Day: June 24, 2026

Lim Guan Eng, Wife And Phang Fail In Bid To Quash Charges, Trial To Proceed

PUTRAJAYA, June 24 (Bernama) -- The corruption and money laundering case against former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng, his wife Betty Chew, and businesswoman Phang Li Koon involving a foreign workers' hostel project worth RM11.6 million will proceed to trial at the Penang High Court. This was after a three-member bench, led by Judge Datuk Azman Abdullah, who sat with judges Datuk Noorin Badaruddin and Datuk Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid, dismissed the application filed by Lim, Chew and Phang to strike out the charges. On May 3, 2024, the Penang High Court dismissed their application to strike out the charges, stating that the doctrine of autrefois acquit, or the rule against double jeopardy, argued by the defence did not apply as it did not meet the requirement. On May 26, 2023, Lim, Chew and Phang filed an application to strike out the corruption and money laundering charges on the grounds that the prosecution had used evidence from a previous case involving Lim's purchase of a bungalow on Jalan Pinhorn, even though he was acquitted and discharged in 2018. According to the charges, Lim, as a public officer holding the position of Penang chief minister and chairman of the Penang Development Corporation tender board, was alleged to have used his position to receive a bribe of RM372,009 for his wife through Excel Property Management & Consultancy Sdn Bhd. He is accused of committing the offence by acting to ensure Magnificent Emblem Sdn Bhd was awarded the Invitation to Propose a Workers' Settlement on Lot 631, Mukim 13, Juru, Seberang Perai Tengah and part of Lot 282, Mukim 13, Batu Kawan, Seberang Perai Selatan in Penang, valued at RM11,610,000, in which Chew had an indirect interest. Lim, who is Bagan MP, allegedly committed the offence between Aug 19, 2013, and March 3, 2016, at the Chief Minister's Office, Level 28, Komtar in George Town, Penang. The charge is framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, June 24 — The corruption and money laundering case against former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng, his wife Betty Chew, and businesswoman Phang Li Koon involving a foreign workers’ hostel project worth RM11.6 million will proceed to trial at the Penang High Court. This was after a three-member bench, led by Judge Datuk […]

Lorry driver loses over RM80,000 after being cheated by part-time job syndicate

KUALA TERENGGANU, JUNE 24 -- A male lorry driver lost RM80,580 after being deceived by a syndicate offering part-time work online. Kuala Terengganu District Police Chief, ACP Azli Mohd Noor said that on June 3, the 35-year-old victim saw an advertisement for a part-time job with a good income on the social media site Facebook. He said the victim, who was intrigued, contacted the suspect who introduced himself as a representative of a company via the WhatsApp and Telegram applications. "As a task, the victim only had to click the like button on the link to the goods given by the suspect. The victim who successfully completed several tasks received a certain amount of payment, making him trust and confident in the suspect. "However, after completing several subsequent tasks, the suspect asked the victim to make a payment supposedly as management costs to withdraw the RM400,000 profit that the victim would receive," he said in a statement today. Azli said the victim who was deceived made 21 payments totaling RM80,580 to six different bank accounts between June 11 and 22 using money borrowed from friends. However, until the police report was made at 3.28 pm yesterday, the victim had still not received any of the promised profits. "The victim realised he had been cheated after being urged to continue making the payment by the suspect. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code," he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA TERENGGANU, JUNE 24 — A male lorry driver lost RM80,580 after being deceived by a syndicate offering part-time work online. Kuala Terengganu District Police Chief, ACP Azli Mohd Noor said that on June 3, the 35-year-old victim saw an advertisement for a part-time job with a good income on the social media site Facebook. […]

The Meta-owned platform experienced a global outage, reports Downdetector

ISTANBUL, JUNE 24 -- Social media platforms and messaging apps owned by Meta, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp, experienced outages on Tuesday, Anadolu Ajansi reported . According to outage tracker Downdetector, users are reporting problems involving the social media service and messaging app. Starting at 2030 GMT, thousands of users reported connection problems involving the platform's apps and websites. Downdetector collects data based on reports submitted by users, which means the actual number of affected users may be higher. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL, JUNE 24 — Social media platforms and messaging apps owned by Meta, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp, experienced outages on Tuesday, Anadolu Ajansi reported . According to outage tracker Downdetector, users are reporting problems involving the social media service and messaging app. Starting at 2030 GMT, thousands of users reported connection problems involving […]

Colombia committed to strengthening cultural ties with Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 24 -- Colombia is committed to strengthening its cultural ties with Malaysia, especially in the field of gastronomy, said the Charge d'Affaires of the Colombian Embassy in Malaysia, Juan Carlos Moreno Gutierrez. He said it was time for Colombia to increase its cultural activities in Malaysia, in preparation for the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year. According to Moreno Gutierrez, although bilateral relations between Colombia and Malaysia will reach four decades next year, the two countries share many similarities that are still not widely known, especially by Malaysians. "Colombia and Malaysia share similarities as both are tropical countries and have a lot of spicy food. However, so far, only Colombian coffee is popular in Malaysia," he told Bernama when met at the "A Night in Colombia" event here, recently. The Colombian embassy in Malaysia opened in 1997, while Colombia and Malaysia officially established diplomatic relations on August 19, 1987. During the event, Bogota-born chef Fernando Arevalo, who is also the owner of the Michelin Guide-listed Colombian restaurant Latido in Singapore, was brought to Malaysia to showcase Colombian cuisine through dishes specially prepared for the guests. Among the menus served are "Pan De La Casa" (homemade bread by chef Arevalo), "Sopa de Langosta" (crab soup with "capers", potatoes and avocado) and "Costilla A La Parrilla" (grilled beef short ribs, shimeji mushrooms, horse wheat and grilled salad). According to Moreno Gutierrez, Colombia and Malaysia have held exchange visits to each other this year, with 11 mayors from Colombia visiting Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) last April to strengthen cooperation and networking. Last month, the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) also participated in Interzum, a furniture and wood processing trade fair held in Bogota. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 24 — Colombia is committed to strengthening its cultural ties with Malaysia, especially in the field of gastronomy, said the Charge d’Affaires of the Colombian Embassy in Malaysia, Juan Carlos Moreno Gutierrez. He said it was time for Colombia to increase its cultural activities in Malaysia, in preparation for the 40th anniversary […]

MADANI government strengthens efforts to reach out to the people through Ziarah Kasih

MERSING, JUNE 24 -- The MADANI government is committed to strengthening efforts to reach out to the people through the Ziarah Kasih programme, which, among other things, aims to provide direct assistance to those in need. Political Secretary to the Minister of Communications, Abdullah Izhar Mohamed Yusof, said the approach reflects a commitment to bridge the gap between the government and the people, thus helping to ease the burden faced. "This initiative is an ongoing government effort with recipients identified from the Information Department and the MADANI Community and will continue from time to time," he told reporters at the Jiwa@Komuniti MADANI Sembang Santai World Cup Edition Programme in Endau, here, on Tuesday. He said the programme would be continued periodically as an effort to ensure that the welfare of the community was maintained, in line with the aspirations of MADANI Malaysia which emphasised the well-being and concern for the people. Abdullah Izhar also spent time caring for senior citizens facing health problems and presented donations and health equipment as a sign of the government's concern for the welfare of the people. Among the recipients is Hamdan Abd Latif, 71, who is currently bedridden due to a stroke and is being fully cared for by his wife, Meriam Abd Wahab. Meanwhile, Meriam, 66, said he was grateful for the assistance he received because it had helped to reduce the burden he faced. She said her husband, who is also a retired firefighter, fell while fishing for shrimp in 2011, about two weeks before his scheduled mandatory retirement, and a doctor's examination confirmed that he had a brain tumor and had to undergo surgery. Meriam said Hamdan was later confirmed to be free of the tumor, but the effects of the disease slowly affected her husband's health before he suffered a stroke after falling in the toilet last year. "I used to sew to supplement the family's income, but now I can no longer do that because I have to focus full time on taking care of my husband," she said. Another recipient, Zainon Ibrahim, 91, is cared for by his son, Jamaluddin Ismail, 64, who decided to quit his job to care for his mother about two years ago, in addition to being helped by his other siblings. "Thank you for the government's concern for us, at least we can help cover the necessities for my mother," said Jamaluddin, who previously worked as a supervisor. -- BERNAMA

MERSING, JUNE 24 — The MADANI government is committed to strengthening efforts to reach out to the people through the Ziarah Kasih programme, which, among other things, aims to provide direct assistance to those in need. Political Secretary to the Minister of Communications, Abdullah Izhar Mohamed Yusof, said the approach reflects a commitment to bridge […]

A World-First Pokémon Airport Opens in Noto This July

NOTO, Japan, June 24 -- Rooted in the Hokuriku region, Kanazawa Biyori is a regional media platform dedicated to sharing the living culture of this area — not only its celebrated destinations, but also the people, creativity, and spirit of renewal that continue to shape life here.  A World First, Created for Noto On July 7, 2026, Noto Satoyama Airport will reopen as the Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport — the only airport in the world to officially bear the Pokémon name. Running through the end of September 2029, this limited-period project is the result of a partnership between Ishikawa Prefecture and the Pokémon With You Foundation, an initiative established to bring smiles and renewed energy to communities affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Deeply connected to the landscape and spirit of Noto, this is a project that could only have emerged from this region. Step Inside: Pokémon at Every Turn From the moment visitors arrive, Pokémon appear throughout the airport. Original decorations line the entrance, while a newly designed airport logo welcomes guests at the terminal entrance. Inside the first-floor arrival lobby, visitors will find a large-scale installation based on Akarui Mirai ("A Bright Future"), an artwork created in 2024 in support of Noto's recovery efforts. Pikachu, Plusle, and Minun appear as three-dimensional monuments greeting arriving travelers. Throughout the airport, guests can also access three original short videos, including a special story featuring Dreepy. Above the second-floor atrium floats a giant Pikachu riding an airplane balloon, surrounded by Pokémon soaring across the sky. Across the airport, all 111 Flying-type Pokémon discovered as of May 2026 are featured in the décor (excluding Mega Evolutions, Regional Forms, and similar variants) — an astonishing level of detail that fans will appreciate. Shop, Eat, and Take in the View On the second floor, the gift shop Serendipity offers original merchandise inspired by Kibou no Sora ("Sky of Hope"), a new artwork created to commemorate the airport's opening. Items include T-shirts, keychains, and luggage tags designed as memorable souvenirs from Noto. On the third floor, Restaurant Annon plans to serve two original pancake dishes and two original drinks inspired by the project. Guests ordering a set menu will also receive an exclusive original placemat. Outside, the observation deck Pikachu no Satoyama presents one of the airport's most memorable sights: countless Pikachu gathered together to form a satoyama landscape inspired by Noto itself — a scene that feels both playful and deeply connected to the region's identity. Explore Noto by Pokémon Bus Beginning in mid-July, two buses operated by the Hokuriku Tetsudo Group will begin service in full Pokémon wrap designs. The existing Noto Express Bus connecting Kanazawa Station, the airport, and Wajima City will operate one daily round trip in a full Pokémon wrap design. In addition, a new Noto Circular Bus will connect the airport with destinations including the Wakura Pokémon Footbath at Wakura Onsen in Nanao City, which opened on May 12, 2026, and the Nymphia with LOVE monument in Suzu City. The circular bus will operate on weekends and public holidays (excluding winter), as well as during the summer holiday period beginning in mid-July. Discover Noto Visiting Noto this summer offers an opportunity to experience a region rediscovering its energy, creativity, and warmth following the 2024 earthquake. Through stories like this, Kanazawa Biyori continues its commitment to sharing the culture, people, and evolving identity of Hokuriku with audiences in Japan and beyond. Whether traveling with family, friends, or fellow Pokémon fans, Noto invites visitors to discover a place unlike anywhere else in the world. ■ Information Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport Opening Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Period: July 7, 2026 – End of September 2029 (limited-period project) Organizers: Ishikawa Prefecture / Pokémon With You Foundation Enquiries: www.kanazawabiyori.com ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. Pocket Monsters, Pokémon, and Pokémon character names are trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc. Media Contact Kanazawa Biyori Co., Ltd. Sunpia Izumigaoka 511, 255 Fushimishinmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0964, Japan Email: info@kanazawabiyori.com -- PRNewswire -- Source: Kanazawa Biyori

NOTO, Japan, June 24 — Rooted in the Hokuriku region, Kanazawa Biyori is a regional media platform dedicated to sharing the living culture of this area — not only its celebrated destinations, but also the people, creativity, and spirit of renewal that continue to shape life here. A World First, Created for Noto On July 7, […]

Globe Recognized in Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for Third Consecutive Year

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines, June 24 -- Globe has once again been recognized in Fortune's Southeast Asia 500 list, underscoring its continued role as one of the region's leading companies amid a rapidly evolving digital economy. The company ranked No. 119 this year, marking its third consecutive year on the annual list following its recognition in 2024 and 2025. The recognition reflects Globe's continued scale and contribution to one of the world's fastest-growing digital economies.  Globe Telecom, Inc. Recognized in Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for Third Consecutive Year Compiled by Fortune, the Southeast Asia 500 ranks the region's largest companies based on revenue. The list highlights organizations that play a significant role in driving economic growth, innovation, and development across Southeast Asia. For Globe, the recognition reflects its continued transformation beyond traditional telecommunications as it strengthens the digital infrastructure that powers the country's increasingly connected economy. "This recognition reflects the trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our people as we continue transforming Globe into a more agile and technology-driven organization," said Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe Telecom. "More importantly, it reinforces our responsibility to help build a digitally empowered Philippines by creating solutions that enable progress for individuals, businesses, and communities." As artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital payments, and other data-intensive technologies reshape how people live and work, Globe continues to invest in network modernization, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies to help ensure Filipinos and businesses have access to reliable, secure, and high-quality digital services. These investments support the growing digital needs of consumers and enterprises while helping strengthen the foundations of the country's digital economy. The company is also advancing its transformation into a technology-driven organization by integrating artificial intelligence and automation across key areas of the business. These initiatives are enhancing customer experience, improving operational efficiency, and enabling smarter decision-making, while helping enterprises accelerate their own digital transformation through solutions spanning connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity, managed services, and digital platforms. As the Philippines competes in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, resilient infrastructure and future-ready technologies will play a greater role in driving long-term growth and competitiveness. Globe remains committed to building the networks, capabilities, and partnerships that will help Filipinos and Philippine businesses participate more fully in the opportunities of the digital economy. ABOUT GLOBE Globe Telecom, Inc. is a leading digital platform in the Philippines with interests in telecommunications, fintech, venture building, shared services, and digital marketing. It is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the symbol GLO. The company delivers a full suite of mobile, broadband, data, and managed services to meet the needs of consumers and businesses. A UN Global Compact Participant, Globe is the first publicly listed Philippine firm with approved near- and long-term science-based targets under the SBTi. It was named one of TIME and Statista's Most Sustainable Companies in 2025. Its back-to-back inclusion in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 in 2024 and 2025 affirms its growth and leadership. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, prominent industry leaders in the region. -- PRNewswire -- Source: Globe Telecom, Inc. 

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines, June 24 — Globe has once again been recognized in Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 list, underscoring its continued role as one of the region’s leading companies amid a rapidly evolving digital economy. The company ranked No. 119 this year, marking its third consecutive year on the annual list following its recognition in 2024 […]

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo Silences Critics with Brace as Portugal Thrash Uzbekistan 5-0

HOUSTON, United States – Cristiano Ronaldo answered his critics in emphatic fashion by scoring twice and becoming the first player to find the net in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments as Portugal cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Group K clash in Houston early Wednesday. Following the match, the 41-year-old forward turned to television cameras and declared, “I’m back, I’m back,” in an emotional response to recent criticism surrounding his place in the national team after enduring a 10-match goal drought in major international tournaments. Given time and space inside the penalty area, Ronaldo wasted little opportunity to punish an Uzbekistan side that struggled to match Portugal’s quality throughout the contest. His two goals took his World Cup tally to 10, surpassing Portuguese legend Eusebio as the nation's all-time leading scorer on football’s biggest stage. While pleased with the milestone, Ronaldo stressed that team success remains his top priority. “The team played very well and showed significant improvement,” he said after the match. “As the saying goes, every difficulty has its silver lining. Personally, records are always special, but my main objective has always been to help the national team achieve its goals.” The victory leaves Portugal with four points from two matches and sets up a decisive final Group K encounter against Colombia. Uzbekistan, still without a point, faces elimination and will take on DR Congo in its final group fixture. Early Pressure Pays Off Portugal came out with intensity from the opening whistle, eager to make amends for their disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening match. Roberto Martinez’s side dominated proceedings, creating numerous chances through quick attacking movements and relentless pressure. Portugal finished with 17 shots, including eight on target, and continued to push forward in search of a hat-trick for Ronaldo, who missed several additional opportunities. Head coach Roberto Martinez praised his team’s improved decision-making and finishing compared to the previous match. “This was exactly the response we discussed in the dressing room,” Martinez said. “Sometimes you need a game like the first one to grow in a tournament. Today we saw a team with the same attitude and commitment, but one that was more mature because it was no longer the opening match.” Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute, calmly finishing from close range after a low cross from Joao Cancelo. He doubled Portugal’s lead later in the half, guiding Bruno Fernandes’ precise pass into the far corner. Clearly relieved to end his goal drought, Ronaldo sprinted toward the touchline in celebration after his first goal, surrounded by teammates while Martinez watched with a smile from the sidelines. Between Ronaldo’s two strikes, Nuno Mendes grabbed attention with a clever free-kick routine that deceived Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov and much of the crowd, with Ronaldo acting as a decoy during the set piece. Uzbekistan thought they had pulled one back before halftime through a superb effort from Azizjon Ganiev, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review that detected a foul on Cancelo earlier in the move. The visitors’ fortunes worsened after the break when Nematov accidentally turned the ball into his own net. Rafael Leao then completed the rout with Portugal’s fifth goal in front of a crowd of 68,777 spectators. With a comfortable lead secured, Portugal controlled possession and saw out the remainder of the match with ease, sending a clear message that they remain serious contenders as the tournament progresses. -- MINUTESMY

HOUSTON, United States – Cristiano Ronaldo answered his critics in emphatic fashion by scoring twice and becoming the first player to find the net in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments as Portugal cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Group K clash in Houston early Wednesday. Following the match, the 41-year-old […]

Gear Up for Summer Adventures with Suunto’s Biggest Prime Day Savings of the Season

SEATTLE, June 24 -- This summer, Suunto invites outdoor enthusiasts, runners, adventurers, and explorers to gear up for their next challenge with special savings across some of its most popular products.   From June 23 to July 4, customers can enjoy discounts of up to 46% off selected Suunto products during the Suunto Summer Sale, including exclusive offers during Amazon Prime Day (June 23–26). Whether preparing for a new race, planning a summer expedition, or exploring beneath the surface, Suunto has trusted tools to help athletes and adventurers perform with confidence. Top Deals Suunto Race 2 - Starting at $399, Up to 20% Off Available at $399 for the Stainless Steel edition (originally $499) and $499 for the Titanium edition (originally $599). Built for athletes who demand more from every training session and race, Suunto Race 2 combines advanced training insights, highly accurate navigation, offline maps, and exceptional battery life to support peak performance wherever the journey leads. Suunto Run – Now $149, Originally $249, 40% Off Designed specifically for runners, Suunto Run delivers lightweight comfort, precise GPS tracking, and dedicated running tools that help athletes train smarter, recover better, and enjoy every mile. Suunto Ocean – Now $679, Originally $899, 24% Off Built for adventures below and above the surface, Suunto Ocean combines the functionality of a premium sports watch with a fully featured dive computer. Whether navigating remote trails, training outdoors, freediving, or exploring underwater worlds, Ocean provides the tools, insights, and reliability needed to confidently transition between every environment. More Ways to Save This summer, customers can enjoy savings across Suunto's full lineup of outdoor watches, sports headphones, and dive products. From performance training and trail adventures to underwater exploration and everyday movement, the Summer Sale offers something for every type of athlete and adventurer. Highlights include up to 40% off selected outdoor watches, up to 41% off Suunto sports headphones, and up to 46% off selected dive products, with savings of up to $300 on the Suunto D5. Availability The Suunto Summer Sale runs from June 23 to July 4, 2026, with Prime Day promotions available June 23–26 through Amazon. For over 90 years, Suunto has designed precision instruments for adventurers, athletes, and explorers. Built in Finland. Trusted worldwide. For more information, visit Suunto.com About Suunto Suunto is a Finnish brand, established 90 years ago, in 1936. It was founded by Finnish inventor Tuomas Vohlonen, who pioneered a new standard for navigational precision. That same year, his innovation – a field compass – was stronger, steadier, and more accurate than any other handheld navigational tool of its time. It was the first of many Suunto products built to withstand the harsh conditions of our native Finland. In the near century since, Tuomas's spirit of innovation has continued to chart Suunto's course. From some of history's first dive computers and high-altitude wrist altimeters to today's GPS watches, Suunto remains a trusted companion for outdoor adventurers across the globe. Supporting explorers, athletes, and weekend warriors alike remains our core mission – providing the tools to dive deeper, climb higher, and push the limits of human potential. -- PRNewswire  -- Source: Suunto 

SEATTLE, June 24 — This summer, Suunto invites outdoor enthusiasts, runners, adventurers, and explorers to gear up for their next challenge with special savings across some of its most popular products. From June 23 to July 4, customers can enjoy discounts of up to 46% off selected Suunto products during the Suunto Summer Sale, including exclusive offers during Amazon Prime […]