Day: June 10, 2026

CAAM closely monitors disruptions to AirBorneo flight operations

PUTRAJAYA, Jun 10 -- The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is currently closely monitoring AirBorneo's operational disruptions following recent delays, cancellations and flight schedule changes that have affected the company's services in Sabah and Sarawak. CAAM's statement today said the airline attributed the disruption to operational and maintenance issues.    While stressing that safety issues must always be prioritized in flight operations, CAAM reminded AirBorneo that affected users must continue to be treated fairly and in accordance with the provisions of the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC). "AirBorneo is reminded to take all reasonable steps to minimise inconvenience to affected users and ensure compliance with its obligations under the MACPC while maintaining the highest standards of operational safety," he said. The statement was issued following AirBorneo's announcement yesterday asking passengers to expect possible delays, cancellations and schedule changes over the next few days as it continues to manage operational disruptions that have affected flights across Sabah and Sarawak since June 5. CAAM advises affected users to check the latest status of their flights before heading to the airport and contact AirBorneo directly for the latest information, assistance and alternative travel arrangements. The statement informed that under the MACPC, airlines are required to provide correct, up-to-date and timely information regarding flight delays, cancellations or schedule changes, including the causes of disruptions and the options provided to affected passengers. According to CAAM, depending on the type and duration of the disruption, passengers may be entitled to appropriate care and assistance including food, communication facilities, accommodation, transportation, alternative flights to the final destination or refunds subject to the provisions of the MACPC. CAAM informed that if a matter is not resolved or consumers are not satisfied with the feedback given, complaints can be submitted to the agency via the FlySmart website at www.flysmart.my or via email at  consumer@caam.gov.my or call the hotline 1800-18-6966 (within Malaysia) or +602-777 517 (outside Malaysia). "Consumers who make complaints are encouraged to provide relevant information and supporting documents to facilitate CAAM's review," he said. -- BERNAMA 

PUTRAJAYA, Jun 10 — The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is currently closely monitoring AirBorneo’s operational disruptions following recent delays, cancellations and flight schedule changes that have affected the company’s services in Sabah and Sarawak. CAAM’s statement today said the airline attributed the disruption to operational and maintenance issues.    While stressing that safety issues […]

World Cup 2026: PDRM launches Ops Soga XI to curb illegal gambling, betting during

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 10 -- The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has launched Ops Soga XI nationwide to combat illegal gambling activities which are expected to increase in conjunction with the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will take place tomorrow until July 19. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M Kumar said the integrated operation involved all state contingents.    "This operation focuses on monitoring and taking action against online gambling and betting syndicates, as well as platforms or websites that carry out online gambling and betting activities and promotions through social media accounts." "This operation also focuses on physical gambling and betting activities involving illegal gambling and betting premises, individuals who bet, betting agents and premises or individuals who promote physical gambling and betting," he said in a statement here today. Kumar said the operation was also joined by various enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the Communications and Multimedia Commission and Bank Negara, to identify and block platforms, websites and transactions used by illegal gambling and betting syndicates. He advised the public not to be involved in any form of illegal gambling and betting, whether as a player, bettor, agent, bookmaker or organiser. "Strict action will be taken in accordance with relevant legal provisions including the Open Gambling Houses Act 1953, the Betting Act 1953, the Penal Code and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA)," he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 10 — The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has launched Ops Soga XI nationwide to combat illegal gambling activities which are expected to increase in conjunction with the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will take place tomorrow until July 19. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M Kumar said the integrated operation […]

Muhammad Shah Firdaus wins elite keirin gold, denies Azizulhasni’s formidable challenge

NILAI, Jun 10 — Johor cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom denied a great challenge from track cycling champion Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang to win the men’s elite keirin event at the 2026 National Track Cycling Championships here, today. Although Mohd Azizulhasni tried to make a last-minute move, Muhammad Shah Firdaus remained calm with his cycling […]

West Asian conflicts increase cost pressure on airlines – Aviation analyst

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 10 -- The ongoing conflict in West Asia is putting pressure on the global aviation industry as airlines face rising jet fuel prices, changes to flight routes and higher operating costs, says an analyst. Endau Analytics founder Shukor Yusof said that so far the airline has been successful in handling the situation.    However, he said, the prolonged uncertainty has begun to affect business operations, especially for airlines that have weaker financial positions.  "The current situation is still uncertain, but the aviation market can handle it well." "We are dealing with a shortage of jet fuel coming out of the Strait of Hormuz. The situation is still tense, and airlines in particular, are being hit hard because jet fuel has risen to levels not seen in many years." "Airlines are facing significant challenges due to several factors. They are having to raise fares, manage shortages, and most importantly, deal with continued price increases.  "Jet fuel, which can contribute up to 40 percent of an airline's operating costs, is a major contributor to this issue," he said in Bernama TV's current affairs and talk show, Bernama World, titled "West Asian Conflict: Impact on the Aviation Industry", today.  Shukor said many airlines have adjusted their business models to accommodate passengers who booked tickets before the conflict began, while some international routes, particularly those involving Europe, have diverted their routes to avoid Iranian airspace.  He said Southeast Asian airlines, including Malaysia Airlines, are assessing and realigning their operations in Europe in response to ever-changing geopolitical risks.  Meanwhile, full-service airlines with stronger financial backing are in a much better position to weather prolonged disruptions than low-cost carriers.  “The aviation industry often faces the greatest challenges, and the stronger your finances are, the better chance you have of surviving longer than your competitors,” said Shukor.  Elaborating further, he said airlines backed by shareholders or sovereign wealth funds were more likely to survive prolonged instability in the Gulf region, while smaller airlines with weaker cash flows faced greater risk. Despite concerns about disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Shukor stressed that the global market is not facing a shortage of jet fuel, but rather a price crisis driven by logistical challenges and geopolitical uncertainties.  He said jet fuel prices had soared as high as US$200 per barrel before falling to around US$145 to US$150, but were still almost double the levels before the conflict escalated.  "There is no shortage of jet fuel or crude oil. The problem is the price and logistics of transporting supplies around the world," he said.  -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 10 — The ongoing conflict in West Asia is putting pressure on the global aviation industry as airlines face rising jet fuel prices, changes to flight routes and higher operating costs, says an analyst. Endau Analytics founder Shukor Yusof said that so far the airline has been successful in handling the situation.  […]

YB Gobind Singh Deo Welcomes Malaysia’s New Ambassador-Designate to Finland, Eyes Stronger Bilateral Ties

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 – Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo today received a courtesy call from Malaysia’s newly appointed Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Finland, Dato’ Amarjit Singh, during a meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation in the digital sphere. In a statement following the meeting, Gobind described the discussion as meaningful, highlighting exchanges on Malaysia’s ongoing digitalisation journey and the important role the ambassador-designate will play in fostering closer ties between Malaysia and Finland. The minister said both sides shared views on opportunities to enhance cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas that support innovation, digital transformation, and economic development. Gobind expressed confidence that Dato’ Amarjit’s leadership and diplomatic experience would contribute significantly to deepening bilateral engagement and creating new avenues for collaboration between Malaysia and Finland. “I am confident that his leadership will help deepen bilateral cooperation, foster new opportunities for collaboration, and elevate Malaysia-Finland relations to greater heights in the years ahead,” he said. Finland is widely recognised for its strengths in digital innovation, technology development, education, and sustainability, making it a valuable partner for Malaysia as the country continues to accelerate its digital transformation agenda. The meeting underscores Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support economic growth, technological advancement, and people-to-people exchanges.   -- MINUTESMY  -- SOURCE: FB GOBIND SINGH DEO 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 – Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo today received a courtesy call from Malaysia’s newly appointed Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Finland, Dato’ Amarjit Singh, during a meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation in the digital sphere. In a statement following the meeting, Gobind described the discussion as meaningful, […]

Back in action, Serena Williams won at Queen’s

LONDON: Serena Williams hit a serve at 193 kilometers per hour and celebrated her comeback to tennis with a 7-6 (2), 6-2 first-round doubles victory with Victoria Mboko after defeating Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe at the HSBC Championships in London, reported PA Media/dpa. Williams, 44, is 25 years older than Mboko, who is 19. The American star has not played competitively for 1,376 days since her last appearance at the 2022 US Open.     She chose Mboko, the recipient of the 2025 WTA Newcomer of the Year award, in part because the Canadian teenager reminded her of herself, Williams explained on Sunday. Her comeback, which she said was sparked by the thought of "why not?", also gave Williams the opportunity to perform in front of Olympia and Adira, her two daughters from her marriage to Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian. Both of his children were present at the Andy Murray Arena, where the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion looked set to bring good luck after rain affected much of Monday's action. The weather did cause a slight delay earlier as British number one Emma Raducanu opened her grass court season with a win over Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova. However, the weather improved when Williams, Mboko and their opponents entered the ring at around 5.45pm and were greeted with thunderous applause from the standing ovation. The cheers echoed again as Williams helped the pair earn two early points to win the first game before breaking their opponent's serve in the next. In windy conditions in west London, she recorded the fastest serve of the opening set at 181 kilometres per hour on her first service game, which the North American pair also won. Williams and Mboko lost serve for the first time in the seventh game of the first set, but a  double backhand  featuring a big smile from the American helped them lead 5-4 before Williams produced the fastest serve of the set -- 193 kilometers per hour -- two games later. The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion and Mboko, who won her first WTA title as a wildcard in Montreal last year, were getting closer as they won the first set in  a tie-break . They led by a set and a  break  after the third game of the second set, which also saw the first video review challenge of the match requested by Melichar-Martinez, but without a final decision. Mboko secured  the pair's second break point  as they edged closer to victory before Williams hit two convincing service aces to secure two winning points. Although Williams said before the match that she was not too focused on the result because she had won many titles throughout her career, she clearly looked happy after securing her first victory since returning to action. -- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa

LONDON: Serena Williams hit a serve at 193 kilometers per hour and celebrated her comeback to tennis with a 7-6 (2), 6-2 first-round doubles victory with Victoria Mboko after defeating Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe at the HSBC Championships in London, reported PA Media/dpa. Williams, 44, is 25 years older than Mboko, who is 19. The […]

Bharathiraja: The Filmmaker Who Brought Tamil Nadu’s Soul to the Silver Screen

The passing of Bharathiraja marks the end of one of the most transformative chapters in Indian cinema. More than a director, he was a storyteller who changed the language of Tamil filmmaking and redefined how ordinary people, especially those from rural India, were portrayed on screen. His death at the age of 84 leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and film lovers alike. Before Bharathiraja arrived in the late 1970s, Tamil cinema was largely dominated by studio sets, urban narratives and theatrical storytelling. Then came 16 Vayathinile in 1977, a film that broke conventions and introduced audiences to the raw beauty of village life. With dusty roads, green fields and characters who spoke the language of ordinary people, Bharathiraja brought realism to Tamil cinema in a way that had rarely been seen before. Many critics regard the film as a turning point that changed the course of South Indian filmmaking. What made Bharathiraja extraordinary was not merely his ability to tell stories but his commitment to telling stories that mattered. Through films such as Muthal Mariyathai, Vedham Pudhithu, Karuthamma and Kizhakku Cheemayile, he explored themes of caste discrimination, social inequality, female infanticide, love, honour and human dignity. At a time when commercial cinema often shied away from uncomfortable truths, Bharathiraja confronted them with courage and conviction. His influence extended far beyond the stories he told. Bharathiraja became a launching pad for countless talents who would later dominate Indian cinema. Actors, writers, technicians and musicians found opportunities under his guidance. His keen eye for talent helped shape the careers of many artists who went on to become household names. He was affectionately known as "Iyakkunar Imayam" — the "Peak of Directors" — a title earned through decades of artistic excellence rather than mere popularity. Despite achieving immense success, Bharathiraja never lost touch with his roots. His films consistently celebrated the culture, traditions and emotional complexities of rural Tamil Nadu. He gave a voice to communities that were often overlooked by mainstream cinema and ensured that their stories became part of the larger cultural conversation. In doing so, he preserved a slice of Tamil heritage for future generations. His achievements were recognised nationally and internationally. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he won six National Film Awards and numerous other honours, including the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards. Yet his greatest achievement cannot be measured by trophies or accolades. It lies in the emotional connection millions of viewers felt with the worlds he created. In recent years, Bharathiraja faced declining health and personal tragedy, including the heartbreaking loss of his son, actor-director Manoj Bharathiraja. Yet even as age slowed him physically, his influence on Indian cinema remained undiminished. Today, as tributes pour in from across the film industry, Tamil cinema mourns not just the loss of a filmmaker but the loss of a visionary who changed the way stories were told. Bharathiraja showed that cinema could be both artistic and accessible, entertaining and socially relevant. He proved that the most powerful stories often emerge from the lives of ordinary people. The lights may have dimmed on the life of Bharathiraja, but the worlds he created will continue to live on. Every time a filmmaker ventures beyond the city to tell a story rooted in the soil, every time a film challenges social injustice through human emotion, and every time audiences connect with the authenticity of rural life on screen, Bharathiraja's spirit endures. Legends do not disappear when they die. They become part of a culture's collective memory. Bharathiraja is now one such legend.

The passing of Bharathiraja marks the end of one of the most transformative chapters in Indian cinema. More than a director, he was a storyteller who changed the language of Tamil filmmaking and redefined how ordinary people, especially those from rural India, were portrayed on screen. His death at the age of 84 leaves behind […]

Witness footage helps in Gok Kapur fire investigation

KOTA BHARU: Footage and witness statements at the Kampung Gok Kapur fire location are among the important clues in the investigation to identify the cause of the incident that destroyed 27 houses last Monday. Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Farhan Sufyan Borhan said his department was examining all information obtained from residents and individuals who witnessed the incident to help complete the investigation. "We have taken several recordings from witnesses and individuals who were at the location when the incident occurred. All of this information is being examined to help identify the cause of the fire." "In addition, four samples were also taken from the incident location and were sent to the laboratory yesterday for analysis," he told Bernama today. Farhan Sufyan said laboratory analysis results were expected this week, thus helping his party confirm the cause of the fire which left dozens of families homeless. He said based on the fire pattern identified at the location, several hypotheses were being investigated, including the possibility that the fire was caused by a failure in the electrical system, cooking activities or playing with fire. "We are also not ruling out any other possibilities and all aspects are still under investigation. A decision can only be made after the laboratory analysis is complete," he said. Last Monday, 27 houses were destroyed in a fire in Kampung Gok Kapur, and the fire forensic team is still investigating the cause of the incident. -- BERNAMA

KOTA BHARU: Footage and witness statements at the Kampung Gok Kapur fire location are among the important clues in the investigation to identify the cause of the incident that destroyed 27 houses last Monday. Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Farhan Sufyan Borhan said his department was examining all information obtained from residents and […]