Day: June 20, 2026

Malaysia Sees 14.44 Pct Increase In Horseshoe Crab Landings

PUTRAJAYA, June 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia recorded a 14.44 per cent increase in horseshoe crab landings over a three-year period, reflecting the continued resilience of its coastal ecosystems in supporting the survival of this ancient and high-value marine species. The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) said the total landings of horseshoe crabs increased from 232.80 tonnes in 2023 to 266.42 tonnes in 2025, while their wholesale market value climbed 9.32 per cent to RM2.68 million, compared with RM2.45 million over the same period. Director-General of Fisheries Datuk Adnan Hussain said horseshoe crabs are a treasure trove of the country’s marine biodiversity, with high strategic value not only to coastal ecosystems but also to the fields of bioscience and biomedicine. “The increase in horseshoe crab landings shows that the country’s coastal ecosystems are still capable of supporting the survival of the species. “However, pressure on natural habitats from development, pollution and overexploitation requires more integrated and continuous conservation action,” he said in a statement in conjunction with World Horseshoe Crab Day 2026, here today. The DOF said that although horseshoe crabs account for only around 0.019 per cent of total capture fisheries landings in the country, the species carries premium value and has the potential to generate additional income for coastal fishing communities. Known as a “living fossil”, the horseshoe crab has existed on Earth for more than 400 million years and holds significant value in biomedicine through its blue blood, which contains amebocyte lysate, an essential component used in the safety testing of vaccines and medicines to detect bacterial contamination. According to the DOF, Malaysia plays an important role in the conservation of the species as it is home to three of the world’s four horseshoe crab species, namely Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, Tachypleus gigas and Tachypleus tridentatus. The department said that despite positive trends in landing data, the horseshoe crab population still faces multiple threats, including habitat destruction from coastal development, plastic waste pollution and uncontrolled egg harvesting activities. In this regard, the DOF said it will continue to strengthen conservation efforts through enforcement, scientific research, juvenile release programmes and the gazetting of breeding areas as protected zones. The department also urged the community to work together to preserve coastal ecosystems and mangrove forests, as efforts to protect horseshoe crabs are not only important for maintaining the balance of marine biodiversity but also reflect the country’s commitment to conserving natural resources for future generations. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, June 20 — Malaysia recorded a 14.44 per cent increase in horseshoe crab landings over a three-year period, reflecting the continued resilience of its coastal ecosystems in supporting the survival of this ancient and high-value marine species. The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) said the total landings of horseshoe crabs increased from 232.80 tonnes […]

From Racetrack to Football Field: 707Livescore Expands Sports Engagement 

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 19 -- As sports continue evolving beyond screen-based viewing, 707Livescore.com is expanding its role from digital sports coverage into real-world sports communities.    Besides providing live scores, match updates, and sports content, the 707Livescore.com has actively participated in multiple motorsport events throughout 2026, including KTGP China, YMGC, E-SWS Malaysia, NKC, MSF Racing Malaysia Speed Festival, and the WSC 8 Hours Endurance Race. Through these events, 707Livescore.com aims to support grassroots motorsports while connecting with racing enthusiasts across the region. The brand has also continued investing in football-related activities and community engagement initiatives to encourage greater public interest in sports. According to the brand, sports are not only about competition, but also about bringing people together through shared passion and experiences. Moving forward, 707Livescore.com plans to further expand its involvement in both digital and offline sports experiences, building a stronger and more connected sports ecosystem for fans. -- PRNewswire -- Source: 707Livescore

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 20 — As sports continue evolving beyond screen-based viewing, 707Livescore.com is expanding its role from digital sports coverage into real-world sports communities. Besides providing live scores, match updates, and sports content, the 707Livescore.com has actively participated in multiple motorsport events throughout 2026, including KTGP China, YMGC, E-SWS Malaysia, NKC, MSF Racing Malaysia […]

Understanding Algorithms Key To Delivering Credible News – Expert

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 -- Algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) are not a threat to journalism but a new challenge that media organisations must understand to ensure credible news continues to reach the public. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Social Communication lecturer and Media and Information Psychological Warfare analyst, Dr Ahmad Sauffiyan Abu Hasan said media organisations should embrace the technology to expand the reach of accurate reporting and foster more positive public perceptions. “The challenge for the media today is understanding how algorithms work and how they can help widen the dissemination of news. “If credible news does not reach the public, that space will be filled by information that may not be accurate,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme titled ‘Berita sebagai Kompas Persepsi’ at Wisma Bernama last night. He said algorithms play a significant role in determining the content users receive based on their interactions on digital platforms. As such, media organisations need to strengthen their content strategies by incorporating visual elements, short videos and storytelling techniques that align with current algorithm trends. “We can no longer simply publish news on a website and leave it there. Media organisations need to distribute content more actively on social media using visuals and other tools so algorithms can deliver it to the intended audience,” he said. On the use of AI in journalism, Ahmad Sauffiyan said the technology could help streamline newsroom processes and improve efficiency. However, he cautioned against overreliance on AI, stressing that journalists must continue to exercise their own judgement. “AI can help, but we cannot hand everything over to technology. Decisions and assessments must still come from journalists,” he said. He also urged media organisations to uphold the principles of ethical journalism by ensuring information is fact-based, balanced and free from bias in order to maintain public trust. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — Algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) are not a threat to journalism but a new challenge that media organisations must understand to ensure credible news continues to reach the public. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Social Communication lecturer and Media and Information Psychological Warfare analyst, Dr Ahmad Sauffiyan Abu Hasan said […]

HDC 2026 Global Eco Summit: Huawei Ecosystem Fuels Partners’ Growth in China and Cross-Border Success

DONGGUAN, China, June 19 -- At the HDC 2026 Global Eco Summit in Dongguan, Huawei convened global partners to explore how its innovative technologies are reshaping digital interaction and business growth. Huawei's ecosystem, driven by Petal Ads' AI and rich insights, helps brands navigate the China market through multi-dimensional analysis spanning user portraits, media journeys, and brand consideration. It provides precision access to premium segments, including 22 million annual outbound travelers—76% of whom are middle-to-high consumers with TGI scores over 110 for luxury goods and premium lifestyles. At the summit, a leading global luxury house—viewing China as its No.2 luxury market and a strategic hub for digital engagement—showcased how it used Petal Ads to target high-net-worth users, including foldable device owners. Through immersive splash screen visuals, the campaign generated tens of millions of impressions and high click-through rates, expanding into future in-store collaborations. Similarly, a Malaysia tourism board launched a 360-degree journey combining Petal Ads, KOLs, and offline flagship store activations. The campaign integrated customized watch faces featuring VM2026 mascots on Huawei wearables and real-time travel sharing via SkyTone, generating hundreds of millions of exposures. For cross-border growth, overseas partners are embedding services into Huawei's ecosystem. A premier Hong Kong ticketing platform for concerts and sports leveraged Huawei's hybrid architecture, Huawei Login, Petal Maps navigation, and SkyTone connectivity to transform standalone ticket sales into continuous travel experiences for outbound Chinese tourists. Meanwhile, Turkey's leading smart wallet, BonusFlaş, enabled contactless NFC payments on Huawei Watch 5 and GT 6 series across millions of POS terminals, streamlining transactions via its upgraded BonusFlaş 2.0 interface. Huawei remains committed to opening its ecosystem, turning cross-border challenges into collaborative growth opportunities. -- PRNewswire  -- Source: Huawei Mobile Services    

DONGGUAN, China, June 19 –– At the HDC 2026 Global Eco Summit in Dongguan, Huawei convened global partners to explore how its innovative technologies are reshaping digital interaction and business growth. Huawei’s ecosystem, driven by Petal Ads’ AI and rich insights, helps brands navigate the China market through multi-dimensional analysis spanning user portraits, media journeys, and […]

World Cup 2026: USA Defeat Australia 2-0 in Seattle

SEATTLE, June 20 — The United States secured a 2-0 victory over Australia in their Group D clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup held at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday. The match attracted thousands of fans, with a vibrant atmosphere surrounding the stadium well before kick-off. Supporters dressed in colourful costumes and participated in singing and celebrations as they gathered outside the venue. Amid the festivities, several spectators were seen carrying Palestinian flags and banners expressing solidarity with Palestine. Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) outside the stadium, fans identified as Morina and Nick said they chose to display the flags and share pro-Palestinian messages to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian situation in the region. The United States' victory strengthens their position in Group D as they continue their campaign in the tournament, while Australia will look to bounce back in their next fixture. -- MINUTESMY

SEATTLE, June 20 — The United States secured a 2-0 victory over Australia in their Group D clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup held at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday. The match attracted thousands of fans, with a vibrant atmosphere surrounding the stadium well before kick-off. Supporters dressed in colourful costumes and participated […]

Sudirman biopic to meet fans by 2028

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 20 -- Efforts to restore the glory of the Malaysian music industry to the international stage will be realised through the production of a biopic film about the legendary entertainer the late Datuk Sudirman Haji Arshad by 2028. The late's nephew, Razman Azrai Zainuddin or better known as Atai, said the film was not just about the story of Sudirman, but about the golden era of local music in the 1980s which once gained international recognition. "We want today's generation to rediscover the culture, unity and spirit of the Malaysian people at that time," he told reporters after the Datuk Sudirman Arshad Legacy Appreciation Ceremony, here, yesterday. Atai said the idea for the biopic production originated five years ago and is now entering the early development phase with support from the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas), particularly in the aspect of script development. According to him, several potential directors have been identified and the production team is now actively seeking strategic collaborations and funding, in addition to holding auditions to find actors who can portray the versatile entertainer. In a similar development, Atai, who represents the heirs of the late Sudirman, received royalty payments totaling more than RM360,000 from EMI Music Malaysia, one of the labels under the auspices of Universal Music Malaysia. He said the payment covered the deceased's works since the 1970s based on the agreement and copyright signed at that time. According to Atai, the royalty claim and verification process took about two years because it involved an account audit process as well as detailed discussions between the heirs, family lawyers and the recording company to ensure the appointment of a legal administrator. "Previously, royalty matters were quite difficult because no administrative mechanism was established immediately after the late King's passing. "After the old financial responsibilities were settled by his siblings, we established Sudirman Asset Management in 2015 to facilitate and coordinate all matters related to the late's legacy, including applications for the use of his images, works and intellectual property rights," he said. Atai said the initiative also allows for the management of the late Sudirman's copyright and royalties to be implemented in a more structured manner, thus making it easier for outside parties who wish to obtain permission regarding the use of Sudirman's works and identity in the future. Meanwhile, Universal Music Malaysia Managing Director, Kim Lim, said the process of auditing the accounts and coordinating the royalty statements took almost two years due to the ambiguity of several of the deceased's old contracts when he was under the EMI Music Malaysia label. "This royalty handover is not just fulfilling the company's responsibility to the heirs, but is also a form of appreciation for the great contribution of the late Sudirman who has shaped the country's musical landscape," he said. Kim said that following the expiration of the old contract, a new agreement was signed with the Sudirman family which included aspects of digitization, audio restoration, re-publication of iconic works including vinyl records, as well as payment of digital royalties in full. According to him, Universal Music Malaysia is currently planning various commercial initiatives including digital campaigns through major streaming platforms as well as new souvenir items to reintroduce Sudirman's song catalogue to the younger generation. As part of this effort, Universal Music Malaysia and Sudi Production collaborated to hold the "Bintang Uni-verse Pencarian Sudirman 2.0" program at five selected public universities aimed at identifying new talents in the fields of singing and acting to support the production of the biopic film. "We don't want to find a replica or replace Sudirman because he cannot be replaced. We want to find young talent who are inspired by his art to present the work in a fresher and more relevant approach," he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 20 — Efforts to restore the glory of the Malaysian music industry to the international stage will be realised through the production of a biopic film about the legendary entertainer the late Datuk Sudirman Haji Arshad by 2028. The late’s nephew, Razman Azrai Zainuddin or better known as Atai, said the film […]

The US quietly escorted 87 tankers through the Strait of Hormuz – Trump

ISTANBUL, JUNE 20 -- US President Donald Trump said Washington quietly moved at least 87 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, under the cover of darkness, while the Iranian military was unaware of the operation, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported. "We're going to leave at 1 a.m., all the lights are out, and our navy destroyers are going to sail alongside," Trump told Axios in an interview aired Friday. Trump said the operation was possible because US forces had "destroyed" Iranian radar and defense systems before the conflict. For more than a month, he said, "no one knew" where the oil transported through the waterway came from. The statement came after weeks of disruption to global energy markets following the US-Israeli attack on Iran which began on Feb. 28. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently said that "Project Freedom" has successfully escorted 125 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. In another development, speaking to US Air Force service members before departing Joint Base Andrews, Trump said the ships were sailing out of the Strait of Hormuz "like no one has ever seen before." The president reiterated that the US has "the greatest military anywhere in the world." Regarding the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran, Trump said Iran has 60 days to reach a final agreement. "We have an agreement that was signed last night. 60 days, they have to make an agreement, otherwise we will do things that will not please them. "I don't think it will get there. If we do that, then all of a sudden, you won't have oil flowing out of the strait," he said. On Wednesday, Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian electronically signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the war between the US, Israel and Iran and halting Israel's attacks on Lebanon. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL, JUNE 20 — US President Donald Trump said Washington quietly moved at least 87 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, under the cover of darkness, while the Iranian military was unaware of the operation, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported. “We’re going to leave at 1 a.m., all the lights are out, and our navy […]

Amanah To Field More Fresh Faces, Youths In Johor State Election

JOHOR BAHRU, June 20 -- Party Amanah will field more fresh faces, including youth and women candidates, in the upcoming Johor State Election. Johor Amanah Chairman Aminolhuda Hassan stated that out of the 19 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats the party will contest, roughly six or seven candidates are individuals who have run in previous elections. "The rest are fresh faces, and out of that number, half consist of youth candidates," he told reporters at the launch of the South Zone Amanah Election Machinery here today, which was also attended by Amanah President Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. Aminolhuda added that the party has also shortlisted two women candidates so far. Commenting on the areas Amanah will contest in this Johor State Election, he explained that it covers six seats in the northern zone, five in the central zone, while the remainder are in the east coast and southern zones of Johor. Meanwhile, Mohamad said that the party machinery is now fully prepared to face the state election. The Election Commission (EC) has set July 11 as polling day for the Johor State Election, with June 27 as nomination day and early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, June 20 — Party Amanah will field more fresh faces, including youth and women candidates, in the upcoming Johor State Election. Johor Amanah Chairman Aminolhuda Hassan stated that out of the 19 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats the party will contest, roughly six or seven candidates are individuals who have run in previous […]

Selangor expands access to affordable healthcare through Selgate

SHAH ALAM, JUNE 20 -- The Selangor State Government continues to expand access to affordable healthcare through a network of hospitals under Selgate Healthcare (Selgate) to help the people cope with rising medical costs and insurance premiums. Selangor Public Health and Environment Exco, Jamaliah Jamaluddin said that Selgate Specialist Hospital Rawang, which was launched last May, is now involved in the Hospital Services Outsourcing Program (HSOP), which allows certain patients to be referred to private hospitals for treatment. He said the move would not only provide patients with faster access to treatment, but also help reduce pressure and congestion at public health facilities. "The Selangor State Government is strengthening collaboration between Selgate with insurance companies, Takaful, third party administrators (TPA) and the corporate sector to ensure that the treatment price structure remains affordable, especially for the B40 and M40 groups," he told Bernama. Jamaliah said that Iltizam Selangor Sihat (ISS) benefit holders can also obtain treatment for illnesses and services covered under the programme through the Selgate ecosystem. He said the integration between Selcare Management Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the state government, and the SELangkah application allows the registration process, verification of eligibility and management of health benefits to be carried out more efficiently. "The state government's goal is to ensure that the people not only receive health assistance, but can access these benefits easily when they need treatment," he said. Meanwhile, the head of the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Prof Dr Mohd Arshil Moideen described the affordable private hospital model introduced by Selgate as an intervention measure that has the potential to bridge the gap in people's ability to obtain treatment as medical costs and insurance premiums continue to rise. He said the initiative could also be a short-term solution to help reduce congestion at government hospitals, but more formal integration between the public and private sectors needed to be strengthened to ensure more comprehensive benefits. "Through the targeted service purchasing method by the Ministry of Health (MOH), public funds can be used to finance certain procedures for B40 patients in hospitals such as Selgate, thus helping to reduce congestion in government hospitals more effectively," he said. Mohd Arshil said that the sustainability of the affordable private hospital model in the long term depends on diversifying income sources to face the challenges of global medical inflation and currency weakness. He also suggested the use of high-quality generic medicines to control treatment costs and reduce dependence on imported medicines and equipment. "As a government-linked company (GLC) entity, Selgate can leverage its scale to manage its own pharmacy chain and strengthen its corporate primary healthcare package which is more preventative," he said. Last May, the Menteri Besar of Selangor, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, said the official opening of Selgate Specialist Hospital Rawang was able to accommodate the demand for specialist services in the northern corridor of Selangor, which is currently recording rapid population growth. He said the hospital, with a capacity of 224 beds, would not just meet the needs of private healthcare, but would also be part of the state government's efforts to expand health benefits to the people. -- BERNAMA

SHAH ALAM, JUNE 20 — The Selangor State Government continues to expand access to affordable healthcare through a network of hospitals under Selgate Healthcare (Selgate) to help the people cope with rising medical costs and insurance premiums. Selangor Public Health and Environment Exco, Jamaliah Jamaluddin said that Selgate Specialist Hospital Rawang, which was launched last […]