 billion to the TVET sector through the 2026 Budget, which is the highest allocation ever given to strengthen the implementation of TVET 2.0, including skills enhancement and retraining programmes. Regarding the celebration of National TVET Day 2026, he said that this year's event was held on a relatively large scale despite the very low cost, thus reflecting the efficiency of resource management and the government's commitment in ensuring that high-impact programs can continue without burdening the country's expenses. Taking up the theme "TVET, the Top Career Choice", the National TVET Day 2026 celebration, for three days until Sunday, starting from 9 am to 10 pm, brings together more than 107 agencies, institutions, and industry players from nine major sectors on one stage, covering the fields of aerospace, electronics and digital, agriculture, transportation and automotive, advanced manufacturing, services, rail, maritime and the energy sectors. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 270 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under the People’s Trust Council (MARA) recorded a graduate employability rate of approximately 99.5 percent, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He, who is also the Chairman of the National TVET Council, said that this proud achievement proves that […]

CelcomDigi Rolls Out Nationwide Football Season Campaign with Exclusive Connectivity, Device and Home Entertainment Offers

PETALING JAYA, June 6 -- CelcomDigi Berhad has launched a nationwide football season campaign featuring a range of connectivity, roaming, home entertainment and device offers aimed at enhancing the viewing experience for football fans across Malaysia. The telecommunications provider said the campaign is designed to cater to fans following the football season from home, on the move or abroad, leveraging what it describes as the country's widest, fastest and most secure network. Among the key offerings is the Unlimited Internet Pass, available for RM10, which provides unlimited internet access from midnight to noon for seven days. Beginning June 8, subscribers to the pass will also enjoy 24-hour unlimited internet exclusively for streaming on the RTMKlik application. For football supporters travelling overseas to attend matches, CelcomDigi has introduced the Football Roam Pass, priced at RM98. The pass provides 14 days of roaming coverage across 95 countries, enabling customers to stay connected throughout their journey. The company is also targeting home viewers through its "Home Ground" promotion. Exclusive to CelcomDigi One Pro and Ultra subscribers, the offer allows customers to purchase selected Samsung televisions from as low as RM17 per month. Featured models include the 85-inch Neo QLED 4K Samsung Vision AI Smart TV 2026, available from RM237 monthly with a complimentary Samsung Soundbar B650, as well as several 65-inch and 55-inch Samsung Vision AI Smart TV models bundled with sound systems and Samsung Music Frames. Customers subscribing to CelcomDigi One Pro and Ultra plans with new fibre installations will also receive 500Mbps home fibre broadband and the latest WiFi 7 router to support seamless 4K streaming. In addition, customers signing up at CelcomDigi stores nationwide stand a chance to win football-themed merchandise, including jerseys, footballs and collectible pins. Under the "G.O.A.T. 10" promotion, customers can purchase selected premium devices from RM10, including the iPhone 17 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G, Honor 600 5G and Vivo Y21. The company is also offering RM310 off selected Apple iPad purchases using a promotional code. Meanwhile, the "Forward 7" promotion features selected 5G smartphones from brands such as Apple, Samsung, Oppo and Redmi starting from RM7. Additional savings of up to RM777 are available on selected Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Tab models through promotional codes. Customers subscribing to CelcomDigi Postpaid 80 plans and above can also receive a complimentary 5G smartphone from participating brands, including Redmi, Oppo, Vivo and Realme. CelcomDigi said the campaign reflects its commitment to connecting Malaysians with important moments and experiences while meeting growing digital lifestyle needs. The offers are available through CelcomDigi stores nationwide, the online store and the CelcomDigi mobile application.

PETALING JAYA, June 6 — CelcomDigi Berhad has launched a nationwide football season campaign featuring a range of connectivity, roaming, home entertainment and device offers aimed at enhancing the viewing experience for football fans across Malaysia. The telecommunications provider said the campaign is designed to cater to fans following the football season from home, on […]

Police hunt for group suspected of robbery, housebreaking in Manjung

IPOH: Police are hunting a group of Indonesian men believed to be involved in robberies and housebreaking incidents around Ayer Tawar and Pekan Gurney, Manjung. Manjung District Police Chief, ACP Hasbullah Abd Rahman, said his department had received eight reports so far regarding the incident, which targeted houses on the edge of the forest and in remote areas. "The group is believed to consist of three to four suspects," he said in a statement here today. Hasbullah advised the public to ensure their homes are locked, enhance security features such as installing closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and not keep large amounts of cash to avoid becoming targets of criminals. He asked those with information regarding the incident to come to the Manjung District Police Headquarters (IPD) or contact the operations room via 05-688 6222 or WhatsApp 017-682 8005 or the nearest police station to assist in the investigation. On June 1, Hasbullah said, the group is believed to have broken into the house of a woman in her 40s in Gurney Town and threatened the victim with a machete before making off with cash and jewellery estimated to be worth RM10,000. -- BERNAMA

IPOH: Police are hunting a group of Indonesian men believed to be involved in robberies and housebreaking incidents around Ayer Tawar and Pekan Gurney, Manjung. Manjung District Police Chief, ACP Hasbullah Abd Rahman, said his department had received eight reports so far regarding the incident, which targeted houses on the edge of the forest and […]

MyCEB strengthens Malaysian business event presence in Central Asia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), with the support of Tourism Malaysia Almaty and the Malaysian Embassy in Uzbekistan, successfully organised its first MyCEB Sales Call Programme and Malaysian Business Events Seminar in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 2 June and in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 4 June. MyCEB said in a statement that the initiative marks Malaysia's first dedicated business event involvement in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, reinforcing MyCEB's commitment to expanding the country's presence in the rapidly developing international market, as well as positioning Malaysia as a leading business event destination in Asia. "The program brings together representatives from the tourism industry, corporate sector, event organizers and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. "This engagement serves as a dedicated platform to showcase Malaysia's advantages as a preferred business event destination, highlighting the country's capabilities in organising international meetings, conferences, exhibitions and incentive tourism programmes," the statement said. During the program, MyCEB presented highlights on Malaysia's competitive advantages as an international business events destination, including its world-class infrastructure, modern hospitality sector, extensive international connectivity, competitive value proposition and strong government support for the business events industry. Meanwhile, MyCEB Chief Executive Officer, Tan Mei Phing said, Central Asia represents a promising growth market for the Malaysian business events industry, with the inaugural engagements in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan aimed at strengthening industry ties, creating new opportunities for collaboration and positioning Malaysia as the preferred gateway for international business events in Southeast Asia. Tourism Malaysia Almaty Office Director, Nor Shazly Azmi said, supported by modern infrastructure, robust air connectivity, government support and a portfolio of world-class venues, Malaysia offers attractive advantages for business events of all scales. "Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan continue to show encouraging growth as emerging markets for Malaysia. Improved connectivity and growing interest in Malaysia provide great opportunities to strengthen tourism and business ties between these regions," he said. According to MyCEB, the program in Almaty also featured a tourism presentation by Tourism Malaysia Almaty, showcasing Malaysia's leisure, luxury, family and business tourism offerings to the Kazakhstan market. “Participants were introduced to the various offerings of Malaysian business events, in addition to the growing appeal of leisure travel experiences that combine business and leisure tourism. "The seminar also facilitates networking and future collaboration opportunities between Malaysian and Central Asian industry stakeholders," he said. The programme highlights the growing potential for cooperation between Malaysia and countries in Central Asia in tourism, trade and business engagement, in line with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, MyCEB said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), with the support of Tourism Malaysia Almaty and the Malaysian Embassy in Uzbekistan, successfully organised its first MyCEB Sales Call Programme and Malaysian Business Events Seminar in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 2 June and in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 4 June. MyCEB said in a statement that the […]

Unny Sankar Makes History As First Malaysian Recipient Of Icons Of Change International Award

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysian diplomat Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has been named a recipient of the Icons of Change International Awards 2026, becoming the first Malaysian to receive the global honour for advancing sustainable development initiatives. The award was presented in conjunction with the United Nations-designated International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026. The Icons of Change™ movement is a premier global recognition platform honouring transformative Changemakers - individuals and organisations whose vision, leadership, and innovative interventions generate measurable impact across industries and communities worldwide. Currently serving as Minister of Economic Affairs at the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, Unny Sankar is responsible for strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations between Malaysia and China. Before his current appointment in Beijing, he served as Director of the China Section and Europe II Section at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), overseeing Malaysia's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-related matters and economic relations with China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, the European Union and selected Western European countries. In his acceptance speech, Unny Sankar described the award as a significant personal honour and a recognition of efforts to foster stronger international partnerships. "It is with profound humility and gratitude that I accept the Icons of Change International Awards 2026. This recognition deeply honours me as an individual committed to fostering meaningful connections between nations. “(Under my role), I lead efforts to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China, two dynamic nations whose partnership is shaping a more connected and prosperous Asia," he said, noting that cooperation between the two countries has expanded through major regional and international economic frameworks. Through frameworks like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, he said both countries are fostering trade, investment and technology transfer that go beyond growth. According to Unny Sankar, Malaysia and China are actively pursuing collaboration in green development, new energy vehicles, renewable energy and emerging technologies. He said these efforts include engagement with central and provincial government officials, visits to innovative companies, and the finalisation of memoranda on the digital economy, green development, and sustainable industries. "My work aligns directly with Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan, driving innovation, creating jobs and building resilient supply chains," he said. He added that such initiatives contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusive economic growth, responsible consumption, climate action and reduced inequalities. "We are not only boosting GDP (Gross Domestic Product), we are investing in a low-carbon future that benefits both our peoples and the planet," he said. Describing the recognition as a motivation to continue advancing sustainable economic partnerships, Unny Sankar stressed the importance of translating diplomacy into tangible outcomes. "This award inspires me to do even more. True change happens when diplomacy turns into tangible, sustainable progress for generations to come," he said. He also called for greater global cooperation in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, saying, "Let us continue building a world where economic partnership and environmental stewardship go hand in hand." Unny Sankar holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry from the University of Malaya and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. In 2023, he was recognised by Britishpedia in its publication "Successful People in Malaysia", further cementing his standing as one of Malaysia's distinguished public servants on the international stage. His full acceptance speech can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mue830VpqNQ. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — Malaysian diplomat Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has been named a recipient of the Icons of Change International Awards 2026, becoming the first Malaysian to receive the global honour for advancing sustainable development initiatives. The award was presented in conjunction with the United Nations-designated International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development […]

Special Meeting On Johor Polls To Be Held June 12 – EC

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 -- A special meeting on the 16th Johor State Election will be held on June 12, the Election Commission (EC) said. EC Secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said the commission had received a notice from Johor State Assembly Speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi on the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly on June 2, as provided under Article 23(2) of Part Two of the Laws of the Constitution of Johor 1895. “Article 23(4) of Part Two of the Laws of the Constitution of Johor 1895 provides that an election is to be conducted within 60 days from the date of the dissolution of the State Assembly. “The special meeting, to be chaired by EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun, will discuss key dates for the 16th Johor state election, including the writ of election, nomination day, polling day, the electoral roll to be used, and other preparations for the election,” he said in a statement today. He added that a press conference would be held immediately after the special meeting. The Johor State Assembly was dissolved on June 1 following the consent of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail. In a separate statement, Khairul Shahril said applications for postal voting, both within and outside the country, for the 16th Johor state election are now open online at https://myspr.spr.gov.my starting today. It covers postal voting applications for all categories, namely Category 1A (police personnel, military personnel, election officials, EC members/ officers, and media personnel), Category 1B (Malaysian citizens living abroad), and Category 1C (agencies and organisations). “All postal voting applications must be made online. Eligible voters who wish to vote by post must register or have a MySPR account before submitting their application,” he said. Khairul Shahril said the closing date for postal voting applications for all categories would be announced later. For enquiries and further information, the public may contact 03-88927080 or email upup@spr.gov.my. --BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — A special meeting on the 16th Johor State Election will be held on June 12, the Election Commission (EC) said. EC Secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said the commission had received a notice from Johor State Assembly Speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi on the dissolution of the Johor State […]

PM Anwar To Officiate National TVET Day 2026 Celebration

PUTRAJAYA, June 6 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officiate the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2026 celebration at Dataran Putrajaya today, underscoring the government's continued commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce. Anwar is scheduled to deliver an address at 10 am and officially launch the three-day event, which began yesterday under the theme TVET Pilihan Utama Kerjaya (TVET, The Preferred Career Path). The celebration is expected to attract 500,000 visitors and will highlight TVET's role in developing a highly skilled workforce and strengthening the nation's economic competitiveness. More than 107 agencies, institutions and industry players from nine key sectors will participate in the event, including aerospace, electronics and digital technology, agriculture, transportation and automotive, advanced manufacturing, services, rail, maritime and energy. Running daily from 9 am to 10 pm, the celebration features six main hubs focusing on institutional and industry engagement, TVET seminars, career opportunities, entrepreneurship, skills challenges and educational entertainment. National TVET Day is observed annually on June 2 to recognise the role of technical and vocational education and training in supporting the country's human capital development. Under the Malaysia MADANI framework, the government has continued to strengthen TVET through programmes aligned with technological advancements and evolving industry needs. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, June 6 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officiate the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2026 celebration at Dataran Putrajaya today, underscoring the government’s continued commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce. Anwar is scheduled to deliver an address at 10 am and officially launch the three-day event, […]

Melaka state election after Johor, Negeri Sembilan state elections – Ab Rauf

ALOR GAJAH: Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh hinted that the State Election (PRN) will only be held after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan PRNs are completed. He said the situation in Johor and Negeri Sembilan was different from that in Melaka, which did not require the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to be dissolved in the near future. The Melaka State Legislative Assembly term expires on Dec 30. "We (Barisan Nasional) will continue to carry out government affairs to look after the people's affairs until a date to be officially announced." "We are not participating in either Johor or Negeri Sembilan and we will send machinery to assist in the state elections in both states," he said when met by reporters at a thanksgiving ceremony in conjunction with his return from performing the hajj at his residence in Kampung Pulau here, tonight. Ab Rauf said he would also examine the results of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections before thinking of a suitable date to dissolve the state assembly. The Chief Minister stressed that he was not pressured by any party urging Melaka to also dissolve the state assembly, as happened in Johor and Negeri Sembilan. However, he did not rule out any possibility regarding the future of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly, describing politics as "an art with 1,001 possibilities". The Melaka state election held in 2021 saw Barisan Nasional (BN) form the state government after winning 21 seats, while Pakatan Harapan (PH) won five seats and Perikatan Nasional (PN) won two seats. The Negeri Sembilan state assembly was dissolved today while Johor's was dissolved on June 1. -- BERNAMA

ALOR GAJAH: Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh hinted that the State Election (PRN) will only be held after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan PRNs are completed. He said the situation in Johor and Negeri Sembilan was different from that in Melaka, which did not require the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to be […]

ZAHID HAMIDI INVITES PUBLIC TO JOIN NATIONAL TVET DAY 2026 CELEBRATIONS IN PUTRAJAYA

PUTRAJAYA, June 6, 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has invited the public to participate in the National TVET Day 2026 celebrations currently taking place at Dataran Putrajaya until June 7. According to him, the event has received an encouraging response so far, attracting visitors from all walks of life who are eager to explore the educational, skills training, and career opportunities offered through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).                 “I would like to share the vibrant atmosphere of the National TVET Day 2026 celebrations currently being held at Dataran Putrajaya. Alhamdulillah, the response has been very encouraging, with visitors from various backgrounds coming to see firsthand the education, skills development, and career opportunities available through TVET,” he said. Ahmad Zahid also encouraged those who have not yet attended to take advantage of the remaining days of the celebration, which feature a wide range of engaging activities, exhibitions, and interactive showcases related to TVET. “There are still many exciting activities awaiting visitors today and tomorrow. I warmly invite everyone to come and support the nation's human capital development agenda through TVET,” he added. The National TVET Day 2026 celebration is being held at Dataran Putrajaya from June 5 to June 7, 2026, operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event brings together educational institutions, government agencies, industry players, and various stakeholders in a collective effort to strengthen TVET as a key pathway for developing skilled talent and a future-ready workforce for Malaysia. -- MINUTESMY -- CREDIT: FB ZAHID HAMIDI

PUTRAJAYA, June 6, 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has invited the public to participate in the National TVET Day 2026 celebrations currently taking place at Dataran Putrajaya until June 7. According to him, the event has received an encouraging response so far, attracting visitors from all walks of life […]