Royal Audience To Formalise Sungei Ujong Undang Installation Tomorrow

KUALA PILAH, June 26 -- The Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, has consented to hold the royal audience ceremony to formalise the installation of the Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong at Istana Besar Seri Menanti here tomorrow. The royal decree was conveyed by Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz during an audience granted to the Datuk-Datuk Adat of Luak Sungei Ujong, waris soko and their delegation at Istana Besar Seri Menanti today. “I was informed by Waris Negeri Sungei Ujong Datuk Sinda Maharaja Razlan Hamid, representing the luak that the selection of the Pesaka Undang Luak Sungei Ujong was carried out in accordance with the adat (customs) and traditions practised in Luak Sungei Ujong. “I wish to convey the consent of my father, Tuanku Muhriz, for the Istiadat Menghadap Menjunjung Duli Bagi Menyempurnakan Kejadian Undang Luak Sungei Ujong to be held on Saturday morning. Matters relating to the ceremony and preparations, the adat leaders may discuss them with the Orang Empat Istana. I pray that all arrangements proceed smoothly,” he said. Meanwhile, Razlan, when met by reporters after the audience, said the Buapak customary council assembly had selected Muhammad Faris Johari, 29, as the 11th Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong in accordance with established adat. Previously, the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang accepted the dismissal of Datuk Klana Petra Datuk Mubarak Dohak as the 10th Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the decision was made at a special sitting held at Istana Besar Seri Menanti in Kuala Pilah and chaired by Tuanku Muhriz. The royal audience ceremony to formalise the installation of the 22nd Undang of Luak Rembau will also be held tomorrow following the consent granted by Tuanku Muhriz yesterday. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA PILAH, June 26 — The Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, has consented to hold the royal audience ceremony to formalise the installation of the Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong at Istana Besar Seri Menanti here tomorrow. The royal decree was conveyed by Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin […]

Johor Polls: Roads Near Nomination Centres To Be Closed In Stages Tomorrow

JOHOR BAHRU, June 26 -- Several major roads near nomination centres in the state will be closed or diverted in stages to facilitate nomination day for the 16th Johor state election tomorrow. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the closures and diversions are to ensure safety and smooth conduct of the nomination process. He said about 19 roads have been identified so far in Johor Bahru, Kulai, Batu Pahat, Muar and Kluang that will be affected during the process. The roads include Jalan Utama Dato’ Onn and Jalan Ayer Molek in Johor Bahru, Jalan Persiaran Indahpura 6 in Kulai, Jalan Omar in Batu Pahat, Jalan Arab and Jalan Petri in Muar, and Jalan Dato’ Teoh Siew Khor and Jalan Sultan in Kluang. “However, detailed information, including closure and diversion times, will be announced from time to time through the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) official channels,” he said when contacted by Bernama. Ab Rahaman said 22 locations in 17 state constituencies have also been identified for close monitoring based on security assessments and past election experience. He said the locations are mainly nomination centres with large crowds of supporters, as well as urban areas with heavy traffic. He said a total of 4,832 police personnel will be deployed on nomination day to maintain security, manage traffic, monitor public order and enforce the law. He advised the public to plan their journeys early, comply with instructions from authorities and use alternative routes where necessary. Ab Rahaman also reminded political party supporters to act in a mature and orderly manner, comply with the law and avoid provocation or gatherings that could disrupt public order. He said cooperation from the public, party supporters and road users is appreciated to ensure the election process runs smoothly in a peaceful, harmonious and democratic atmosphere. The Election Commission has set June 27 as nomination day, July 7 for early voting, and July 11 for polling day. For the latest news on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, June 26 — Several major roads near nomination centres in the state will be closed or diverted in stages to facilitate nomination day for the 16th Johor state election tomorrow. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the closures and diversions are to ensure safety and smooth conduct of the nomination process. […]

SEEK People & Purpose Awards 2026 Honours Malaysia’s Leading Employers and HR Trailblazers

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 June 2026 - Jobstreet by SEEK honoured Malaysia’s leading employers and HR leaders at the SEEK People & Purpose Awards (SPPA) 2026, recognising organisations that are creating meaningful workplace cultures and setting new benchmarks for employee experience, wellbeing and organisational excellence. Held under the theme, “Where Work and Purpose Meet: Recognising Workplaces Malaysians Grow With”, the annual awards celebrate employers that successfully bring together people, growth and purpose to create workplaces where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed. Building on the success of previous years, the SEEK People & Purpose Awards 2026 recognises organisations and leaders that are setting new benchmarks for workplace excellence through people-first practices, purposeful growth and measurable impact. The awards recognise excellence across three pillars: Top-Voted Employers Awards: Recognising organisations that have earned the trust and endorsement of working Malaysians through a nationwide public voting exercise conducted in partnership with Ipsos Malaysia. SEEK People & Purpose Excellence Awards: Celebrating organisations that have demonstrated outstanding employer brand and hiring performance based on market and platform data. Submission Award Categories: Honouring organisations and leaders that are driving meaningful impact through people-focused strategies and workplace practices, including: Best Employee Development Program: Recognising organisations that invest    in employee growth, learning and future-ready skills. Best Sustainable HR Practices: Celebrating employers that balance business success with employee wellbeing and long-term workforce sustainability. Best Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Awards: Recognising organisations that foster equitable opportunities and inclusive workplace cultures. Employer of the Year: Honouring organisations that demonstrate excellence across the employee experience, from leadership and culture to people development. The People Leader of the Year: Recognising leaders who have championed transformative people practices and delivered lasting organisational impact.    Together, these awards celebrate organisations that are creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported and empowered to grow. The awards come at a time when employers are facing growing pressure to attract and retain talent amid evolving workforce expectations.  According to Jobstreet by SEEK’s Workplace Happiness Index, purpose is now the strongest driver of workplace happiness among Malaysians, ranking ahead of compensation, flexibility and career progression. The research also found that while 70% of Malaysians report being happy at work, nearly one in three workers remain neutral or unhappy. At the same time, 41% of employees say they feel burnt out or exhausted by their jobs, while only 36% are satisfied with their stress levels. Importantly, employees who feel happy at work are three times more likely to go above and beyond in their roles and are significantly less likely to consider leaving their employer, highlighting the direct connection between employee experience and organisational performance.        demonstrating that great workplaces are built through intentional and sustained investment in people,” said Nicholas Lam, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Malaysia. “Whether it is developing future-ready talent, fostering inclusive cultures, supporting employee wellbeing or empowering leaders to bring out the best in their teams, these organisations understand that people are at the heart of business success. Their achievements show that creating meaningful employee experiences is not only beneficial for employees, but also strengthens organisational resilience, innovation and long-term growth.” Unlike many other employer awards, the SEEK People & Purpose Awards evaluate organisations through a holistic framework that combines public voting, independent judging and market performance, recognising employers not only for their intentions but also for the measurable impact of their workplace practices. As workforce expectations continue to evolve, the SEEK People & Purpose Awards celebrate employers that are redefining what great workplaces look like — proving that when people, growth and purpose come together, both employees and businesses thrive. For the full list of winners and award criteria, please visit  -- MINUTESMY 

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 June 2026 – Jobstreet by SEEK honoured Malaysia’s leading employers and HR leaders at the SEEK People & Purpose Awards (SPPA) 2026, recognising organisations that are creating meaningful workplace cultures and setting new benchmarks for employee experience, wellbeing and organisational excellence.   Held under the theme, “Where Work and Purpose Meet: Recognising […]

LG Expands ‘Subscribe’ Retail Network To 130 Stores Nationwide

PETALING JAYA, June 25 (Bernama) -- LG Electronics Malaysia has expanded its LG Subscribe retail network to 130 branded stores nationwide, strengthening its leadership in the country’s home appliance subscription market, amid growing consumer demand for flexible alternatives to conventional ownership. The latest outlet in Sunway Pyramid here marks the company’s 130th LG Subscribe Brand Store since the subscription programme was introduced with a single kiosk in 2019. LG Electronics Malaysia managing director Justin Choi said the milestone underscored the confidence Malaysians have placed in LG Subscribe and the company’s commitment to making premium home living more flexible and accessible. “When we set out on this journey, we believed that Malaysians deserved a smarter way to experience the best technology in their homes -- not bound by the cost of ownership, but supported by ongoing care and service. This milestone tells us we were right and it drives us to go further,” he said at the launch of the company’s latest LG Subscribe Brand Store here today. According to him, the network now spans 58 locations in Central Malaysia, 29 in the northern region, 23 in the southern region, 15 in Sabah and Sarawak, and five in the East Coast, making it the country’s largest branded home appliance subscription retail network. Each brand store features a dedicated Maintenance Service Zone where customers can learn about after-sales care, filter replacement and routine servicing, while store associates also conduct digital engagement initiatives, including TikTok Live sessions during off-peak hours, to complement customers’ in-store experience. In conjunction with the latest store opening, LG also launched its Filter Drop Campaign, which encourages subscribers to return used water and air filters at any LG Subscribe Brand Store for responsible disposal. Participants will receive complimentary gifts as part of the initiative, which aims to reduce improper waste disposal while promoting sustainable after-sales practices. Choi noted the campaign forms part of LG’s broader sustainability strategy, with its subscription model designed to support consumers throughout an appliance’s lifecycle through energy-efficient technologies, maintenance services and responsible disposal practices. “Following our Future Vision 2030, we are transforming LG into a Smart Life Solution Company that connects and enhances customer experiences not just through products, but through the entire lifecycle of living with them. “From the energy an appliance consumes while running, to what becomes of its components when they are spent, LG’s commitment to sustainability runs the full length of the ownership journey. That is what it means to stay present long after the appliance is installed,” he said. Meanwhile, LG Marketing general manager Sam Hoo said the expansion from a single kiosk to 130 branded stores within seven years demonstrated the increasing acceptance of subscription-based home appliance solutions among Malaysian consumers. Hoo said LG Subscribe currently offers more than 60 stock keeping units (SKUs) across 15 product categories, including water purifiers, air purifiers, residential air conditioners (RAC), refrigerators, washing machines and the LG WashTower. Among the programme’s most popular products are water purifiers and air purifiers, while residential air conditioners have also continued to record strong demand. Hoo said Sunway Pyramid was selected as the location for the 130th brand store because of its strong shopper traffic and customer profile, which closely matches LG Subscribe’s target market. Asked how LG differentiates itself from competitors offering similar subscription services, she said the company combines the country’s largest subscription store network with one of the widest product portfolios in the market and flexible maintenance options tailored to customers’ preferences. According to her, customers can choose between self-service and professional maintenance throughout subscription periods of up to seven years, while benefiting from LG’s energy-efficient inverter-driven technologies that help reduce electricity consumption and lower long-term operating costs. -- BERNAMA

PETALING JAYA, June 26 — LG Electronics Malaysia has expanded its LG Subscribe retail network to 130 branded stores nationwide, strengthening its leadership in the country’s home appliance subscription market, amid growing consumer demand for flexible alternatives to conventional ownership. The latest outlet in Sunway Pyramid here marks the company’s 130th LG Subscribe Brand Store […]

Venezuela Earthquakes Leave 188 Dead, 1,520 Injured

CARACAS, June 26 -- The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 188, with 1,520 injured, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on Thursday, reported Xinhua. Speaking on Venezuelan state television, Rodriguez said that the country is racing against time to save the injured and the trapped, adding that the figures will be updated in the coming hours. About 200 people were trapped under rubble and 157 others remained missing, he said. Venezuela had recorded 138 aftershocks as of Thursday noon, said Rodriguez. Because of continuing aftershocks, the Venezuelan government declared several areas, including La Guaira state, disaster zones. At least 346 buildings were damaged, including eight hospitals, some of which had been evacuated, he said. Rodriguez said international rescue teams from several countries had arrived in Venezuela to help with relief operations. He also called on the public to donate emergency supplies at collection points across the country. Rescue workers were still searching for survivors in collapsed buildings, while heavy machinery had begun arriving at disaster sites as rescue operations continued. Because of continuing aftershocks, many Venezuelans began spending the night in the streets or inside cars early Thursday. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

CARACAS, June 26 — The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 188, with 1,520 injured, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on Thursday, reported Xinhua. Speaking on Venezuelan state television, Rodriguez said that the country is racing against time to save the injured and the trapped, […]

Ecuador Stuns Germany 2-1 To Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

NEW JERSEY (United States), June 26 -- Ecuador came from behind to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany in their final Group E match at the FIFA World Cup on Thursday, advancing to the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams, reported Xinhua. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann had resisted making wholesale changes despite his side having already qualified, with Antonio Rudiger returning in central defence to replace Nico Schlotterbeck, who has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament with an ankle ligament injury. Germany took the lead after just two minutes through Leroy Sane, although the goal was surrounded by controversy. Aleksandar Pavlovic appeared to catch Ecuador midfielder Alan Vite in the head with a high boot while controlling the ball in the build-up, but referee Tori Penso allowed play to continue. Florian Wirtz then laid the ball across the penalty area for Sane, who finished with his left foot to score his first goal at World Cup. Ecuador responded almost immediately. In the ninth minute, Felix Nmecha lost possession with a heavy touch and Vite quickly moved the ball forward. Nilson Angulo fired a low shot through Pavlovic's legs and into the bottom corner, leaving Manuel Neuer with no chance. The South American side grew in confidence after the equaliser and enjoyed long spells of possession, while Germany struggled for fluency and repeatedly gave the ball away before halftime. There was further controversy early in the second half when Germany was initially awarded a penalty. The decision was overturned following a VAR review, with Penso ruling that Sane had fouled Vite before Germany regained possession and launched the attack. Ecuador completed the turnaround in the 77th minute. Vite delivered a corner, Kevin Rodriguez flicked the ball on at the near post and Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest in front of goal, stretching out a foot to send it beneath the crossbar after Neuer had been drawn out of position. Germany pushed for an equaliser but Ecuador held firm to secure the victory and finish the group stage with four points. In the group's other match, Cote d'Ivoire beat Curacao 2-0. Germany finished first in Group E, ahead of Cote d'Ivoire, with Ecuador third and Curacao fourth. Under the expanded tournament format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed sides, advance to the round of 32. Germany will play a third-placed team from Group A, B, C, D or F on June 29. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

NEW JERSEY (United States), June 26 — Ecuador came from behind to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany in their final Group E match at the FIFA World Cup on Thursday, advancing to the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams, reported Xinhua. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann had resisted making […]

TNG Digital launches ASB financing in ewallet in collaboration with CIMB

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 26 -- TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, operator of TNG eWallet, has launched its first Islamic financing offering, ASB Financing, in collaboration with CIMB. According to TNG Digital in a statement today, through a simpler and more integrated financing experience in TNG eWallet, users can now participate in Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) investments through structured monthly commitments rather than relying on large initial savings. Bumiputera users have made up 70 per cent of Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASNB)'s investor base on the TNG eWallet platform and contributed 52 per cent of the total investment value on the platform, reflecting strong demand for easily accessible investment and wealth building solutions in the segment. TNG Digital Head of Financial Services Desmond Teoh said the launch is an important step in expanding the range of financial solutions available through the GOfinance feature. “The good reception of ASNB investments on our platform clearly reflects the growing interest in digitally accessible and connected wealth building solutions among Malaysians,” he said. Since the integration of ASNB in ​​2023, TNG Digital informed that TNG eWallet has continued to record increased use of digital investment services, with 44 percent year-on-year growth among users actively investing through the platform as of May 2026. With financing amounts ranging from RM10,000 to RM200,000 and flexible tenures between five and 40 years, consumers can choose the plan that best suits their goals and financial capacity. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 26 — TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, operator of TNG eWallet, has launched its first Islamic financing offering, ASB Financing, in collaboration with CIMB. According to TNG Digital in a statement today, through a simpler and more integrated financing experience in TNG eWallet, users can now participate in Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) investments […]

Ringgit opens slightly lower as US GDP growth supports dollar

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 26 -- The ringgit opened slightly lower against the United States (US) dollar on Friday following stronger-than-expected US economic data that strengthened the country's currency. However, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz increased risk appetite among investors, thus limiting the depreciation of the ringgit. At 8am, the local currency fell to 4.1170/1270 against the US dollar from 4.1160/1200 at yesterday's close. The US reported first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2.1 percent, beating consensus expectations of 1.6 percent, while the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation rate for May recorded 4.1 percent, in line with market expectations. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the US Dollar Index (DXY) fell 0.18 per cent to 101.431 points after the PCE data was announced, reflecting that consumer spending growth in the US was still weak. Therefore, the strengthening of the US dollar is expected to be difficult to maintain, especially in the context of lower crude oil prices following the 60-day period agreed for peace agreement negotiations between the US and Iran, he said. At the opening of trading, the ringgit traded lower against major currency groups. The ringgit weakened against the British pound to 5.4295/4427 from 5.4261/4314 at yesterday's close, fell against the euro to 4.6777/6891 from 4.6762/6807 and eased against the Japanese yen to 2.5445/5508 from 2.5437/5464 previously. The local currency, on the other hand, traded almost unchanged against regional currencies. The ringgit was unchanged against the Singapore dollar at 3.1742/1824 from 3.1742/1775 at yesterday's close, flat against the Indonesian rupiah at 229.4/230.1 from 229.4/229.7 and flat against the Philippine peso at 6.71/6.73 from 6.71/6.72 previously. However, the ringgit eased against the Thai baht to 12.3245/3618 from 12.3370/3538 previously. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 26 — The ringgit opened slightly lower against the United States (US) dollar on Friday following stronger-than-expected US economic data that strengthened the country’s currency. However, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz increased risk appetite among investors, thus limiting the depreciation of the ringgit. At 8am, the local currency fell to […]