Day: July 3, 2026

Road Rage Takes Its Toll Beyond The Roads

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 -- From dangerous confrontations to motorists being chased or forced to stop, images of road rage have surfaced on social media with growing frequency in recent months, raising concerns over an alarming pattern of aggressive driving on Malaysian roads. The growing use of dashboard cameras (dashcams) has made such incidents more visible, with footage capturing dangerous behaviour such as sudden braking, blocking other vehicles and chasing motorists. While such videos often attract public attention, they also reveal a less visible reality - victims who continue to live with fear and, in some cases, trauma long after the incident has ended. An entrepreneur, Silver Low Yue Seng, 29, said he still vividly remembers the terrifying ordeal of narrowly escaping a road accident while driving to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) recently. Low said he was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to KLIA via the E6 North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE) when he encountered an older woman who he believed was having difficulty driving. He then signalled to the right to ask her to give way, but she did not respond, prompting him to flash his high beam. “Suddenly, she slowed down instead of giving way. I flashed my high beam again because there was a line of cars behind me doing the same. When I eventually overtook her from the left, she switched lanes, turned on her high beam and followed me all the way to the airport toll. “I had friends with kids in the car, so I avoided any confrontation. When I signalled to overtake again, she suddenly slammed on her brakes, nearly causing a three-car pile-up,” he told Bernama. Low said the situation escalated when another driver honked at the woman, prompting her to brake suddenly again before swerving towards the other driver's vehicle. “After that, I overtook her and sped away. The last thing I saw was her making a dangerous four-to-five-lane swerve into the Mitsui Outlet Park exit from the overtaking lane,” he said. Another victim, who wished to be known only as Syira, said witnessing her father's aggressive behaviour behind the wheel since childhood had left a lasting psychological impact, leaving her afraid to drive. “My father is a hot-tempered man, and I've known that since I was a kid. If someone used the high beam on the highway, he would race that car to provoke the other driver. It terrified my siblings, my mum and me because, regardless of the road conditions or the rain, he still drove above the speed limit. “One incident I still remember involved someone provoking my father on the highway, leading both drivers to race on the wet road. Our car spun around, and we almost hit the divider, but fortunately, nothing happened,” she said, adding that years of witnessing such incidents had left her traumatised. She said the trauma continued to affect her even after obtaining her driving licence, recalling several emotional breakdowns during driving lessons, including a panic attack on the road. Meanwhile, Safe Community Alliance chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said road rage incidents should not be taken lightly, as what begins as a minor dispute can escalate into a fight and physical assault that could claim lives. "We need to view this issue not merely as a traffic problem, but as a matter of public safety and social behaviour," he said, adding that such behaviour may stem from life pressures, traffic congestion, impatience, a lack of discipline and respect for other road users, as well as a failure to control emotions while driving. As such, Lee said driver education should place greater emphasis on emotional control, patience and fostering a culture of mutual respect among road users. Road Safety Council of Malaysia executive council member Datuk Suret Singh said tackling road rage requires a coordinated national strategy involving the Ministry of Transport, police, the Road Transport Department (JPJ), employers, insurers and road safety organisations. He said enforcement should be strengthened through greater use of dashcam and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to identify aggressive drivers, coupled with heavier penalties and mandatory anger management or defensive driving courses for offenders to prevent repeat offences. “Driver training should place greater emphasis on emotional control, conflict management and defensive driving, while nationwide public awareness campaigns carrying messages such as 'Stay Calm, Arrive Safe' should be intensified,” he said, adding that real-life stories should be shared to highlight the potentially tragic consequences of road rage. He added that wider adoption of technology, including dashcams, AI-powered traffic cameras and an online reporting platform, alongside better traffic management and greater awareness of stress management and adequate rest, could help reduce aggressive behaviour on the roads. According to him, fatigue, stress and alcohol or drug use could contribute to road rage. Suret also stressed the need to improve traffic flow through better road design, clearer lane markings and signage, as well as the prompt repair of potholes and removal of traffic bottlenecks to help reduce driver frustration. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — From dangerous confrontations to motorists being chased or forced to stop, images of road rage have surfaced on social media with growing frequency in recent months, raising concerns over an alarming pattern of aggressive driving on Malaysian roads. The growing use of dashboard cameras (dashcams) has made such incidents more […]

Magnitude 6.2 Earthquake Strikes Halmahera, Indonesia

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 -- A strong earthquake measuring magnitude 6.2 struck Halmahera, Indonesia, at 10.31 am today. The Malaysian Meteorological Department said in a statement that the earthquake occurred at coordinates 1.8 degrees North and 127.4 degrees East, about 116 km north of Ternate, Indonesia. According to the department, the earthquake struck at a depth of 127 km. "An initial assessment found that there is no tsunami threat to Malaysia," the statement said. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — A strong earthquake measuring magnitude 6.2 struck Halmahera, Indonesia, at 10.31 am today. The Malaysian Meteorological Department said in a statement that the earthquake occurred at coordinates 1.8 degrees North and 127.4 degrees East, about 116 km north of Ternate, Indonesia. According to the department, the earthquake struck at a depth of […]

Johor Polls: PH Unveils ‘Johor For All’ Manifesto

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 -- Pakatan Harapan (PH) today launched its "Johor for All" manifesto as the coalition's pledge to voters for the 16th Johor state election. The manifesto was launched by PH Presidential Council member Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who is also PKR's co-election director, at a ceremony here. Also present were Johor PH chairman Aminolhuda Hassan, Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching, Johor PKR chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and the coalition's candidates contesting the state election. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) today launched its “Johor for All” manifesto as the coalition’s pledge to voters for the 16th Johor state election. The manifesto was launched by PH Presidential Council member Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who is also PKR’s co-election director, at a ceremony here. Also present were Johor PH chairman Aminolhuda […]

New Hospital To Be Built In Bandar Enstek To Ease HTJ Congestion — Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 -- A new hospital will be built in Bandar Enstek, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, to meet the healthcare needs of residents in the Seremban district while easing congestion at the Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital (HTJ). Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the proposed hospital in the northern Seremban corridor was appropriate in view of the area's rapid development, which had directly contributed to a sharp increase in population. He said the decision to build the new hospital followed the Health Ministry (MOH)'s review of the proposed Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital 2 (HTJ2) project in Rasah, as well as discussions with Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun on June 16. "The state government has also identified two 50-acre (20-hectare) parcels of land owned by the Federal Lands Commissioner in the area. "Accordingly, MOH will inspect both sites in the near future to determine the most suitable location before submitting an application for land-use conversion to the Department of the Director General of Lands and Mines," he said. Dr Dzulkefly said this in a written parliamentary reply uploaded to the Dewan Rakyat website in response to a question from Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) on the latest developments concerning the proposed HTJ2 project. He said that upon approval of the land-use conversion application, preliminary works on the project would commence immediately, including land surveying, soil investigation, preparation of the conceptual design, project cost estimation and the Value Assessment (VA) exercise. According to him, Aminuddin had also agreed for a 36.748 acres (about 14 hectares) Federal Reserve land in Bandar Seremban to be alienated for future healthcare projects, including an additional block for the existing Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital and a Centre of Excellence (COE). To a question from Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) on the government's initiatives to attract Malaysian medical and healthcare professionals working abroad to return and serve in the country, Dr Dzulkefly said the government through TalentCorp had implemented the Returning Expert Programme (REP). “The REP provides special incentives, including exemptions from income tax and excise duty on the purchase of locally manufactured vehicles,” he said. Dr Dzulkefly said the highest number of REP applications in the healthcare sector came from Malaysians working in the United Kingdom, Singapore and Australia, with medical specialists and doctors accounting for the largest group of applicants. On the recruitment of foreign healthcare personnel, he said foreign doctors and nurses had long been allowed to serve in Malaysia, subject to strict regulation by the Malaysian Medical Council and the Malaysian Nursing Board to ensure the quality of healthcare services. He said MOH currently appoints non-citizen medical specialists to meet service needs in critical disciplines and specific locations, while also engaging non-citizen graduate medical officers who are permanent residents and spouses of Malaysian citizens to undergo housemanship training at the ministry’s facilities. "As for the recruitment of foreign nurses to serve in MOH, the matter is still being studied in terms of its feasibility with the relevant ministries and agencies," he added. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — A new hospital will be built in Bandar Enstek, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, to meet the healthcare needs of residents in the Seremban district while easing congestion at the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital (HTJ). Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the proposed hospital in the northern Seremban corridor was appropriate […]

Johor State Election: Analysts Say PAS Takes Strategic Approach in Ties with Bersatu

PETALING JAYA, JULY 3 -- Political observers believe PAS is deliberately maintaining a calculated and flexible relationship with Bersatu, rather than fully breaking away from its Perikatan Nasional (PN) partner ahead of key state elections. According to The Asia Group’s Associate Vice President Asrul Sani, PAS appears to be balancing political messaging with electoral strategy. While the party has occasionally distanced itself rhetorically from Bersatu, it is not rushing into a formal split. “PAS is separating rhetoric from election strategy. They want the political benefits of distancing themselves from Bersatu without facing the full consequences of a complete break,” he said. Asrul added that PAS has become the dominant force within PN, with stronger grassroots machinery and electoral organisation, particularly in Malay-majority areas. However, Bersatu still plays an important role in attracting segments of Malay voters who may be reluctant to support PAS directly. “This makes Bersatu still useful in several seats, even though the relationship is increasingly strained,” he said. He noted that maintaining Bersatu as an ally also gives PAS flexibility to renegotiate political alignments after the Johor state election, ahead of the next general election. At a recent PAS Central Committee meeting, the party stopped short of making a firm decision on its ties with Bersatu, contrary to expectations that a clearer stance would be announced regarding cooperation within PN in Johor. Instead, PAS reiterated its focus on defending “Malay-Muslim political power” and urged voters not to support Pakatan Harapan (PH). Meanwhile, Singapore Institute of International Affairs analyst Oh Ei Sun said the PAS-Bersatu dynamic in Johor remains complex, especially given Bersatu’s stronger position in the southern state. He noted that Johor is the political base of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, who previously served as menteri besar for nine years, making PAS more dependent on Bersatu’s ground strength in the state. “As a result, PAS cannot afford to alienate Bersatu before the election. Any major realignment is more likely to happen after the Johor polls,” he said. Oh added that a full break between PAS and Bersatu could split the Malay vote, potentially benefiting Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Harapan (PH). However, Asrul suggested that the true test of the PAS-Bersatu relationship may come in the Negeri Sembilan state election, where the National Vision Party led by Hamzah Zainudin is expected to make its debut. He said that if the new party manages to gain traction with PAS support, Bersatu could find itself sidelined within the opposition bloc. Conversely, if Bersatu remains competitive, PAS is likely to continue managing the partnership despite ongoing tensions. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FMT

PETALING JAYA, JULY 3 — Political observers believe PAS is deliberately maintaining a calculated and flexible relationship with Bersatu, rather than fully breaking away from its Perikatan Nasional (PN) partner ahead of key state elections. According to The Asia Group’s Associate Vice President Asrul Sani, PAS appears to be balancing political messaging with electoral strategy. […]

Johor’s Strong Economic Growth Driven by Stable BN Administration – Khairy Jamaluddin

PONTIAN, JULY 3 – Former federal minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said Johor’s strong economic performance is the result of the Barisan Nasional (BN) state government’s political stability and decisive leadership since securing a large electoral mandate in 2022. Speaking at a campaign event in the Pulai Sebatang state constituency, Khairy highlighted that Johor recorded an economic growth rate of eight percent, describing it as the fastest in the country. He attributed the achievement to the BN-led state administration’s ability to make decisions without political constraints or the need to negotiate with coalition partners. According to Khairy, Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has been able to implement policies efficiently because the Johor government is not dependent on the approval of multiple political parties. He said governments formed through broad political coalitions often face challenges in making difficult decisions, as leaders must balance the interests of various parties. In contrast, he argued that Johor’s administration has been able to focus on policies that directly benefit the people. Khairy said this was the type of governance BN hopes to maintain in the upcoming Johor state election by securing another strong mandate. He also addressed criticism surrounding Onn Hafiz’s stance against forming a Unity Government in Johor, saying the Menteri Besar’s position should not be interpreted as arrogance. Instead, Khairy said Onn Hafiz’s priority is to preserve the government's ability to govern effectively and continue implementing state initiatives without political interference. He cited programmes such as the Johor charitable assistance scheme, charity sales, and the Rumah Bangsa Johor housing initiative as examples of policies that the Menteri Besar aims to sustain. Khairy added that a government free from coalition pressures would be better positioned to continue these initiatives and avoid situations where political partners could threaten to withdraw support over policy disagreements. He concluded by expressing confidence that BN would secure another mandate in Johor, allowing the state government to continue its development agenda with political stability. -- MINUTESMY

PONTIAN, JULY 3 – Former federal minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said Johor’s strong economic performance is the result of the Barisan Nasional (BN) state government’s political stability and decisive leadership since securing a large electoral mandate in 2022. Speaking at a campaign event in the Pulai Sebatang state constituency, Khairy highlighted that Johor recorded […]

Johor Polls: Ah Soon Banks On ‘Jalan Koyok’ Upgrade To Retain Yong Peng Seat

BATU PAHAT, July 3 -- Once mocked by residents as ‘Jalan Koyok’ owing to its heavily patched condition, the road transformation has now become one of the highlights in Yong Peng state assemblyman Ling Tian Soon’s report card in his bid to secure a second-term mandate in the Johor state polls. Ling, who is known as Ah Soon among locals, said upon being elected as a representative in 2022, he prioritised long-delayed basic development, particularly upgrading infrastructure as a catalyst for local economic growth.  “I used quite a big amount of development funds to repair the road, about RM23 million over three years, covering from Ayer Hitam to the border of Segamat. In the Chinese community, there is a saying: ‘when roads are well built, the economy will also move’,” he told Bernama here recently.  Ling, 42, who is also the former state Health and Environment Committee chairman, said the transformation has begun to boost investor confidence, with more major logistics and courier companies choosing Yong Peng, located about 100 kilometres from Johor Bahru city centre, as their operational base.  He added that a leading e-commerce platform is also planning to build its largest distribution hub in Yong Peng, which is expected to create more job opportunities for youths.  “Yong Peng is centrally located in Johor and only about an hour from the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP). This strategic location offers significant advantages for the logistics and manufacturing industries,” he said.  He said Yong Peng is at a turning point towards becoming a new industrial town, as more investors are beginning to acquire land for industrial development.  On his new manifesto, which will be launched this Saturday, Ling said it will focus on three main pillars: strengthening infrastructure, enhancing social safety nets, and boosting the economy through the tourism sector.  He added that facilities for senior citizens, young families and newlyweds will also be improved to encourage more young people to continue living in Yong Peng.  Commenting on his confidence in defending the Yong Peng seat, Ling said he is leaving it to voters to assess his performance over more than four years in service.  “I have presented my report card to the people. Whether I pass or excel, let the voters decide,” he said.  Ling said he has built a close relationship with the local community over the past 16 years, starting when he handled parliamentary affairs in Ayer Hitam under its Member of Parliament and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.  “Since then, I have always been on the ground meeting the people. The relationship built is not only during elections,” he said.  Ling, who won the Yong Peng state seat for the first time in the 2022 Johor state election, said his strength lies in his consistent grassroots approach, earning him the nickname ‘YB Kedai Kopi’.  “Almost every day I stop by coffee shops, stalls or mamak restaurants to meet residents. Our relationship is no longer just between a representative and voters, but more like a family,” he said.  In the upcoming Johor polls, Ling will defend the Yong Peng seat in a straight fight against Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Yong Hui Yi.  -- BERNAMA 

BATU PAHAT, July 3 — Once mocked by residents as ‘Jalan Koyok’ owing to its heavily patched condition, the road transformation has now become one of the highlights in Yong Peng state assemblyman Ling Tian Soon’s report card in his bid to secure a second-term mandate in the Johor state polls. Ling, who is known […]

NFCC Clarifies Azam Baki’s Advisory Board Membership Valid Until 2027

PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — The National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC) has clarified that Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Azam Baki remains a legitimate member of the NFCC Advisory Board, with his appointment valid for a three-year term from Sept 20, 2024, to Sept 19, 2027. In a statement today, the NFCC said Azam's appointment was made in his individual capacity with the consent of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The centre stressed that his membership on the Advisory Board is not linked to his position as the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and will remain in effect until the expiry of the appointment period unless terminated earlier by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The clarification follows feedback regarding Azam's participation in the NFCC Advisory Board Meeting held on June 30. According to the NFCC, Azam's attendance at the meeting was fully in accordance with the National Financial Crime Centre Act 2024 (Act 822), as he is a duly appointed member of the Advisory Board. The statement was issued by the Director-General of the National Financial Crime Centre, Prime Minister's Department. -- MINUTESMY

PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — The National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC) has clarified that Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Azam Baki remains a legitimate member of the NFCC Advisory Board, with his appointment valid for a three-year term from Sept 20, 2024, to Sept 19, 2027. In a statement today, the NFCC said Azam’s appointment was […]

Dana Pantas Opens 1 Aug, Offers RM20 Mln Zero-Profit Financing

SHAH ALAM, July 3 -- Applications for zero-profit financing under the DANA Pantas initiative, part of the Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package phase two, will open on Aug 1 with an allocation of RM20 million to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) facing current economic challenges. Hijrah Selangor chief business officer Nilammasri Jaafar said financing of up to RM10,000 can be applied for via the DANA PLUS application, available on Google Play and the App Store, through QR code scanning or at any of the 12 Hijrah Selangor Business Centres statewide. The state government initiative offers zero-profit financing with a repayment period of up to three years and is expected to benefit 2,000 registered entrepreneurs. Nilammasri said DANA Pantas is open to all registered business sectors that have been operating for at least one year, while DANA Niaga Tani, which is dedicated to agriculture, fisheries, livestock and aquaculture, requires a minimum operating period of six months. “Entrepreneurs must also be registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), hold valid local authority licences, relevant permits, or be registered with professional bodies,” she told Bernama. Beyond new financing, Hijrah Selangor expects about 6,000 existing entrepreneurs with outstanding financing to benefit from a repayment rescheduling facility offered without penalty, subject to current terms and conditions. Nilammasri said the facility aims to ease financial commitments, reduce cash flow pressure and support business continuity amid challenging economic conditions. She acknowledged rising demand for financing among entrepreneurs, driven by higher operating costs, increased raw material prices and global supply chain disruptions. “There are also requests for rescheduling from entrepreneurs affected by economic pressures and cash flow constraints. Each application will be assessed based on individual circumstances and needs,” she said. Nilammasri said key challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Selangor include limited working capital, rising operating expenses, higher input costs and the need for fast access to financing to seize business opportunities. She added that some micro and small entrepreneurs also face difficulties securing funding through traditional financial channels, prompting the introduction of faster, more accessible and entrepreneur-friendly financing initiatives. Nilammasri said she hopes DANA Pantas, DANA Niaga Tani and the Selangor Entrepreneur Recovery Initiative (SERI) will help strengthen cash flow, enhance business resilience and expand access to financing. She added that the initiatives are also expected to spur business growth, encourage digital adoption among entrepreneurs and contribute to sustainable economic development in Selangor. -- BERNAMA 

SHAH ALAM, July 3 — Applications for zero-profit financing under the DANA Pantas initiative, part of the Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package phase two, will open on Aug 1 with an allocation of RM20 million to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) facing current economic challenges. Hijrah Selangor chief business officer Nilammasri Jaafar said financing […]