Day: June 22, 2026

Diesel price reduction directly benefits the people – Mustapha

KOTA KINABALU, JUNE 22 -- The announcement of a reduction in the price of subsidized diesel to RM2.10 per litre starting this July proves that the economic reforms and subsidy targeting measures implemented by the MADANI government are starting to provide direct benefits to the people. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the implementation of a targeted subsidy mechanism through the use of MyKad would not only ensure that subsidies reached eligible Malaysians, but would also help reduce leakage and smuggling, which had long affected the effectiveness of the country's subsidy system. "This step is also being implemented at a time when the world is still facing geopolitical uncertainty and pressure on the global energy market. "The ongoing conflict in West Asia demands that the country take a more strategic approach in ensuring energy security and economic stability," he said in a statement here today. Mustapha said Malaysia's move to strengthen energy cooperation with countries such as Russia and Turkmenistan, in addition to ensuring supply security through strategic relationships with major energy producing countries, proved the MADANI Government's determination in strengthening the country's energy security and ensuring long-term sustainability of supply. He said the drop in diesel prices reflected the effectiveness of foreign policy as well as the efficiency of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration in managing the economy prudently, with the implementation of various reforms successfully helping to control the cost of living pressures faced by the people. Yesterday, Anwar announced the reduction in the price of subsidized diesel for Malaysians to RM2.10 per litre starting in July and will be implemented in line with the approach used through the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) program, namely with verification via MyKad. Currently, diesel is still sold at a subsidized retail price of RM2.15 per litre at all petrol stations in Sabah and Sarawak, compared to the unsubsidized retail price of RM4.37 per litre in the Peninsula. -- BERNAMA

KOTA KINABALU, JUNE 22 — The announcement of a reduction in the price of subsidized diesel to RM2.10 per litre starting this July proves that the economic reforms and subsidy targeting measures implemented by the MADANI government are starting to provide direct benefits to the people. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) […]

Malaysia appoints new permanent representatives to the UN in New York, Geneva

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 -- Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan today presented the instruments of appointment to Datuk Nadzirah Osman and Datuk Zanariah Zainal Abidin as Malaysia's Permanent Representatives to the United Nations (UN) in New York and Geneva respectively. The instrument of appointment was presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also known as Wisma Putra, in Putrajaya. According to a statement from Wisma Putra, Nadzirah holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Malaya and joined the civil service as an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer in 1994. Prior to this appointment, she had served as Malaysia's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Switzerland since 2023. He has also served as Malaysia's Ambassador to the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, as well as serving at the Malaysian diplomatic missions in Mexico City and London. In the ministry, Nadzirah previously held positions as Deputy Secretary-General for Multilateral Affairs, Secretary of the Multilateral Political Division, Secretary of the Human Resources Management Division and Secretary of the Multilateral Economic and Environmental Division. He also served in the Eastern European Division and the American Division. Meanwhile, Zanariah holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the Graduate School of International Politics, Japan, as well as a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom. He joined the civil service as an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer in 1995. Prior to this appointment, he had served as the Director-General of the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2021. Zanariah was previously appointed as Malaysia's Ambassador to the Czech Republic and Deputy Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN in Jakarta, in addition to serving at the Malaysian diplomatic missions in Caracas, Venezuela and Santiago, Chile. At the ministry, he previously held positions as Secretary of the Multilateral Political Division, Secretary of the Multilateral Security Division and Director at the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat. He has also served in the Regional and Maritime Affairs Division, as well as the Economic Division. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 — Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan today presented the instruments of appointment to Datuk Nadzirah Osman and Datuk Zanariah Zainal Abidin as Malaysia’s Permanent Representatives to the United Nations (UN) in New York and Geneva respectively. The instrument of appointment was presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also known […]

Selangor Mulls Edu-entertainment Status To Reduce Duty On Indoor Playgrounds

SHAH ALAM, June 22 -- The Selangor state government is studying a proposal to reclassify indoor children’s playgrounds as ‘edu-entertainment’ to allow for a reduction in the entertainment duty imposed on such premises.  State Tourism and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the study was initiated following complaints from operators who are required to pay entertainment duty of up to RM6,390 annually, even though the activities offered include educational elements.  “I take note of the matter. In fact, many engagements have already been held. Since it falls under the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment 1995, it has to be reviewed comprehensively.  “We are also examining the need to introduce a new duty category, namely ‘edu-entertainment’. This would allow us to circumvent constraints under the enactment and reduce the rate,” he said in a press conference at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly building here today.  For this purpose, Ng said Selangor will hold engagement sessions with Penang, as the state has successfully introduced the ‘edu-entertainment’ classification without amending its enactment.  Ng said if amendments to the enactment are required, the process would be time-consuming and involve multiple stages.  Previously, the Malaysian Association of Theme Parks and Family Attractions (MATFA) had urged the Selangor state government to review the proposal to classify children’s playgrounds under the entertainment licence category, as it would lead to a sharp increase in annual licensing fees.  MATFA president Tan Sri Richard Koh said the proposed reclassification would see annual fees increase nearly 13-fold, placing additional financial pressure on operators of children’s playground facilities that provide affordable recreational spaces for families, particularly those in the B40 and M40 groups.  -- BERNAMA 

SHAH ALAM, June 22 — The Selangor state government is studying a proposal to reclassify indoor children’s playgrounds as ‘edu-entertainment’ to allow for a reduction in the entertainment duty imposed on such premises. State Tourism and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the study was initiated following complaints from operators who are required to pay […]

Ministers Hail Strategic Gains Of PM Anwar’s Russia, Turkmenistan Visits

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visits to Russia and Turkmenistan have been described as a significant step in strengthening Malaysia's international relations and unlocking strategic opportunities that will benefit the country and its people. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said one of the key outcomes was Russia's commitment to provide long-term oil supplies to Malaysia for up to 20 years, a move expected to enhance the country's energy security and economic stability. “The MADANI Government's strategy of diversifying energy sources is crucial to ensuring sufficient supply and sustaining the BUDI MADANI RON95 programme while maintaining the subsidised RON95 petrol price at RM1.99 per litre. “All Malaysians will benefit from this achievement by the Prime Minister,” he told Bernama. Nga, who is also the Teluk Intan MP, said Anwar's success in securing Turkmenistan's confidence in appointing Petronas as operator of one of the world's largest gas fields was another breakthrough. “This development could further strengthen Petronas' global standing. As a Fortune Global 500 company currently ranked 139th, it has the potential to move closer to the top 100 if this opportunity is managed effectively,” Nga said. Meanwhile, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the Prime Minister's visits to Kazan and Turkmenistan were important in deepening strategic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, energy and human capital development. “We are proud that, through stronger bilateral ties, Petronas has been entrusted to operate one of the world's largest gas fields in Turkmenistan. “This not only demonstrates the ability of Malaysian companies to compete and lead globally, but also elevates Malaysia's standing as a respected player in the international energy sector,” he said. The Sungai Buloh MP said the development was expected to generate economic benefits for Malaysia while creating opportunities for collaboration in technology, skills development and high-skilled workforce training. Anwar's two-day working visit to Kazan marked a significant milestone in Malaysia-Russia relations, with both countries agreeing to strengthen cooperation in energy security, trade, investment, tourism and technology. A key outcome of the visit was Russia's commitment to ensuring long-term supplies of petrol, oil and gas to Malaysia. Anwar said the arrangement would bolster the country's energy security through stable multi-year agreements rather than annual or seasonal renewals. Following his visit to Kazan in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, Anwar travelled to Turkmenistan, where agreements reached with the government paved the way for Petronas to participate in the development of a major gas field in the country, which possesses some of the world's largest natural gas reserves. Anwar was quoted as saying that Petronas' success in securing the project reflected international confidence in Malaysia's capabilities, political stability and the professionalism of its home-grown companies. -- BERNAMA  

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visits to Russia and Turkmenistan have been described as a significant step in strengthening Malaysia’s international relations and unlocking strategic opportunities that will benefit the country and its people. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said one of the key outcomes […]

Lintes Technology Unveils Shared NPC and NPO Interconnect Platform for Next-Generation AI Servers

TAIPEI, June 22 -- Lintes Technology (TWSE: 6715), a global leader in high-bandwidth connectivity solutions, today announced the launch of its comprehensive, modular optoelectronic interconnect solution for next-generation AI servers. Addressing the critical bottleneck of high-density data centers, the platform encompasses both Near-Packaged Copper (NPC) and Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) technologies, featuring a shared patented socket architecture.  Unlike conventional hardware designs with fixed interface configurations, this innovative architecture empowers data center operators with infrastructure flexibility. The platform enables direct selection between optical and electronic interfaces within a single system, allowing operators to configure the channel count and bandwidth allocation routed through either NPC or NPO via individual sockets based on actual data throughput requirements. This breakthrough significantly optimizes system routing agility and cost-efficiency for next-generation AI infrastructure. Bridging the CPO Market Gap As AI workloads continue to drive demand for higher computing performance, conventional transmission architectures are approaching practical limits in bandwidth, power, and system design. While Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) remains a key area of industry focus, challenges related to optical engine yield, ASIC integration, and cost efficiency are expected to delay large-scale deployment. In contrast, Lintes's near-packaged interconnect solutions have already completed design validation and are sampling with customers. This makes the platform a concrete, immediately deployable solution for high-density AI servers, effectively bridging the technological gap as the industry transitions to advanced architectures. Modular Near-Packaged Interconnect for AI Scalable Bandwidth To meet the 100T aggregate bandwidth demands of AI chips, Lintes's near-packaged interconnect solutions utilize a patented socket design that simultaneously supports both NPO and NPC. A single socket delivers a transmission bandwidth of up to 6.4T. Depending on specific server and data center infrastructures, this bandwidth can be flexibly configured as four 1.6T or eight 800G transmission paths, helping customers adapt to high-bandwidth, modular, and scalable AI system requirements. This flexible architecture supports both transmission modes based on distance, cost, and layout requirements: Intra-Server and Intra-Rack Transmission (Scale-up): Operators can deploy NPC to connect with other AI chips or PCIe signal connectors. This can be paired with rack cabling options such as DAC, AEC, AOC, and ACC, leveraging copper's cost efficiency and deployment maturity to satisfy high-speed interconnect needs within servers and racks. Cross-Rack Long-Distance Networking (Scale-out): The system can adopt NPO and be paired with high-density multi-fiber connectors like MPO, MTP, and MMC to meet the demands of cross-rack extensions, data center horizontal scaling, and high-bandwidth optical interconnects. Through this modular and platform-based design, Lintes enables AI server and data center customers to flexibly implement near-packaged interconnect solutions for varied computing demands, transmission distances, and deployment costs, while minimizing major changes to existing system architectures and cable configurations. US$84 Million Capital Expenditure Approved to Target 2027 Volume Production To support this growth, Lintes's Board of Directors approved an annual capital expenditure budget of up to approximately US$84 million (NT$2.65 billion) on June 11, 2026. This capital will be allocated toward cleanroom renovations for a new manufacturing facility and the procurement of multi-channel, multi-mode, and single-mode optical module production equipment, expanding advanced hardware manufacturing capacities. With these near-packaged interconnect solutions already sampling with customers, the company aims to align with customer deployment schedules and achieve volume production by 2027, transforming these technological breakthroughs into long-term operational momentum. About Lintes Technology Lintes Technology is a leading provider of high-speed interconnect solutions, delivering advanced cables, connectors, and optical modules for data-intensive applications. With deep expertise in signal integrity and system integration, Lintes enables scalable AI connectivity from edge devices to hyperscale data centers supporting reliable, high-bandwidth communication across next-generation infrastructure. -- PRNewswire -- Source: Lintes Technology 

TAIPEI, June 22 — Lintes Technology (TWSE: 6715), a global leader in high-bandwidth connectivity solutions, today announced the launch of its comprehensive, modular optoelectronic interconnect solution for next-generation AI servers. Addressing the critical bottleneck of high-density data centers, the platform encompasses both Near-Packaged Copper (NPC) and Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) technologies, featuring a shared patented socket architecture. […]

More School Leavers Opting For Polytechnics, Says Ministry Sec-gen

ARAU, June 22 -- Interest among school leavers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continues to grow, with more students now choosing polytechnics as their preferred pathway for further studies. Higher Education Ministry (KPT) secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim said the trend reflected growing public confidence in the industry-based and hands-on learning approach offered by polytechnics. “This time, many students have chosen polytechnics and we are very encouraged by the increase. Polytechnics offer advantages through greater industry involvement, hands-on learning and exposure to skills required after graduation. “These are among the positive values we can offer our young people,” he told reporters after observing the registration of new students at the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Polytechnic (PTSS) here today. Aminuddin said PTSS had recorded more than 1,000 new student registrations on the first day of intake, exceeding its target for the current admission session. Meanwhile, he said polytechnics nationwide had made thorough preparations, including accommodation, classrooms and basic facilities, to ensure new students could adapt comfortably to campus life. -- BERNAMA 

ARAU, June 22 — Interest among school leavers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continues to grow, with more students now choosing polytechnics as their preferred pathway for further studies. Higher Education Ministry (KPT) secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim said the trend reflected growing public confidence in the industry-based and hands-on learning approach […]

Advocacy Programmes Encourage Children To Report Abuse – Welfare Dept

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- Growing awareness among children to report cases of abuse, bullying and neglect through the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline has contributed to the increase in reports received by the Selangor Social Welfare Department (JKM). Selangor JKM principal assistant director (Children Division) Roziah Osman said the rise in reports reflects the effectiveness of advocacy programmes in educating children about their rights and the channels available to seek help. “These cases are increasingly being reported as we carry out advocacy programmes that cover not only bullying but also cases involving children in need of protection. “If we look at it, the increase has occurred because children themselves are now aware and capable of making reports through Talian Kasih,” she told reporters after the launch of the ‘Safe Child, Strong Nation’ campaign organised by the Children Protection Society Malaysia (CPSM) at Seri Negara here today. She said the department receives an average of between 40 and 50 reports a month through Talian Kasih involving various child-related issues, including abuse, neglect and custody matters. In this regard, Roziah said Selangor JKM is targeting more than 500 tahfiz centres and religious boarding schools in the state through its Child Protection Advocacy programme, which will be expanded beginning July 27. She said the programme focuses on raising children’s awareness of their rights and the channels available to seek help if they face any form of abuse or mistreatment. According to her, the focus on students in religious schools and tahfiz centres is not new, as the programme was piloted last year with the involvement of several religious schools in the state. “This year, we are targeting religious schools and tahfiz centres because previous advocacy programmes were mainly focused on schools under the Education Ministry and children in the community,” she said. She said the expansion of the advocacy programme to religious schools and tahfiz centres is expected to further raise awareness of children’s rights and encourage them to come forward for help if they become victims of, or are aware of, any form of abuse. Meanwhile, CPSM founder and president Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff Mushir Ariff said more victims and families are now willing to come forward to lodge reports as they are aware that support is available from the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and various related agencies. He also proposed that every school appoint a dedicated teacher responsible for children’s welfare and safety to enable early detection of signs of abuse or other problems faced by students. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Growing awareness among children to report cases of abuse, bullying and neglect through the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline has contributed to the increase in reports received by the Selangor Social Welfare Department (JKM). Selangor JKM principal assistant director (Children Division) Roziah Osman said the rise in reports reflects the effectiveness […]

Malaysia, China Strengthen STI Cooperation To Drive Innovation Commercialisation – MOSTI

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 -- Malaysia and China are committed to strengthening cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) to expand technology commercialisation opportunities and ensure that innovation outcomes are translated into sustainable economic impact. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) said the commitment was reached through  Malaysia-China’s 4th Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Science, Technology and Innovation, co-chaired by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang and China’s representative Lin Xin today. MOSTI said both countries also agreed to enhance cooperation in strategic areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, green technology and advanced materials technology, while strengthening talent development and research capacity. “MOSTI hopes that this collaboration will expand commercialisation opportunities to ensure that innovation is translated into sustainable economic impact in line with the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP),” MOSTI said in a statement. According to MOSTI, among the key agenda items discussed at the JCM were STI policy exchanges, technology transfer and research commercialisation cooperation, as well as updates on ongoing bilateral programmes. Among the key Malaysia-China bilateral initiatives is the Joint Research Programme (Second Series), which is funding eight Malaysian research projects in areas such as AI, green technology involving energy storage, biotechnology, particularly human vaccines, space technology and advanced materials technology. MOSTI said the meeting also reviewed the progress of the Malaysia-China Expertise Exchange Programme (First Series), which has involved 10 Malaysian researchers in critical technology fields, including AI, green technology (energy storage) and advanced materials technology. In addition, MOSTI said both countries discussed the implementation of the Malaysia-China Joint Laboratory on Emerging Technologies programme, which will focus on AI, blockchain technology, biotechnology, renewable energy and advanced materials technology, with the participation of academia, industry and research communities from both countries. In conjunction with the meeting, MOSTI, through the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, also announced the selection of 10 Malaysian researchers to participate in the Malaysia-China Expertise Exchange (MSE) programme, under which they will be placed for six months at selected research institutions, universities and companies in China. “The programme aims to strengthen local capabilities, enhance science diplomacy, expand bilateral research networks and build national capacity in strategic technologies in support of the country’s STI agenda,” the ministry said. It added that the JCM serves as a key platform for strengthening bilateral cooperation in STI under the Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Agreement signed by both countries in October 2013. The meeting also follows Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official visit to Malaysia on April 15-16, 2025, which witnessed the signing of two new memoranda of understanding (MoUs) - one on mutual support for the establishment of laboratories in emerging technologies, and another on cooperation in the application of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). -- BERNAMA  

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 — Malaysia and China are committed to strengthening cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) to expand technology commercialisation opportunities and ensure that innovation outcomes are translated into sustainable economic impact. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) said the commitment was reached through  Malaysia-China’s 4th Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Science, Technology […]

July 1 Plea-Taking For Woman Charged Over Attempted Attack On Sultan Nazrin

IPOH, June 22 -- The Magistrate's Court here has set July 1 for case management involving a woman charged with using criminal force against the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, during the state-level National Day celebration last year. Magistrate Norizan Ridzuan fixed the date to record the plea of Nurhaswani Afni Mohamad Zorki, 41. On Oct 8 last year, the court rejected the accused's guilty plea after being informed by the prosecution that a report from Hospital Bahagia Tanjung Rambutan in Ulu Kinta here stated that the woman was suffering from schizophrenia and was of unsound mind at the time of the incident. On Sept 8, 2025, she was brought before the same court, but no plea was recorded as she was ordered to undergo examination and observation at Hospital Bahagia for one month under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code.The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor S. Nishaalini, while the accused was represented by lawyer Amrick Singh Sandu. The woman was charged with using criminal force against Sultan Nazrin by attempting to attack the ruler in front of the Ipoh Town Hall on Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab at 8.20 am on Aug 31, 2025. The charge was framed under Section 352 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to three months' imprisonment, a fine of up to RM1,000, or both, upon conviction. -- BERNAMA 

IPOH, June 22 — The Magistrate’s Court here has set July 1 for case management involving a woman charged with using criminal force against the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, during the state-level National Day celebration last year. Magistrate Norizan Ridzuan fixed the date to record the plea of Nurhaswani Afni Mohamad Zorki, 41. […]