Day: July 1, 2026

Johor Polls Campaign Brings Economic Windfall To Traders

KLUANG, July 1 -- The Johor State Election Season is proving to be more than just a democratic exercise, as it has become an unexpected economic boost for petty traders and hawkers in the Layang-Layang and Simpang Renggam areas. For stall operator Noorma Zafmeeden, 70, from Felda Layang-Layang, the surge in customers during the campaign period has exceeded all expectations. She said her stall, which serves roti canai and nasi lemak, would normally generate less than RM400 in morning sales, but business has increased significantly since the start of the election campaign. “On normal days, our income is average, but when election season comes, there is definitely a substantial increase in earnings,” she told Bernama recently. Noorma and her husband, Bahari Madiran, 76, who have lived in the Felda settlement since 1987, continue their long-standing routine of preparing popular Malaysian breakfast dishes from dawn, before selling various fried dishes in the evening. For Bahari, their warung has become a meeting point that reflects unity, with customers from different races and religions gathering in a warm and harmonious atmosphere. The father of five said the influx of visitors has satisfied him, as it provides opportunities to interact with people and campaign workers from various parts of the country. Meanwhile, the election-driven economic boost has also been felt by “nasi campur” trader Ahmad Ridzuan Awang, 45, in Simpang Renggam, who said his sales have doubled during the campaign period. “Usually, dozens of dishes only sell out by evening, but since the state election campaign started, by as early as 1.30 pm our trays are already empty due to bulk orders from various parties,” he said. Ahmad Ridzuan noted that the influx of what he described as “political tourists” has benefited not only food operators but also created a positive spillover effect for local suppliers and businesses in the surrounding area. The Johor state election is seeing 172 candidates contesting 56 seats, with polling day scheduled for July 11 and early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA  

KLUANG, July 1 — The Johor State Election Season is proving to be more than just a democratic exercise, as it has become an unexpected economic boost for petty traders and hawkers in the Layang-Layang and Simpang Renggam areas. For stall operator Noorma Zafmeeden, 70, from Felda Layang-Layang, the surge in customers during the campaign […]

LHDN and JPJ Extend Weekend Operating Hours to Ease BUDI MADANI Applications

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 1 — The government has announced enhanced service accessibility for BUDI MADANI-related matters, with counters operated by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia and the Road Transport Department extending their weekend operating hours. The move aims to ensure citizens can complete applications and transactions more smoothly, particularly those related to vehicle fuel subsidy assistance and ownership matters under the BUDI MADANI initiative. Under the expanded services, the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (LHDN) will assist eligible applicants, including pickup truck and jeep owners, in applying for additional fuel allocations of up to 100 litres. Meanwhile, the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ), including state offices and UTC branches, will facilitate key services such as vehicle ownership transfers, road tax renewals, and other related transactions. The initiative is part of efforts to improve public service efficiency and ensure wider access to government assistance programmes. More information can be found at the official portal: BUDI MADANI portal. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 1 — The government has announced enhanced service accessibility for BUDI MADANI-related matters, with counters operated by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia and the Road Transport Department extending their weekend operating hours. The move aims to ensure citizens can complete applications and transactions more smoothly, particularly those related to vehicle fuel […]

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Qinghai in northwest China.

BEIJING: An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale shook Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province at 7:44 a.m. Wednesday (Beijing time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), Xinhua reported . The epicenter was detected at 37.83 degrees north and 95.43 degrees east, while the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the center. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

BEIJING: An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale shook Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China’s Qinghai Province at 7:44 a.m. Wednesday (Beijing time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), Xinhua reported . The epicenter was detected at 37.83 degrees north and 95.43 degrees east, while the quake occurred at […]

TikTok Shop Pioneers Online Rahmah Sales – Armizan

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 -- TikTok Shop has become the first e-commerce platform to implement the Jualan Ihsan RAHMAH programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the collaboration takes the RAHMAH Sales concept online, making it easier for consumers to purchase essential goods at affordable prices. Under the programme, consumers can purchase selected essential goods comprising 75 stock keeping units (SKUs) at discounted prices from participating retailers HeroMarket and KedaiFGV via TikTok Shop. "There were suggestions that we should introduce RAHMAH Sales online. However, when the government implements any initiative, it has to consider all aspects based on the resources available. "Fortunately, before the government rolled out an online RAHMAH Sales programme, TikTok pioneered the online Jualan Ihsan RAHMAH initiative," he said after officiating the JomLokal 2026: Lokal Jaga Lokal Festival and launching Jualan Ihsan RAHMAH at Ampang here today. Also present was TikTok Shop Malaysia senior director of Strategic Partnerships, Nur Azre Abdul Aziz. Armizan said TikTok Shop is contributing RM180 million to implement three key components of the programme, including discount vouchers offering savings of up to 30 per cent on selected essential goods. The collaboration also provides zero per cent commission for 56 product subcategories, reduced platform fees for another 39 subcategories, and a RM2 shipping rebate for every eligible order nationwide to help lower sellers' operating costs and consumers' online shopping expenses. "The programme has three main objectives: to elevate local products, help address the cost of living and support entrepreneurs in increasing their income," he said. Armizan said the programme also complements the Buy Malaysian Products Campaign (JOM MALAYSIA), launched on June 27, by promoting a whole-of-nation approach to supporting local products, services and entrepreneurs. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — TikTok Shop has become the first e-commerce platform to implement the Jualan Ihsan RAHMAH programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the collaboration takes the RAHMAH Sales concept online, making it easier for consumers to purchase essential […]

Johor RTD Introduces Four Multi-counters To Facilitate Renewal Of LKM And LMM

handle individual private Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM) and Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM) renewal transactions starting today. State RTD director Zulkarnain Yasin said the initiative allows customers who want to renew both documents to take only one queue number and get services at the same counter. "In addition, customers can also save time and thus further streamline LKM and LMM renewal transactions," he said in a statement today. Commenting further, Zulkarnain said that the transactions at the multi-counters are not limited by division and customers can be coordinated across all service counters. He said any complaints can be made directly or in real time using the MyJPJ application: e-Aduan@JPJ or email aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my along with complete details of the complaint. -- BERNAMA 

JOHOR BAHRU, July 1  — The Johor Road Transport Department (RTD) has set up four multi-counters at its headquarters in Taman Daya here to handle individual private Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM) and Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM) renewal transactions starting today. State RTD director Zulkarnain Yasin said the initiative allows customers who want to renew both […]

SUHAKAM Act Amendment, Inflation-cost Of Living Gap Among Key Focus In Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 -- Proposed amendments to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) Act 1999 and the gap between the inflation rate and the cost of living are among the key focus in the Dewan Rakyat today.  According to the Order Paper on Parliament’s official website, during the question-and-answer session, Teresa Kok Suh Sim (PH-Seputeh) will ask the Prime Minister whether the government plans to amend the SUHAKAM Act to allow the commission to generate additional income through training programmes and courses, so that it will no longer be fully dependent on government allocations.  Another key question comes from Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok) to the Economy Minister regarding the government’s assessment of the gap between the official inflation rate and rising living costs, as well as the indicators used to ensure economic growth translates into improved household purchasing power.  During the same session, V. Ganabatirau (PH-Klang) will ask the Prime Minister on the status of the review of land transfers or changes in land use involving flood retention ponds, particularly in Kuala Lumpur.  Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu) will ask the Higher Education Minister to state the ratio of students in higher education institutions in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields compared to non-STEM fields, as well as the target number of engineers in various disciplines to meet the demands of high-technology industries.  Also scheduled is the tabling of the Cybercrime Bill 2026 for second reading by a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.  The Second Meeting of the Dewan Rakyat for the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament convenes for 16 days until July 16.  -- BERNAMA  

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Proposed amendments to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) Act 1999 and the gap between the inflation rate and the cost of living are among the key focus in the Dewan Rakyat today. According to the Order Paper on Parliament’s official website, during the question-and-answer session, Teresa Kok Suh […]

PSD Opens Second Phase PBU Academic Loan Application Until Aug 31

Public Service Department

PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — The Public Service Department (PSD) has opened applications for the Second Phase of the Academic Merit-Based Convertible Loan Option (PBU Academic), effective today until Aug 31. In a statement today, PSD said more than 59,000 former PSD-sponsored students who graduated on or before Dec 31, 2024, are eligible to apply for […]

Melaka state election not a field of provocation – Ab Rauf

ALOR GAJAH: The 16th Melaka State Election (PRN) cannot be used as a field of provocation that could disrupt public order, but rather the democratic process must take place in a peaceful and controlled environment, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. Ab Rauf said that although the people are free to differ in party, political views and choices, aspects of security, the well-being of the people and the stability of the state must always be a priority. "Elections are a field of democracy, not a field of provocation. We can have different parties, different views and different choices, but when it comes to the security and well-being of the people and the stability of the state of Melaka, our principle must be clear that there is no greater political interest than the peace of the state," he said. He said this at the Closing Ceremony of the Ex-Voters Charity Exercise for the 16th Melaka State Election (Public Order Simulation) at the Datuk Kapt (Rtd) Haji Ab Karim Hall here last night. Also present were Deputy Director (General Policing/Disaster Crisis) of the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department, DCP Datuk MV Srikumar and Melaka Police Chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar. Ab Rauf said the simulation exercise was not just a demonstration but rather proved that the state government and security forces were always ready and would not compromise against any threat that could threaten the state's peace. He also expressed his appreciation to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) Melaka Contingent who sparked the idea of ​​implementing the training, which is the first of its kind in the state. Meanwhile, Dzulkhairi said that apart from the police, all parties involved were at the highest level of preparedness to face the Melaka state election which is expected to be held this September. He said the two-day simulation proved that the entire state security machinery was prepared to face various possibilities throughout the election process, encompassing various scenarios including escorting ballot boxes, riot control, provocations, fire incidents and dispersal actions according to established operating procedures. "The element of provocation from the public was something we expected, but based on intelligence, Melaka is relatively under control and peaceful. We did not expect such a riot to occur, but we are still making initial preparations." "Every weakness identified during this exercise will be corrected and all operating procedures streamlined before the election to ensure the level of preparedness is at the best possible level," he said. Dzulkhairi said that apart from the PDRM, the large-scale simulation with 395 officers, members and representatives of various agencies also involved the National Security Council, the Election Commission, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force and the Ministry of Health. The 16th Malacca PRN involved 685,455 registered voters at 264 polling centres with 1,198 voting channels throughout the state. To ensure that the voting process runs smoothly, Melaka PDRM will mobilize more than 3,300 officers and personnel, supported by the Public Riot Action Unit (PORU), a troop of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) as well as the activation of four operations rooms at the contingent and district levels. -- BERNAMA

ALOR GAJAH: The 16th Melaka State Election (PRN) cannot be used as a field of provocation that could disrupt public order, but rather the democratic process must take place in a peaceful and controlled environment, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. Ab Rauf said that although the people are free to differ in […]