Day: June 12, 2026

Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin’s promotion parallels involvement in education, youth development

SEREMBAN: The proclamation of Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz as Tunku Panglima Besar of Negeri Sembilan is seen as in line with his active involvement in the fields of education, youth and community development. Director of the Strategic Communications Centre of the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Associate Professor Dr Mohd Faizal Kasmani, said that […]

Trump calls G7 support “irrelevant”, claims US is winning war in Iran

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump dismissed any support from the Group of Seven (G7) as "irrelevant" and claimed that "the US has won the war in Iran" in a brief telephone interview broadcast by Italian television channel La7 on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump made the statement during a phone call with La7 reporters in Washington. When asked if he had a message for the G7 leaders, Trump said the US did not need outside support. The statement was made ahead of the G7 summit scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17. Regional tensions that began on Feb 28 after Israeli and US attacks on Iran triggered a cycle of military confrontation, counterattacks and diplomatic disputes. Iran and Israel have also exchanged attacks in recent days before easing tensions, highlighting the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing efforts of regional and international mediators to revive diplomacy and avoid a wider conflict. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump dismissed any support from the Group of Seven (G7) as “irrelevant” and claimed that “the US has won the war in Iran” in a brief telephone interview broadcast by Italian television channel La7 on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump made the statement during a phone call with La7 reporters in […]

Melaka allocates over RM196 million for education sector

ALOR GAJAH: The Melaka state government has allocated more than RM196 million for the education sector in the state over the past three years, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He said it was a form of 'investment' to ensure Melaka continued to progress over the next 10 to 20 years, and the allocation was channelled to implement various educational initiatives that would benefit more than 140,000 children in Melaka. "The state government is implementing free tuition and providing school preparation assistance to the B40 group. The state government is allocating another RM15 million through the Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) Education Program, the Melaka State Education Trust Fund (TAPEM), "We are also organising sports competitions which also involve large allocations, specifically for the children of the Masjid Tanah Parliament," he said when speaking at the Student Excellence Motivation Programme and the Presentation of School Aid Donations by the MARA Education Foundation at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sultan Alauddin, Masjid Tanah, here today. Also present were state Exco member for Public Works, Infrastructure, Public Facilities and Transport Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer and Chairman of the MARA Education Foundation Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Mohamed Said. At the event, the MARA Education Foundation donated cash totaling RM10,000 to 100 students from the asnaf and B40 groups. He said that as a result of concerted efforts by the Melaka State Education Department (JPN) and school authorities, the achievements in public examinations such as the KAFA Class Assessment Test (UPKK), Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), Malaysian Certificate of Higher Education (STPM) and Malaysian Certificate of Higher Education (STAM) in Melaka continued to show a commendable increase from year to year. Meanwhile, when met by reporters, Ab Rauf, who is also the chairman of the state UMNO Liaison Body, said that Melaka UMNO was ready to open the door to cooperation with any party to face the Melaka State Election (PRN) which is expected to be held this year. Ab Rauf, who is also the Barisan Nasional (BN) Melaka chairman, said however, the collaboration must benefit the parties involved. -- BERNAMA

ALOR GAJAH: The Melaka state government has allocated more than RM196 million for the education sector in the state over the past three years, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He said it was a form of ‘investment’ to ensure Melaka continued to progress over the next 10 to 20 years, and the […]

Police reveal Tak Bai is now the starting point for a new smuggling route

KOTA BHARU: Police have detected a smuggling syndicate that is now increasingly using river and coastal routes from Tak Bai, Thailand, including waterways in the Tumpat area that can reach the Kelantan River. Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the change in the modus operandi was detected especially this year when syndicates used sea and coastal routes more. He said the syndicate used routes through rivers in Tumpat and island areas including around Pulau Tok Kong. "This year we have seen a significant change in modus operandi. Now syndicate groups are using sea and coastal routes more." "They enter through the rivers in Tumpat and the islands around the area. Many river routes in the area can reach the Kelantan River," he said recently. He said the syndicate also used the coastal route from Tak Bai before entering the Kuala Besar, Semerak, Pengkalan Chepa and Pantai Sabak areas, with some even moving as far as Besut, Terengganu. Mohd Yusoff said the use of the route was proven through several drug arrests carried out by the police in the coastal area previously. "We have made drug arrests in Pantai Sabak and Semerak with the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of syabu brought in by boat," he said. Commenting on the illegal bases on the Malaysia-Thailand border, he said 91 illegal bases built on government land had been demolished so far. He said there were still about four or five more illegal bases on private land and the matter was still being dealt with by local authorities. Mohd Yusoff said that so far all illegal bases that have been identified on government land have been demolished. He said the existence of the illegal base on the Thai side was an issue that fell under that country's jurisdiction. Mohd Yusof said the structures in the neighbouring country, including facilities such as stairs and walls, had existed for a long time, but the actions of the Malaysian authorities were focused on the illegal bases within the country. Security control along the Kelantan-Thailand border covers a distance of approximately 163 kilometres (km), with 91km of it covering the waters of Sungai Golok. The monitoring spans several major districts including Tumpat, Rantau Panjang (Pasir Mas), Tanah Merah, and Jeli. Previously, the ban on illegal border crossings via illegal bases or jetties along the Malaysia-Thailand border (especially in the Sungai Golok area) had been in effect since Dec 1, 2024. -- BERNAMA

KOTA BHARU: Police have detected a smuggling syndicate that is now increasingly using river and coastal routes from Tak Bai, Thailand, including waterways in the Tumpat area that can reach the Kelantan River. Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the change in the modus operandi was detected especially this year when syndicates used […]

Dragonpass APAC Loyalty Index: 53% of High-Income Consumers Say Bank Rewards No Longer Match Their Lifestyle Needs

SINGAPORE, June 12, -- For years, loyalty programmes across banking, credit card, and financial institutions have been built around a familiar formula: collect points, unlock perks, repeat. But across Asia-Pacific, consumers are beginning to expect something different. According to the APAC Loyalty Index released by Dragonpass, the region's loyalty economy is rapidly shifting away from transactional rewards toward lifestyle relevance, emotional trust, and everyday utility. The study, which surveyed consumers across Southeast Asia and China, found that while "trust" remains the foundational driver of brand loyalty, consumers increasingly demand value that feels immediate and personalised. The results highlight growing fatigue with traditional loyalty mechanics in the region. While 80% of respondents stay loyal to their bank because it is the most secure option for their money, 28% say their loyalty rewards simply do not match their lifestyle — and a striking 53% of high-income earners find their current loyalty rewards are misaligned with their actual needs. Travel and Digital Concierge as the New Loyalty Levers The Index highlights that travel remains the most powerful tool for customer retention. Younger consumers and affluent segments demonstrated a strong preference for integrated digital concierge services, premium travel experiences, and personalised lifestyle benefits. This highlights the convergence of financial services and lifestyle ecosystems across APAC markets.    "The traditional loyalty model was designed around transactions, but consumers today demand something far more intuitive and integrated into their lifestyle," said John Su, Group CGO & APAC CEO of Dragonpass. "They expect their banks or financial providers to play an active role in their everyday lives. This is exactly where we have invested heavily, not only in spanning our global travel, dining, and premium lifestyle services, but in the technology that is designed precisely to close this gap, helping financial institutions deliver relevant, real-time value at every stage of the customer lifecycle." For banks, fintechs, and payment brands, the implications are significant. As competition intensifies and switching barriers continue to fall, loyalty is increasingly becoming a strategic growth lever rather than a marketing add-on. The brands most likely to retain high-value customers may ultimately be those that can turn loyalty from a points programme into a seamless part of consumers' lifestyles.    About Dragonpass Dragonpass is a global travel and lifestyle platform delivering premium travel and lifestyle experiences to 40+ million members worldwide. Media Contact Email: brandmarketing@dragonpass.com Website: www.dragonpass.com -- PRNewswire -- Source: Dragonpass  

SINGAPORE, June 12, — For years, loyalty programmes across banking, credit card, and financial institutions have been built around a familiar formula: collect points, unlock perks, repeat. But across Asia-Pacific, consumers are beginning to expect something different. According to the APAC Loyalty Index released by Dragonpass, the region’s loyalty economy is rapidly shifting away from transactional rewards […]

Guangzhou International Arbitration Court Opens Vietnam Liaison Office to Support China-Vietnam Cross-Border Dispute Resolution

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, June 12 -- The Guangzhou Arbitration Commission (GZAC) has officially opened the Vietnam Liaison Office of the Guangzhou International Arbitration Court in Ho Chi Minh City, marking a new step in strengthening China–Vietnam arbitration cooperation and supporting businesses engaged in cross-border commerce and investment. The launch comes as economic ties between China and Vietnam continue to deepen. Bilateral trade exceeded US$250 billion in 2025, with Vietnam remaining China's largest trading partner within ASEAN. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, cooperation between the two countries has expanded across sectors including renewable energy, digital economy, infrastructure and cross-border investment. As commercial exchanges increase, so does demand for efficient, predictable and enforceable dispute resolution services. The Vietnam Liaison Office is designed to respond to this growing need by providing businesses with easier access to arbitration-related information, procedural guidance and dispute resolution support. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mark Feldman, President of the Guangzhou International Arbitration Court, said the office reflects GZAC's commitment to providing arbitration services closer to users and supporting the evolving needs of companies operating across borders. Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the office will serve as a regional platform for Chinese and Vietnamese businesses seeking professional dispute resolution services. It will draw on GZAC's experience in international arbitration, digital dispute resolution and cross-border case administration. GZAC has continued to expand its international presence in recent years. In 2025, it handled 877 foreign-related cases with a total disputed amount exceeding US$1.8 billion. Parties came from 22 countries and regions, while the institution has served users from 67 jurisdictions worldwide. Nearly 40 percent of the members of its current arbitration committee are foreign nationals or professionals from Hong Kong and Macao, representing six jurisdictions. GZAC is also a pioneer in digital dispute resolution. As one of the first official global partners of the APEC Collaborative Framework for Online Dispute Resolution (APEC-ODR), it operates an online dispute resolution platform that integrates negotiation, mediation and arbitration services. The platform supports real-time translation in eight languages and has handled more than 1,000 cases involving claims exceeding RMB10 billion. Through its Vietnam Liaison Office, GZAC plans to deepen engagement with arbitration institutions and legal service providers across Vietnam and ASEAN, contributing to a more efficient environment for cross-border trade and investment. -- PRNewswire -- Source: Guangzhou Arbitration Commission (GZAC)

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, June 12 — The Guangzhou Arbitration Commission (GZAC) has officially opened the Vietnam Liaison Office of the Guangzhou International Arbitration Court in Ho Chi Minh City, marking a new step in strengthening China–Vietnam arbitration cooperation and supporting businesses engaged in cross-border commerce and investment. The launch comes as economic ties between China […]

M. Nasir sues MyTeksi over alleged use of name without permission

KUALA LUMPUR: National music icon Datuk M. Nasir and his company Luncai Emas Sdn Bhd have filed a lawsuit against MyTeksi Sdn Bhd over allegations that he used his name and brand without permission for commercial promotion purposes on the company's platform. The suit was filed by M. Nasir, or his real name, Mohd Nasir Mohamed, 69, together with Luncai Emas through Messrs. Zulpadli & Edham at the High Court here on April 27, naming MyTeksi as the defendant. Case management is set for June 29 via e-Review before Deputy Registrar S. Malarselvi. Based on the writ of summons and statement of claim obtained by the media today, the plaintiff claims that the defendant used the name and brand "M. Nasir" in the promotion of a coffee drink marketed as "M. Nasir's Favorite" through the defendant's official Instagram account without permission. According to the plaintiff, on April 23, 2025, the defendant uploaded advertisements via the Instagram accounts @grabmy and @grabfoodmy featuring cups and cans of coffee labeled "GrabFood" and "GrabMart" to promote products or services offered through the company's platform. "In addition to the advertisement, the caption used was "M Nasir's favorite coffees" followed by the phrase "Dua-dua pun Grab ada" which directly refers to M. Nasir and gives the impression that the product or service is related to him," according to the statement of claim. The plaintiff claimed that the unauthorized use of the name and brand "M. Nasir" caused misunderstanding and confusion among the public, thus damaging the singer's good name and reputation. The plaintiff also claimed that the advertisement did not include any disclaimer or explanation that the reference to "M. Nasir" was not a reference to the artist in question or that he had no involvement with the defendant or the products and services being promoted. According to the plaintiff, the use of his name in a commercial context was clearly intended to benefit from his reputation and commercial value to promote the defendant's products and services without the plaintiff's need or knowledge. Accordingly, the plaintiff is claiming general damages, exemplary damages of RM3 million, aggravated damages of RM2 million, interest and costs. The plaintiff also applied for an injunction to prevent the defendant, its agents and employees from continuing to use the name and brand "M. Nasir" for commercial purposes, in addition to requesting an order for the defendant to submit a statement of profits earned from the sale of drinks advertised using the name "M. Nasir's Favorite". -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: National music icon Datuk M. Nasir and his company Luncai Emas Sdn Bhd have filed a lawsuit against MyTeksi Sdn Bhd over allegations that he used his name and brand without permission for commercial promotion purposes on the company’s platform. The suit was filed by M. Nasir, or his real name, Mohd Nasir […]

Allegations of abuse of power, police chief among those taken into custody

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have taken statements from the station chief and members of a police station in Wangsa Maju, here, regarding allegations of involvement in abuse of power and corruption. Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said an investigation into the allegations is currently being conducted by the Integrity and Standards Compliance Division of the Wangsa Maju District Police Headquarters. "At present, investigations are still underway to ensure that the allegations are based on facts or mere accusations," he said in a press conference after the Kuala Lumpur Police Traffic Awareness Advocacy Launch Ceremony at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Alam Damai, here today. Commenting further, Fadil said the officers and personnel under investigation were still carrying out their duties as usual while the investigation was being conducted. Recently, a screenshot of a conversation went viral on social media alleging that a police station chief in Wangsa Maju and several of his members were involved in abuse of power and corruption. Meanwhile, regarding the organisation of the "TikTok Shock Gathering" by businessman Albert Tei which will take place at TikTok Headquarters, Sunway Velocity, tomorrow, he said his party has received notification from the organisers. Fadil said his party had held a meeting with the organisers and would ensure the safety of all parties involved was always maintained. "We will ensure that the safety of all parties is a priority and if there is violence or violations, the police will take appropriate action," he said. Through a post on his Facebook, Albert Tei, or real name Tei Jiann Cheng, said the peaceful rally would be held at 10am at TikTok's headquarters, Sunway Velocity, here. Commenting on the Traffic Awareness Advocacy event, he said the programme was an initiative of the Kuala Lumpur Police in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Education Departments and the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) in Kuala Lumpur. He said the programme was implemented in all secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya to increase awareness, understanding and comprehensive exposure to students on the importance of obeying and respecting the law, including traffic laws, as the basis for developing discipline and good character. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have taken statements from the station chief and members of a police station in Wangsa Maju, here, regarding allegations of involvement in abuse of power and corruption. Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said an investigation into the allegations is currently being conducted by the Integrity and Standards Compliance Division of […]

Rohingya laborers charged with robbing Datuk Razif Sidek’s house

KUALA LUMPUR: A Rohingya labourer pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of robbing the home of national badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek while armed with a knife last month. Mohamad Fawyas Yasin, 27, is charged with robbing property belonging to Datuk Mohamad Razif Mohd Sidek, 64, armed with a knife, at a house on Jalan Damansara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail at 12.20pm, May 19. The charge was brought under Section 392 of the Penal Code and read together with Section 397 of the same code, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of 14 years and may be fined or whipped, if convicted. Deputy Public Prosecutor J. Banusha did not offer bail as the offence was serious and the accused's United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) card had expired. "If bail is granted and the accused does not appear in court, it will be difficult to track his whereabouts since he does not have a fixed address. In addition, the accused also knows the addresses of the victim and witnesses, so it is feared that the witnesses will be harassed," he said. Meanwhile, Lawyer Mansheel Kaur, representing Mohamad Fawyas, requested a low bail because her client only works as a labourer and earns RM50 a day and has to support his unemployed wife and a 10-month-old child. "The accused has lived in this country for 15 years and in relation to the UNHCR card, the card is in the process of being renewed," said the lawyer. Judge Siti Shakirah Mohtarudin did not grant bail to the accused as there was no valid UNHCR card for the court to consider and set July 14 for the case to be mentioned again. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: A Rohingya labourer pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of robbing the home of national badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek while armed with a knife last month. Mohamad Fawyas Yasin, 27, is charged with robbing property belonging to Datuk Mohamad Razif Mohd Sidek, 64, armed with a […]