PM Anwar Urges Johoreans to Vote, Calls Election a Defining Moment for State’s Future

JOHOR BAHRU, 10 July -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all Johoreans, including those residing outside the state, to return home and exercise their democratic right in Saturday's Johor state election, describing the polls as a defining moment that will shape the state's future. In his final appeal ahead of polling day, Anwar urged voters to choose leaders who are trustworthy, capable and committed to serving the people of Johor. The Prime Minister said Pakatan Harapan had demonstrated its ability to govern through the MADANI Government by implementing key reforms, attracting higher investments, raising wages, creating more dignified employment opportunities and resolving long-standing issues and delayed development projects. He added that the federal government's efforts had also restored Malaysia's reputation and credibility on the international stage, expressing confidence that the same spirit of reform and good governance could elevate Johor to greater heights. Anwar appealed to voters to place their trust in Pakatan Harapan to lead Johor with integrity, accountability and sound governance while ensuring justice and equal opportunities for all communities. He described the state election as an opportunity for the people to reject leaders who defend those accused of misappropriating public funds, as well as politics driven by racial and religious incitement instead of constructive ideas and policies. Concluding his message, Anwar prayed for Johor to be blessed with trustworthy leadership and expressed hope that the election would usher in a new chapter of prosperity, fairness and well-being for the people of the state. He ended his appeal with a traditional pantun before reiterating Pakatan Harapan's campaign slogan, "Johor Ke Depan. Undi HARAPAN." -- MINUTESMY

JOHOR BAHRU, 10 July — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all Johoreans, including those residing outside the state, to return home and exercise their democratic right in Saturday’s Johor state election, describing the polls as a defining moment that will shape the state’s future. In his final appeal ahead of polling […]

PM Anwar Officiates New Malaysia–Thailand Border Road, Strengthens Bilateral Ties

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, JULY 10 -- Malaysia's Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, together with Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, today officiated the opening of a new road alignment connecting the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam with the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Sadao, Thailand, marking another milestone in strengthening bilateral connectivity and economic cooperation. Speaking after the ceremony, Anwar said the new road connection reflects the shared commitment of Malaysia and Thailand to enhance cross-border relations, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and improve the efficiency of one of Southeast Asia's busiest land trade corridors. He noted that the Bukit Kayu Hitam–Sadao route plays a vital role as the busiest land gateway for trade between the two countries, with the upgraded infrastructure expected to boost trade flows, attract investments and support regional economic growth. During the bilateral meeting, Malaysia and Thailand also agreed to expedite the development of the Special Border Economic Zone, resolve outstanding technical matters, and strengthen cooperation towards achieving the USD30 billion bilateral trade target by 2027. Anwar said the benefits of the initiative would extend beyond the border areas, driving economic growth in Kedah, Perlis, Penang, Perak and Kelantan through increased trade, logistics activities, tourism development, investment opportunities and job creation. He added that the initiative reflects the MADANI Government's commitment to ensuring that strategic international partnerships deliver tangible benefits to the people. Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to working closely with Thailand to further strengthen bilateral relations, promote regional peace and prosperity, and create lasting economic opportunities for the people of both nations. -- MINUTESMY

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, JULY 10 — Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, together with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, today officiated the opening of a new road alignment connecting the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam with the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Sadao, Thailand, marking […]

Election Commission Reviews Ballot Box Preparations for 16th Johor State Election

JOHOR, JULY 10 -- The Election Commission (EC) conducted a review session to inspect the contents of ballot boxes in preparation for the 16th Johor State Election. The inspection was led by YBhg. Dato' Sri Ramlan bin Dato' Harun, Chairman of the Election Commission (EC), accompanied by EC Members and the Commission's management team. The review took place at the Intan Jubilee Hall in Pontian and the Permas Multipurpose Hall in Kukup, where officials examined the ballot box contents to ensure all election materials were complete and in accordance with established procedures. Meanwhile, YBrs. Dr. Azmi Sharom, Deputy Chairman of the Election Commission, also carried out inspections at SMK Bandar Dato' Onn and the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP). He was joined by EC Members and the Commission's management team during the verification process. The inspection forms part of the Election Commission's ongoing preparations to ensure that all ballot boxes and election materials are properly assembled, verified, and ready for polling day, reinforcing the Commission's commitment to conducting a transparent, orderly, and credible electoral process. -- MINUTESMY

JOHOR, JULY 10 — The Election Commission (EC) conducted a review session to inspect the contents of ballot boxes in preparation for the 16th Johor State Election. The inspection was led by YBhg. Dato’ Sri Ramlan bin Dato’ Harun, Chairman of the Election Commission (EC), accompanied by EC Members and the Commission’s management team. The […]

Police bust drug syndicate, seize RM1.35 million worth of methamphetamine in Kuching

KUCHING: Police busted a drug trafficking syndicate through four separate raids around Kuching and Padawan on July 3 to 4, seizing 26.97 kilograms (kg) of suspected methamphetamine (syabu) worth RM1.35 million. Kuching District Police Chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said that in the operation from 4.35 pm to 12.30 midnight, police arrested seven individuals consisting of four locals and three Indonesians, with an age range between 25 and 46 years old. He said the first raid in a residential area on Jalan Matang led to the arrest of a 31-year-old local man and the seizure of 60.5 grams (g) of drugs suspected to be methamphetamine. "Following that, police raided an apartment on Jalan Batu Kawa and arrested a 43-year-old local man, a 44-year-old local woman, two Indonesian men aged 37 and 46, respectively, and a 34-year-old Indonesian woman. An examination found 5.45g of suspected methamphetamine. "The third raid in front of a shop in Jalan Setia Raja, Stutong led to the arrest of a 25-year-old local man with 5.3kg of drugs suspected to be methamphetamine," he said in a statement today. Alexson said information from the arrests then led to a fourth raid at an apartment on Jalan Tabuan Tranquility, which found another 21.6kg of drugs suspected to be methamphetamine. "The total amount of drugs seized is estimated to be able to supply about 134,500 addicts. Investigations found that the arrested syndicate members received wages of between RM3,000 and RM6,000 a month as runners, to distribute drugs around Kuching and Padawan," he said. Alexson said the modus operandi was believed to be receiving instructions from upliners to deliver drugs using the drop and collect method , which is placing drug supplies at designated locations without meeting customers face to face, to avoid their activities being detected by the authorities. He said the case is currently being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment and if not sentenced to death, the offender can be given no less than 12 strokes of the cane if convicted. -- BERNAMA

KUCHING: Police busted a drug trafficking syndicate through four separate raids around Kuching and Padawan on July 3 to 4, seizing 26.97 kilograms (kg) of suspected methamphetamine (syabu) worth RM1.35 million. Kuching District Police Chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said that in the operation from 4.35 pm to 12.30 midnight, police arrested seven individuals consisting […]

Transport Ministry to Act Against Campaigners Riding Without Helmets During Johor Polls

PUTRAJAYA, July 10 — The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will take enforcement action against campaign workers found riding motorcycles without helmets during the Johor state election campaign, regardless of their political affiliation. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry viewed seriously a viral video showing a group of Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign workers, including members from the Democratic Action Party (DAP), riding motorcycles without wearing helmets during campaign activities. Loke stressed that road safety laws apply equally to everyone and should not be compromised for political purposes. He said he had maintained the same position for years, recalling that during the Slim by-election campaign nearly six years ago, he had also criticised Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders involved in similar incidents. "There is nothing wrong with riding motorcycles during election campaigns, but every rider must wear a helmet and set a good example for the public," he said. Loke added that the principle applies equally to all political parties, including Pakatan Harapan candidates and campaign workers. He said he had instructed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to issue summonses to anyone found violating helmet regulations based on evidence from the viral video, irrespective of their political background. The enforcement, he said, would also include those involved in the PH campaign convoy in Johor. Loke emphasised that the law must be enforced fairly and consistently against all Malaysians and said he would not compromise on road safety principles, even if they involved members of his own political coalition. He added that protecting lives must always take precedence over political interests. -- MINUTESMY

PUTRAJAYA, July 10 — The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will take enforcement action against campaign workers found riding motorcycles without helmets during the Johor state election campaign, regardless of their political affiliation. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry viewed seriously a viral video showing a group of Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign workers, including members […]

Teenage Girl Charged Over Banting School Stabbing Incident

BANTING, July 10 — A teenage girl accused of stabbing a female student at a secondary school in Banting arrived at the Telok Datok Magistrate’s Court today to face charges. The teenager arrived at the court compound at 8.32am under a heavy police escort. She had earlier been remanded for four days from July 7 as police investigated the case under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder. Media personnel who arrived at the court were not allowed to enter the court compound as the case involves a juvenile accused. The incident, which occurred at a secondary school in Kuala Langat on Monday, involved a Form Three female student who was injured and later received treatment at Banting Hospital. Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said initial investigations, including statements recorded from several individuals and 10 students whose names appeared in a note circulated on social media, found that the incident was not related to bullying. However, police believe that resentment towards a schoolmate may have been the motive behind the alleged stabbing. The Selangor Education Department previously confirmed that the suspect had been arrested by police, while the injured student was given medical attention following the incident. -- MINUTESMY

BANTING, July 10 — A teenage girl accused of stabbing a female student at a secondary school in Banting arrived at the Telok Datok Magistrate’s Court today to face charges. The teenager arrived at the court compound at 8.32am under a heavy police escort. She had earlier been remanded for four days from July 7 […]

MyKad 2026 Introduces 53 New Security Features to Strengthen National Identity System

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — The introduction of MyKad 2026 with 53 new security features is aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s national identity system and addressing the growing threat of identity forgery. The enhanced identification system is designed to improve the security and reliability of MyKad while reducing risks associated with fraudulent identity use. The implementation of the upgraded MyKad is also expected to support efforts in controlling cross-border crime, curbing the misuse of digital technology and enhancing public confidence in the country’s identity management system. The new security measures reflect Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen identity protection through the use of advanced technology while ensuring the integrity and sovereignty of the national identification system. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — The introduction of MyKad 2026 with 53 new security features is aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s national identity system and addressing the growing threat of identity forgery. The enhanced identification system is designed to improve the security and reliability of MyKad while reducing risks associated with fraudulent identity use. The implementation […]