Category :

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The country's petrol and diesel supply is still sufficient at present despite the conflict in West Asia and the global economic situation putting pressure on the world's energy supply chain, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Apart from that, he said, the government is also committed to maintaining the price of subsidized RON95 fuel at RM1.99 per litre. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said Malaysia's good relations with several countries, including Iran, have helped ensure that the country's oil supply route through the Strait of Hormuz has been running smoothly so far. "The good relationship with Iran has helped the oil supply to be sufficient so far, until July... God willing, diesel will also be sufficient, although that day there was a problem with a little diesel not being available, the price went up a little because we bought it from outside through the Strait of Hormuz. Insurance has gone up, shipping costs have gone up. "However, so far, RON95 fuel remains at RM1.99," he said when speaking at the Permatang Pauh Parliamentary Civil Sacrifice Cattle Distribution Ceremony at the Central Seberang Perai District Mosque, here, today, which was also attended by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The Prime Minister said that following the increase in diesel costs, the government had also implemented various assistance initiatives including the BUDI MADANI programme to assist farmers, fishermen, tractor operators, school buses and the transportation sector. Meanwhile, he said, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to contact him at 6 pm this evening to discuss current developments following the conflict that has hit the West Asian region. "The relationship (with Iran) helped us. When Iran was attacked by the Zionist regime of Israel, we showed sympathy and then when we were in a bit of trouble, our oil ships wanted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. We (Malaysia) were among the first to pass, so our ships were among the first to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and reach Pengerang (Johor)," he said. Anwar said Malaysia was also grateful that the country's fuel supply situation was still under control compared to several neighboring countries that were currently facing more serious pressure, such as the Philippines. -- BERNAMA

National oil supply still sufficient, subsidized RON95 remains at RM1.99 per litre – PM Anwar

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The country’s petrol and diesel supply is still sufficient at present despite the conflict in West Asia and the global economic situation putting pressure on the world’s energy .... read more

IPOH, May 26 -- The West Coast Expressway (WCE) expects more than 150,000 vehicles daily during the Hari Raya Aidiladha festive season, which coincides with the school holidays and a long weekend. In a statement today, WCE said traffic volume is expected to increase as many people travel back to their hometowns and holiday destinations. “To ensure smoother traffic flow, all construction and maintenance works involving lane closures will be postponed, except for emergency works. “Tow trucks will also be stationed at strategic locations along the highway, while Emergency Response Teams (ERT) and patrol personnel will be reinforced to provide 24-hour assistance,” read the statement. WCE said the proactive measures are aimed at ensuring incidents can be handled quickly to minimise traffic disruptions Motorists are also encouraged to use the WCE mobile application, which provides route navigation, locations of public facilities such as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, motorcycle shelters, emergency telephones and real-time traffic updates. In addition, the Touch ‘n Go PayDirect system at all WCE toll plazas allows toll charges to be deducted directly from users’ e-wallet balances without the need for manual card reloads. WCE also provides six Rest and Service Areas (R&R) equipped with parking facilities, surau and toilets, as well as food stalls at selected locations, including Sungai Nyior R&R northbound and southbound, and Bukit Kapar R&R northbound. Road users are advised to plan their journeys early, ensure their vehicles are in good condition, observe speed limits, wear seat belts and get sufficient rest to reduce the risk of microsleep. -- BERNAMA

WCE Expects Over 150,000 Vehicles Daily During Aidiladha Holidays

IPOH, May 26 — The West Coast Expressway (WCE) expects more than 150,000 vehicles daily during the Hari Raya Aidiladha festive season, which coincides with the school holidays and a .... read more

GEORGE TOWN, May 26 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim returned to his hometown in Penang today for a brief working visit ahead of the Aidiladha celebration. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, will present sacrificial cows to communities in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary and Seberang Jaya state constituencies at the Seberang Perai Tengah District Mosque near here at 2 pm. The former Permatang Pauh MP will then return to his village to present sacrificial cows to the Permatang Pasir state constituency community at Masjid Al-Falah in Pengkalan Tambang. Anwar will conclude the visit by presenting sacrificial cows to the Penanti state constituency community at Padang Mengkuang Titi, Kubang Semang at 3.45 pm before leaving for the capital. Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Aidiladha tomorrow. -- BERNAMA

PM Anwar Back In Permatang Pauh Ahead Of Aidiladha Celebration

GEORGE TOWN, May 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim returned to his hometown in Penang today for a brief working visit ahead of the Aidiladha celebration. Anwar, who .... read more

PONTIAN, May 26 -- A factory general worker’s dream of seeing her own name printed on a house title deed after 30 years has finally become a reality after she was selected as one of the recipients of the Johor Affordable Housing Scheme (RMMJ) at Taman Rimba Indah here. K. Anandi, 56, who had nearly given up hope after more than 10 unsuccessful applications over the years, expressed gratitude when her latest application, submitted in July last year, was finally approved by the Johor government. She said owning the 868-square-foot terraced house equipped with three bedrooms means she no longer has to live in her brother K. Selvananth’s home, where she had been staying for decades. “Previously, I applied many times but was disappointed after being rejected due to insufficient documentation. However, for this application, I am deeply thankful to the state government and Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. “The price of this RMMJ house is very affordable at RM80,000, and the monthly repayments are not burdensome. It is truly affordable for people from the B40 group like me to finally own a first home after waiting for so long,” she said. She said this when met by Bernama at the handover ceremony for the RMMJ Taman Rimba Indah project, developed by Marcus Property Sdn Bhd, which involved 86 housing units measuring 868 square feet each, with prices starting from RM80,000. For young couple Ezzanur Ameera Nasaruddin, 27, and her husband Mohd Nor Ezzafi Md Othman, 29, being selected as RMMJ recipients has enabled them to break free from the burden of high rental commitments. Ezzanur Ameera said the house prices offered were significantly lower than market rates after taking into account subsidies and assistance provided by the state government. “Previously, we rented a house for about RM700 a month, but after moving into our own home, we only need to pay around RM400 in monthly instalments. The extra RM300 in savings is substantial and can be used for other necessities,” she said. She also praised the application process, describing it as much easier and more user-friendly now that it can be completed online. She said applicants only needed to upload basic documents such as copies of identity cards, salary slips, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) statements, employer confirmation letters and marriage certificates. “It is very different compared with my first application experience in 2022. At that time, the required documentation was far more extensive, the documentation costs were quite burdensome, and we had to travel physically to Johor Bahru to submit the documents,” said the private sector employee. A similar sense of relief was shared by clerk Sim Jia Chee, 27, who admitted she was surprised when her first-ever RMMJ application submitted last year was approved. Sim, who is expected to move into her new home soon after receiving the keys from the developer, said the RMMJ monthly instalment of around RM400 was significantly lower than the RM600 monthly rent she had previously been paying. “Previously, I consulted a sales agent about buying a house on the open market, but I was told I was ineligible because the monthly commitment was too high, ranging between RM900 and RM1,800. “I was also informed of hidden additional costs amounting to almost RM10,000, including legal fees. In contrast, under the RMMJ scheme, part of the home purchase costs is borne or simplified by the state government,” she said, adding that she could now begin saving for a more stable future. The RMMJ programme is among the strategic initiatives undertaken by the Johor government in collaboration with developers to provide opportunities for the B40 and M40 groups, young couples and first-time homebuyers to own homes at affordable prices, with units priced between RM80,000 and RM300,000. Based on state housing performance data, a total of 49,603 RMMJ units had been planned between 2022 and the first quarter of 2026. Of that number, 21,412 units have been fully completed and handed over to homeowners. The Johor government remains optimistic about ensuring that 30,000 RMMJ units will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026, before achieving its overall target of 100,000 units by 2030. -- BERNAMA

RMMJ Turns Johoreans’ Dream Of Home Ownership Into Reality

PONTIAN, May 26 — A factory general worker’s dream of seeing her own name printed on a house title deed after 30 years has finally become a reality after she .... read more

KUANTAN, May 26 -- Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today called on the people, particularly Malays and Muslims, to continue safeguarding unity, avoid divisions and not be easily influenced by matters that could disrupt social harmony. His Royal Highness said Aidiladha symbolises sacrifice, sincerity and the strength of ‘ukhuwah’ (brotherhood) among Muslims. “The gathering of millions of Muslims in the Holy Land, regardless of race, status and background, proves that Islam calls on its followers to remain united, respect one another and strengthen brotherhood,” His Royal Highness said in a message in conjunction with Aidiladha 2026. Al-Sultan Abdullah noted that Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, in his Aidiladha 2026 message, had also urged Muslims and Malays in the country to remain united and avoid divisions that could weaken the community and create unease among the people. His Royal Highness said the strength of a nation and country does not depend solely on economic progress and development, but also on the unity of its people, social stability and mutual respect among races and religions. The Sultan also expressed hope that the people of the state would continue to uphold good values, strengthen the spirit of consensus and prioritise the common good for the sake of peace and national well-being. In the message, His Royal Highness and Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also extended Aidiladha greetings to Muslims, especially the people of Pahang. “On this occasion, Tengku Ampuan of Pahang and I also pray that all Malaysian haj pilgrims will have their religious duties eased, be blessed with good health, attain a mabrur haj and return home safely,” His Royal Highness said. -- BERNAMA

Pahang Sultan Stresses Unity, Harmony In Aidiladha Message

KUANTAN, May 26 — Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today called on the people, particularly Malays and Muslims, to continue safeguarding unity, avoid divisions and not .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 -- Military exercises by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will be carried out in close coordination with state governments and relevant agencies to ensure they are conducted in an orderly, safe and responsible manner, in line with national security interests and public well-being. The National Security Council (MKN) under the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), in a statement today, said the MKN meeting on May 25 supported MAF’s commitment to ensuring all military activities are implemented professionally, systematically and responsibly. It said all exercises and operations must comply with established guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and directives issued by the relevant authorities, including requirements related to safety and environmental conservation. “The implementation of military exercises is subject to strict approval procedures and coordination with relevant ministries and agencies,” the statement said. For both gazetted and non-gazetted training areas, all applications must undergo approval and verification processes involving the relevant authorities, including the State Security Working Committee (JKKN) chaired by the Menteri Besar or Chief Minister, as well as technical agencies. “Applications must also be submitted within the stipulated timeframe before any exercise is conducted to ensure that safety aspects, procedural compliance and local sensitivities are properly addressed before landowners are informed,” MKN said. It added that SOPs related to military exercises would continue to be enhanced from time to time. Post-exercise evaluations will also be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the activities, identify any impact caused and determine responsibility for repair works involving any damage. The MKN meeting viewed defence preparedness as a key element in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, security and strategic interests. At the same time, it stressed the importance of balancing defence operational requirements with local sensitivities through continuous engagement and coordination with all stakeholders. On May 24, MAF Headquarters said it respected and would comply with the decree of the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, regarding military activities in the state. ​The MAF Headquarters said it remained committed to ensuring all exercises and operations are conducted in a planned, professional and responsible manner. Earlier, media reports stated that Tengku Hassanal had voiced concerns over military exercises in island areas in Pahang that could potentially affect the ecosystem. He also directed that MAF obtain the consent of the Sultan of Pahang before conducting any military exercise. -- BERNAMA

Military Exercises To Follow Strict Safety, Coordination Measures – MKN

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — Military exercises by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will be carried out in close coordination with state governments and relevant agencies to ensure they are conducted .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan yesterday  received a farewell courtesy call from the High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, TYT B.N. Reddy, who is concluding his diplomatic service in the country. Ramanan expressed his highest appreciation for B.N. Reddy’s commitment and significant contributions in strengthening the longstanding friendship and strategic cooperation between Malaysia and India throughout his tenure. He said the meeting also provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on the growing landscape of future cooperation between Malaysia and India, particularly as both nations continue to strengthen their positions as comprehensive strategic partners. According to Ramanan, B.N. Reddy played an important role not only in enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, but also in fostering a relationship built on mutual respect, trust and friendship between the two countries. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to further expanding its strong bilateral ties with India for the mutual benefit of both nations, while supporting regional economic development and promoting a more inclusive and sustainable future for the people of both countries.  -- MINUTESMY  -- SOURCE : FB RAMANAN RAMAKRISHNAN 

Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan: Malaysia, India Committed to Expanding Strategic Partnership

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan yesterday received a farewell courtesy call from the High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today shared the National Security Council’s (MKN) assurance that all military training activities conducted by the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will continue to adhere to strict operational procedures, safety guidelines and environmental considerations. In a media statement issued by the National Security Council under the Prime Minister’s Department, MKN said the council meeting held on May 25 reaffirmed support for ATM’s commitment to ensuring every military exercise and operation is carried out professionally, systematically and in compliance with all established procedures and regulations.            The statement noted that all military exercises are subject to a stringent approval process involving coordination with relevant ministries, agencies and state-level authorities, including the State Security Working Committee (JKKN) chaired by the respective Menteri Besar or Chief Minister. MKN said applications for military exercises must be submitted within the stipulated timeframe to ensure that safety aspects, procedural compliance and local sensitivities are properly addressed before activities are conducted. The council also stressed that standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to military exercises will continue to be improved from time to time. Post-exercise assessments will also be conducted to review effectiveness, identify impacts and determine responsibility for any repair works arising from damages caused during exercises. According to the statement, national defence preparedness remains an important element in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security and strategic interests. At the same time, MKN emphasised that local sensitivities must continue to be taken into account through ongoing engagement and coordination with all stakeholders. MKN added that military exercises are implemented through close cooperation between the Malaysian Armed Forces, state governments and relevant agencies to ensure defence activities are carried out in an organised, safe and prudent manner in line with national security interests and public well-being.  -- MINUTESMY  -- SOURCE : FB FAHMI FADZIL 

YB Fahmi Fadzil: National Security Council Affirms Commitment to Safe, Coordinated Military Exercises

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today shared the National Security Council’s (MKN) assurance that all military training activities conducted by the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will continue .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo yesterday received a courtesy visit from YBhg. Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah bin Haji Zaidel, Deputy Secretary of the Government of Sarawak (Economic Planning & Development), alongside Dr Kho Lip Khoon, Assistant Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Energy & Environmental Sustainability Sarawak, for a discussion focused on Sarawak’s industrial transformation agenda. The meeting provided an opportunity for Gobind to gain deeper insight into the Sarawak Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) Bintulu, recognised as Malaysia’s first World Economic Forum Industrial Transformation Initiative. The initiative is scheduled to be officially launched during the APGH 2026 event in Kuching from June 9 to 11. Gobind said the discussions highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration in supporting Malaysia’s aspirations to strengthen the digital economy while accelerating the transformation of the nation’s industries through innovation and sustainable development. He also expressed interest in seeing how the TIC Bintulu initiative could contribute towards enhancing industrial digitalisation and positioning Malaysia as a competitive regional hub for future-ready industries. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB GOBIND SINGH DEO

YB Gobind Singh Deo Engages Sarawak Leaders on TIC Bintulu Initiative Ahead of APGH 2026

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo yesterday received a courtesy visit from YBhg. Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah bin Haji Zaidel, Deputy Secretary of the Government of .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur has the potential to rival major regional concert destinations such as Singapore, but stronger coordination in the country's live entertainment ecosystem is needed to attract more international tours and global artists. Live Nation Malaysia Managing Director, Paramananthan Rajagopal said the city has many of the key elements needed to become a major tour destination in Asia including infrastructure, passionate fans and strategic location, however improvements in terms of coordination, venue readiness and industry support remain essential. "Actually, Kuala Lumpur has everything. In fact, maybe better than some other cities, but what we need now is coordination. "An event cannot be made successful by one individual alone. All parties need to work together to ensure that a performance can be held," he told reporters after the launch of the KL Headline Season 2026 here, last night. Paramananthan said the live entertainment industry in Malaysia needs to work together to strengthen the international perception of Kuala Lumpur as a trusted concert destination. "Most international artists and management teams will search for Kuala Lumpur on Google before deciding to tour. Sometimes, what pops up in those searches are stories about cancellations, protests or approval issues (of a concert). "However, in a country like Singapore, the narrative is different. They promote positive things and position the country as a concert destination," he said. He said the issue was not just about facilities, as Kuala Lumpur already had the infrastructure needed to host large-scale productions, although some venues needed improvements to meet the expectations of fans and productions. "Fans pay high prices for tickets. They expect more comfortable seats, clearer views and better facilities. Therefore, venue maintenance and upgrades are very important," he said. Paramananthan said venue availability is one of the biggest challenges facing concert organisers in the country, especially when international tours operate according to a set schedule across various countries. "Our problem behind the scenes is the availability of venues. Tours already have fixed dates and sometimes we can't change them because there are no venues," he said, adding that some countries prioritize international artist tours as part of a broader economic strategy. He said the live entertainment industry should no longer be seen as mere entertainment, but rather concerts also generate huge economic spillovers in the tourism, hospitality, retail and transportation sectors. Malaysia has organised more than 400 concerts in 2024, generating more than RM553 million in tourism and economic impact, while for this year, the industry is expected to contribute almost RM1.7 billion to the national economy, he said. Paramananthan said that fans from neighbouring countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines are increasingly coming to Kuala Lumpur, specifically to attend concerts, reflecting the capital's growing influence in the regional live entertainment landscape. He said the newly launched KL Headline Season 2026 was created to place Kuala Lumpur firmly on the global tour map and establish the city as the premier entertainment capital in Asia. The launch was attended by Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh. The initiative, developed by Live Nation Malaysia in collaboration with PR Worldwide, Tourism Malaysia and CelcomDigi, is expected to bring 25 international music acts across six major venues throughout 2026, attracting an estimated 500,000 fans from Malaysia and across the region, with a roster of artists including big names such as Post Malone, The Weeknd, BTS, Laufey and LANY. -- BERNAMA

KL has the potential to become a major regional concert destination – Live Nation

KUALA LUMPUR, MAY 26 — Kuala Lumpur has the potential to rival major regional concert destinations such as Singapore, but stronger coordination in the country’s live entertainment ecosystem is needed .... read more