Day: June 11, 2026

Malaysia, WOAH strengthen cooperation in animal health

WOAH

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) are committed to strengthening cooperation in the fields of animal health, veterinary services, disease surveillance and emergency preparedness. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin made the announcement during a courtesy visit from WOAH Director-General Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran yesterday. The Ministry […]

UM is targeted to break into the top 50 universities in the world – Zambry

KUALA LUMPUR: University of Malaya (UM), which is currently ranked 53rd in the world, is targeted to break into the top 50 global universities by next year. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the target was in line with the university's ongoing efforts in strengthening a culture of academic excellence, research, innovation and talent development holistically. "UM is ranked among the world's top 100. The latest is 53rd best in the world. Previously, it was around 60th, 70th, and now 53rd and maybe next year it will be in the world's top 50. Keep trying," he said when speaking to open the Universiti Malaya Ideas Festival 2026 (UM iFEST 2026) at the Tunku Canselor Hall, UM here today. Commenting on the direction of the country's higher education, Zambry said that the progress of a civilization today no longer depends solely on resources, but rather is centered on the production of ideas that are translated into high-impact solutions. To reinforce the narrative, he also cited the insights of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and academic Professor Wilhelm Krull regarding the transition of global civilization towards the dominance of thought. "What did he (Churchill) say? The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind. In other words, the empires of ideas," he said, adding that the current educational revolution and technological advancements began with the ability of universities to produce groundbreaking inventions. In this regard, Zambry praised the organisation of UM IFest 2026, which was fully supported by the university's students, and described the programme as an important platform towards creating more progressive higher education. "We want to see our students, the talents in our university always develop well. These innovative efforts are carried out with a good theme, namely unleashing ideas , igniting change ." "This is a very big idea that we hope can produce something great in our context to create higher education that is more progressive, innovative and high-impact," he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: University of Malaya (UM), which is currently ranked 53rd in the world, is targeted to break into the top 50 global universities by next year. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the target was in line with the university’s ongoing efforts in strengthening a culture of academic excellence, research, innovation […]

MADA advises farmers to speed up paddy planting

ALOR SETAR: The good and sufficient rainfall currently provides an opportunity for farmers to accelerate paddy planting activities for the 1/2026 season, especially through the wet direct sowing method. In a statement today, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) informed that the agency is committed to ensuring the continuity of the country's rice production through continuous monitoring of the status of water supply and the progress of planting activities in the MADA granary area, so that it can be implemented according to schedule. "As of June 10, pre-saturation activities are almost fully completed with an achievement of 99.5 percent, while land preparation work has reached 91.4 percent. "However, planting activity is still at 28.8 percent and MADA hopes that the remaining areas that have not yet been planted can be expedited by ," the statement said. According to MADA, the latest hydrological report shows that rice fields throughout the Muda Area have received good and sufficient rainfall to begin planting work. MADA informed that the latest data recorded the average daily rainfall for the entire Muda Region was 8.8 millimetres (mm), with Region II, Jitra recording the highest amount of 12.2 mm, followed by Region III, Pendang at 9.8 mm, Region IV, Kota Sarang Semut (6.9 mm) and Region I, Perlis (4.7 mm). Meanwhile, MADA is also releasing water from the dam in a controlled manner at a rate of 800 cubic feet per second (cusec/Q) to meet domestic and industrial needs. The statement informed that the status of water reservoirs in MADA's three main dams is also still at a stable level with a total of 506,168 acre feet or 41.39 percent. Pedu Dam recorded a reservoir of 378,470 acre feet or 43.25 percent, followed by Ahning Dam (112,948 acre feet or 50.65 percent), while Muda Dam (14,750 acre feet or 11.80 percent). MADA therefore calls on all farmers to take advantage of the current weather conditions to accelerate paddy planting activities using appropriate methods and to manage the use of water resources prudently and optimally to avoid waste. -- BERNAMA

ALOR SETAR: The good and sufficient rainfall currently provides an opportunity for farmers to accelerate paddy planting activities for the 1/2026 season, especially through the wet direct sowing method. In a statement today, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) informed that the agency is committed to ensuring the continuity of the country’s rice production through […]

Iran Announces Closure Of Strait Of Hormuz To All Vessels Amid Renewed US Attacks

Iran Announces Closure Of Strait Of Hormuz To All Vessels Amid Renewed US Attacks

ISTANBUL, June 11 — Iran’s military headquarters announced early Thursday the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels amid escalating tensions and hostilities in the region, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. In a statement carried by Iranian state TV, the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters said the strategic waterway had been closed to all traffic, […]

Bill Gates Says He Wants To Help By Testifying To Epstein Committee

WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said he intends to support the work of the US Congressional Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein by giving evidence, reported German news agency dpa. In a brief statement before the hearing at the Capitol on Wednesday, Gates said he was glad to attend voluntarily to give evidence. The session in Washington is not open to the public. Gates said he hoped his testimony would be helpful to the committee’s work in achieving “justice for the victims.” He did not disclose any details of his testimony. Republican committee chairman James Comer also said before the questioning began that members of Congress wanted to learn about Gates’ relationship with Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Comer emphasised that there were no allegations of misconduct against Gates. The Oversight Committee in the US House of Representatives is tasked with conducting a political inquiry into the abuse network run by Epstein, the financier and sex offender. Among the files that the US Department of Justice was required by law to publish is a draft email from 2013 that was stored in Epstein’s account and appears to be addressed to Gates. A mere mention of a name in the files does not imply criminal misconduct. A multimillionaire from New York, Epstein ran an abuse ring decades ago, to which many women and minors fell victim. Over several years, Epstein is also said to have abused minors himself, for example in New York and Florida. He died in prison in 2019 at the age of 66. Like many prominent figures from numerous countries, Gates had previously been in contact with Epstein. Months ago, Gates described meetings with Epstein as a mistake. He claimed he had never been to Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean, which is said to have been the hub of the abuse ring. The Microsoft co-founder emphasised that he had never met any women there. --BERNAMA-dpa

WASHINGTON, June 11 — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said he intends to support the work of the US Congressional Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein by giving evidence, reported German news agency dpa. In a brief statement before the hearing at the Capitol on Wednesday, Gates said he was glad to attend voluntarily to give evidence. […]

PM Anwar Ibrahim Wraps Up Japan Visit, Strengthens Malaysia-Japan Ties and Investment Cooperation

TOKYO, June 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has concluded his official visit to Japan yesterday, describing the trip as a success that further strengthened the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Malaysia and Japan. Speaking during a press conference with Malaysian media representatives who accompanied the delegation throughout the visit, Anwar said the mission had achieved its objectives of deepening bilateral cooperation, exploring new areas of collaboration and attracting quality investments and trade opportunities that would benefit Malaysia and its people. "Alhamdulillah, the visit went well and achieved its goal. We have strengthened the Malaysia-Japan friendship, explored new cooperation opportunities and attracted quality investment and trade to Malaysia for the benefit of the people and the country," he said. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for the warm hospitality extended to the Malaysian delegation during the visit. He noted that the relationship built over decades between the two nations continues to serve as a strong foundation of trust, confidence and growing cooperation across multiple sectors. Anwar also thanked the officers and staff of the Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo for their efforts in ensuring the success of the official visit. Special recognition was given to Malaysia's Ambassador to Japan, Dato' Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, who concluded his diplomatic tenure in Tokyo at the end of the visit. "I express my heartiest gratitude to the Government of Japan and the people of Japan for the warm welcome and friendship extended throughout this visit. The relationship that has been built over decades continues to be the foundation of trust and increasingly close collaboration," he said. Anwar said he was leaving the Land of the Rising Sun with confidence that Malaysia-Japan relations would continue to flourish and deliver shared prosperity for future generations in both countries. The official visit focused on strengthening the Malaysia-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with discussions covering areas including economic cooperation, investment, trade, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, energy security and regional stability. Concluding his remarks, Anwar thanked his Japanese hosts, saying, "Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu. Sayonara." -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

TOKYO, June 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has concluded his official visit to Japan yesterday, describing the trip as a success that further strengthened the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Malaysia and Japan. Speaking during a press conference with Malaysian media representatives who accompanied the delegation throughout the visit, Anwar said […]

PM Anwar, Japan’s Takaichi Reaffirm Strong Bilateral Ties, Expand Strategic Cooperation

TOKYO, June 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Malaysia-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both leaders agreeing to deepen cooperation across a range of strategic sectors yesterday. During an official meeting in Tokyo, Anwar expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Japanese government to him and the Malaysian delegation, while highlighting Japan’s longstanding role as one of Malaysia’s closest partners in development and industrialisation. "Japan has long been a close friend of Malaysia and played a pivotal role in our early growth, development and industrialisation," Anwar said following discussions with Takaichi. The talks focused on expanding bilateral collaboration in key areas of mutual interest, including security and maritime affairs, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, the digital economy, green transformation and energy security. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, particularly the situations in Myanmar and West Asia, as well as broader geopolitical and economic challenges facing the region. Anwar said the discussions reflected the strong foundation of trust and cooperation that has characterised Malaysia-Japan relations for decades. He expressed confidence that the friendship between the two nations would continue to deepen and evolve, creating new opportunities for economic growth, technological advancement and regional stability. Malaysia and Japan elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, paving the way for closer cooperation in trade, investment, technology, security and people-to-people exchanges. The latest discussions are expected to further strengthen bilateral relations as both countries navigate emerging challenges and opportunities in an increasingly complex global environment. -- MINUTES -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

TOKYO, June 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Malaysia-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both leaders agreeing to deepen cooperation across a range of strategic sectors yesterday. During an official meeting in Tokyo, Anwar expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended […]

UMNO Will Continue To Support Unity Govt Until Next Election – Asyraf Wajdi

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 -- UMNO will continue to support the Unity Government that was formed after the 15th General Election (GE15) until the next general election, in line with the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, Kinfg of Malaysia. UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said this stance was decided during the UMNO Supreme Council (MKT) meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the UMNO President, at Menara Dato’ Onn here tonight. At the same time, he stated that the agreement to form the Unity Government at the Federal level does not bind any state government. According to him, the Johor State Government was formed before the creation of the Federal-level Unity Government and did not involve parties from Pakatan Harapan (PH). Asyraf Wajdi added that the decision by UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) to defend the state mandate is not a form of betrayal against the Federal Government, as claimed by certain parties. "On the contrary, it is a legitimate, mature, and constitutional democratic practice that fully returns the mandate to the people," he said. He also mentioned that UMNO remains open to any form of cooperation with any party for the sake of the country's political stability and the well-being of the people; however, any cooperation must be built upon the principles of sincerity and trust. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — UMNO will continue to support the Unity Government that was formed after the 15th General Election (GE15) until the next general election, in line with the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, Kinfg of Malaysia. UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said this stance was decided during the UMNO […]