Day: June 19, 2026

Prosecution’s Appeal In Nhaveen Murder Case Struck Out By Federal Court

PUTRAJAYA, June 19 -- The Federal Court today struck out the prosecution's notice of appeal against the acquittal of a man on a charge of murdering bullying victim T. Nhaveen nine years ago.  A three-member Federal Court bench led by Datuk Nordin Hassan made the ruling after Deputy Public Prosecutor Allan Suman Pillai informed the court that the notice of appeal could not be served personally on S. Gopinaath, 35, who resides in Penang, as the respondent could not be located. “This is the fifth time the prosecution has attempted to serve the notice of appeal. I seek further directions from the court,” said Allan. Also sitting on the bench were Datuk Seri Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera and Datuk Azimah Omar. The prosecution had appealed against the Court of Appeal's decision on Jan 13, 2025, to acquit Gopinaath of murdering Nhaveen, who was 18 at the time, at a park along Jalan Bunga Raya between 11 pm and midnight on June 9, 2017. Gopinaath was charged in 2021, four years after the incident, while the prosecution's seventh witness was testifying during the trial. The Court of Appeal also ordered four men - J. Ragesuthan and S. Gokulan, both now aged 27, as well as two others who were juveniles at the time of the incident - to enter their defence on a murder charge after allowing the prosecution's appeal against the Penang High Court's decision on Oct 3, 2023, to discharge and acquit them. The appellate court also remitted the case to the Penang High Court for the four men to enter their defence. The four were further ordered to enter their defence on a charge of causing injury to Nhaveen's friend, T. Previin, near the Karpal Singh Learning Centre along Jalan Kaki Bukit, Gelugor, between 11 pm and midnight on June 9, 2017. Case management has been fixed for July 3 at the Penang High Court to set trial dates. Nhaveen sustained serious injuries after being assaulted by a group of youths in an incident along Jalan Kaki Bukit, Gelugor. He was admitted to Penang Hospital but died six days later.  His friend, Previin, was also reportedly assaulted by the same group with motorcycle helmets but managed to escape and seek help. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, June 19 — The Federal Court today struck out the prosecution’s notice of appeal against the acquittal of a man on a charge of murdering bullying victim T. Nhaveen nine years ago. A three-member Federal Court bench led by Datuk Nordin Hassan made the ruling after Deputy Public Prosecutor Allan Suman Pillai informed the […]

Water Hyacinth Organic Fertiliser Project Generates New Income For Dalat Community

MUKAH, June 19  -- A water hyacinth processing project that converts the invasive aquatic plant into organic fertiliser has created a new source of income for residents, particularly women, in Dalat district, said Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah. She said women involved in the project not only work at the processing centre but also earn additional income by collecting water hyacinth from rivers and selling it to the facility as raw material. Fatimah said the project uses Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology to recycle organic waste, including water hyacinth, into high-quality organic fertiliser and protein-rich animal feed. "This initiative transforms an invasive plant that was once a problem for riverine communities into an economic resource that benefits residents," she said at the launch of the Organic Fertiliser and Animal Feed Centre in Dalat near here today. She said 3,227 kilogrammes (kg) of water hyacinth had been collected this year for organic fertiliser production, with collectors receiving 40 sen per kg. The initiative not only helps clear rivers of the aggressively growing plant but also creates income opportunities for residents involved in its collection and processing, she said. Fatimah said the project had completed its first phase, which involved constructing a processing centre, procuring equipment, establishing initial stock and commencing operations in Kampung Kekan, Dalat. Earlier, she launched the processing centre, which also serves as a Black Soldier Fly breeding farm and was developed through a collaboration between the Sarawak state government and Petronas to support rural development efforts. She said the collected water hyacinth is used to produce biomass for breeding Black Soldier Fly larvae before the remaining plant matter is processed into organic fertiliser. A total of 804 kg of organic fertiliser was produced last year, generating RM2,400 in sales, while 676 kg had been produced so far this year, with sales reaching RM2,119, she said. Meanwhile, Petronas Sarawak general manager Norazibah Md Rabu said the Dalat community project reflected Petronas' commitment to supporting community wellbeing while advancing sustainable solutions to address local challenges. -- BERNAMA

MUKAH, June 19  — A water hyacinth processing project that converts the invasive aquatic plant into organic fertiliser has created a new source of income for residents, particularly women, in Dalat district, said Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah. She said women involved in the project not only […]

Selangor Heritage Body Names Aslynda Mohd Dahlan As New CEO

SHAH ALAM, June 19 -- The Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation (PADAT) has announced the appointment of Aslynda Mohd Dahlan as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. In a statement today, PADAT said the appointment is aimed at driving forward Selangor's heritage agenda while cementing the body's role as the state's leading institution for culture, heritage, and museums. It highlighted her extensive track record in public administration, state development planning, financial management, strategic policy development, and corporate governance. "Prior to her appointment at PADAT, she built her career in the Selangor state government, serving in senior roles such as the state treasury's principal assistant financial officer. "She also previously served as the principal assistant director of the sectoral section at the Selangor State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), which provided her with direct experience and exposure to the development of the state's culture, heritage, and creative industries," the statement read. Aslynda also served as a board member of Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS), where she monitored corporate governance to ensure compliance with the standards set by the Selangor state government. Welcoming her to the role, PADAT’s board, management, and staff expressed full confidence that her experience and expertise would drive forward the preservation, conservation, and promotion of Selangor’s cultural heritage. "Under her leadership, PADAT will continue to empower museums as dynamic hubs for education, research, and cultural tourism, while expanding efforts to document, conserve, and promote the state's heritage to ensure it remains relevant for present and future generations. "This appointment also aligns with the Selangor state government's aspiration to ensure that the state's historical treasures, culture, and Malay customs continue to be preserved, appreciated, and passed down as a symbol of identity and state pride," the statement read. -- Credit: : PERBADANAN ADAT MELAYU DAN WARISAN NEGERI SELANGOR (PADAT)  -- BERNAMA

SHAH ALAM, June 19 — The Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation (PADAT) has announced the appointment of Aslynda Mohd Dahlan as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. In a statement today, PADAT said the appointment is aimed at driving forward Selangor’s heritage agenda while cementing the body’s role as the state’s leading institution […]

MACC Recommends Wider COB Powers To Strengthen Strata Fund Management

PUTRAJAYA, June 19 -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recommended amendments to the Strata Management Act 2013 (Act 757) to expand the investigative powers of the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) in addressing conflicts of interest and the misuse of management funds in strata properties. In a statement today, the MACC said the proposal was among six recommendations submitted by its Governance Investigation Division (BPT) to the National Housing Department (JPN) under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to strengthen governance in financial management and procurement practices in strata developments. "Among the key recommendations proposed are amendments to Act 757 to expand the COB's investigative powers over conflicts of interest and fund misappropriation, enforcement through compoundable offences to expedite action and improve compliance, and the gazettement of financial and procurement guidelines as legal obligations with clear procedures," the statement said. The MACC said the recommendations were presented by BPT deputy director II Ahmad Shukri Mohd Taib to the JPN on June 16 through a study on challenges faced by the COB in regulating financial management and procurement in strata developments. To enhance transparency, the MACC also proposed the development of an e-reporting system based on Singapore's Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act 2004 model, which would enable more transparent periodic reporting and reduce the risk of document manipulation. "It was also proposed that staffing structures be reorganised through the addition of personnel and the establishment of an optimum staffing ratio to improve monitoring effectiveness, while officers' competencies should be strengthened through continuous training in finance, auditing, procurement and enforcement," the statement said. Meanwhile, the JPN welcomed all the recommendations and expressed confidence that their implementation would strengthen governance, enhance transparency and accountability, and reinforce organisational management practices towards delivering services that are more ethical, efficient and effective. -- BERNAMA    

PUTRAJAYA, June 19 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recommended amendments to the Strata Management Act 2013 (Act 757) to expand the investigative powers of the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) in addressing conflicts of interest and the misuse of management funds in strata properties. In a statement today, the MACC said the proposal was […]

Longbridge Group Opens New Singapore Headquarters at Asia Square, Marina Bay

HONG KONG, June 19 -- Longbridge Group today officially opened its new Singapore office at Asia Square Tower 2, in the heart of the Marina Bay financial district. This is the first of 2 offices that Longbridge Group will be opening in Singapore, with the second one opening Q4 2026.  This will be a first among online brokerages in Singapore. The move marks a significant milestone for the group, solidifying its presence in Singapore as the company's headquarters, in one of the city-state's most prominent business addresses and signalling a deepened long-term commitment to the region.    Longbridge Group is a leading fintech company operating across three core business segments: Securities, Technology, and AI. Through its retail brokerage platform Longbridge, its institutional trading solutions arm LONGPORT Whale, and its AI-native financial infrastructure platform LongbridgeAI, the group serves a global base of retail investors, institutional clients, quantitative researchers, and developers. With offices across Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, the United States, and New Zealand, Longbridge Group combines deep financial market expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver next-generation investment experiences. "Singapore is not a new market for us, we have been here for our users have been here since the beginning," said Nowa Zhu, Group CEO and co-founder. "What's new is that we can finally say: come find us. Longbridge is now a more prominent presence in your city, and we're here to stay." Singapore's position as Asia's premier financial centre makes it the natural home for Longbridge Group's office. As a global hub for capital markets, regulatory innovation, and technology talent, Singapore provides the ideal platform from which Longbridge can deliver world-class fintech services to investors across Asia and beyond. The city-state's open economy, robust regulatory framework, and connectivity to global markets align directly with Longbridge Group's ambition to build trusted, technology-driven financial infrastructure for a global audience. The new office is located at Asia Square, one of Marina Bay's most recognisable business addresses, placing Longbridge Group at the centre of Singapore's financial district. To mark the occasion, the team welcomed the new space with a lion dance and a pineapple rolling ceremony, a beloved Singaporean tradition rooted in the Hokkien phrase ong lai, meaning "fortune arrives." The office opening is the first of two milestones for Longbridge in Singapore this year. The upcoming Longbridge Cafe, the brand's first in Southeast Asia, will open at a separate Singapore location later in 2026, further cementing the group's presence in the city. Across its three business segments, Longbridge Group continues to achieve strong momentum. On the Securities side, Longbridge has expanded its trading infrastructure to support multi-market access for retail investors across Asia, growing its user base and deepening product offerings in equities, options, and fixed income. In Technology, LONGPORT Whale has broadened its suite of multi-asset, multi-market solutions for institutional clients including brokers, banks, and family offices, with an increasing number of partnerships across the region. On the AI front, LongbridgeAI has accelerated development of its agent-native financial data and trading infrastructure platform, positioning Longbridge Group at the forefront of the industry's shift toward AI-driven investing. -- PRNewswire -- Source: Longbridge Group    

HONG KONG, June 19 — Longbridge Group today officially opened its new Singapore office at Asia Square Tower 2, in the heart of the Marina Bay financial district. This is the first of 2 offices that Longbridge Group will be opening in Singapore, with the second one opening Q4 2026. This will be a first among […]

Strong earthquake hits Russia, no tsunami threat to Malaysia – MetMalaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 was detected off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia at 2.52 pm this afternoon. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) in a statement announced that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (km) with the epicentre detected 128 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia. However, initial assessments found that there was no tsunami threat to Malaysia. -- NAMED

KUALA LUMPUR: A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 was detected off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia at 2.52 pm this afternoon. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) in a statement announced that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (km) with the epicentre detected 128 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia. However, […]

FAM Restructuring A Positive Step, In Line With Fan Demands – Analysts

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 -- The decision by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to carry out a “restructuring exercise” by terminating the contracts of the national team coaching staff yesterday has been described as a very positive step marking a major transformation of the local football landscape. Local sports analyst Zack Rahim said the drastic move is a clear signal that the governing body is now in a phase of large-scale transformation, as long demanded by fans. He stressed that the move has indirectly returned technical authority to FAM, in line with calls from hardcore supporters, including Ultras Malaya, who have long wanted the Harimau Malaya setup to be overhauled. “FAM is undergoing a major transformation, and the termination of contracts is a very positive step, welcomed by me and also the supporters. If we want to reform FAM, let’s reform it from scratch,” he told Bernama today. He also viewed the move as a more efficient financial management strategy through expenditure rationalisation, allowing funds to be redirected towards more critical development programmes. Commenting on the team’s direction ahead of the ASEAN Cup and the FIFA ASEAN Cup, he suggested that FAM should not look for external candidates for now, but instead utilise proven internal expertise. He named National Football Development Programme (NFDP) technical director Datuk Ong Kim Swee as the most ideal individual to take on the interim coaching role, based on his record and extensive experience. He said the reassignment would be the most practical approach as Kim Swee is already within the system, while also taking into account FAM’s administrative constraints in offering new contracts before the formation of a permanent leadership line-up. “Not a new contract. He remains under his NFDP director contract but is reassigned to gather players while waiting for September to appoint a new FAM committee. That’s the only option I see available,” he said. Meanwhile, local football observer Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli also agreed, describing the decision as a “timely and appropriate” move to realign the management structure with recommendations from the Asian Football Confederation. He also said the absence of a permanent head coach at this stage would allow local players to demonstrate their inner strength in restoring the team’s image and rebuilding fans’ trust, which has been damaged by various issues. “Right now we want to see our players... whether they have the high awareness to restore the image... strong determination to dispel the perception that local players cannot perform,” he said. Previously, FAM confirmed that the contract of National Team CEO Robert Douglas Friend, or Rob Friend, was terminated by mutual consent effective June 1. The contract of Cklamovski, along with two senior technical staff members Matthew Smith and Seiya Imazaki, was also terminated by mutual consent effective June 16. FAM also said the contracts of coach Nafuzi Zain and U-23 national team goalkeeping coach Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin were terminated by mutual consent effective June 15. — BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — The decision by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to carry out a “restructuring exercise” by terminating the contracts of the national team coaching staff yesterday has been described as a very positive step marking a major transformation of the local football landscape. Local sports analyst Zack Rahim said the […]

UPKO Coimmitted To Bolster GRS Coalition – Ewon

KOTA KINABALU, June 19 -- The United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (UPKO) is committed to contributing to efforts to strengthen and empower Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to spearhead the leadership, administration and development of the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Its president Datuk Ewon Benedick said the commitment was following UPKO's acceptance as a GRS component party after its application to join the coalition was officially received yesterday. The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister also expressed his appreciation to Hajiji as the GRS chairman and a member of the Supreme Council for accepting UPKO as a component party. “GRS is the only coalition of local parties in Sabah, so this should be the real home of political parties from Sabah. “Only local Sabah parties truly understand the image of Sabah in developing its future through what has been agreed upon in the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” he said in a statement today. Ewon also called on all Sabahans to unite with GRS to build the vision of Sabah First, Sabah Prosper, Sabah United. UPKO’s entry means that GRS now consists of six component parties, including Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Liberal Demokratik, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah and Parti Cinta Sabah. -- BERNAMA

KOTA KINABALU, June 19 — The United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (UPKO) is committed to contributing to efforts to strengthen and empower Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to spearhead the leadership, administration and development of the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Its president Datuk Ewon Benedick said the commitment was following […]

AI Is A Tool, Not An Editorial Authority – Media CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 -- Artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be utilised to speed up the production of news content, but editorial responsibility must remain in human hands to ensure that the integrity and credibility of journalism are preserved, according to a top media executive. Vanakkam Malaysia chief executive officer Thiaga Rajan Muthusamy said AI should not be given editorial decision-making powers, even though the technology can assist in various aspects of content production and improve work efficiency. He said AI can be used to speed up writing, translation and the preparation of multilingual content, but final decisions related to publication must be made by media practitioners. "For producing content, we can use AI because we know it can generate content faster and more attractively, but do not give editorial responsibility to AI," he said, stressing that AI should not be seen as a replacement for journalists or editors. He said this as a guest on Bernama Radio’s Jendela Fikir HAWANA programme, which discussed the topic HAWANA 2026: Challenges to Media Integrity and Credibility in the AI Era today. Thiaga Rajan said the use of AI in the media industry is unavoidable as the technology is also widely used across various other sectors. He said media practitioners must master the technology to enable them to convey information related to AI more effectively to the public. "If media practitioners themselves do not understand AI, we will not be able to convey such information to the public," he said. According to Thiaga Rajan, media organisations that refuse to adopt AI risk becoming irrelevant in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. He stressed that integrity remains the key factor distinguishing journalistic content from that generated automatically by technology. "AI can write articles, produce videos and create voices, but it cannot replace integrity. As journalists, we cannot compromise on integrity, and it is even more important in this AI era," he said. The National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration will culminate in Penang tomorrow, bringing together media practitioners from across the country to honour them as integrity-driven conveyors of information. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — Artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be utilised to speed up the production of news content, but editorial responsibility must remain in human hands to ensure that the integrity and credibility of journalism are preserved, according to a top media executive. Vanakkam Malaysia chief executive officer Thiaga Rajan Muthusamy said AI […]