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KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 -- Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan today presented the instruments of appointment to Datuk Nadzirah Osman and Datuk Zanariah Zainal Abidin as Malaysia's Permanent Representatives to the United Nations (UN) in New York and Geneva respectively. The instrument of appointment was presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also known as Wisma Putra, in Putrajaya. According to a statement from Wisma Putra, Nadzirah holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Malaya and joined the civil service as an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer in 1994. Prior to this appointment, she had served as Malaysia's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Switzerland since 2023. He has also served as Malaysia's Ambassador to the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, as well as serving at the Malaysian diplomatic missions in Mexico City and London. In the ministry, Nadzirah previously held positions as Deputy Secretary-General for Multilateral Affairs, Secretary of the Multilateral Political Division, Secretary of the Human Resources Management Division and Secretary of the Multilateral Economic and Environmental Division. He also served in the Eastern European Division and the American Division. Meanwhile, Zanariah holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the Graduate School of International Politics, Japan, as well as a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom. He joined the civil service as an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer in 1995. Prior to this appointment, he had served as the Director-General of the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2021. Zanariah was previously appointed as Malaysia's Ambassador to the Czech Republic and Deputy Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN in Jakarta, in addition to serving at the Malaysian diplomatic missions in Caracas, Venezuela and Santiago, Chile. At the ministry, he previously held positions as Secretary of the Multilateral Political Division, Secretary of the Multilateral Security Division and Director at the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat. He has also served in the Regional and Maritime Affairs Division, as well as the Economic Division. -- BERNAMA

Malaysia appoints new permanent representatives to the UN in New York, Geneva

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 — Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan today presented the instruments of appointment to Datuk Nadzirah Osman and Datuk Zanariah Zainal Abidin as Malaysia’s Permanent Representatives to the United Nations (UN) in New York and Geneva respectively.

The instrument of appointment was presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also known as Wisma Putra, in Putrajaya.

According to a statement from Wisma Putra, Nadzirah holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Malaya and joined the civil service as an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer in 1994. Prior to this appointment, she had served as Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Switzerland since 2023.

He has also served as Malaysia’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, as well as serving at the Malaysian diplomatic missions in Mexico City and London.

In the ministry, Nadzirah previously held positions as Deputy Secretary-General for Multilateral Affairs, Secretary of the Multilateral Political Division, Secretary of the Human Resources Management Division and Secretary of the Multilateral Economic and Environmental Division.

He also served in the Eastern European Division and the American Division.

Meanwhile, Zanariah holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the Graduate School of International Politics, Japan, as well as a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom.

He joined the civil service as an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer in 1995. Prior to this appointment, he had served as the Director-General of the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2021.

Zanariah was previously appointed as Malaysia’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic and Deputy Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN in Jakarta, in addition to serving at the Malaysian diplomatic missions in Caracas, Venezuela and Santiago, Chile.

At the ministry, he previously held positions as Secretary of the Multilateral Political Division, Secretary of the Multilateral Security Division and Director at the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat.

He has also served in the Regional and Maritime Affairs Division, as well as the Economic Division.

— BERNAMA

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KOTA KINABALU, JUNE 22 -- The announcement of a reduction in the price of subsidized diesel to RM2.10 per litre starting this July proves that the economic reforms and subsidy targeting measures implemented by the MADANI government are starting to provide direct benefits to the people. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the implementation of a targeted subsidy mechanism through the use of MyKad would not only ensure that subsidies reached eligible Malaysians, but would also help reduce leakage and smuggling, which had long affected the effectiveness of the country's subsidy system. "This step is also being implemented at a time when the world is still facing geopolitical uncertainty and pressure on the global energy market. "The ongoing conflict in West Asia demands that the country take a more strategic approach in ensuring energy security and economic stability," he said in a statement here today. Mustapha said Malaysia's move to strengthen energy cooperation with countries such as Russia and Turkmenistan, in addition to ensuring supply security through strategic relationships with major energy producing countries, proved the MADANI Government's determination in strengthening the country's energy security and ensuring long-term sustainability of supply. He said the drop in diesel prices reflected the effectiveness of foreign policy as well as the efficiency of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration in managing the economy prudently, with the implementation of various reforms successfully helping to control the cost of living pressures faced by the people. Yesterday, Anwar announced the reduction in the price of subsidized diesel for Malaysians to RM2.10 per litre starting in July and will be implemented in line with the approach used through the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) program, namely with verification via MyKad. Currently, diesel is still sold at a subsidized retail price of RM2.15 per litre at all petrol stations in Sabah and Sarawak, compared to the unsubsidized retail price of RM4.37 per litre in the Peninsula. -- BERNAMA

Diesel price reduction directly benefits the people – Mustapha

SEGAMAT, JUNE 22 -- The government, through the Public Services Department (JPA), is offering a new, more competitive service scheme starting July 1 to attract existing enforcement officers to join the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). AKPS Director-General Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the special offer to existing enforcement agency officers included two annual salary increases, an additional RM200 as well as the retention of seniority and overtime allowance facilities. He said the offer was the best service scheme and had never been offered in any service scheme for those currently on duty to be transferred to the agency. "So I see no reason why monthly income is used as a reason why the quality of service is not good. This time the government has made a decision, so I think it is good for them to join AKPS," he said. He said this to reporters when met at the Friendly Session and Review of the Self-Report Session with AKPS Series 1/2026 Trainees at the Segamat Police Training Centre (PULAPOL) here today. Meanwhile, commenting on the human resource planning for the agency, he said a total of 478 AKPS first group trainees would undergo intensive training for three months in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). Apart from endurance training, Mohd Shuhaily said the trainees were also exposed to legal aspects enforced by various agencies in the field, including under the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service (MAQIS). "Three months is a bit short for us to implement everything for them to really understand, but it aims to build physical and mental strength to be on the front lines later." "Discipline is the core of preventing border leakage, so I need to tighten this issue further so that all instructions can be understood and obeyed as best as possible," he said. Mohd Shuhaily said the pilot group will be fully stationed at the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link facility which connects Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru and Woodlands, Singapore to operate the new entrance. He said early preparations were very important given that RTS Link was expected to begin full operation on Jan 1, 2027 and the trial operation training process at the gateway would begin as early as October this year. Touching on the agency's operational performance, Mohd Shuhaily revealed that AKPS recorded a seizure value of almost RM50 million as of May, with RM82 million recorded last year. -- NAMED

AKPS’s new service scheme begins July 1, opens up opportunities for existing enforcement agencies

SHAH ALAM, June 22 -- The Selangor state government is studying a proposal to reclassify indoor children’s playgrounds as ‘edu-entertainment’ to allow for a reduction in the entertainment duty imposed on such premises.  State Tourism and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the study was initiated following complaints from operators who are required to pay entertainment duty of up to RM6,390 annually, even though the activities offered include educational elements.  “I take note of the matter. In fact, many engagements have already been held. Since it falls under the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment 1995, it has to be reviewed comprehensively.  “We are also examining the need to introduce a new duty category, namely ‘edu-entertainment’. This would allow us to circumvent constraints under the enactment and reduce the rate,” he said in a press conference at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly building here today.  For this purpose, Ng said Selangor will hold engagement sessions with Penang, as the state has successfully introduced the ‘edu-entertainment’ classification without amending its enactment.  Ng said if amendments to the enactment are required, the process would be time-consuming and involve multiple stages.  Previously, the Malaysian Association of Theme Parks and Family Attractions (MATFA) had urged the Selangor state government to review the proposal to classify children’s playgrounds under the entertainment licence category, as it would lead to a sharp increase in annual licensing fees.  MATFA president Tan Sri Richard Koh said the proposed reclassification would see annual fees increase nearly 13-fold, placing additional financial pressure on operators of children’s playground facilities that provide affordable recreational spaces for families, particularly those in the B40 and M40 groups.  -- BERNAMA 

Selangor Mulls Edu-entertainment Status To Reduce Duty On Indoor Playgrounds

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visits to Russia and Turkmenistan have been described as a significant step in strengthening Malaysia's international relations and unlocking strategic opportunities that will benefit the country and its people. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said one of the key outcomes was Russia's commitment to provide long-term oil supplies to Malaysia for up to 20 years, a move expected to enhance the country's energy security and economic stability. “The MADANI Government's strategy of diversifying energy sources is crucial to ensuring sufficient supply and sustaining the BUDI MADANI RON95 programme while maintaining the subsidised RON95 petrol price at RM1.99 per litre. “All Malaysians will benefit from this achievement by the Prime Minister,” he told Bernama. Nga, who is also the Teluk Intan MP, said Anwar's success in securing Turkmenistan's confidence in appointing Petronas as operator of one of the world's largest gas fields was another breakthrough. “This development could further strengthen Petronas' global standing. As a Fortune Global 500 company currently ranked 139th, it has the potential to move closer to the top 100 if this opportunity is managed effectively,” Nga said. Meanwhile, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the Prime Minister's visits to Kazan and Turkmenistan were important in deepening strategic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, energy and human capital development. “We are proud that, through stronger bilateral ties, Petronas has been entrusted to operate one of the world's largest gas fields in Turkmenistan. “This not only demonstrates the ability of Malaysian companies to compete and lead globally, but also elevates Malaysia's standing as a respected player in the international energy sector,” he said. The Sungai Buloh MP said the development was expected to generate economic benefits for Malaysia while creating opportunities for collaboration in technology, skills development and high-skilled workforce training. Anwar's two-day working visit to Kazan marked a significant milestone in Malaysia-Russia relations, with both countries agreeing to strengthen cooperation in energy security, trade, investment, tourism and technology. A key outcome of the visit was Russia's commitment to ensuring long-term supplies of petrol, oil and gas to Malaysia. Anwar said the arrangement would bolster the country's energy security through stable multi-year agreements rather than annual or seasonal renewals. Following his visit to Kazan in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, Anwar travelled to Turkmenistan, where agreements reached with the government paved the way for Petronas to participate in the development of a major gas field in the country, which possesses some of the world's largest natural gas reserves. Anwar was quoted as saying that Petronas' success in securing the project reflected international confidence in Malaysia's capabilities, political stability and the professionalism of its home-grown companies. -- BERNAMA  

Ministers Hail Strategic Gains Of PM Anwar’s Russia, Turkmenistan Visits

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KOTA KINABALU, JUNE 22 -- The announcement of a reduction in the price of subsidized diesel to RM2.10 per litre starting this July proves that the economic reforms and subsidy targeting measures implemented by the MADANI government are starting to provide direct benefits to the people. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the implementation of a targeted subsidy mechanism through the use of MyKad would not only ensure that subsidies reached eligible Malaysians, but would also help reduce leakage and smuggling, which had long affected the effectiveness of the country's subsidy system. "This step is also being implemented at a time when the world is still facing geopolitical uncertainty and pressure on the global energy market. "The ongoing conflict in West Asia demands that the country take a more strategic approach in ensuring energy security and economic stability," he said in a statement here today. Mustapha said Malaysia's move to strengthen energy cooperation with countries such as Russia and Turkmenistan, in addition to ensuring supply security through strategic relationships with major energy producing countries, proved the MADANI Government's determination in strengthening the country's energy security and ensuring long-term sustainability of supply. He said the drop in diesel prices reflected the effectiveness of foreign policy as well as the efficiency of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration in managing the economy prudently, with the implementation of various reforms successfully helping to control the cost of living pressures faced by the people. Yesterday, Anwar announced the reduction in the price of subsidized diesel for Malaysians to RM2.10 per litre starting in July and will be implemented in line with the approach used through the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) program, namely with verification via MyKad. Currently, diesel is still sold at a subsidized retail price of RM2.15 per litre at all petrol stations in Sabah and Sarawak, compared to the unsubsidized retail price of RM4.37 per litre in the Peninsula. -- BERNAMA

Diesel price reduction directly benefits the people – Mustapha

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 -- Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan today presented the instruments of appointment to Datuk Nadzirah Osman and Datuk Zanariah Zainal Abidin as Malaysia's Permanent Representatives to the United Nations (UN) in New York and Geneva respectively. The instrument of appointment was presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also known as Wisma Putra, in Putrajaya. According to a statement from Wisma Putra, Nadzirah holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Malaya and joined the civil service as an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer in 1994. Prior to this appointment, she had served as Malaysia's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Switzerland since 2023. He has also served as Malaysia's Ambassador to the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, as well as serving at the Malaysian diplomatic missions in Mexico City and London. In the ministry, Nadzirah previously held positions as Deputy Secretary-General for Multilateral Affairs, Secretary of the Multilateral Political Division, Secretary of the Human Resources Management Division and Secretary of the Multilateral Economic and Environmental Division. He also served in the Eastern European Division and the American Division. Meanwhile, Zanariah holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the Graduate School of International Politics, Japan, as well as a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom. He joined the civil service as an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer in 1995. Prior to this appointment, he had served as the Director-General of the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2021. Zanariah was previously appointed as Malaysia's Ambassador to the Czech Republic and Deputy Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN in Jakarta, in addition to serving at the Malaysian diplomatic missions in Caracas, Venezuela and Santiago, Chile. At the ministry, he previously held positions as Secretary of the Multilateral Political Division, Secretary of the Multilateral Security Division and Director at the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat. He has also served in the Regional and Maritime Affairs Division, as well as the Economic Division. -- BERNAMA

Malaysia appoints new permanent representatives to the UN in New York, Geneva

SEGAMAT, JUNE 22 -- The government, through the Public Services Department (JPA), is offering a new, more competitive service scheme starting July 1 to attract existing enforcement officers to join the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). AKPS Director-General Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the special offer to existing enforcement agency officers included two annual salary increases, an additional RM200 as well as the retention of seniority and overtime allowance facilities. He said the offer was the best service scheme and had never been offered in any service scheme for those currently on duty to be transferred to the agency. "So I see no reason why monthly income is used as a reason why the quality of service is not good. This time the government has made a decision, so I think it is good for them to join AKPS," he said. He said this to reporters when met at the Friendly Session and Review of the Self-Report Session with AKPS Series 1/2026 Trainees at the Segamat Police Training Centre (PULAPOL) here today. Meanwhile, commenting on the human resource planning for the agency, he said a total of 478 AKPS first group trainees would undergo intensive training for three months in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). Apart from endurance training, Mohd Shuhaily said the trainees were also exposed to legal aspects enforced by various agencies in the field, including under the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service (MAQIS). "Three months is a bit short for us to implement everything for them to really understand, but it aims to build physical and mental strength to be on the front lines later." "Discipline is the core of preventing border leakage, so I need to tighten this issue further so that all instructions can be understood and obeyed as best as possible," he said. Mohd Shuhaily said the pilot group will be fully stationed at the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link facility which connects Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru and Woodlands, Singapore to operate the new entrance. He said early preparations were very important given that RTS Link was expected to begin full operation on Jan 1, 2027 and the trial operation training process at the gateway would begin as early as October this year. Touching on the agency's operational performance, Mohd Shuhaily revealed that AKPS recorded a seizure value of almost RM50 million as of May, with RM82 million recorded last year. -- NAMED

AKPS’s new service scheme begins July 1, opens up opportunities for existing enforcement agencies

SHAH ALAM, June 22 -- The Selangor state government is studying a proposal to reclassify indoor children’s playgrounds as ‘edu-entertainment’ to allow for a reduction in the entertainment duty imposed on such premises.  State Tourism and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the study was initiated following complaints from operators who are required to pay entertainment duty of up to RM6,390 annually, even though the activities offered include educational elements.  “I take note of the matter. In fact, many engagements have already been held. Since it falls under the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment 1995, it has to be reviewed comprehensively.  “We are also examining the need to introduce a new duty category, namely ‘edu-entertainment’. This would allow us to circumvent constraints under the enactment and reduce the rate,” he said in a press conference at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly building here today.  For this purpose, Ng said Selangor will hold engagement sessions with Penang, as the state has successfully introduced the ‘edu-entertainment’ classification without amending its enactment.  Ng said if amendments to the enactment are required, the process would be time-consuming and involve multiple stages.  Previously, the Malaysian Association of Theme Parks and Family Attractions (MATFA) had urged the Selangor state government to review the proposal to classify children’s playgrounds under the entertainment licence category, as it would lead to a sharp increase in annual licensing fees.  MATFA president Tan Sri Richard Koh said the proposed reclassification would see annual fees increase nearly 13-fold, placing additional financial pressure on operators of children’s playground facilities that provide affordable recreational spaces for families, particularly those in the B40 and M40 groups.  -- BERNAMA 

Selangor Mulls Edu-entertainment Status To Reduce Duty On Indoor Playgrounds

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