Day: June 8, 2026

Simpang Renggam crash: Teenager remanded for murder investigation

MUAR: The 19-year-old male driver involved in an accident that claimed five lives on Jalan Renggam–Simpang Renggam last week has been remanded for two more days until Wednesday under Section 302 of the Penal Code to allow for further investigations. The remand order against the suspect, who is also a student at a university in Singapore, was issued by Magistrate Mustaqim Sukarno at the Muar Magistrate's Court, after the previous remand period of four days until today ended. Kluang District Police Chief ACP Bahrin Mohd Noh said the remand application was made to complete the investigation into the incident. "The previous investigation, which is under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, is still ongoing based on the viral video involving the suspect driving speedily and recklessly," he said when contacted by Bernama today. Earlier, last Tuesday, the first remand was carried out at the Batu Pahat Magistrate's Court under Section 42(1) for two days and was extended for a day at the Kluang Magistrate's Court. However, once the remand ended, the police re-arrested the suspect on Thursday under Section 302 of the Penal Code at the Kluang Sessions Court after the investigation papers were referred to the Attorney General's Chambers. The fatal accident claimed the lives of four members of a family, namely Semek Mat Soh, 73, Nor Azlina Latil, 33, Aiman ​​Mohd Rashid, 36 and Nur Airish Syifa Sidek, as well as the suspect's brother, 22, who was driving a BMW 530e. --BERNAMA

MUAR: The 19-year-old male driver involved in an accident that claimed five lives on Jalan Renggam–Simpang Renggam last week has been remanded for two more days until Wednesday under Section 302 of the Penal Code to allow for further investigations. The remand order against the suspect, who is also a student at a university in […]

Mindanao earthquake: Five confirmed dead so far

MANILA: At least five people were reported dead after a 7.8-magnitude offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines, according to a local disaster official, Xinhua reported. Agripino Dacera, disaster management chief in General Santos City, said authorities were still confirming the extent of the death toll and damage. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the tectonic earthquake struck at 7:37 a.m. local time at a depth of 33 kilometers (km) with its epicenter 32 km southwest of the coast of Maasim town in Sarangani Province on Mindanao Island, near General Santos, with a population of about 700,000. The institute said the highest waves recorded reached 1.4 meters. Local media reported several buildings collapsed and caused power outages. Tremors were also felt in neighboring regions. Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos ordered disaster response and monitoring efforts throughout the affected areas and urged residents to move to higher ground for evacuation. The Philippines experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major tectonic plate boundary zone known for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

MANILA: At least five people were reported dead after a 7.8-magnitude offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines, according to a local disaster official, Xinhua reported. Agripino Dacera, disaster management chief in General Santos City, said authorities were still confirming the extent of the death toll and damage. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and […]

Mindanao earthquake: Marcos directs immediate response

MANILA: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered all relevant agencies to mobilize relief and monitoring operations following a strong earthquake off the coast of Sarangani that triggered tsunami warnings in several coastal regions in Mindanao, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported. In a statement, Marcos said the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are coordinating emergency response operations in affected areas. He also ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to deploy aid supplies early and ensure that evacuation centers are ready to receive residents who may be affected by the disaster. In addition, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been instructed to be on standby to assess damage and clear roads, bridges and important routes needed for rescue operations and aid delivery. Marcos also announced the suspension of school sessions at all levels in affected areas in Mindanao until further notice. "The safety of our children is paramount," he said, adding that the Department of Education (DepEd) would coordinate the implementation of the directive with local authorities. He also urged residents in areas that received tsunami warnings to immediately move to higher ground and obey the authorities' instructions. "To our people in the affected areas, please heed the tsunami warning. Immediately move to higher ground. Don't wait. Your lives are more valuable than anything left behind," he said. Marcos also assured that the central government is working closely with local governments and provincial offices to ensure that all the needs of the affected residents can be addressed immediately. An earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale occurred at 7.37 am Monday off the coast of Sarangani province. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the epicenter was located 32 kilometers west of the town of Maasim at a depth of 33 kilometers. -- BERNAMA-PNA

MANILA: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered all relevant agencies to mobilize relief and monitoring operations following a strong earthquake off the coast of Sarangani that triggered tsunami warnings in several coastal regions in Mindanao, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported. In a statement, Marcos said the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) […]

Bodies of five family members involved in car accident safely buried in one grave

SUNGAI PETANI: The remains of five members of a family who died in an accident involving a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a lorry in Kampung Baru Pinang Tunggal, here yesterday, were safely buried this morning. All the bodies were buried in a single grave at the Al-Abidi Jamek Mosque Islamic Cemetery, Kampung Simpang Tiga Pasir, Merbok, at 10 am. The bodies were Ahmad Shafiq Ahmad Shukri, 29, and his wife, Jamaliah Sannusi, 29, as well as their baby boy, Ahmad Mikail, who was just two months old, Ahmad Shafiq's mother, Nora Mhd Husin, 55, and Ahmad Shafiq's brother, Ahmad Fahim, 21. Earlier, the bodies of the five accident victims, brought from the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB), Alor Setar in four hearses, arrived at the mosque compound at 8.45 am. The funeral prayer was then led by Tanjung Dawai State Assemblyman (ADUN), Hanif Ghazali, and was attended by more than 200 worshippers. Meanwhile, the body of another accident victim, Iskandar Affan Ibrahim, 7, who is Ahmad Shafiq's nephew, was safely buried at the Permatang Kuang Mosque Islamic Cemetery, Penaga, Penang at about 2 am this morning. In the incident at 3.50pm yesterday, the Proton X50 SUV carrying seven members of a family collided with a lorry carrying soil. The family involved was said to be travelling to Kampung Simpang Tiga Pasir, Merbok to visit the graves of their family members. The crash resulted in six victims being confirmed dead at the scene, while another victim, who was also Ahmad Shafiq's daughter, Aulia Sofea, 3, was seriously injured and is being treated at the hospital. -- BERNAMA

SUNGAI PETANI: The remains of five members of a family who died in an accident involving a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a lorry in Kampung Baru Pinang Tunggal, here yesterday, were safely buried this morning. All the bodies were buried in a single grave at the Al-Abidi Jamek Mosque Islamic Cemetery, Kampung Simpang Tiga […]

PM Anwar Praises Communications Ministry’s Effectiveness In Explaining BUDI95

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has praised the Communications Ministry's effectiveness in communicating the implementation of BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95), describing it as one of the best examples of government communication in explaining policies to the people. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the clear and effective explanation of the initiative had helped improve public understanding and reduce confusion over the implementation of BUDI95. "I believe this ministry's greatest success is in relation to BUDI95. When a clearer explanation is provided, it does not create many problems. "Once again, I congratulate our colleagues, Fahmi (Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil), the KSU (Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah) and the entire Communications Ministry workforce for their dedication in conveying information effectively to the people," he said. He said this while addressing the Communications Ministry's monthly assembly here today. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Deputy Communications Minister Datuk Teo Nie Ching and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Anwar said that although there were still a small number of parties raising concerns over fuel price increases, the implementation of BUDI95 had demonstrated that effective communication could improve public acceptance of government policies. BUDI95 is a MADANI Government initiative to channel RON95 petrol subsidies to Malaysians at a subsidised price of RM1.99 per litre. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has praised the Communications Ministry’s effectiveness in communicating the implementation of BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95), describing it as one of the best examples of government communication in explaining policies to the people. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the clear and effective explanation of […]

Nation’s Progress Must Be Measured by Knowledge, Integrity and Values – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that the true progress of a nation should not be measured solely by physical prosperity and infrastructure development, but also by the strength of knowledge, integrity, reason and values within society. Speaking at the Monthly Assembly of the Ministry of Communications, Anwar said a developed nation must be built upon a knowledgeable and morally grounded society that upholds justice, truth and mutual respect. He warned that societies with shallow knowledge and a lack of understanding of truth and justice are vulnerable to falling into ignorance, prejudice and misinformation. “A society that does not seek knowledge, uphold principles of justice or practise courtesy in thought and action can easily be trapped in a cycle of ignorance and illiteracy,” he said. The Prime Minister emphasised that in an era of rapid information sharing and evolving communication platforms, public discourse must be guided by wisdom, knowledge and good manners. He noted that while freedom of speech is an essential democratic principle, it must be exercised responsibly and accompanied by moral accountability. “Freedom of expression should be guided by ethical responsibility, while differences in opinion should never be used as an excuse to divide society or undermine the shared values of humanity that bind us together,” he said. Anwar also reminded civil servants and stakeholders that the nation’s development agenda extends beyond economic growth and technological advancement. According to him, Malaysia’s future success depends on its ability to cultivate a society that is knowledgeable, cultured, well-mannered and united in pursuing truth, justice and compassion. He called on all parties to work collectively towards strengthening social cohesion and fostering a culture that values intellectual growth, integrity and mutual respect as the country moves forward. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that the true progress of a nation should not be measured solely by physical prosperity and infrastructure development, but also by the strength of knowledge, integrity, reason and values within society. Speaking at the Monthly Assembly of the Ministry of Communications, Anwar […]

No Malaysians affected by earthquake in Mindanao – Wisma Putra

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 -- There are no reports of any Malaysian citizens affected by the earthquake off the coast of Mindanao, Philippines so far, according to the Foreign Ministry. The ministry in a statement on Monday said that as the incident is still in its early stages, the Malaysian Embassy in Manila is actively coordinating with relevant local authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the Malaysian community in the affected areas. "Malaysian citizens residing in or travelling to affected areas in the Philippines are strongly advised to remain vigilant, immediately move to higher ground if near the coast and fully comply with all evacuation and safety instructions issued by Philippine authorities," the statement said. To facilitate communication and the swift delivery of consular assistance, Malaysian citizens are urged to register and constantly update their contact information via the e-Consular portal at the link https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my . For urgent or emergency consular assistance, Malaysian citizens may contact the Malaysian Embassy in Manila directly via the Malaysian Embassy in Manila channel. Telephone (General Enquiries): +63 2 8662 8200 Emergency Line (Outside Office Hours): +63 961 077 8113 Email: mwmanila@kln.gov.my The ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, through the Malaysian Embassy in Manila, is closely monitoring developments following the strong earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale that struck off the coast of Mindanao, Philippines, at 7.37 am, June 8. According to the statement, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) has issued the latest information regarding a local tsunami advisory for the coastal areas of Sabah following the incident. Wisma Putra will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as confirmed information becomes available. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 — There are no reports of any Malaysian citizens affected by the earthquake off the coast of Mindanao, Philippines so far, according to the Foreign Ministry. The ministry in a statement on Monday said that as the incident is still in its early stages, the Malaysian Embassy in Manila is actively coordinating […]

Why Many Johor Indians May Continue to Place Their Confidence in Onn Hafiz and BN

As Johor moves closer to its next state election, voters from all communities will be assessing the performance of the current administration and deciding which leadership they believe can best serve their interests. For many within the Indian community, that assessment may increasingly be shaped by a simple question: who has delivered tangible results on long-standing issues affecting the community? A recent example often cited by supporters of Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi is the completion of the Sri Maha Muniswarar Hall in Ulu Tiram. While political debates frequently revolve around promises and manifestos, the project has become a symbol of what many view as effective governance and follow-through. The hall's construction began in 1999 but encountered years of delays before eventually being abandoned in 2016. In 2022, following a visit to the site, Onn Hafiz approved RM500,000 to revive the project. Today, the completed facility serves as a venue for cultural activities, educational programmes, welfare initiatives, weddings, and community gatherings. To many residents and community leaders, the significance of the hall extends beyond its physical structure. It represents the resolution of an issue that had remained dormant for years and demonstrates a willingness by the state government to engage with grassroots concerns. Education has also remained a key issue for the Indian community. Under the current administration, Johor approved two new Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) schools—SJKT Impian Emas and SJKT Taman Universiti. Given the limited number of new Tamil school approvals nationwide in recent years, supporters argue that this reflects a commitment to ensuring educational opportunities for future generations. Another notable development is the establishment of the Kompleks Upacara Terakhir Hindu in Kampung Telok Jawa. Supported by an allocation of RM1.9 million and built on land granted by the Sultan of Johor, the facility includes a crematorium that serves communities in Tebrau and Pasir Gudang. The complex was officially opened on June 1, 2026. Additionally, the state government has approved land matters involving 17 Hindu temples across Johor, helping address concerns surrounding legal recognition and long-term security for places of worship. Welfare initiatives, including Bantuan Kasih Johor and food basket programmes, have also continued to assist lower-income families navigating rising living costs. These developments have led some observers to compare the current administration's record with previous governments. Critics of Pakatan Harapan's tenure in Johor between 2018 and 2020 argue that several long-standing community issues—including temple land matters, Tamil school development, and key infrastructure projects—saw limited progress during that period. Supporters of the current administration point out that the Ulu Tiram hall itself remained incomplete for years before funding was allocated and construction resumed under the present government. They contend that visible outcomes matter more than political rhetoric when evaluating leadership performance. State-level governance often determines the pace of progress on practical issues such as temple land approvals, school development, crematorium facilities, and community infrastructure. These are matters that require administrative efficiency, policy continuity, and sustained engagement between government agencies and local communities. Whether voters ultimately support Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan, or another political coalition remains a personal choice. However, it is understandable why some members of Johor's Indian community view the current administration favourably, citing projects that have moved beyond announcements and into reality. The opening of the Sri Maha Muniswarar Hall serves as a reminder that communities often judge governments not only by what they promise but by what they successfully deliver. As the next state election approaches, that record of delivery is likely to remain a significant factor in shaping voter sentiment. R. Muralitharan is a political observer and Vice President of Parti Cinta Malaysia. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication. -- MINUTESMY -- CREDIT: PRESS KL

As Johor moves closer to its next state election, voters from all communities will be assessing the performance of the current administration and deciding which leadership they believe can best serve their interests. For many within the Indian community, that assessment may increasingly be shaped by a simple question: who has delivered tangible results on […]