Day: July 2, 2026

Sapura Industrial sells two adjacent plots of land in Bangi for RM42.33 million

KUALA LUMPUR: Sapura Industrial Bhd (SIB) has submitted a proposal to sell two adjacent industrial land plots in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor to Zeito Plastic Components Sdn Bhd (ZPC) for a cash consideration of RM42.33 million. Two vacant industrial land plots, measuring 40,964 square metres (4.096 hectares), comprising Lot 48474 and Lot 48475, both with a 99-year lease term expiring on 18 July 2103. In a filing to Bursa Malaysia today, the automotive component manufacturer said it had entered into a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with ZPC on July 1 following receipt of an offer letter on June 8. "Initially, the property was taken over by SIB to expand its factory located in Bandar Baru Bangi. "However, after considering steps to expand the existing factory to be closer to the group's customers, the board of directors believes the proposed sale is timely." "The proposed sale allows the group to leverage the value of its non-core assets at current value and convert them into liquid funds for more productive operational use," he said. According to SIB, the sale consideration was negotiated on a mutual consent basis between the buyer and seller after taking into account the free market valuation of RM40.60 million as at 30 April 2026, the original investment cost of RM12.10 million and the aggregate net book value of RM9.10 million as at 31 January 2026. According to the notice, it expects to recognise a pro forma net profit of approximately RM29.14 million from the proposed sale. He said the proposed sale is subject to shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting and other related approvals, if required. SIB said none of its directors, major shareholders and individuals connected with the company have any direct or indirect interest in the proposed sale. "The board of directors, after considering all aspects of the proposed sale, is of the opinion that the proposed sale is in the best interests of the company," he said. According to SIB, subject to unforeseen circumstances, the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Sapura Industrial Bhd (SIB) has submitted a proposal to sell two adjacent industrial land plots in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor to Zeito Plastic Components Sdn Bhd (ZPC) for a cash consideration of RM42.33 million. Two vacant industrial land plots, measuring 40,964 square metres (4.096 hectares), comprising Lot 48474 and Lot 48475, both with […]

Sony to stop releasing new PlayStation games on disc from 2028

TOKYO, JULY 2 -- Sony will stop producing new games for its PlayStation console in physical disc form from 2028, in line with the company's efforts to accelerate the transition to digital distribution, the German News Agency (dpa) reported. Sony said that starting in 2028, all new PlayStation game titles will only be offered in digital format. The company said consumer demand for digital purchases is increasing, with approximately 80 percent of PlayStation 5 games now purchased digitally. However, some players still prefer physical discs because they can be resold or used as collectibles. Sony said games published before 2028 as well as existing titles will continue to be offered in their current format. The move reflects an industry trend that is increasingly shifting from physical media to digital distribution. For example, the highly anticipated "Grand Theft Auto" game will also only be released in digital format. In fact, the editions sold on the market only contain download codes instead of game discs. Sony also announced that the download stores for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita will be closed by the middle of next year. The decision also shows that digital games can become unavailable when publishers or platform operators terminate online services. Meanwhile, rival Nintendo is taking a hybrid approach to some titles for its Switch 2 console. For certain games, the cartridges sold do not contain the game itself, but instead only contain a digital license key that allows users to download the game. Unlike fully digital purchases, games acquired through the system can still be transferred to other users. -- BERNAMA-dpa

TOKYO, JULY 2 — Sony will stop producing new games for its PlayStation console in physical disc form from 2028, in line with the company’s efforts to accelerate the transition to digital distribution, the German News Agency (dpa) reported. Sony said that starting in 2028, all new PlayStation game titles will only be offered in […]

Alleged sabotage Incidents Won’t Affect PH campaign Momentum – Fuziah

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 -- The Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign in constituencies contested by its candidates in the Johor State Election continues to run smoothly despite several minor incidents described as sabotage attempts. PKR secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh said the incidents included the removal and damage of posters, as well as the burning of party flags, but insisted that they have not affected the overall momentum of the ongoing PH campaign. “There were a few incidents such as posters being torn, billboards damaged and flags being burned, but overall our campaign (in the Johor polls) is still calm and the momentum has not been affected.” she said. Fuziah, who is also the Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, said this at a press conference held in conjunction with a review of the Budi MADANI Diesel subsidy assistance mechanism at a petrol station here today. Also present were Johor Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo. According to her, the intensity of PH’s campaign in the Johor polls continues to be intensified, with every candidate having a packed schedule from dawn until midnight, attending up to 10 programmes daily. She said feedback from voters towards PH candidates, especially youths and first-time voters, has been very positive and shows increasing support for the Federal ruling coalition. Asked about PH candidates for the Skudai and Perlis state seats, who had announced what they claimed was a manifesto earlier, she clarified that it was not an official party manifesto, but the commitment or determination of the candidates to their respective areas. She said issues such as local matters, including waste collection problems, should not be considered a manifesto as they do not represent comprehensive state policies. “When we talk about the manifesto, we are talking about the major policies that can and will be implemented when PH forms the state government. What the candidates mentioned are simply pledges to assist their respective constituencies. “That is not a manifesto, it’s more of an effort or commitment by the candidates to help their areas only, not the big policies of the state government,” she said. The PH manifesto for the Johor state election is expected to be announced tomorrow. A total of 172 candidates are contesting the Johor state election, with polling set for July 11, while early voting will take place on July 7. -- BERNAMA 

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — The Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign in constituencies contested by its candidates in the Johor State Election continues to run smoothly despite several minor incidents described as sabotage attempts. PKR secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh said the incidents included the removal and damage of posters, as well as the burning of party […]

Johor Polls: DAP Confident New Faces Can Drive Change

BATU PAHAT, July 2  -- DAP is confident that its line-up of first-time candidates contesting under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) banner in the Johor state election can bring meaningful change to their respective constituencies. DAP deputy secretary-general Steven Sim Chee Keong said the Johor DAP leadership's decision to field candidates who had never contested an election reflected the party's commitment to giving younger leaders the opportunity to step forward and serve the people. Sim, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives said although they were new faces in electoral politics, the candidates were not newcomers to the political arena, as many had gained extensive experience working behind the scenes for the party. "We are giving them the opportunity to serve as candidates and, if entrusted by the people, they will go on to become elected representatives. While we are introducing young and new candidates, we are not sidelining our senior leaders. "We will continue to involve those who have previously served as elected representatives and party leaders in our campaign and grassroots efforts," he told Bernama after a breakfast session with DAP's Parit Raja state seat candidate here today. Also present were DAP assistant national publicity secretary Young Syefura Othman and the party's Parit Raja candidate Shazwan Dzainal Abidin. Young Syefura said the party was fully backing its new candidates to demonstrate that every individual within DAP possessed the capability to lead, while also providing them with the opportunity to showcase their potential at the grassroots level. She said Shazwan, who hails from Batu Pahat, has nearly a decade of political experience, including serving as special officer to the Penggaram state assemblyman. Young Syefura also praised Shazwan's positive spirit throughout the first six days of campaigning, despite Parit Raja being widely regarded as one of Barisan Nasional's strongholds. Meanwhile, Shazwan said he was encouraged by the warm reception from local residents, admitting that he had initially felt nervous about contesting in the constituency. "I am excited to be contesting in what has traditionally been an UMNO and BN stronghold. However, the response from the people has been very encouraging. Some even approached me for selfies, and that has given me added confidence," he said. In the Johor polls, DAP, contesting under the PH banner, is fielding 17 candidates in Jementah, Bekok, Tangkak, Bentayan, Yong Peng, Parit Raja, Penggaram, Mengkibol, Paloh, Tiram, Johor Jaya, Stulang, Perling, Skudai, Bukit Permai, Senai and Pekan Nanas. A total of 172 candidates are contesting in the Johor state election, with polling on July 11 and early voting on July 7 -- BERNAMA  

BATU PAHAT, July 2  — DAP is confident that its line-up of first-time candidates contesting under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) banner in the Johor state election can bring meaningful change to their respective constituencies. DAP deputy secretary-general Steven Sim Chee Keong said the Johor DAP leadership’s decision to field candidates who had never contested an […]

Johor Polls: PSM’s Sole Candidate Champions Cost Of Living Agenda In Skudai

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 -- Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)'s sole candidate in the 16th Johor state election, Amir Syafiq Ameer Soekre, has pledged to champion issues related to the rising cost of living, fair wages and the well-being of Skudai residents. The Skudai state seat candidate said his years of grassroots activism, which began in his teens, had given him first-hand insight into the daily challenges faced by people in the constituency. "Many Skudai residents work in Singapore. To us, this reflects a pressing issue because it shows that people are unable to cope with the cost of living on local incomes. "They have to wake up as early as 3 or 4 am to travel to Singapore for work. That is a clear indication that people need adequate incomes to support themselves and their families, and this is one of the key issues we are fighting for," he told Bernama. Amir Syafiq, 40, who works as a sales executive at a private company and also serves as PSM secretary, said he became involved with the party after participating in various activism initiatives during his teenage years before joining the party and actively assisting workers, settlers and other vulnerable groups. He said his candidacy in the Johor polls was a continuation of his long-standing grassroots work and an opportunity to expand his advocacy for the people through the electoral platform. A first-time candidate with a Master's degree in International Business Management from Teesside University, United Kingdom, Amir Syafiq said the cost of living, better income opportunities and quality public amenities were among the key priorities that needed greater attention in Skudai. He said his vision was reflected in the slogan "Skudai Saksama" (Equitable Skudai), which promotes social equality through harmony among the multiracial community and more equitable economic distribution so that every resident has the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life.  Commenting on the four-cornered contest in Skudai, he said each candidate had their own strengths but expressed confidence that his grassroots approach and people-centric agenda would resonate with voters. In the Johor election, Amir Syafiq will face Barisan Nasional candidate Tan Hiang Kee, Pakatan Harapan candidate Kartiyaini Jeyapalan and Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) candidate Eugene Chua Meng Chong. The Johor state election has attracted 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats, with polling set for July 11 and early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)’s sole candidate in the 16th Johor state election, Amir Syafiq Ameer Soekre, has pledged to champion issues related to the rising cost of living, fair wages and the well-being of Skudai residents. The Skudai state seat candidate said his years of grassroots activism, which began in […]

Johor Polls: Bukit Batu Residents Want Cost Of Living, Infrastructure Issues Addressed

KULAI, July 2 -- Rising cost of living, better job opportunities and improved infrastructure are among the key concerns of residents in the Bukit Batu state constituency ahead of the 16th Johor state election. Most residents met by Bernama hope that the elected representative and the state government to be formed after the election will prioritise resolving these issues, which they say have a direct impact on their daily lives. Taman Sri Pulai 1 resident Kelvin Chong, 58, said the state government, particularly the Bukit Batu elected representative, should focus on creating more quality job opportunities with competitive salaries to help the people cope with the rising cost of living.  “People are hoping for more job opportunities with better salaries. The cost of living in Johor is getting higher, and prices of goods are also affected by its proximity to Singapore,” said the businessman in the logistics sector. Vegetable and fruit seller Tew Chong, 48, expressed hope that more initiatives would be introduced to reduce production costs in the agricultural sector, allowing crop prices to remain reasonable. He said that the recent rise in the cost of fertilisers, pesticides, labour and transportation had forced sellers like him to increase the prices of vegetables and fruits to cover operating costs. “If production costs are reduced, we don’t have to raise prices significantly. This will also allow consumers to enjoy more affordable vegetables and fruits,” he said. Another resident, Muhammad Yusof Abdullah, 64, said efforts to upgrade infrastructure in the Bukit Batu constituency should be given attention, particularly the maintenance of roads, drainage systems and public facilities used daily by residents. The retiree said the rapid development in the area must be supported by better facilities to ensure the comfort and safety of residents. “For example, along Jalan Sri Putri, there are many potholes and uneven road humps that can cause vehicles to break down. We are also worried that something untoward may happen. If infrastructure can be improved, it will definitely bring more comfort to the people,” he said. The Bukit Batu state seat is witnessing a five-cornered contest featuring incumbent Arthur Chiong Sen Sern of Pakatan Harapan (PH), R. Kumaran (Barisan Nasional - BN), M. Premanand (Parti Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia - MUDA), G. Tamili (Parti Bersama Malaysia - Bersama) and Independent candidate Datuk Kamaruzaman Ali. Johor is holding its state election, with polling set for July 11 and early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA  

KULAI, July 2 — Rising cost of living, better job opportunities and improved infrastructure are among the key concerns of residents in the Bukit Batu state constituency ahead of the 16th Johor state election. Most residents met by Bernama hope that the elected representative and the state government to be formed after the election will prioritise […]

Experts Call for Stronger Support to Develop Malaysia’s Freelance Journalism Sector

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 2 — Media observers and industry advocates are calling for greater recognition and institutional support for freelance journalists, arguing that strengthening the profession is essential to building a more diverse, resilient and independent media landscape in Malaysia. As the global media industry continues to evolve, freelance journalists have become an increasingly important part of the news ecosystem. They often cover stories beyond the reach of traditional newsrooms, contribute specialised expertise and provide independent perspectives on issues of public interest. Despite their growing role, freelance journalism in Malaysia remains relatively underdeveloped. Many independent journalists, editors, photographers and content creators operate without stable income, legal safeguards, social security benefits or formal professional recognition. While some have transitioned to freelancing after leaving established news organisations, others have entered the profession as independent media practitioners from the outset. In countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and several European nations, freelance journalism is recognised as a viable long-term career. Freelancers benefit from professional associations, contractual protections, access to training programmes and, in some cases, government-backed grants that support journalism and creative industries. By comparison, Malaysian freelance journalists often face inconsistent payment practices, limited access to official events, challenges in obtaining media accreditation and a lack of institutional support. Many continue to work on short-term assignments without the employment protections available to full-time newsroom staff. Industry observers say a stronger freelance journalism sector would not only improve the welfare of media practitioners but also enhance the quality of public discourse. A larger pool of independent journalists could expand coverage of local communities, amplify diverse perspectives and produce more in-depth reporting on issues that may otherwise receive limited attention, particularly as many traditional media organisations reduce newsroom staffing due to financial constraints. They have urged policymakers to consider measures that would better support freelance media professionals, including clearer recognition of their role, fair payment guidelines, improved access to media accreditation, professional training opportunities and social protection schemes tailored to independent workers. Media organisations and professional associations have also been encouraged to play a greater role in promoting industry standards, safeguarding the rights of freelance journalists and supporting their professional development. Observers believe that as Malaysia continues to modernise its media industry, freelance journalism should be recognised as a permanent and valuable component of the country's news ecosystem, with stronger support contributing to a more vibrant, diverse and sustainable media sector.   -- PRESSKL -- MINUTESMY 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — Media observers and industry advocates are calling for greater recognition and institutional support for freelance journalists, arguing that strengthening the profession is essential to building a more diverse, resilient and independent media landscape in Malaysia. As the global media industry continues to evolve, freelance journalists have become an increasingly important part […]

‘Work In The City, Live In The Countryside’ Key To Syed Hussien’s Vision For Mahkota

KLUANG, July 2 -- A "Work in the City, Live in the Countryside" ecosystem is at the heart of Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah's vision for Mahkota state constituency, aimed at enabling residents to secure better-paying jobs in Johor's urban and industrial centres while continuing to enjoy a more affordable and sustainable lifestyle. He said the initiative would allow residents to benefit directly from Johor's economic expansion through improved public transport connectivity, particularly the Electric Train Service (ETS), making daily commuting between Kluang and major employment hubs more convenient. "We want Kluang's young people to have access to quality jobs in industrial areas that offer premium salaries. "At the same time, they should be able to return home every day and build a sustainable life with their families here," he told Bernama recently. Syed Hussien said the vision aligns with the Johor Economic Transformation Plan (JETP), introduced by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, which seeks to spur balanced economic growth across all 10 districts in the state. On the campaign trail, Syed Hussien said the BN machinery had reached more than half of the areas within the Mahkota constituency and was on track to complete its outreach across the remaining localities within the next four to five days. He attributed the positive momentum to the coalition's consistent grassroots engagement rather than seasonal campaigning, supported by a combination of digital and face-to-face approaches that allow candidates and party workers to maintain close personal contact with voters. On his ability to converse fluently in Mandarin, Syed Hussien described it as an added advantage in engaging the Chinese community but sincerity, mutual respect and fair treatment of all communities were far more important than language proficiency alone. Touching on efforts to win over young voters, whom he believes could determine the outcome in Mahkota, Syed Hussien said BN would avoid populist politics and instead focus on fostering political maturity and responsible civic participation. "We want young people to understand that voting carries a great responsibility. We must cultivate a healthier and more progressive political culture instead of making unrealistic promises that ultimately leave them disappointed," he said. The Mahkota state seat will see a three-cornered contest involving Syed Hussien, Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr Ahmad Zuhan Md Zain and Bersama candidate Abd Hamid Ali. The Johor election has attracted 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats. Polling is scheduled for July 11, while early voting will take place on July 7. -- BERNAMA 

KLUANG, July 2 — A “Work in the City, Live in the Countryside” ecosystem is at the heart of Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah’s vision for Mahkota state constituency, aimed at enabling residents to secure better-paying jobs in Johor’s urban and industrial centres while continuing to enjoy a more affordable and sustainable […]

Harmful content: MCMC completes regulatory framework, subsidiary instruments of Act 866 – YB Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 2 -- The government is completing the regulatory framework under the Online Safety Act 2025 [Act 866], including finalising another regulatory instrument relating to private messaging features to clarify the obligations of digital platforms in dealing with harmful content, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently holding a public consultation to develop the Online Safety (Other Characteristics of Private Messaging Features) Regulations.  Fahmi said the public consultation, which began on June 19, was scheduled to end on July 20 before the regulations were finalized. "All these subsidiary legislations, codes and guidelines were drafted to detail the duties and obligations of licensed service providers under Act 866, in addition to providing clear guidance on compliance with statutory responsibilities," he said during the Ministerial Question Time session at the Dewan Rakyat today. He was answering a question from Rodziah Ismail (PH-Ampang) on ​​the status of the development of subsidiary instruments under Act 866, including regulations, guidelines and implementation mechanisms. Fahmi said the regulations were among 10 subsidiary instruments that included regulations, codes and guidelines that complemented Act 866, with four of them coming into force on Jan 1, 2026 simultaneously with the act. “It involves the Online Security (Fi) Regulations 2025, the Online Security (Form of Undertaking) Regulations 2025, the Online Security (Online Security Appeal Tribunal) Regulations 2025, and the Online Security (Period) Regulations 2025. "Two more subsidiary regulations were enforced on July 1, 2026, namely the Online Safety (Compounding of Offences) Regulations 2026 and the Online Safety (Online Safety Plan) Regulations 2026," he said. Fahmi said the implementation of Act 866 together with subsidiary regulations, codes and guidelines would ensure that social media platforms shoulder greater responsibility in creating a safer digital ecosystem, including detecting and addressing harmful content more proactively. He said platforms should not continue to rely on MCMC to identify and request that the content be taken down, but instead should implement automatic detection and enforcement. "This harmful content problem should not be handled by MCMC. This harmful content problem should be handled by the platform itself," he said. He said that since Jan 1 until yesterday, MCMC had identified 345,712 pieces of harmful content that were requested to be removed from digital platforms, with each application taking between 30 to 45 minutes as it required the preparation of documents and justification for the reason the content was classified as harmful. "If we take the number 345,712 that I mentioned earlier and multiply it by 30 minutes for each application, it means that from Jan 1 until yesterday, MCMC has used a total of 19.7 years of working time to file content that is believed to be harmful," he said. Fahmi said that of the total content requested to be taken down, approximately 91 percent involved gambling and scam content that was repeatedly produced by criminals and promoted through digital platforms. In this regard, he said MCMC is looking into the use of  AI agentic  technology to increase the efficiency of managing complaints and reduce the workload of officers, in addition to encouraging social media platforms to also utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect and take down content that violates community guidelines more quickly. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — The government is completing the regulatory framework under the Online Safety Act 2025 [Act 866], including finalising another regulatory instrument relating to private messaging features to clarify the obligations of digital platforms in dealing with harmful content, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia […]