Day: June 23, 2026

Johor election: Maszlee accepts invitation to debate with Onn Hafiz

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 -- Former Education Minister Maszlee Malik has openly accepted an invitation to debate with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi ahead of the upcoming Johor State Election (PRN). Maszlee, who was announced as Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Puteri Wangsa seat in the state election, said the decision was made based on respect for democracy and the belief that the space for debate can be utilized to strengthen political maturity among the people. He said the invitation had attracted a lot of attention, with various parties contacting him to seek confirmation regarding his participation in the debate. "With all humility and respect, and based on the principles and principles of democracy, I accept this invitation or challenge." "God willing, together we will make this debate or dialogue space a vehicle to educate the people and promote a mature political culture," he said in a post on Facebook. The proposal to hold the 'Johor PRN Prime Debate', which is seen as potentially being one of the focal points ahead of the Johor PRN, was initiated by influencer Muhamad Harris Nasril and was also shared on the Redaksi.com Facebook page, after PH Chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced all 56 candidates representing PH, in Muar, yesterday. In this election, PH is fielding 20 candidates representing PKR, 19 Amanah candidates and 17 DAP candidates. The Election Commission (EC) has set this Saturday as nomination day, while July 7 is for early voting and July 11 is polling day. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 — Former Education Minister Maszlee Malik has openly accepted an invitation to debate with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi ahead of the upcoming Johor State Election (PRN). Maszlee, who was announced as Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Puteri Wangsa seat in the state election, said the decision was […]

Insult allegations: PDRM investigating officer linked to viral video in China – IGP

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 23 -- The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has opened a disciplinary investigation paper against one of its members who went viral following allegations of insulting local residents while travelling in China recently. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the personnel in question were still on duty as usual at the moment. "I ask all parties to remain calm and PDRM will conduct the investigation as best as possible... not only from a disciplinary perspective, but if there is a violation of the law, appropriate action will be taken," he told reporters today. He reminded all police officers and members to always maintain a code of conduct when they are in the country or abroad as they are subject to the force's regulations and standard operating procedures (SOPs), even if they are not wearing uniforms. The controversy involving an influencer who is also a police officer also received widespread coverage in foreign media after he was accused of shouting inappropriate words while covering his nose in a public place in the country. Earlier, Mohd Khalid officiated the Opening Ceremony of the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Retired Senior Police Officers Association (RESPA) at the Kuala Lumpur PDRM College here. Regarding the welfare of retirees, he hoped that the government could reconsider reviewing the allowance rates for national heroes to help this group face the current cost of living challenges. He said the issue involving the allowances for recipients of the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) and Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB) awards was also raised by RESPA President Datuk Meor Chek Hussein Mahayuddin since the rates had not been reviewed since 17 years ago, in 2009. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 23 — The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has opened a disciplinary investigation paper against one of its members who went viral following allegations of insulting local residents while travelling in China recently. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the personnel in question were still on duty as usual at […]

Penang police arrest six suspects for attacking two men at temple

GEORGE TOWN, JUNE 23 -- Police have arrested six local men on suspicion of being involved in seriously injuring two men with a sharp weapon at a temple in Jelutong, early Sunday morning. Penang Police Chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said the incident at 4.30am was believed to have stemmed from a disagreement at an entertainment centre when one of the victims, 31, was accused of stealing a suspect's mobile phone, but the allegation was untrue. "The suspect is believed to have followed the victim to a temple in Jelutong before attacking him and a 64-year-old man, it is understood, was also attacked as a caretaker there while trying to break up the fight," he said at a press conference at the Penang Police Contingent (IPK) Headquarters here today. Lim said that as a result of the attack, the first victim had his index finger broken while the second victim had his little finger broken, in addition to both being injured by slashing. However, they were reported to be stable and still being treated at the Penang Hospital. Following this, he said six suspects aged 26 to 38 were arrested on the same day around the Timur Laut district and the police seized several items of evidence including a machete, six mobile phones, two motorcycles and a set of keys, a remote control (one) and a car. Lim said all the suspects were remanded until June 28 to assist in investigations under Section 326 of the Penal Code, which is causing grievous hurt using a dangerous weapon, as well as Section 120B of the same code for criminal conspiracy, in addition to some of them having criminal and narcotics records. In another development, Lim said Penang police arrested 12 local men on suspicion of being involved in football betting and online gambling activities through Ops Soga XI in conjunction with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He said the integrated operation was carried out throughout the state from June 11 to July 19 to combat unlicensed sports betting and online gambling activities which were expected to increase during the tournament. "Police also seized RM8,692 in cash which is believed to be related to gambling activities," he said. Lim said all suspects, aged 27 to 72, were taken to the relevant district police headquarters for documentation and investigation, before being granted police bail while investigation papers were completed. Through the same operation, the police also detected 12 websites, platforms, applications and social media accounts related to football betting activities and gambling promotions, with actions to block and take down related content to be implemented in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). He said the investigation was being conducted under Section 6(1) and Section 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953 and Section 4(1)(c) of the Open Gambling Houses Act 1953, in addition to being investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN, JUNE 23 — Police have arrested six local men on suspicion of being involved in seriously injuring two men with a sharp weapon at a temple in Jelutong, early Sunday morning. Penang Police Chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said the incident at 4.30am was believed to have stemmed from a disagreement at […]

MOH committed to ensuring continuity of private clinic operations – Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) is committed to ensuring the continuity of private clinic operations through outsourcing to enable them to remain competitive in the market. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the intervention measures were critical to building a healthy healthcare ecosystem, as well as safeguarding the welfare of private medical practitioners. "I am very aware of this matter and I have personally dealt with the closure of private general medical (GP) clinics in the past, especially during COVID-19. "We want to ensure that they not only survive but are able to thrive and continue their service operations because they fill the gaps," he said when answering a question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) during the Oral Answer session at the Dewan Rakyat, today. Halimah, through her supplementary question, said the private primary healthcare industry is currently reportedly under pressure due to the issue of a decline in the number of trainee doctors, with 2,034 private medical clinics reported to have closed since 2013. To maintain operational sustainability, Dzulkefly said the government had taken proactive action by increasing the floor price for service fees for private medical practitioners under existing legislation to RM80 compared to RM10 previously. Earlier, when answering Halimah's original question, Dzulkefly said the network of private GP practitioners is actually the backbone of the country's primary care system by acting as a frontline bulwark. "The primary healthcare system, which consists of 2,916 MOH health clinics and 10,208 private GP clinics, is actually the backbone and pillar of the basic primary health system," he said. Therefore, he said structured collaboration between the public and private sectors is very critical to balance the health burden in government hospitals, especially in dealing with the wave of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). "As we look at the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), we have included aspects of NCD disease management in collaboration between private clinics and our health clinics (MOH)," he said. Halimah in her original question wanted to know whether the ministry planned to strengthen the primary healthcare model through close integration between government clinics and private practitioners for NCD management to reduce hospital congestion like in the United Kingdom and Taiwan. -- NAMED

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) is committed to ensuring the continuity of private clinic operations through outsourcing to enable them to remain competitive in the market. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the intervention measures were critical to building a healthy healthcare ecosystem, as well as safeguarding the […]

PM Anwar To Lead Johor Ke Depan, Undi HARAPAN Mega Ceramah in Segamat

SEGAMAT, June 23 — Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to headline the "Johor Ke Depan, Undi HARAPAN" Mega Ceramah in Segamat tomorrow evening as the coalition intensifies its campaign efforts ahead of the Johor state election. The programme will take place on Wednesday, June 24, at the Tapak Bazar Yayasan, located in front of Big Pharmacy, Segamat, beginning at 6.30 pm. Organisers have extended an open invitation to residents from the parliamentary constituencies of Segamat, Sekijang and Labis to attend the event and hear directly from Anwar on Pakatan Harapan's vision and plans for Johor's future. The gathering is expected to attract a large crowd from across northern Johor as PH continues its outreach to voters in key constituencies ahead of polling day. Campaign organisers have called on supporters and members of the public to turn out in full force for the event, describing it as an important platform to discuss development, economic growth and the future direction of Johor under the unity government. The ceramah forms part of Pakatan Harapan's statewide campaign under the theme "Johor Ke Depan, Undi HARAPAN", which emphasises progress, stability and continued development for the state. "Johor Utara — Segamat, Sekijang dan Labis, kita turun ramai-ramai esok!" organisers said in a statement, urging voters to show their support and participate in the democratic process. The Johor state election campaign has entered a crucial phase, with political parties stepping up engagements across the state in a bid to secure voter confidence. -- MINUTESMY

SEGAMAT, June 23 — Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to headline the “Johor Ke Depan, Undi HARAPAN” Mega Ceramah in Segamat tomorrow evening as the coalition intensifies its campaign efforts ahead of the Johor state election. The programme will take place on Wednesday, June 24, at the […]

PM passes allocation of RM22 million for AKPS weaponry – Saifuddin Nasution

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 23 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved an allocation of RM22 million to equip the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) with appropriate firearms and equipment, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the move was approved by the Prime Minister following the urgent need to strengthen the security of AKPS personnel after the shooting incident on a vehicle carrying an agency commander in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah last February. "Following the incident, I wrote to the Prime Minister about the need for the AKPS to be equipped with the necessary weapons and the Prime Minister immediately approved an allocation of RM22 million for the need to equip the AKPS with weapons that were deemed reasonable, appropriate for their duties at the border," he said during a question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today. Saifuddin Nasution said this when answering a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) regarding the constraints faced by AKPS officers who are not provided with safety equipment such as firearms and bulletproof vests while on duty. He said that although AKPS is made up of various agencies, including Ministry of Health officers, only a few segments within AKPS have the skills to handle firearms like the police. Touching on the issue of integrity, Saifuddin Nasution is confident that the establishment of AKPS will resolve the issue of bureaucratic red tape and integrity risks that previously existed when border control involved more than 20 agencies. "If border control involves more than 20 agencies, the process becomes one by one, but if there is only one agency left, called AKPS, we can reduce bureaucratic red tape and be the best formula to reduce red tape or attraction to corruption issues related to integrity," he said. He said that in just the first year of operation, AKPS had recorded several successes including a major seizure of drugs worth tens of millions of ringgit at Penang Airport as well as a case of e-waste smuggling at the port through collaboration with relevant agencies. Responding to a question from Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna), he assured that the establishment of AKPS did not conflict with the Federal Constitution, while the rights of Sabah and Sarawak under MA63 would continue to be respected. Saifuddin Nasution said the matter had been explained repeatedly and agreed upon before the AKPS was presented and approved, thus showing that it was no longer a policy issue but an implementation and operation. He said the establishment of AKPS aims to resolve several key issues including streamlining the movement of people and goods, improving integrity, increasing national revenue and strengthening security aspects at the country's entry points. He also stressed that there were previous successful models such as the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) which successfully combined various agencies into an integrated operating system to strengthen national security. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved an allocation of RM22 million to equip the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) with appropriate firearms and equipment, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the move was approved by the Prime Minister following the urgent need […]

Mental health: Immediate intervention for at-risk students – Fadhlina

JOHOR BAHRU, JUNE 23 -- The Ministry of Education (MOE) has recommended that schools implement immediate interventions for students identified as showing signs of mental health problems to ensure their welfare and safety are maintained. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that apart from the role of schools, parents also need to provide support to their children in dealing with the issue. "We carry out mental health screening interventions, then the empowerment of school counselors is also given attention." "(If) there are any signs of these (mental health problems), the school counsellor must intervene immediately," he said at a press conference after the launching ceremony of the MADANI Furniture Initiative and the MADANI KALVI Programme at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Jalan Yahya Awal, here today. He said this in commenting on the issue of a female Form Four student who died at a secondary school in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, last Friday. In October last year, Fadhlina said the Ministry of Education doubled the implementation of the Healthy Mind Screening Programme to twice a year to enable early detection of students who show signs of depression or require further support and intervention. Meanwhile, he said the Safe School Management Guidelines and School Student Protection Policy introduced by the Ministry of Education are mandatory for all school administrators to implement without any compromise. He said the effort was one of the steps taken by the ministry to ensure that all issues related to student safety continue to be given priority. On June 12, Fadhlina was reported to have said that the guidelines would serve as a reference for all educational institutions under the Ministry of Education, encompassing the responsibilities of schools, teachers and stakeholders in ensuring that the welfare and safety of students is protected. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, JUNE 23 — The Ministry of Education (MOE) has recommended that schools implement immediate interventions for students identified as showing signs of mental health problems to ensure their welfare and safety are maintained. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that apart from the role of schools, parents also need to provide support to their […]

SARA expanded, more than 13,500 shops registered nationwide – Amir Hamzah

KOTA KINABALU, JUNE 23 -- The government is expanding the implementation of the Basic Rahmah Donation Programme (SARA) by adding more shops that accept transactions using MyKad, including in rural and interior areas, to make it easier for recipients to obtain essential goods. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said that to date, more than 13,500 shops have been registered under the programme nationwide, including more than 6,500 small shops. "Our efforts are to increase these small shops to 10,000 nationwide. In Sabah, we have seen an increase in shops registered under SARA, up to now there are 1,493 shops that can redeem SARA." "Not only in big cities, but also in villages and rural areas because our efforts are to please the people who are eligible to receive SARA," he told reporters after inspecting the implementation of the programme in Manggatal Baru here today. He said the use of MyKad as a medium for distributing aid allows eligible recipients to redeem essential goods directly at participating stores. According to him, apart from helping those in need, the program also benefits local entrepreneurs when their products are marketed through the SARA store network. "If we make the goods SARA, they will sell more and sell better. That is what we are trying to do, not only to provide assistance, but also to help boost local entrepreneurs," he said. Amir Hamzah said more than 150,000 types of products can now be purchased through the SARA program nationwide and the government will continue to increase the number of products and the participation of local entrepreneurs. Regarding efforts to expand the participation of small shops, he said the government was looking into methods to reduce the cost of participation, including providing a simpler and more affordable point of sale (POS) system. "We also want to make it easier for small shops because sometimes, if we look at this shop, the shop is already big enough to have its own payment system. "But when we go to small shops, sometimes that is not available. So in our efforts, we will also find a way where we also provide POS systems for small shops to make it easier for them to come in," he said. Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah said the government is always evaluating the possibility of increasing the selection of goods that can be purchased through SARA. He said the government had previously added several product categories including frozen items such as meat and chicken, but wet items had not been included at this time to ensure that aspects of quality control and assurance could be maintained. "Wet goods have not yet been included because one of the criteria we have to ensure is the quality of the goods purchased," he said. Regarding the possibility of increasing aid rates in the future, he said the government would continue to focus on a targeted aid approach and efforts to increase national revenue, while at the same time reducing leakages. "The more we reduce leakage, the more space we have, we can look at ways to increase it when we have results," he said. -- BERNAMA

KOTA KINABALU, JUNE 23 — The government is expanding the implementation of the Basic Rahmah Donation Programme (SARA) by adding more shops that accept transactions using MyKad, including in rural and interior areas, to make it easier for recipients to obtain essential goods. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said that to date, […]