Day: June 14, 2026

ETS services resume operations, experience delays

KUALA LUMPUR: Repair work following the overhead line equipment (ATA) outage at KM 458.872 between Tiroi Station and Seremban has been completed and electric train services (ETS) are back in operation. However, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) in a statement today informed that several ETS services on the KL Sentral-JB Sentral-KL Sentral route are still experiencing temporary delays to allow the operation schedule to be stabilized. KTMB informed that as of 3.30 pm this afternoon, eight ETS services were still experiencing delays, namely train EX9573 which was three hours and 34 minutes late, EP9524 (two hours and 35 minutes), EP9326 (one hour and 40 minutes) and EP9428 (25 minutes). Also experiencing delays were trains EP9323 (two hours 11 minutes), EG9343 (one hour 14 minutes), EG9442 (two hours 51 minutes) and EX9575 (one hour). KTMB informed that ETS passengers who were affected by train delays of more than two hours and chose not to continue their journey can obtain a full fare refund at the ticket counter. "As a welfare measure and to reduce passenger inconvenience, KTMB is providing food and soft drinks to passengers on train services that were delayed by more than two hours as a thank you for your patience and cooperation throughout the disruption period," the statement said. In addition, KTMB Auxiliary Police members and operations staff at Seremban Station also helped manage passenger movements and provided the latest information to ensure the smooth running of those affected. KTMB informed that as soon as the disruption was identified, an initial notification was sent via short messaging service (SMS) to the passengers involved to inform them of the current status and expected delays to enable them to plan their journey better. "KTMB is closely monitoring train movements to ensure that the operating schedule is fully restored as soon as possible," the statement said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Repair work following the overhead line equipment (ATA) outage at KM 458.872 between Tiroi Station and Seremban has been completed and electric train services (ETS) are back in operation. However, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) in a statement today informed that several ETS services on the KL Sentral-JB Sentral-KL Sentral route are still […]

New MARA Act to be tabled in Parliament this year – Asyraf Wajdi

JOHOR BAHRU: The new amendment to the MARA Act 1966 will be tabled in Parliament this year after the Cabinet approved the policy paper relating to the amendment. MARA chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said he had been asked by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to ensure that the amendment process could be completed according to schedule to enable it to be tabled this year. "This stage is the policy stage and we will give the draft to all stakeholders, especially other ministries, to be evaluated and also refined to obtain feedback from them, before we bring it again to the Cabinet Meeting for the purpose of obtaining approval to be tabled in Parliament," he said. He said this to reporters after the Haul Asmaulhusna 2026 Commemorative Dhikr Ceremony at the Sultan Iskandar Mosque, Bandar Dato Onn, here today. Also present were Ahmad Zahid and Johor BN Chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said this when asked about the latest developments regarding the amendment to the MARA Act 1966. So far, the approval given by the Cabinet is at the policy level, while the draft amendments will be distributed to ministries and stakeholders to be refined and receive feedback before being brought back to the Cabinet meeting for final approval. This step is important to ensure that the new MARA Act is more relevant and able to strengthen the role of the agency in the Bumiputera development agenda. Previously, Asyraf Wajdi was reported to have said that the Policy Paper for the formulation of the new Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Act 2026 had been approved by the Cabinet. The new act will replace the MARA Act 1966, with approximately 80 percent of the changes in the draft proposal focused on aspects of governance and compliance based on international standards and good corporate governance practices. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU: The new amendment to the MARA Act 1966 will be tabled in Parliament this year after the Cabinet approved the policy paper relating to the amendment. MARA chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said he had been asked by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid […]

Thousands Of Malaysians Continue To Visit Southern Thailand Despite Safety Warnings

KOTA BHARU, June 14 -- Driven by the allure of an ‘overseas holiday,’ thousands of Malaysians have been ignoring safety warnings and queuing for hours to enter southern Thailand, especially during festive seasons and school holidays. Revealing this concerning trend, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said that daily observations at the state’s three official entry points (ICQS Complexes) - Rantau Panjang in Pasir Mas, Pengkalan Kubor in Tumpat, and Bukit Bunga in Tanah Merah - have recorded extremely high cross-border traffic. He said that on normal days, an estimated 3,000 people cross the border, while the figure rises to more than 4,000 during weekends. According to him, when school holidays arrive, the number increases significantly, reaching between 6,000 and 7,000 people per day. “Overall, the total number of entries and exits involving border passes or passports can reach as high as 10,000 people in a single day. We continuously advise the public that the situation there (in southern Thailand) is difficult to predict. “No one knows when or where a bombing or shooting incident might occur. The travel advisory issued by the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) last year remains in effect, yet many people appear unconcerned and are still willing to queue for hours,” he told Bernama recently. Commenting on the factors drawing visitors to the troubled region, he said that, in his personal view, Kelantan still lacks sufficiently attractive tourist destinations or family recreation spots to encourage locals to spend their holidays within the state. He added that the public’s fascination with the notion of an overseas holiday also plays a significant role. “Many people seem to regard any trip that earns them a passport stamp as an overseas holiday, even though the destination is just across the border and separated only by a river. “Financial considerations are another factor behind the growing trend. The favourable exchange rate of the neighbouring country's currency makes people feel they can spend more freely there,” he said. He added that many locals are willing to cross the border for relatively simple reasons, such as seeking out authentic Thai cuisine, strolling through night markets, or even buying viral snacks from Thailand's 7-Eleven stores before returning home the same day. Meanwhile, Mohd Yusoff suggested that the state government and relevant stakeholders consider transforming border towns such as Rantau Panjang by adopting the development model used in Padang Besar, Perlis, as part of a two-pronged strategy to reduce the outflow of Malaysian currency. He said developing a well-organised commercial complex incorporating a rest and service (R&R) concept could attract domestic tourists without requiring them to cross the border. Citing Perlis as an example, Mohd Yusoff said the R&R shopping complex there, with its attractive retail outlets, has successfully drawn Thai traders to market utility goods, clothing and authentic food products legally on the Malaysian side of the border. “If Kelantan can replicate this model, we can not only attract foreign tourists to visit the state, but also discourage our people from crossing the border simply to visit night markets or go shopping. After all, our culinary culture is not that different from theirs,” he said. Mohd Yusoff also dismissed claims by certain parties that the police’s stricter border controls were to blame for the decline in business activity at the Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubor Duty-Free Zones. He stressed that the economic downturn in both border towns had begun well before the COVID-19 pandemic. “The post-pandemic period has seen a drastic shift in consumer behaviour, with many people now preferring to purchase Thai products online,” he said. Given that the rise of e-commerce has undermined traditional brick-and-mortar businesses, he said border towns could no longer rely on conventional retail models and instead needed to reinvent themselves. This could include developing hubs for viral products, food and popular snacks, including those commonly associated with Thailand's 7-Eleven stores. “Rantau Panjang should be viewed as a destination in its own right and given a new lease of life. Establish attractive retail outlets and bring in the products that people seek from Thailand. That is the best solution for revitalising the local economy,” he said. -- BERNAMA

KOTA BHARU, June 14 — Driven by the allure of an ‘overseas holiday,’ thousands of Malaysians have been ignoring safety warnings and queuing for hours to enter southern Thailand, especially during festive seasons and school holidays. Revealing this concerning trend, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said that daily observations at the state’s three […]

Hydrochloric Acid Spill: DOE Tests Water Quality Near Accident Site

KUANTAN, June 14 -- The Department of Environment (DOE) has conducted water quality tests at locations near the site of a hydrochloric acid spill following an accident involving a tanker lorry near Cherating bridge yesterday. The department said water samples were tested at three locations within the mangrove area before the water flows into Sungai Cherating, located about 100 metres from the accident site, and found that the pH reading was within the normal range at pH 6. “Monitoring conducted using YSI equipment in Sungai Cherating recorded a river water pH reading of 9.4, indicating that there was no acid contamination,” it said. The DOE said the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) had also successfully sealed the venting line at the rear section of the tank, preventing a larger spill. “The spill is estimated at approximately 1,000 litres and has been neutralised using soda ash. No further leakage or spillage was detected,” the DOE said in a statement. The department stressed that any discharge of pollutants resulting in environmental contamination and found to be in violation of the provisions of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) will be thoroughly investigated. Should any non-compliance with the Act be identified, strict enforcement action will be taken against those responsible. It also said that it will continue to conduct regular monitoring at the accident site and surrounding areas to ensure that no pollution occurs and that all containment and clean-up measures are fully implemented in accordance with the prescribed requirements. Yesterday, a man was reported injured after the tanker lorry carrying hydrochloric acid that he was driving overturned in Cherating, causing the chemical to spill and flow into a nearby mangrove area. -- BERNAMA

KUANTAN, June 14 — The Department of Environment (DOE) has conducted water quality tests at locations near the site of a hydrochloric acid spill following an accident involving a tanker lorry near Cherating bridge yesterday. The department said water samples were tested at three locations within the mangrove area before the water flows into Sungai […]

10,000 underprivileged students benefit from RM210 million BAeK PTPTN allocation

SEREMBAN, June 15 (Bernama) -- A total of 5,953 police personnel and members of other agencies will be deployed throughout the Negeri Sembilan state election period to ensure the democratic process proceeds smoothly and remains orderly. State police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said the figure comprises 4,845 senior police officers and rank-and-file personnel, while the remainder will serve as support personnel, including members of the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA) and police volunteer reserve. “We are maintaining a high level of readiness through various comprehensive preparations that have been put in place from the outset, including security measures, traffic control, monitoring of campaign activities, law enforcement, and preparations for any eventuality throughout the election period,” he told Bernama today. He said the police would continue to conduct ongoing assessments and have not ruled out the possibility of seeking additional assistance from other contingents if necessary to strengthen existing resources and ensure operational requirements are carried out more effectively. Meanwhile, Alzafny said the police would continue to respect the right of all parties to conduct campaign activities as provided for under the law. “Accordingly, security monitoring and control measures will be intensified to ensure that all campaign activities, including political ceramah, party processions and election-related programmes, are conducted peacefully and in compliance with regulations set by the authorities,” he said. He said stern action would be taken against any individual or party found violating the law, inciting provocation, or engaging in any act that could disrupt public order and undermine the smooth conduct of the democratic process. He also urged all political parties, candidates, supporters and members of the public to uphold a culture of political maturity, respect differing views and comply with the law throughout the campaign period. The public was also advised not to engage in any form of provocation, dissemination of false information, or actions that could create tension and jeopardise social harmony. The Election Commission (EC) has set Aug 1 as polling day for the Negeri Sembilan state election, with nomination day on July 18 and early voting on July 28. -- BERNAMA

KULAI: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has allocated RM210 million through the Biasiswa Anak eKasih (PTPTN BAeK) which will benefit 10,000 poor and extremely poor students this year. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the number increased compared to 5,800 students with an allocation of RM120 million announced by Prime […]

BN to use dancing logo in Johor, Negeri Sembilan state elections – Zambry

JOHOR BAHRU: Barisan Nasional (BN) has finalised its stance to contest using the Dacing logo in the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan State Elections (PRN). BN Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the matter was among the five main decisions reached at the political coalition's Annual General Meeting at the Johor UMNO Liaison Office today. "The Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections are the main focus for BN, with the entire party machinery being mobilized comprehensively to ensure victory," he said in a statement tonight. The Higher Education Minister also reiterated his stance that BN remains steadfast in supporting the existing Unity Government until the end of its term. He said the commitment was important to guarantee the country's political stability, maintain the confidence of foreign investors and ensure the continuity of the economic development agenda for the well-being of the people. The Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections are set for July 11 and August 1, respectively. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU: Barisan Nasional (BN) has finalised its stance to contest using the Dacing logo in the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan State Elections (PRN). BN Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the matter was among the five main decisions reached at the political coalition’s Annual General Meeting at the Johor UMNO Liaison […]