Day: June 25, 2026

2026 World Cup: Switzerland, Canada advance to knockout rounds

VANCOUVER, CANADA: Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored to give Switzerland a 2-1 win over Canada in FIFA World Cup Group B on Wednesday as both teams advanced to the knockout stages, Xinhua reported. Manzambi, 20, who came off the bench to score twice in Switzerland's 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, dominated the early game against Canada. Assisted by Manzambi, Vargas broke the deadlock early in the second half, when his shot went past the Canadian goalkeeper, hit the post and went over the line. In the 57th minute, Breel Embolo crossed for Manzambi, who finished to make it 2-0. Swiss defender Manuel Akanji praised Manzambi after the match. "We need a player like this who is creative, he sees things that maybe others don't see or can't do." Canada scored again in the 76th minute when Jonathan David scored with his first touch shortly after coming on as a substitute. "We didn't get at least a draw, which means we have to get out of here (Canada) for the next game," said David. "We were a bit disappointed about that. But we scored a lot of goals in all three games, I think we showed a new level of attacking football." Also in Group B, Qatar finished bottom and were eliminated after losing 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are third with four points and still have hopes of reaching the knockout stages. Switzerland will play one of the best third-place teams from Groups E, F, G, I or J in Vancouver in the round of 32. Canada, who need a win or a draw to top the group and remain in action at home, now have to travel to Los Angeles for their next match against the Group A runners-up. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

VANCOUVER, CANADA: Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored to give Switzerland a 2-1 win over Canada in FIFA World Cup Group B on Wednesday as both teams advanced to the knockout stages, Xinhua reported. Manzambi, 20, who came off the bench to score twice in Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, dominated […]

Magnitude 6.0 earthquake off east coast of Honshu, no tsunami threat to Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 25 -- A strong earthquake measuring 6.9 struck an area near the east coast of Honshu, Japan at 6.30 this morning, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). MetMalaysia in a statement said the earthquake occurred at coordinates 40.2 degrees North and 142.2 degrees East, approximately 64 kilometres southeast of Hachinohe, Japan. According to the department, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 79 kilometers. Based on MetMalaysia's initial assessment, the earthquake did not pose a tsunami threat to Malaysia. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 25 — A strong earthquake measuring 6.9 struck an area near the east coast of Honshu, Japan at 6.30 this morning, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). MetMalaysia in a statement said the earthquake occurred at coordinates 40.2 degrees North and 142.2 degrees East, approximately 64 kilometres southeast of Hachinohe, Japan. […]

Government committed to strengthening Islamic finance ecosystem, attracting Russian investors to Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 25 -- The government, in collaboration with the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), remains committed to developing a comprehensive Islamic finance ecosystem to attract investors, especially from Russia, to invest in the Islamic finance sector in Malaysia. The Ministry of Finance said the SC has spearheaded several cross-border strategic initiatives, including a planned exploratory visit to the Central Asian region in 2026 or 2027 under the internationalisation agenda of the Islamic capital market (PMI). It aims to assess market readiness, strengthen stakeholder networks and develop an Islamic finance ecosystem that connects Malaysia with the region, including Russia. According to the ministry, Malaysia also has the opportunity to expand the export of sharia expertise following the interest shown by the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan in May 2025 to adopt Malaysia's Islamic finance development model. "This opportunity includes the provision of professional services such as sharia advisory services, consulting, training and capacity building. "The effort was supported through a series of bilateral meetings held by the SC with the Central Bank of Russia and The Saint Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) in 2023 and 2025," he said in a written reply on the Dewan Rakyat website, on Wednesday. The ministry was responding to a question from Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) regarding the government's concrete steps to encourage investors from Russia to invest in the Islamic finance sector in Malaysia in an effort to strengthen Malaysia's position as a global Islamic finance hub and attract foreign capital flows based on sharia principles. In addition, the Ministry of Finance announced that the SC will continue to strengthen Malaysia's competitiveness through strengthening the regulatory framework, product innovation and expanding international cooperation, under the Capital Markets Master Plan 2026–2030 (CMP 2026–2030). He said the government always welcomes legitimate and productive investments from Russia, subject to domestic laws and relevant international standards. "Overall, Malaysia's proactive approach not only aims to attract foreign capital flows, but also acts as a bridge connecting Russian investors with global markets in a sustainable, transparent and inclusive financial ecosystem in line with the principles of Maqasid al-Syariah," he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 25 — The government, in collaboration with the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), remains committed to developing a comprehensive Islamic finance ecosystem to attract investors, especially from Russia, to invest in the Islamic finance sector in Malaysia. The Ministry of Finance said the SC has spearheaded several cross-border strategic initiatives, including a planned […]

Three including teenager arrested, over RM120,000 worth of drugs seized

IPOH: Police successfully busted a drug trafficking syndicate and seized ketamine and suspected Erimin 5 pills worth more than RM120,000 following a raid on a house in Pengkalan Tiara here, last Monday. Perak Police Chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said that in the operation at 8.45pm that night, two men and a local woman aged 17 to 43 were arrested. He said the raid was carried out by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) of the Perak Police Contingent (IPK) Headquarters based on intelligence information regarding drug trafficking activities in the area. "The police seized one transparent plastic package and nine transparent plastic packets, each containing suspected ketamine with an estimated weight of 1,001 grams. "Also seized were 350 pieces of aluminium foil, each piece containing 10 pills suspected to be Erimin 5 with an estimated weight of 1,100 grams. The total value of the drugs seized is estimated to be RM120,050," he said in a statement last night. Mohd Alwi said urine tests found that one of the suspects tested positive for ketamine, while the other two tested negative for the drug. He said the syndicate was believed to have been active for almost two years and the seized drugs were suspected of being distributed in the state. He said the first suspect was remanded for four days starting yesterday and the third suspect was remanded for six days until June 28, while the remand application for another suspect was rejected by the Ipoh Court Magistrate. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Meanwhile, Mohd Alwi said, a total of 8,721 individuals were arrested for drug offences throughout Perak from January to last month. "This success is the result of continuous cooperation between the community and enforcement agencies, especially the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)," he said. -- BERNAMA

IPOH: Police successfully busted a drug trafficking syndicate and seized ketamine and suspected Erimin 5 pills worth more than RM120,000 following a raid on a house in Pengkalan Tiara here, last Monday. Perak Police Chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said that in the operation at 8.45pm that night, two men and a local woman […]

UNHCR card holders are not eligible to have a driving licence – Kelantan JPJ

KOTA BHARU, JUNE 25 -- The Kelantan Road Transport Department (JPJ) insists that the Rohingya ethnic group is not eligible to have a driving licence in this country due to their status as refugees, said its director, Mohd Misuari Abdullah. He said that the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) card held by the group in question is not an official identification document that qualifies them to apply for a driving licence. He said, however, throughout the enforcement operations, his party had never detected any Rohingya citizens with valid driving licenses. On the other hand, Mohd Misuari said that the modus operandi often used by this group when detained at roadblocks is to present their UNHCR card to gain sympathy in order to escape. He also dismissed allegations about the existence of a syndicate that helped these foreigners obtain legal driving licenses. "Intelligence results have found that no such documents or syndicates have been detected in Kelantan so far," he told Bernama recently. To prevent this issue from continuing to spread, Kelantan JPJ is currently intensifying enforcement operations continuously in several focus locations around Kota Bharu, Ketereh, Melor, Pasir Tumboh and Tanah Merah. He said that a total of 576 vehicles driven by foreigners had been inspected so far this month, with 457 of them seized and 908 summonses issued for various offences under the Road Transport Act 1987. "JPJ Kelantan also issued a stern warning to local residents who rent out or allow their vehicles to be used by Rohingyas without a license," he said. Mohd Misuari said the owner of the vehicle involved will no longer just be compounded, but will instead be brought to court under Section 23(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987. "Kelantan is now among the earliest states to take the approach of taking vehicle owners directly to court for the sake of public safety and more effective enforcement of road laws," he said. Previously, approximately 85 percent of foreigners who were taken into action in the Foreigner Guide Operation in Kelantan from last January to June 18 were of the Rohingya ethnic group. The results of monitoring and enforcement carried out found that the majority of them were detected driving without a valid license in addition to committing various other offences under the Road Transport Act 1987. -- BERNAMA

KOTA BHARU, JUNE 25 — The Kelantan Road Transport Department (JPJ) insists that the Rohingya ethnic group is not eligible to have a driving licence in this country due to their status as refugees, said its director, Mohd Misuari Abdullah. He said that the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) card held by the […]

Civil Service Key to Malaysia’s Global Success, Says PM Anwar

ALOR GAJAH, June 25 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today paid tribute to Malaysia’s civil servants, describing them as the backbone of the nation’s recent achievements and growing international reputation. Speaking during a friendly engagement session with public sector employees from Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor in Alor Gajah, Anwar expressed his appreciation for the dedication and commitment shown by civil servants in driving the country’s development and implementing government policies effectively. “I extend my highest respect and appreciation to all civil servants who have worked tirelessly to ensure our nation continues to move forward and is increasingly respected on the international stage,” he said. Anwar noted that Malaysia’s recent accomplishments, including its rise by 11 places to become the world’s 15th most competitive economy in the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking, would not have been possible without the competence and professionalism of the public service. “This success is not the achievement of one or two individuals, but the result of the collective efforts of civil servants serving across the country,” he said. The Prime Minister said he had witnessed firsthand the growing confidence of the international community in Malaysia during his recent official visits to Japan, Russia and Turkmenistan. According to him, several strategic partnerships involving energy, trade and investment were successfully secured due to Malaysia’s political stability, clear policy direction and the efficiency of its government machinery. “Various strategic collaborations have been realised because Malaysia is seen as a stable country with a capable administration that can implement decisions effectively and efficiently,” he said. However, Anwar stressed that the country must not become complacent despite its achievements. He pointed out that the global landscape is evolving rapidly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy, emerging technologies and increasingly complex geopolitical challenges. As such, he called on civil servants to embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability. “The entire civil service must possess a strong willingness to change, adapt to new demands and continuously enhance its capabilities to meet future challenges,” he said. Drawing on the principle of itqan fil amal – striving for excellence in every undertaking – Anwar urged public servants to carry out their responsibilities with the highest level of professionalism and integrity. He also warned against bureaucratic delays, inefficiency and resistance to reform, saying such practices could undermine the government’s efforts to modernise the public sector. “We must not allow a culture of delay, bureaucratic red tape or resistance to change to hinder the reform agenda that we are implementing,” he said. Anwar expressed confidence that with strong ideals, sound values, good character and an unwavering commitment to public service, Malaysia would be able to achieve greater progress and secure a better future for the next generation. “Insya-Allah, together we can elevate Malaysia to a higher level for the benefit of future generations,” he added. -- MINUTESMY

ALOR GAJAH, June 25 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today paid tribute to Malaysia’s civil servants, describing them as the backbone of the nation’s recent achievements and growing international reputation. Speaking during a friendly engagement session with public sector employees from Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor in Alor Gajah, Anwar expressed his appreciation […]

Malaysia Must Prepare Workforce for AI-Driven Future – Datuk Ramanan

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 – Malaysia must take proactive steps to equip its workforce with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy, Human Resources Minister Ramanan said. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday,Ramanan responded to a question from Padang Serai Member of Parliament Datuk Azman Nasrudin regarding the impact of automation and AI on employment trends and job losses in the country. He stressed that while AI is transforming workplaces and industries, it should not be viewed as the sole cause of job displacement. “The reality is that the world of work is changing rapidly. Technology, digitalisation and AI are reshaping how we work, how businesses operate and the types of jobs needed in the future,” he said. According to Ramanan, job losses are influenced by various factors, including global economic challenges, evolving business models, rising operating costs and corporate restructuring. He said the government’s priority is to ensure workers are prepared for these changes through effective intervention and workforce development strategies. The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), he added, has adopted a proactive approach by implementing reskilling, upskilling and job-matching programmes to help Malaysians remain relevant in the labour market. Citing TalentCorp data, Ramanan said nearly 700,000 jobs could be affected by developments in AI, the digital economy and the green economy over the coming years if workers fail to enhance their skills. At the same time, he noted that technological advancement is also expected to create hundreds of new job opportunities. To address the challenge, the government is strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), expanding access to skills development programmes, introducing initiatives such as MyMahir and promoting lifelong learning. “Our goal is not only to help Malaysians adapt to change, but to empower them to become leaders in the future economy,” he said. Ramanan also highlighted the role of the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) in supporting workers who lose their jobs through social protection schemes, financial assistance and re-employment programmes. “Technological advancement cannot be stopped. However, with the right policies, relevant training and continuous support, we can ensure this transformation creates more opportunities than challenges,” he said. He reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring no worker is left behind as Malaysia navigates the changing employment landscape. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 – Malaysia must take proactive steps to equip its workforce with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy, Human Resources Minister Ramanan said. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday,Ramanan responded to a question from Padang Serai Member of Parliament Datuk Azman Nasrudin […]