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JOHOR BAHRU: Police arrested two locals and seized various types of drugs worth RM57.15 million which were believed to be being smuggled to a neighbouring country during a raid in the Parit Amat Laut area, Muar yesterday. Marine Police Force (PPM) Region Two Commander ACP Noor Azman Jamal said the man and woman, aged 63 and 43, were arrested in a raid at 12.30am by a team from the Muar PPM Region Two Marine Investigation Unit and the Muar District Police Headquarters' Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division. He said the drugs were seized as a result of intelligence from his party which detected several vehicles and a boat in suspicious conditions in the area. "Based on initial observations, several people were seen unloading a number of packages suspected of containing drugs onto the boat. The team then raided and arrested the two individuals who were the senders (of the supplies)," he said in a statement. He said further inspection found 517 plastic bags suspected of containing 549 kilograms of methamphetamine, 191,268 ecstasy pills and 4,000 cartridges believed to contain liquid drugs hidden in boats and car boot. Noor Azman said a fibre boat and two 85 horsepower Yamaha Enduro engines were also seized. He said his party was investigating whether there were other individuals involved in the activity besides the two individuals who were friends. "Both were remanded for a week starting yesterday and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 15 (1) (a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," he said. -- BERNAMA

Two arrested with RM57.15 million worth of drugs in Muar

JOHOR BAHRU: Police arrested two locals and seized various types of drugs worth RM57.15 million which were believed to be being smuggled to a neighbouring country during a raid in .... read more

PUTRAJAYA: Funds of up to RM50 million from the High Impact Programme under the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) will be used to introduce new fields in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through the implementation of TVET 2.0. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the fields include hydrogen energy technology, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and maritime engineering, which were not previously taught at any TVET institution. "The funds are to translate the implementation into the TVET 2.0 program and are used for new fields that have not been taught at any TVET institution so far." "For example, learning about hydrogen energy for vehicles and machinery, especially for energy production...this includes the fields of MRO and Maritime Engineering," he told the media after the opening ceremony of the National TVET Day 2026 celebration here today. The ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and was also attended by Cabinet ministers and Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Ahmad Zahid said the MRO field is now among the top choices for TVET students due to its good career prospects, including the opportunity to undergo training abroad with leading world airlines such as Airbus and Boeing. "MRO is now chosen as the main choice because it is not only about salary, but students are also given training abroad at Airbus or Boeing companies," he said. He said the government also gave priority to graduates of tahfiz and pondok institutions to participate in TVET programmes to increase their chances of obtaining highly skilled jobs. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the coordination of TVET implementation at the ministry and agency levels under the leadership of KSN will begin next month with the aim of accelerating the implementation of TVET 2.0. He said the move was important to ensure that all 12 ministries involved and their respective agencies could implement the TVET agenda more effectively and in a coordinated manner. "Demand exceeds supply. Therefore, we must increase training in various fields according to job needs and sectors that receive foreign direct investment (FDI)," he said. Commenting on the sectors that most need skilled workers at present, he said the MRO and semiconductor industries are among the most urgent sectors. Earlier, Anwar in his speech said the government had agreed to allow the use of funds of up to RM50 million from the High Impact Programme under PTPK to strengthen the implementation of TVET 2.0. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the use of the funds was conditional, namely that employers and industry must work closely with the government to make the TVET 2.0 agenda a success. Under the 2026 Budget framework, the overall allocation for PTPK is set at RM650 million. -- BERNAMA

MRO, hydrogen and maritime among the focus of the RM50 million TVET 2.0 fund – Ahmad Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: Funds of up to RM50 million from the High Impact Programme under the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) will be used to introduce new fields in Technical and Vocational .... read more

KUCHING: The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) provides an alternative platform for the public to lodge complaints regarding police misconduct, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. He said that previously, most complaints regarding police misconduct were handled by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS). "The IPCC is another channel that the public can use. If previously there was only JIPS, some parties might have felt uncomfortable because they thought the police were investigating the police, but the situation is different now. "The IPCC is under the Home Ministry and has its own officers to conduct investigations into complaints received," he told reporters after attending the launch of the book Integrity: Man of Integrity, Honour and Principle here, today. The IPCC is an independent monitoring body operating under Act 839 since 1 July 2023, aiming to improve integrity, investigate misconduct by PDRM members and recommend disciplinary action. The commission addresses complaints of misconduct such as corruption and torture and recommends improvements to increase public trust. -- NAMED

IPCC provides alternative channels for complaints of police misconduct – Ayob Khan

KUCHING: The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) provides an alternative platform for the public to lodge complaints regarding police misconduct, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 -- The meticulous planning of the retail sector and the smooth running of the domestic agricultural sector give confidence that the food supply security for the local market is at a strong level, said the Managing Director of Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd (Mydin), Datuk Dr Ameer Ali Mydin. Ameer Ali said, in this regard, the supply of essential goods in the country is still seen to be at a stable level even though the world is currently facing uncertainties in the global supply chain. He said that the smooth domestic planting and harvesting season, supported by the availability of agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, was a key factor in ensuring the stability of the country's food market without any signs of shortages in the near future. "We also heard the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, state that the supply of urea fertilizer is sufficient for this planting season. "So, for now, there are no signs of that (decrease) because the planting and harvesting seasons are going on as usual, while the supply of fertilizer is also sufficient," he said. He said this when he was a guest on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme titled "Strengthening the Retail Industry, Driving the National Economy" here last night. Regarding imported goods, Ameer Ali said that the local retail industry has taken proactive steps through the advance purchasing method or forward buying to ensure that the availability of imported essential goods in the market is always consistent and sufficient. He also advised consumers not to panic buy because the supply guarantee also covers non-food sectors including textiles and clothing. "I can say that the stability of supply is still guaranteed. We don't need to worry too much but at the same time, let's not waste, don't worry too much and panic," he said. Meanwhile, regarding the large allocation for the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) and Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA) in the 2026 Budget, Ameer Ali praised the government's move which is said to have a multiplier impact on the domestic economy. "Traders are also grateful because the people's spending power is quite low right now. When there is assistance (like this), shops become full and it has a big impact on the economy of small traders," he said. In other developments, Mydin is now actively adapting to changing consumer lifestyles by opening more than 20 new branches this year through the concept of smaller community stores but offering a complete range of basic goods. -- BERNAMA

Meticulous planning in retail, agriculture sectors ensures stable food supply – Mydin

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — The meticulous planning of the retail sector and the smooth running of the domestic agricultural sector give confidence that the food supply security for the .... read more

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 270 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under the People's Trust Council (MARA) recorded a graduate employability rate of approximately 99.5 percent, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He, who is also the Chairman of the National TVET Council, said that this proud achievement proves that MARA TVET institutions are at the forefront of making the national TVET agenda a success, which is now entering the TVET 2.0 phase. "I also really appreciate that the private sector has been at the forefront of supporting TVET across the country by offering not only new modules but also providing equipment, tools and machinery for certain TVET institutions. "They are welcoming TVET 2.0 not only with the various contributions that I mentioned earlier, but they have also signed an agreement with the National TVET Council and most TVET institutions in Malaysia, that all TVET students will be employed by this industry, 100 percent absorbed into the industry," he said when speaking at the National TVET Day 2026 celebration, here, today. The National TVET 2026 celebration was held at Dataran Putrajaya here, with the opening ceremony and launch of TVET 2.0 officiated by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the implementation of TVET 2.0 will focus more on new fields that have high marketability such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and renewable energy, without neglecting conventional fields that continue to be in demand. "In TVET 2.0, apart from the focus I have given, we have also sent teaching staff from certain TVET institutions abroad for free, not funded by the government but funded by the industry abroad for our teachers," he said. In addition, he said, the industry also offers premium salaries to TVET graduates, with a minimum salary of RM2,500 for those who complete the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) course, above the current minimum wage rate. He said the employability rate of TVET graduates nationwide had also increased to 98.7 percent at the end of May compared to 95.1 percent previously. "This is an achievement that we are grateful for and as I often say, achieving success is difficult but maintaining it is even more difficult. Our duty and responsibility is not only to maintain that success but also to continue to improve it," he said. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said that students from tahfiz schools and pondok schools are now also given the opportunity to pursue TVET, including in aerospace engineering and maritime engineering through programmes offered by UniKL. "This will raise the level of maahad tahfiz students who have so far only focused on the fields of syariah and usuluddin. God willing, we will see in the next three to five years, apart from continuing to maintain memorization of the Quran, they will become engineers and be involved in aerospace," he said. He said the move is expected to produce more highly skilled professionals among tahfiz students without affecting their mastery in the field of religion. Ahmad Zahid also said that seven universities in the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN) offer higher education pathways to TVET students up to master's and doctorate (PhD) levels. He said the government has allocated RM7.9 billion to the TVET sector through the 2026 Budget, which is the highest allocation ever given to strengthen the implementation of TVET 2.0, including skills enhancement and retraining programmes. Regarding the celebration of National TVET Day 2026, he said that this year's event was held on a relatively large scale despite the very low cost, thus reflecting the efficiency of resource management and the government's commitment in ensuring that high-impact programs can continue without burdening the country's expenses. Taking up the theme "TVET, the Top Career Choice", the National TVET Day 2026 celebration, for three days until Sunday, starting from 9 am to 10 pm, brings together more than 107 agencies, institutions, and industry players from nine major sectors on one stage, covering the fields of aerospace, electronics and digital, agriculture, transportation and automotive, advanced manufacturing, services, rail, maritime and the energy sectors. -- BERNAMA

MARA TVET achieves almost 100 percent marketability – DPM Ahmad Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 270 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under the People’s Trust Council (MARA) recorded a graduate employability rate of approximately 99.5 percent, said Deputy .... read more

IPOH: Police are hunting a group of Indonesian men believed to be involved in robberies and housebreaking incidents around Ayer Tawar and Pekan Gurney, Manjung. Manjung District Police Chief, ACP Hasbullah Abd Rahman, said his department had received eight reports so far regarding the incident, which targeted houses on the edge of the forest and in remote areas. "The group is believed to consist of three to four suspects," he said in a statement here today. Hasbullah advised the public to ensure their homes are locked, enhance security features such as installing closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and not keep large amounts of cash to avoid becoming targets of criminals. He asked those with information regarding the incident to come to the Manjung District Police Headquarters (IPD) or contact the operations room via 05-688 6222 or WhatsApp 017-682 8005 or the nearest police station to assist in the investigation. On June 1, Hasbullah said, the group is believed to have broken into the house of a woman in her 40s in Gurney Town and threatened the victim with a machete before making off with cash and jewellery estimated to be worth RM10,000. -- BERNAMA

Police hunt for group suspected of robbery, housebreaking in Manjung

IPOH: Police are hunting a group of Indonesian men believed to be involved in robberies and housebreaking incidents around Ayer Tawar and Pekan Gurney, Manjung. Manjung District Police Chief, ACP .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, June 6 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officiate the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2026 celebration at Dataran Putrajaya today, underscoring the government's continued commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce. Anwar is scheduled to deliver an address at 10 am and officially launch the three-day event, which began yesterday under the theme TVET Pilihan Utama Kerjaya (TVET, The Preferred Career Path). The celebration is expected to attract 500,000 visitors and will highlight TVET's role in developing a highly skilled workforce and strengthening the nation's economic competitiveness. More than 107 agencies, institutions and industry players from nine key sectors will participate in the event, including aerospace, electronics and digital technology, agriculture, transportation and automotive, advanced manufacturing, services, rail, maritime and energy. Running daily from 9 am to 10 pm, the celebration features six main hubs focusing on institutional and industry engagement, TVET seminars, career opportunities, entrepreneurship, skills challenges and educational entertainment. National TVET Day is observed annually on June 2 to recognise the role of technical and vocational education and training in supporting the country's human capital development. Under the Malaysia MADANI framework, the government has continued to strengthen TVET through programmes aligned with technological advancements and evolving industry needs. -- BERNAMA

PM Anwar To Officiate National TVET Day 2026 Celebration

PUTRAJAYA, June 6 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officiate the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2026 celebration at Dataran Putrajaya today, underscoring the .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, June 6, 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has invited the public to participate in the National TVET Day 2026 celebrations currently taking place at Dataran Putrajaya until June 7. According to him, the event has received an encouraging response so far, attracting visitors from all walks of life who are eager to explore the educational, skills training, and career opportunities offered through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).                 “I would like to share the vibrant atmosphere of the National TVET Day 2026 celebrations currently being held at Dataran Putrajaya. Alhamdulillah, the response has been very encouraging, with visitors from various backgrounds coming to see firsthand the education, skills development, and career opportunities available through TVET,” he said. Ahmad Zahid also encouraged those who have not yet attended to take advantage of the remaining days of the celebration, which feature a wide range of engaging activities, exhibitions, and interactive showcases related to TVET. “There are still many exciting activities awaiting visitors today and tomorrow. I warmly invite everyone to come and support the nation's human capital development agenda through TVET,” he added. The National TVET Day 2026 celebration is being held at Dataran Putrajaya from June 5 to June 7, 2026, operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event brings together educational institutions, government agencies, industry players, and various stakeholders in a collective effort to strengthen TVET as a key pathway for developing skilled talent and a future-ready workforce for Malaysia. -- MINUTESMY -- CREDIT: FB ZAHID HAMIDI

ZAHID HAMIDI INVITES PUBLIC TO JOIN NATIONAL TVET DAY 2026 CELEBRATIONS IN PUTRAJAYA

PUTRAJAYA, June 6, 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has invited the public to participate in the National TVET Day 2026 celebrations currently taking place .... read more

KUANTAN, June 5 -- Strengthening integrity remains a fundamental pillar that must be reinforced among all personnel of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to ensure excellence in service delivery, while effective supervision by senior officers must be aligned with established directives and actions. This was emphasised by Deputy Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay during a gathering and address with PDRM personnel from the Pahang contingent at Dewan Tun Razak here on Friday. Upon arrival, Tan Sri Ayob Khan was welcomed by Pahang Police Chief Dato’ Sri Yahaya Othman before attending a courtesy visit session and signing the visitors’ book. In his address, Tan Sri Ayob Khan urged all members of the police force to carry out their responsibilities with sincerity, integrity and a strong sense of accountability, while remaining steadfast in upholding religious values and high moral principles. He also reminded personnel to steer clear of all forms of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power in order to preserve public trust in the nation's police force. During the event, Tan Sri Ayob Khan also met with personnel from the Pahang Special Branch, where he shared his views and underscored the importance of enhancing the force’s security preparedness in facing evolving security challenges. Also present were heads of departments, district police chiefs and formation commanders from the Pahang contingent.

Deputy IGP Calls for Stronger Integrity to Uphold Excellence in Police Force

KUANTAN, June 5 — Strengthening integrity remains a fundamental pillar that must be reinforced among all personnel of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to ensure excellence in service delivery, while .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JUN 5 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s full support for Negeri Sembilan Ruler Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir and the state administration led by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, warning that any attempt to pressure or intimidate the monarchy could threaten national security and public order. Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Meranti here, Anwar stressed that constitutional disputes involving royal institutions must be addressed through lawful and established channels. “Threatening or forcing any ruler to act would have a very negative impact on the country and its security,” he said. The Prime Minister emphasised that rulers are bound by constitutional provisions, legal frameworks and longstanding customs, adding that actions perceived as undermining the institution of the monarchy should be avoided. While acknowledging the right of individuals to pursue legal and constitutional remedies, Anwar said any challenge must be supported by sound legal arguments and resolved through due process. “I have conveyed my views directly to Tuanku Muhriz. All parties should respect the constitutional mechanisms available in addressing this matter,” he said. Referring to recent developments surrounding the ongoing royal dispute in Negeri Sembilan, Anwar said an event held at a hotel had not affected the standing or dignity of Tuanku Muhriz. Nevertheless, he noted that governments have a responsibility to provide appropriate advice on matters involving royal institutions. “The monarchy is not merely symbolic. It carries dignity, traditions and established procedures that must be upheld. “As a government, we remain committed to defending the dignity of the monarchy and the sovereignty of the institution,” he said. Anwar reiterated that the Federal Government continues to recognise Tuanku Muhriz as the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and urged those with differing views to pursue their concerns through constitutional channels without creating public anxiety or disrupting state administration. The Prime Minister also expressed strong support for Aminuddin’s proposal to dissolve the Negeri Sembilan Legislative Assembly and seek a fresh mandate through state elections. According to Anwar, the proposal had received the consent of Tuanku Muhriz and offered the best path forward in resolving the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing dispute. “Because of the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the matter, I fully support the Menteri Besar’s position that the best course of action is to hold an election, and Tuanku Muhriz has consented to it,” he said. Anwar concluded by reaffirming Putrajaya’s backing for both Tuanku Muhriz and the Negeri Sembilan government. “We are still with Tuanku Muhriz and the state government. If there are other views, they should be pursued through the proper channels. We will not obstruct that process, but there are clear reasons why the current approach should continue,” he added. --PRESSKL

PM Anwar: Tuanku Muhriz Still Recognised as Negeri Sembilan Ruler

KUALA LUMPUR, JUN 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s full support for Negeri Sembilan Ruler Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir and the .... read more

Latest News

PARIS, June 16 -- Vusion (VU - FR0010282822), the global leader in AI-powered digitalization solutions for physical commerce, today announced the expansion of its long-standing partnership with JYSK, one of Europe's leading home furnishing retailers, through a major new agreement supporting the retailer's next phase of store modernization and cloud transformation strategy.   The agreement includes the upgrade of electronic shelf labels across JYSK's already deployed 450 Nordic stores, the roll-out of Vusion solutions in 750 additional stores across Europe, and the full migration of JYSK's legacy on-premise platform to VusionCloud. By 2027, the deployment is expected to scale to approximately 2,500 stores across the Nordic, DACH and BENELUX regions. Through the transition to VusionCloud, JYSK will benefit from a more scalable and centralized platform enabling faster deployment cycles, simplified store operations, improved performance, and greater flexibility to support future retail innovation at scale. The cloud-based architecture will also strengthen operational consistency across markets while reducing infrastructure complexity. The project further reinforces Vusion's strategy to accelerate the migration of its installed base toward cloud-native solutions while deepening long-term customer relationships through operational excellence, local support, and continuous innovation. "JYSK has partnered with Vusion for more than 10 years, and this new agreement reflects both the strength of our collaboration and the value we see in moving to a more advanced cloud-based platform," said Carsten Nørgreen Weinkouff, Executive Vice President Retail Development, Marketing, E-commerce & Omnichannel at JYSK. "As we continue to modernize our stores across Europe, we are investing in solutions that provide greater scalability, operational efficiency, and flexibility for the future. Vusion's technology and teams have consistently demonstrated the reliability and support needed to accompany us at this scale." "This new milestone with JYSK demonstrates the strength of long-term customer partnerships and the accelerating shift toward cloud-native retail platforms," said Sébastien Fourcy, SEVP EMEA at Vusion. "By transitioning to VusionCloud, JYSK gains a scalable infrastructure designed to continuously improve operational efficiency and support innovation across thousands of stores. We are proud to support JYSK with a combination of technology leadership, local execution and long-term commitment." More about Vusion : www.vusion.com  -- PRNewswire -- Source: Vusion  

Vusion extends partnership with JYSK Across Europe

SINGAPORE, June 16, -- Galaxy Data Center ("Galaxy DC") today announced that it has secured US$250 million in an initial strategic financing round from a renowned international investment institution. The proceeds support the company's data center platform development in Southeast Asia, project execution, and deployment of high-density infrastructure for the AI era.    Galaxy DC is strategically leveraging its regional hub in Singapore to advance the multi-country deployment of GW-scale AIDC campuses across Southeast Asia. By employing diversified capital models and industrial ecosystem synergy strategies, the company delivers customized hyperscale AIDC infrastructure services to a broad range of clients. Galaxy DC believes that the demand for AI computing power is reshaping data centers from traditional facility assets toward a new phase of deep collaboration among energy strategy, engineering execution, operational resilience, and customer growth. The company will continue to strengthen its comprehensive capabilities in GW-scale AIDC across technology adaptability, power resources, green energy, localized rapid delivery, and low-carbon operations. It will also further enhance strategic capital partnerships, leveraging diversified capital models to position Southeast Asia as a key hub for global sustainable digital infrastructure. Arthur Yang, Co-founder and CEO of Galaxy DC, said: "This financing further strengthens Galaxy DC's regional platform capabilities. We are seeing rapidly evolving requirements from AI and cloud service clients — focusing not only on capacity, but also on delivery certainty, energy efficiency, operational resilience, and long-term scalability. Galaxy DC remains committed to leveraging cutting-edge, ever-evolving technology and synergistic sustainable energy solutions as its core, building future-ready GW-scale green computing infrastructure for our clients." Representatives from a world-renowned investment institution stated: "Galaxy DC has a clear development path in Southeast Asia as well as differentiated technical capabilities. We see long-term value in the company's high-density, green, and scalable data center platform, and look forward to supporting its role in regional digital infrastructure development." About Galaxy Data Center Galaxy Data Center (Galaxy DC) is a next-generation digital infrastructure platform built for the intelligent era, committed to becoming a continuously evolving global digital service provider. The company focuses on the growing computing demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, with hyperscale AI data centers (AIDCs) at the core of its offering. Galaxy DC builds digital infrastructure that is highly efficient, highly reliable, and highly scalable. Leveraging its unique strengths in sustainable design, resource-efficient deployment, and long-term operations, the company balances rapid compute capacity growth with environmental responsibility and lasting asset value. -- PRNewswire -- Source: Galaxy Data Center

Galaxy Data Center Secures US$250 Million in an Initial Strategic Financing Round to Build Next-Generation Green Compute Infrastructure in Southeast Asia

TANJUNG MALIM, JUNE 16 -- The establishment of a new political party in the country will not affect the chances of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections. BN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said his party had made thorough preparations to face the two state elections by focusing fully on work in the areas that will be contested. He said that in a democratic system, every party has the right to establish a new political party, but BN remains consistent with the strategy and level of preparedness that has been planned. "UMNO and Johor BN have made thorough preparations. I am confident that the establishment of the new party will not affect BN based on the focus given to the work that has been arranged," he said. He said this to reporters when asked whether the existence of the National Vision Party and the United Malaysia Party (BERSAMA) could threaten BN's position in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections. Earlier, Zambry, who is also the Minister of Higher Education, officiated the National Service Training Pilot Programme (PLKN) 3.0 at the Public University Level before attending the launch of the book titled 'Nahas Gerik: UPSI Berduka' at the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) here today. The Johor state election will be held on July 11, while the Negeri Sembilan state election will be held on August 1. The Johor State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has 56 seats with BN controlling 40 seats, followed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) with 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional (PN) with three seats and MUDA with one seat. For the Negeri Sembilan state assembly, PH has 17 out of 36 seats, followed by BN with 14 seats and PN with five seats. -- BERNAMA

BN not threatened by the existence of new political parties – Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir

GEORGE TOWN, JUNE 16 -- Penang is working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that the management of nearly 20,022 Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers in the state is carried out in an orderly, registered and controlled manner. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that based on data from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) as of August 2023, an estimated 20,022 refugees and asylum seekers from the Rohingya community are in Penang and living in several areas in the state. "They live in the areas of Kepala Batas, Tasek Gelugor, Bagan, Permatang Pauh, Bukit Mertajam, Batu Kawan, Nibong Tebal, Bukit Bendera, Tanjong, Jelutong, Bukit Gelugor, Bayan Baru and Balik Pulau. "The state government has always taken a pragmatic, prudent and responsible approach in dealing with the issue of refugees and asylum seekers in the state, in line with the policies and decisions set by the Federal government," he told reporters after the 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of PBA Holdings Bhd (PBAHB) here today. He commented on the current situation and the number of Rohingya communities in Penang. Chow explained that matters relating to the entry of foreigners, recognition of refugee status, border control and immigration enforcement, fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) and the National Security Council (MKN). Therefore, he said the state government always gives full support to the implementation of MKN Directive No. 23 (Revision 2023), including the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) mechanism which aims to ensure that refugee management is carried out in a more systematic, registered and controlled manner. "The DPP is not seen as a policy to increase the number of refugees in Penang, but as a mechanism for the Federal government to find out who they are, where they are and how they can be monitored more effectively," he said. He also stressed that the state government will not compromise on violations of the law with any criminal activity, misuse of documents, human trafficking, involvement in immoral activities or violations of immigration conditions, which will be dealt with by the authorities in accordance with the provisions of the law in force, without any exceptions. In another development, Chow described the memorandum of understanding (MoU) announced between the United States (US) and Iran to end the conflict between the two countries as a positive development that is expected to benefit the global economy, including Malaysia and Penang. He said the conflicts that had erupted previously had had a significant impact on various sectors of the world economy including energy supply, logistics, commodity prices and global supply chains due to geopolitical uncertainties. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump announced that a deal with Iran had been finalized and he ordered the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of US naval blockades. -- BERNAMA

Penang to cooperate with Federation to handle issue of 20,022 Rohingya refugees – Chow

ISTANBUL, JUNE 16 -- FIFA said on Monday that it found no evidence of a breach of the FIFA Disciplinary Code after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official Shaun Evans made a hand signal before a recent World Cup match, Anadolu Ajansi reported. "FIFA's Independent Disciplinary Committee can confirm that after examining the matter involving Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officer Shaun Evans, it found no evidence of a breach of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," the organisation said. Evans, an Australian official, was seen on the broadcast of Germany's match against Curacao on Sunday making the "OK" hand sign, a gesture associated with white supremacy and classified as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League in 2019. Evans strongly denied any malicious intent, describing the move as an "unconscious and unintentional reflex". He expressed regret over the perception that arose following the gesture, but stressed that he did not make the symbol "knowingly or intentionally", which first gained attention after it was used by attackers in the Christchurch mosque incident in 2019 that killed 51 Muslims. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

World Cup: Referee hand signal controversy, no evidence of disciplinary code violation – FIFA