Day: July 13, 2026

Communications And Multimedia Amendment Bill Tabled To Strengthen Universal Service Framework

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 -- The Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2026, which aims to strengthen the universal service framework by incorporating national security considerations, was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, when tabling the Bill, said it would be presented for second reading during the current parliamentary meeting. According to the Bill, the proposed amendments involve Section 202 of the principal Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), with Subclause 2(a) seeking to introduce new subsections 202(1A) and 202(1B). The amendments would empower the Minister to direct the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to support national universal service provision initiatives relating to the usage of network services or application services, or both, where such initiatives are deemed necessary in the interest of national security. The proposed provisions also allow for initiatives such as encouraging the installation of network facilities and the provision of network or application services to safeguard national security, where determination on national security matters would be made by the National Security Council under Section 4 of the National Security Council Act 2016. This additional category is to create a more comprehensive universal service provision framework, considering the evolution of the communications and multimedia industry, the advancement of technology and the needs of the country from a security aspect. The proposed subsection 202(1b) seeks to provide that any national universal service provision initiative shall be consistent with the objects of Act 588. Under Subclause 2(b), amendments to Section 202(2) would also enable the Minister to make regulations under Section 16 of Act 588 relating to national universal service initiatives. This Bill will not involve the Government in any extra financial expenditure. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 — The Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2026, which aims to strengthen the universal service framework by incorporating national security considerations, was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, when tabling the Bill, said it would be presented for second reading during […]

Sultan Sharafuddin Rides LRT3, Sees Long-held Vision For Shah Alam Rail Realised

SHAH ALAM, July 13 2026 — More than a decade after proposing a new rail transport system for Shah Alam, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, today personally experienced the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) Shah Alam Line – a project inspired by public concerns over worsening traffic congestion and now serving as […]

Federal Court Acquits Syed Saddiq of Corruption and Money Laundering Charges

PUTRAJAYA, July 13 — Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has been fully acquitted of corruption and money laundering charges after the Federal Court dismissed the prosecution's appeal against an earlier Court of Appeal decision. In a 2-1 majority ruling, Federal Court judges Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah held that the Court of Appeal had not erred in allowing Syed Saddiq's appeal in June last year. They found no legal or procedural errors that warranted the prosecution's challenge. The panel chairman, Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais, delivered a dissenting judgment. The Federal Court's decision effectively affirms the Court of Appeal's ruling, setting aside Syed Saddiq's previous conviction and sentence of seven years' imprisonment, two strokes of the cane and a RM10 million fine imposed by the High Court. The case involved two charges of abetting criminal breach of trust, one charge of misappropriation of property and two charges of money laundering involving funds belonging to Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (ARMADA). With the apex court dismissing the prosecution's final appeal, Syed Saddiq is now fully acquitted of all charges, bringing the long-running legal proceedings against the former Youth and Sports Minister to a close. -- MINUTESMY

PUTRAJAYA, July 13 — Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has been fully acquitted of corruption and money laundering charges after the Federal Court dismissed the prosecution’s appeal against an earlier Court of Appeal decision. In a 2-1 majority ruling, Federal Court judges Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk Collin Lawrence […]

Issues related to the UN, food supply among focus of Dewan Rakyat today

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 13 -- Malaysia's stance on the imbalance of veto power in the United Nations (UN) Security Council, and the government's preparations to face the projected food supply crisis are among the focus of the Dewan Rakyat sitting today. According to the Meeting Order on the official Parliament website, during the question and answer session, Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) asked the Foreign Minister to explain Malaysia's strategic approach in fighting for reform of the UN system, as well as efforts to strengthen the country's role and position in the international institution. Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PN-Setiu) also asked the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to state the government's contingency plan in dealing with the projected food supply crisis, as well as the effectiveness of incentives for producing states in boosting domestic self-sufficiency rates following the continuous increase in agricultural input costs due to the West Asian crisis. Also of interest was Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang)'s question to the Minister of Defence on whether the Malaysian Armed Forces' dependence on foreign suppliers affects the country's strategic asset development plans, as well as measures to reduce the risk of supply disruptions, delivery delays and contract cancellations in the future. At the same session, Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) asked the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation to explain steps to coordinate the country's energy policy to support the development of the green hydrogen industry, including strategic collaboration with Sarawak to realise the aspiration of making the state a green hydrogen hub in Southeast Asia. After the question and answer session, the conference is scheduled to continue with the first reading of seven Bills (RUU), including the Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2026, the Communications and Multimedia Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Social Work Profession Bill 2026. The Dewan Rakyat will then resume the debate session on the Paddy and Rice Control (Amendment) Bill 2026 before winding up by the relevant minister. This time the Dewan Rakyat session lasted for 16 days until July 16. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 13 — Malaysia’s stance on the imbalance of veto power in the United Nations (UN) Security Council, and the government’s preparations to face the projected food supply crisis are among the focus of the Dewan Rakyat sitting today. According to the Meeting Order on the official Parliament website, during the question and […]

Four PAAB Strategic LRAs To Strengthen Kelantan’s Water Supply By 2030

KOTA BHARU, July 13 2026 — Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) is strengthening its commitment to ensuring the people of Kelantan enjoy a more stable, high-quality and sustainable water supply through four water treatment plant (LRA) projects to be implemented in phases by 2030. The projects involve the Chicha 2, Tok Bali, Bukit Chupak and […]

Floods in Melaka are recovering, 47 victims still taking shelter in two PPS

MELAKA, JULY 13 -- The flood disaster that hit Melaka last Saturday shows that the situation is improving when only 47 victims from 12 families are still housed at two temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in the state as of 8 am this morning, compared to 800 victims from 266 families at 5 pm yesterday. The Disaster Information Portal of the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) reported that all the victims involved were placed in two temporary evacuation centres (PPS), namely in the Alor Gajah and Jasin districts. Based on information from the portal, four PPS in the Melaka Tengah district have been closed and all victims were allowed to return to their homes yesterday. In the Alor Gajah district, five victims from a family are still being housed at the Kampung Jeram Public Hall PPS, while in Jasin, 42 victims from 11 families are being housed at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tehel. The victims involved consisted of 40 adults, children (five people) and infants (two people). -- NAMED

MELAKA, JULY 13 — The flood disaster that hit Melaka last Saturday shows that the situation is improving when only 47 victims from 12 families are still housed at two temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in the state as of 8 am this morning, compared to 800 victims from 266 families at 5 pm yesterday. The […]

Khairy Jamaluddin Officiates Pasir Salak UMNO Women’s Division Delegates Meeting

PASIR SALAK, July 13 — Former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin officiated the Pasir Salak UMNO Women's Division Delegates Meeting on Saturday, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to meet party members and grassroots leaders. In a social media post, Khairy thanked the Pasir Salak UMNO Women's Division for inviting him to officiate the meeting, with special appreciation extended to the division's chief, Datin Sri Rahayu Tajuddin. He wished the delegates a productive and successful meeting, while encouraging the Women's wing to remain steadfast in its commitment to championing the interests of religion, the Malay community and the nation. Khairy also expressed hope that the division would continue to strengthen its role in serving the people and contributing to the party's continued development through dedication and unity. He concluded by wishing all delegates a successful meeting and continued perseverance in carrying out their responsibilities. -- MINUTESMY

PASIR SALAK, July 13 — Former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin officiated the Pasir Salak UMNO Women’s Division Delegates Meeting on Saturday, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to meet party members and grassroots leaders. In a social media post, Khairy thanked the Pasir Salak UMNO Women’s Division for inviting him to officiate the meeting, with […]

Zahid Hamidi Congratulates Onn Hafiz Ghazi On Reappointment As Johor Menteri Besar

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi on his appointment as the Menteri Besar of Johor. In a congratulatory message, Zahid said the trust placed in Onn Hafiz represents a significant responsibility to continue leading Johor Darul Ta'zim towards greater progress while safeguarding the well-being of the people, maintaining political stability and driving sustainable development. He expressed confidence that Onn Hafiz's leadership, experience and unwavering commitment would enable Johor to achieve even greater success for the benefit of the entire Bangsa Johor. "God willing, I am confident that with his leadership, experience and determination, Johor will continue to chart greater achievements for the benefit of all Johoreans," Zahid said. The UMNO President also prayed that Allah SWT would grant Onn Hafiz strength, wisdom and divine guidance in carrying out the mandate entrusted to him as the state's chief executive. Zahid concluded his message by wishing Onn Hafiz every success in fulfilling his responsibilities and continuing to lead Johor Darul Ta'zim towards a brighter and more prosperous future. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi on his appointment as the Menteri Besar of Johor. In a congratulatory message, Zahid said the trust placed in Onn Hafiz represents a significant responsibility to continue leading Johor Darul Ta’zim […]