Day: June 9, 2026

Singapore To Step Up Crackdown On Illegal Gambling During Fifa World Cup 2026

SINGAPORE, June 9 -- Singapore authorities will intensify enforcement operations against illegal gambling and football betting during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which runs from June 11 to July 19. Singapore’s Home Ministry said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) would conduct regular enforcement operations against illegal gambling operators, including those who assist gambling syndicates. “To combat illegal online gambling, SPF issues directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act requiring online service providers to restrict access to illegal online gambling services and advertisements, including illegal football betting,” it said in a statement on Tuesday. SPF would also work with stakeholders to terminate local phone numbers used to advertise illegal gambling services and block bank accounts and credit card payments linked to illegal online gambling, the ministry said. Under the Gambling Control Act, all gambling activities in Singapore are illegal unless authorised, licensed or exempted. According to the ministry, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) would intensify public education efforts during the World Cup season, while the National Crime Prevention Council would separately launch a public education campaign to raise awareness of the risks and penalties associated with illegal betting activities. The campaign will include advertisements and banners online and in physical spaces, as well as the distribution of anti-illegal betting collateral at community events. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will feature 48 teams, the largest number in the prestigious tournament's history since it was first held in Uruguay in 1930. --BERNAMA

SINGAPORE, June 9 — Singapore authorities will intensify enforcement operations against illegal gambling and football betting during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which runs from June 11 to July 19. Singapore’s Home Ministry said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) would conduct regular enforcement operations against illegal gambling operators, including those who assist gambling syndicates. “To […]

Apple Launches Ai-powered Siri Upgrade

CALIFORNIA, June 9 -- Apple has launched an artificial intelligence-powered version of its voice assistant, Siri, featuring enhanced voice recognition and a standalone application during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at its Cupertino headquarters. Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported that the new version, Siri AI, enables the assistant to pull deeper insights from the internet when answering queries. It can also reference previous conversations to access details such as an address sent in a message, even if the information was not formally saved. Apple stated that Siri AI introduces a new voice experience, allowing the assistant to speak more expressively and responsively. The software will be available on iPads, with development underway to expand it to Apple Watches. The company noted that Siri AI will not initially be available on iPhones and iPads in the European Union or China, pending the completion of regulatory procedures. Images and searches conducted using Siri AI will be saved in a new standalone application available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with the software integrating directly into Apple's private cloud computing infrastructure. The upgraded Siri will initially roll out in English, with additional languages to be introduced at a later, unspecified date. -- BERNAMA-WAM

CALIFORNIA, June 9 — Apple has launched an artificial intelligence-powered version of its voice assistant, Siri, featuring enhanced voice recognition and a standalone application during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at its Cupertino headquarters. Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported that the new version, Siri AI, enables the assistant to pull deeper insights from the […]

BERSATU Regrets PAS Ending Political Cooperation, Remains Strong in Perikatan Nasional

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — The United Indigenous Party of Malaysia (BERSATU) expressed its sadness following the decision of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) to cease political cooperation and sever ties with the party. BERSATU President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the decision was made at the request of PAS, even though the cooperation previously built was founded on noble spirit and understanding. According to him, as one of the founding parties of the Perikatan Nasional (PN), BERSATU will continue to remain in the coalition and strengthen its core struggle for the interests of the people. "BERSATU will continue to strengthen the people's concern agenda brought by Perikatan Nasional since its establishment, in addition to supporting the wishes of the people who want change and leadership that represents the aspirations of all Malaysians," he said in a statement today. Muhyiddin also called on all party leaders and members to focus on efforts to strengthen Perikatan Nasional and continue to place the interests of the people as the main focus of the struggle. He said that the current tests should be a catalyst for all party members to work more diligently and enthusiastically. "I am confident that the people who support the ideals of the National Alliance will continue to stand steadfastly with us," he said. Muhyiddin also described the development as a test that has its own wisdom and hoped that all parties would be given guidance and direction by Allah SWT. "God willing, there will certainly be wisdom from what happened. May Allah SWT give us His guidance, success and guidance," he said. — NAMED

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — The United Indigenous Party of Malaysia (BERSATU) expressed its sadness following the decision of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) to cease political cooperation and sever ties with the party. BERSATU President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the decision was made at the request of PAS, even though the cooperation previously […]

Maintaining Fuel Subsidies Eases Burden On People, Curbs Inflation – FOMCA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 -- The government's commitment to continue bearing the cost of fuel subsidies is seen as helping the people and curbing inflationary pressures, while serving as the country's main shield against the impact of the global supply crisis. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said the organisation welcomed the MADANI Government's initiative as it gives consumers confidence that the people's welfare remains a priority. He said maintaining fuel prices at current levels greatly helps reduce transportation and logistics cost pressures, while also supporting the supply chain to prevent increases in the prices of daily necessities. "However, FOMCA is of the view that fuel prices are not the only factor determining the prices of goods. "Consumers still face challenges from food costs, rental rates, energy costs, wages and various other operating expenses that also influence market prices. Nevertheless, maintaining the RON95 price can act as a buffer against inflation," he told Bernama. Meanwhile, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Muamalat, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Dr Mohd Shukor Harun, viewed the government's commitment as a responsible measure, particularly in easing the financial burden of the B40 and M40 groups. "However, from a public policy perspective, the existing blanket subsidy mechanism is regressive because it also benefits the wealthy. "If this subsidy is maintained when global crude oil prices surge, the country's fiscal deficit will widen and the expenditure will consume funds that should otherwise be channelled to development, education and healthcare sectors," he said. In this regard, he proposed a more sustainable long-term strategy to ensure continued assistance for the people in facing global economic pressures, including the progressive implementation of targeted subsidies. For food delivery rider Umair Al-Anshaari Rusli, 24, the government's move to maintain the subsidy is a great help as he relies entirely on his vehicle to earn a daily income. "This fuel subsidy is important because it can help control increases in the prices of goods and transportation costs, as we depend heavily on motorcycles or cars to earn a living," he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously said he did not agree with raising fuel prices while the country was facing a global supply crisis, and stressed that the government would continue efforts to bear fuel subsidy costs by allocating substantial monthly expenditure to prevent the people from being burdened -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — The government’s commitment to continue bearing the cost of fuel subsidies is seen as helping the people and curbing inflationary pressures, while serving as the country’s main shield against the impact of the global supply crisis. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said the […]

Financial, budget presentation: FAM gives official explanation to PJS

KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has submitted an official letter to the Sports Commissioner (PJS) yesterday, to provide a complete explanation regarding the confusion regarding the presentation of FAM's financial statements and budget, which was raised during the First FAM Extraordinary Congress 2026 last Thursday (June 4). FAM, in a statement, informed that the clarification was made following several statements and allegations that had created the perception that FAM had not presented audited financial statements and annual budgets to coalition members, in accordance with the stipulated provisions. "As the national football governing body, FAM respects the role of the PJS Office in ensuring compliance with the Sports Development Act 1997 and will continue to provide full cooperation to the relevant authorities, in any matter that requires further clarification," the statement said. Previously, FAM denied allegations that the parent body had failed to present a financial audit report since 2016, in addition to describing the allegations as misleading. FAM informed at the time that every audited financial report is always presented at the Annual Congress, including the Financial Report for the year ending 31 Dec 2025, which was presented at the First Extraordinary FAM Congress 2026, last Thursday. According to the FAM statement, each financial report goes through a thorough review process at the Finance and Management Committee and Executive Committee (EXCO) levels, before being presented for final approval at the Annual Congress. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has submitted an official letter to the Sports Commissioner (PJS) yesterday, to provide a complete explanation regarding the confusion regarding the presentation of FAM’s financial statements and budget, which was raised during the First FAM Extraordinary Congress 2026 last Thursday (June 4). FAM, in a statement, informed […]

Credit data is believed to help expand PMKS financing access – Amir Hamzah

PETALING JAYA: Trusted and easily accessible credit data is important to increase access to financing for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which can reduce information gaps and enable more efficient credit allocation, said Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. He said better credit data allows financing institutions to assess risk profiles more accurately, enabling viable MSMEs to obtain financing on better terms. "Therefore, financial inclusion is not just about expanding access to financing. It aims to ensure that such access is sustainable, data-based and in line with sound risk management practices and principles," he said in his speech at the CTOS SME Biz Day 2026, here, today. -- BERNAMA

PETALING JAYA: Trusted and easily accessible credit data is important to increase access to financing for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which can reduce information gaps and enable more efficient credit allocation, said Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. He said better credit data allows financing institutions to assess risk profiles more […]

DHPP Supports PAS’ Decision to Determine New Direction for Political Cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — The PAS Supporters' Assembly (DHPP) expresses its full respect and support for the PAS leadership's decision regarding the direction of the party's political cooperation as announced by the PAS President. DHPP Central Information Chief, Dr. Balachandran Gopal Krishnan said that in the political world, not all forms of cooperation can be maintained forever because every political relationship needs to be assessed based on compatibility of goals, direction of struggle and the ability to bring greater benefits to the people and the country. According to him, PAS has shown courage in making decisions that may be difficult and unpopular, but are considered necessary to ensure that the party's struggle continues to move forward clearly and consistently. "Sometimes, long-term stability requires difficult decisions to be made today," he said in a statement on Tuesday. He stressed that PAS remains committed to efforts to create unity, political stability and an administration with integrity, with these principles continuing to be a guide in determining any form of political cooperation in the future. At the same time, DHPP calls on Malaysians to continue to practice maturity in politics, by accepting differences of opinion and approach as part of healthy democratic practices. "Differences in views should not lead to prolonged hostility. The main focus should be given to efforts to develop the country, strengthen the economy and safeguard the welfare of the people," he said. DHPP also sees the decision as part of a dynamic political process and will continue to play a role as a bridge connecting communities of various races and religions with the PAS struggle. According to Dr. Balachandran, DHPP will continue to explain that PAS's main goal is to bring about a fair, stable administration that benefits all Malaysians. "The political journey is always changing, but the values ​​of integrity, principles and sincerity in serving the people must remain a priority," he said. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: PRESS KL

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — The PAS Supporters’ Assembly (DHPP) expresses its full respect and support for the PAS leadership’s decision regarding the direction of the party’s political cooperation as announced by the PAS President. DHPP Central Information Chief, Dr. Balachandran Gopal Krishnan said that in the political world, not all forms of cooperation can […]

UN warns of dangers of extreme heat during 2026 World Cup

MADRID: The United Nations (UN) Climate Secretariat on Monday warned of the dangers posed by extreme heat to players, officials and fans during the upcoming World Cup finals, Xinhua reported. The tournament will take place in Mexico, the United States (US) and Canada with some matches expected to take place in temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius and high humidity, thus posing challenges for all parties involved. At the start of the 10-day June Climate Summit in the German city of Bonn, the UN Climate Secretariat said in a statement: “The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest tournament in football history, will take place at a time when extreme heat levels are increasing, driven by worsening climate change and affecting billions of people around the world.” "This extreme hot weather is expected to be part of the tournament journey, on the field, in the stands, around the stadium and in the host city," the statement said. The agency said one in four matches throughout the tournament was expected to take place in dangerously hot weather conditions, adding that while players were likely to receive immediate medical attention, the same might not be the case for fans. "The greatest danger is likely to occur outside the stadium. Supporter zones, waiting lines, transport routes, car parks and outdoor receptions can leave people exposed to dangerously hot weather for hours," the agency warned. The warning came just days after FIFA overturned a decision banning fans from bringing empty plastic water bottles into stadiums to be refilled at hydration stations. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

MADRID: The United Nations (UN) Climate Secretariat on Monday warned of the dangers posed by extreme heat to players, officials and fans during the upcoming World Cup finals, Xinhua reported. The tournament will take place in Mexico, the United States (US) and Canada with some matches expected to take place in temperatures around 30 degrees […]