Day: June 22, 2026

Speaker Confirms Hamzah’s Return As Opposition Leader

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has confirmed that Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin resumed his role as Opposition Leader on June 18. Based on developments since the previous First Meeting of the Dewan Rakyat and notifications that had been considered, Johari said Hamzah was the Opposition Leader as of May 20, 2026. He said Kemaman MP Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar was subsequently appointed to the post from May 21 to June 10, before Hamzah returned as Opposition Leader on June 18. “I would like to express my appreciation to the Honourable Member for Kemaman for his service as Opposition Leader during that period and welcome the Honourable Member for Larut back to serve as Opposition Leader,” he said. Johari announced the status of the Opposition Leader under Standing Order 4A(3) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders in his opening remarks before today’s Oral Question Time. In a separate development, Johari also confirmed the casual vacancies in the Pandan and Setiawangsa parliamentary seats after their incumbents, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, submitted letters relinquishing their memberships as Members of Parliament on May 18. Johari said he had notified the Election Commission of the vacancies in both seats in accordance with Article 54(1) of the Federal Constitution. -- BERNAMA  

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has confirmed that Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin resumed his role as Opposition Leader on June 18. Based on developments since the previous First Meeting of the Dewan Rakyat and notifications that had been considered, Johari said Hamzah was the Opposition Leader […]

Neymar Returns To Full Brazil Training

NEW JERSEY, June 22 -- Neymar trained fully with Brazil's World Cup squad on Sunday as he prepares for his first international appearance in almost three years, reported Xinhua. The Santos forward, who had partially resumed training last week, completed his first full session with Brazil's squad since it assembled in Terespolis, near Rio de Janeiro, on May 27. On Friday, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said the 34-year-old had recovered from a grade two calf strain and would be included in the matchday squad for Wednesday's final Group C match against Scotland in Miami. Teammate Lucas Paqueta said Neymar's availability had provided a morale boost to the five-time world champion. "We're all very happy about Neymar's return," the midfielder told reporters on Sunday. "He's an extremely important player for our national team, someone with a wonderful history who can help us a lot. I hope he can be on the field helping us again as soon as possible." Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has not played for the national team since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023. Brazil currently leads Group C with four points, ahead of second-placed Morocco on goal difference. Scotland is third with three points and Haiti last, having yet to register a point.  -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

NEW JERSEY, June 22 — Neymar trained fully with Brazil’s World Cup squad on Sunday as he prepares for his first international appearance in almost three years, reported Xinhua. The Santos forward, who had partially resumed training last week, completed his first full session with Brazil’s squad since it assembled in Terespolis, near Rio de […]

Haier Cup Boosts Grassroots Badminton Development, Promotes Healthy Lifestyles

JOHOR BAHRU, June 22 -- Haier Malaysia continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing the national sporting landscape through the organisation of the fourth edition of the Haier Cup 2026, which has grown into a national platform for nurturing emerging badminton talent at the grassroots level.  Haier Malaysia brand marketing manager Audree Fam said the annual tournament serves as a platform for young players to hone their talent and improve their skills. “The main objective of organising this tournament is to strengthen the development of badminton at the grassroots level,” she said when met at the Haier Cup 2026 Johor Series tournament at Sports Hub @ Austin Heights here on Saturday (June 20). According to Fam, Haier Malaysia has expanded its reach for this edition by adding Sabah as a new host destination, alongside existing venues in Sarawak, Johor, Penang and Selangor. This year's tournament also offers a more dynamic challenge, with prizes worth RM90,000 comprising cash, Haier products and Maxx merchandise. In addition to the open category, Haier's commitment to the sporting ecosystem is reflected through the organisation of the Haier Cup Junior for the second consecutive year, catering to participants as young as seven. The initiative is complemented by the Haier Junior Development 2.0 programme, which aims to train 10,000 students from 20 schools nationwide through a structured year-long training framework. “Haier Malaysia believes sport plays an important role in promoting an active and healthy lifestyle among Malaysians,” said Fam. She said that through the Haier Cup, the company hopes to encourage the public to remain active while instilling discipline and a strong spirit of sportsmanship. Meanwhile, one of the tournament participants, Lai Wei Chung, 27, said the championship provides a valuable opportunity to gain experience by competing against players from various backgrounds and levels. Lai said this was not his first time participating in the Haier Cup and viewed the platform as highly beneficial for the long-term development of players. Another participant, Ng Jiajun, 32, believed that expanding the tournament across more states would help unearth more talents. “Through competitions like this, we are able to bring together talented players to compete with one another, providing valuable experience that greatly contributes to the development of badminton at this level,” he said. Ng also praised the management of player scheduling and the smooth running of matches, describing it as excellent throughout the tournament. In a separate statement, Haier Malaysia managing director Fan Jing said the Haier Cup continues to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from both participants and partners. “What began as a competitive initiative has evolved into a strong engagement platform, with participation and interest continuing to grow year after year,” he said. He said such initiatives have proven highly valuable in supporting badminton enthusiasts by providing opportunities to compete, enhance their skills and remain active in the sport. For the 2026 edition, Haier is also focusing on rising talent Lim Ming Hong through the Haier Elite Player Sponsorship Programme to support his professional journey on both the local and international stages. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, June 22 — Haier Malaysia continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing the national sporting landscape through the organisation of the fourth edition of the Haier Cup 2026, which has grown into a national platform for nurturing emerging badminton talent at the grassroots level. Haier Malaysia brand marketing manager Audree Fam said the […]

Two Rooms At SK Parit Serong Damaged In Fire

SHAH ALAM, June 22 -- Two rooms at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Parit Serong in Tanjung Karang, near Kuala Selangor, were damaged in a fire shortly after midnight today, but no casualties were reported. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar said the department received an emergency call at 12.50 am, and a team from the Tanjung Karang station arrived at the scene at 1.01 am. He said the operation was also assisted by personnel from the Kuala Selangor and Sungai Besar stations, involving a total of 13 personnel and three fire engines. "The fire involved an administration office and the resource unit room measuring 18.3 by 7.6 metres. It was brought under control at 1.13 am," he said in a statement. The cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained, he said. -- BERNAMA

SHAH ALAM, June 22 — Two rooms at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Parit Serong in Tanjung Karang, near Kuala Selangor, were damaged in a fire shortly after midnight today, but no casualties were reported. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar said the department received an emergency call at 12.50 am, […]

Impact Study Shows PLKN 3.0 Delivers Positive Outcomes – Adly

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 has achieved all its key performance indicators (KPIs), with impact studies showing positive improvements across six core elements of human capital development among participants, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said trainees were required to attain at least 80 per cent achievement in six key areas: patriotism, unity, discipline and self-transformation, mental resilience and preparedness, military knowledge, and volunteerism. He said the KPI assessment was conducted through surveys and impact studies before and after training, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM). “Overall, the objectives and KPIs set for all PLKN 3.0 training series have been achieved, with all indicators showing positive improvement based on findings from the second series this year. “Military knowledge recorded the most significant increase, rising from 56 per cent before training to 84 per cent after training, while volunteerism increased from 75 per cent to 83 per cent,” he said in reply to a question from Sekijang MP Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Adly said patriotism levels rose from 82 per cent to 88.98 per cent after training, while unity scores increased by nine per cent. Discipline and self-transformation improved from 77.36 per cent to 92.6 per cent, and mental resilience rose from 71 per cent to 83 per cent. Although PLKN is not an employment programme, he said former participants would receive added value after five public sector appointing authorities agreed to award additional merit points to eligible trainees during recruitment and interview processes. On access for B40 and rural youths, Adly said PLKN 3.0 was designed to involve young people from all backgrounds, including through the integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) elements into its training modules. He said a total of 3,404 trainees had participated in PLKN 3.0 so far, comprising 1,202 last year and 2,202 in the second series this year. The ministry is targeting 4,200 trainees by year-end through its three existing camps, while preparations are underway for nine additional camps that are expected to increase capacity to 9,200 trainees next year. He added that health issues and continuing studies were among the main reasons cited by individuals who failed to report after being selected for training. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 has achieved all its key performance indicators (KPIs), with impact studies showing positive improvements across six core elements of human capital development among participants, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said trainees were required to attain at least […]

PM Anwar Conveys Condolences Over Francisco Guterres’ Passing

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his condolences following the passing of former Timor-Leste President Francisco Guterres, describing him as a respected leader who played a pivotal role in his nation's struggle for independence and democratic development. In a statement, Anwar said Malaysia joins the people of Timor-Leste in mourning the loss of a statesman whose life was dedicated to the freedom and progress of his country. “On behalf of Malaysia, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Timor-Leste,” Anwar said. Francisco Guterres, widely known by his resistance name “Lú-Olo”, was among the generation of leaders who helped secure Timor-Leste’s independence. He spent years in the resistance movement before going on to serve as President of the National Parliament and later as the country's Head of State. Anwar noted that throughout his public service, Guterres remained steadfast in his commitment to the freedom of the Timorese people and the building of a democratic nation. “Malaysia mourns his passing alongside the people of Timor-Leste. He will be remembered here with respect and affection,” he said. Guterres’ contributions to Timor-Leste’s independence and nation-building have left a lasting legacy, earning him admiration both at home and abroad.  -- MINUTESMY  -- SOURCE : FB ANWAR IBRAHIM 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his condolences following the passing of former Timor-Leste President Francisco Guterres, describing him as a respected leader who played a pivotal role in his nation’s struggle for independence and democratic development. In a statement, Anwar said Malaysia joins the people of Timor-Leste […]

Payment Asia Integrates with PayMe to Expand Merchant Payment Options

HONG KONG, June 22 -- Payment Asia, a leading payment solutions provider, today announced a strategic integration with PayMe by HSBC, Hong Kong's highly popular mobile payment application. This partnership will enable all Payment Asia merchants to accept payments from PayMe's user base of over 3.3 million, significantly expanding their market reach and providing greater convenience for customers.  This integration allows Payment Asia's merchants to seamlessly process PayMe transactions through their existing merchant applications PA Pay and Smart POS Terminals. A key feature of this integration is the provision of real-time transaction data, empowering businesses with immediate insights into their sales and operational performance. Paul Tang, Chief Operating Officer at Payment Asia, stated: "We are thrilled to partner with PayMe by HSBC, a widely adopted payment platform in Hong Kong. This integration underscores our commitment to providing innovative and comprehensive payment solutions to our merchants, not only expanding our customer base but also enhancing the overall payment experience. The real-time transaction data provided by our merchant applications and Smart POS Terminals will further equip businesses with valuable insights to make better decisions." Lawrence Li, Head of Transaction Banking and Payments, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Hong Kong and Head of PayMe by HSBC said: "Like any forward-looking city, Hong Kong needs a robust digital payment network to support its journey toward becoming a leading smart city. Achieving this vision requires a sizable ecosystem—on both the merchant and customer sides. Through our partnership with Payment Asia, we hope to play a key role in Hong Kong's smart city development: helping merchants reach over 3.3 million PayMe users, while connecting our PayMe community to a wider network of merchants." Together, Payment Asia and PayMe will bring merchants broader customer reach, a smoother collection experience, and deeper operational data insights. Both parties are committed to continuously optimizing the payment process, helping merchants lower transaction barriers, improve checkout efficiency, and win over more consumers in today's competitive retail landscape. Going forward, Payment Asia will continue to join hands with quality partners to build a more comprehensive and intelligent payment ecosystem for Hong Kong merchants.  -- PRNewswire -- Source: Payment Asia 

HONG KONG, June 22 — Payment Asia, a leading payment solutions provider, today announced a strategic integration with PayMe by HSBC, Hong Kong’s highly popular mobile payment application. This partnership will enable all Payment Asia merchants to accept payments from PayMe’s user base of over 3.3 million, significantly expanding their market reach and providing greater convenience for customers. […]

PM Anwar Welcomes Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Official Visit to Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today welcomed Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two nations. Speaking in Putrajaya, Anwar expressed appreciation for Tarique's decision to choose Malaysia as his first official bilateral destination abroad since assuming office in February 2026. “The visit reflects the close friendship and longstanding trust between Malaysia and Bangladesh and is a meaningful honour for our country,” Anwar said. Upon arrival at the Perdana Putra Complex, Tarique and his delegation were accorded an official welcoming ceremony, including an inspection of a guard of honour comprising 105 personnel and three officers from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Major Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari. The visit underscores the strong and enduring relationship between Malaysia and Bangladesh, which have maintained close diplomatic and economic ties over the years. Anwar noted that the official visit is expected to further enhance bilateral relations and create new opportunities for collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, labour, education, and regional cooperation. The two leaders are expected to hold discussions on a range of issues aimed at deepening cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Tarique's visit marks an important milestone in Malaysia-Bangladesh relations and highlights the shared commitment of both governments to advancing mutual prosperity and regional stability. -- MINUTESMY

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today welcomed Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two nations. Speaking in Putrajaya, Anwar expressed appreciation for Tarique’s decision to choose Malaysia as his first official bilateral […]