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Malaysia News

GEORGE TOWN: The implementation of the new water tariff in Penang, which begins on July 1, cannot be delayed because the measure is important to ensure that various development projects and infrastructure upgrades can be implemented to guarantee the continuity of water supply in the future. State Transport, Infrastructure and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the profits currently recorded by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) were not sufficient to fund various large-scale projects planned to meet the increasing demand for water. "Among the projects that are currently being implemented and will be implemented are the construction of the Mengkuang Water Treatment Plant (LRA), two new LRAs in Sungai Krian with a capacity of 80 million litres per day (MLD) and 114 MLD, raw water intake projects in Sungai Prai and Sungai Muda, and the replacement of old pipes. "Each water treatment plant costs hundreds of millions of ringgit, all these projects require large funds and cannot be delayed because it is important to guarantee water supply in the future," he said at a press conference at Komtar, today. He was commenting on calls from several parties for the state government to delay the implementation of the new water tariff and provide an open explanation of the utility company's financial position, administrative expenses and future development plans. Commenting further, Zairil said that among the factors that contributed to delays in the development of water supply infrastructure in the past was tariff rates that were too low, which limited PBAPP's ability to invest in new facilities. "If the tariff is too low, the income generated will not be enough to make investments in infrastructure, which is why we need to increase PBAPP funds so that all planned projects can be implemented according to schedule," he said. At the same time, he stressed that PBAPP and the state government continue to take into account the interests of domestic consumers, especially those who use water at low rates, by ensuring that tariff increases for consumption of less than 35,000 litres of water per month remain at a controlled level. Yesterday, the state government announced that Penang will implement new water tariff rates for domestic and non-domestic consumers starting July 1 after its implementation was postponed for 12 months. The adjustment involves 82 percent of domestic consumers or households who use 35 cubic metres of water or less per month, with an increase of 8.5 sen or RM2.55 per month. -- BERNAMA

Water tariffs in Penang cannot be delayed – Exco

GEORGE TOWN: The implementation of the new water tariff in Penang, which begins on July 1, cannot be delayed because the measure is important to ensure that various development projects .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR: Environmental sustainability needs to be given serious attention for the safety and security of the country's food sources for future generations, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. Through a post on Facebook, he said the people need to play a collective role in facing the challenges of climate change that are currently occurring. “Climate change is no longer a future issue but a challenge we are facing today. "As Malaysians, we all have a role in preserving the environment through small actions that have a big impact, reducing waste, maintaining cleanliness, planting trees and using resources prudently," he said. He said this in conjunction with the celebration of World Environment Day with the theme "Global Action for Climate" today. Mohamad also called on the people to work together to foster environmental awareness and take action to ensure that the earth remains green, sustainable and prosperous. “One World. One Action. One Hope,” he said. -- BERNAMA

Environmental sustainability is the key to national food security – Mohamad Sabu

KUALA LUMPUR: Environmental sustainability needs to be given serious attention for the safety and security of the country’s food sources for future generations, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today accompanied His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at the Panji-Panji Yang di-Pertuan Agong Parade Ceremony held in conjunction with the Official Birthday Celebration of His Majesty at Dataran Pahlawan Negara, Putrajaya. The prestigious military ceremony, regarded as one of the highest honours within the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), witnessed the ceremonial procession of five Panji-Panji Yang di-Pertuan Agong representing the nation's principal military formations. The Panji-Panji on parade comprised those of the Royal Malay Regiment, Royal Ranger Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Air Force. In a statement, Anwar described the ceremony as a significant symbol of loyalty, honour and patriotism, reflecting the unwavering commitment of the Malaysian Armed Forces towards the King and the nation. "The Panji-Panji Yang di-Pertuan Agong embody the dignity, spirit and steadfast allegiance of our armed forces in upholding national sovereignty and safeguarding the country's security," he said. The ceremony forms part of the annual official birthday celebrations of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and highlights the longstanding bond between the Malaysian Armed Forces and the institution of the monarchy. Thousands of military personnel, dignitaries and invited guests attended the event, which showcased the traditions, discipline and professionalism of the nation's defence forces. The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation to all members of the Malaysian Armed Forces for their sacrifices and dedicated service to the country. "Daulat Tuanku. May His Majesty continue to be blessed with good health and wisdom in leading the nation," Anwar said. The Panji-Panji Yang di-Pertuan Agong serve as sacred military colours bestowed by the King and are regarded as symbols of honour, valour and loyalty for the respective military units entrusted with carrying them.

PM Anwar Attends Panji-Panji Parade Ceremony in Conjunction with Agong’s Official Birthday Celebration

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today accompanied His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at the Panji-Panji Yang di-Pertuan Agong Parade Ceremony held in conjunction .... read more

KOTA BHARU: The ability to master artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the newsroom world is no longer considered an option, but rather a critical necessity in facing an increasingly challenging and competitive media landscape. As digital change moves at a rapid pace, media organizations' failure to integrate AI technology into operations can not only affect efficiency and productivity but also risk falling behind in the competition to remain relevant to audience needs. However, despite the advantages of technology that can speed up news production, concerns have arisen about excessive reliance on AI and digital sources, which are feared to erode the fundamental values ​​of journalism, including the grassroots culture that is the backbone of quality reporting. The concern stems from an ongoing debate about the tendency of some reports to rely too heavily on information on social media or online sources, which is then processed using AI without direct verification at the scene. Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Modern Languages ​​and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Dr Syed Agil Shekh Alsagoff said that AI can indeed be an effective tool to increase productivity in newsrooms, but it cannot replace the experience and editorial judgment of journalists in the field. He said that the main strength of journalists in producing high-impact reports remains their ability to see the real situation for themselves, meet with the community and obtain confirmation from various sources before a piece of news is published. "If journalists rely too much on AI and digital sources, the culture of going to the field will diminish, whereas the presence of journalists in the field is very important to understand the true context of an issue and obtain a more accurate picture," he told Bernama. Syed Agil said that the field approach not only provides valuable experience to journalists, but also helps produce more comprehensive reports with stronger narratives based on direct observations at the scene. He explained that the situation is different from reports that rely too much on AI and social media, which risks making the news "bland" because technology is only capable of processing data without understanding the emotions and sensitivities of society. "The experience of being on the scene of an incident allows journalists to understand the emotions, atmosphere and real reality that technology cannot fully translate. For example, when a disaster occurs, journalists who go to the field can better translate the news narrative. "While AI and social media can only help produce reports quickly, they cannot replace the experience of journalists who see firsthand the suffering of victims, the fear during conflicts and the grief of families who have lost loved ones," he said. In this regard, Syed Agil stressed that journalism is not just about presenting facts but also involves understanding the pulse of humanity and the reality of society, in addition to demanding the production of ethical reports through presence in the field. At the same time, he did not deny the benefits of AI if used wisely, especially in research, data analysis and multimedia content production, but it still needs to be balanced with the basic values ​​of journalism. "AI is an aid, journalists still need to go out into the field to see, hear and understand an issue for themselves. Without that element, reports may be completed quickly but lose their soul and human values," he said. Therefore, in conjunction with the celebration of National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 on June 20, he said, it should be used as a platform to strengthen the balance between technological advancements and human values ​​in journalism to ensure that the media industry continues to be relevant and trusted by the community. Themed "Media with Integrity, Credibility at the Core", the highlight of this year's HAWANA celebration will take place at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth, Penang, and will be officiated by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, HAWANA is a platform to acknowledge the contributions, perseverance and professionalism of media practitioners in Malaysia. -- BERNAMA

AI cannot replace the experience of journalists in the field – Expert

KOTA BHARU: The ability to master artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the newsroom world is no longer considered an option, but rather a critical necessity in facing an increasingly challenging .... read more

KLUANG, JUNE 5 -- The 19-year-old male driver involved in an accident that claimed five lives on Jalan Renggam–Simpang Renggam last Monday was remanded today for investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. The teenager involved was remanded for four days until next Monday after a remand order was issued by Judge Mujib Saroji at the Kluang Sessions Court, here this morning. Earlier, the suspect, wearing a brown shirt, arrived at the courthouse at 8.45am, closely escorted by police officers. The suspect was previously released on police bail after being remanded for three days until yesterday for investigation under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. However, the police re-arrested the suspect to enable an investigation to be conducted under Section 302 of the Penal Code. The accident on June 1 at Kilometer 27, Jalan Renggam–Simpang Renggam caused a family of four who were travelling in a Toyota Vios, including a 10-year-old girl, to die at the scene. The teenager is suspected of driving a Mercedes Benz A250 recklessly and dangerously alongside a BMW 530e driven by his 22-year-old brother, who also died on the way to the hospital. -- BERNAMA

Simpang Renggam crash: Teenager remanded for 4 days for murder investigation

KLUANG, JUNE 5 — The 19-year-old male driver involved in an accident that claimed five lives on Jalan Renggam–Simpang Renggam last Monday was remanded today for investigation under Section 302 .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 -- Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today attended the Royal Colours Parade held at Dataran Pahlawan Negara in conjunction with the Official Birthday Celebration of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Fahmi described the ceremony as a significant symbol of the unwavering loyalty of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to the King and the nation, while also serving as a platform to foster patriotism and honour the longstanding traditions and sacrifices of the country's military personnel. “The parade reflects the steadfast commitment of the Malaysian Armed Forces in upholding national sovereignty and preserving the nation's security. It also serves as a reminder of the noble legacy and dedication of our servicemen and women,” he said. He extended his congratulations to the 148 officers and 1,192 personnel from the Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, and Royal Malaysian Air Force who successfully participated in and contributed to the organisation of the prestigious ceremony. Fahmi also expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication of ATM personnel in safeguarding Malaysia's peace, stability, and sovereignty. “I pray that all members of the Malaysian Armed Forces continue to be blessed with strength, good health, and protection as they carry out their responsibilities in service to the nation,” he added. The Royal Colours Parade is one of the key events held annually in conjunction with the Official Birthday Celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, highlighting the close relationship between the Armed Forces and the institution of the monarchy. -- MINUTESMY -- CREDIT: FB FAHMI FADZIL

YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil Attends Royal Colours Parade in Conjunction with King’s Official Birthday Celebration

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today attended the Royal Colours Parade held at Dataran Pahlawan Negara in conjunction with the Official Birthday Celebration of His Majesty the .... read more

PUTRAJAYA: The appreciation of the Rukun Negara is in line with the demands of Islam which calls for brotherhood, mutual respect, justice and the responsibility to maintain peace in a plural society, according to the Islamic Propaganda Foundation of Malaysia (YADIM). YADIM President Datuk Dr Hasan Bahrom said that as a dakwah institution that supports the agenda of building the ummah and the nation, the dakwah foundation sees the values ​​of unity and harmony contained in the Rukun Negara as coinciding with Islamic teachings. He said that effective dakwah not only plays a role in strengthening human relationships with Allah SWT, but also builds harmony among humans in a multi-racial and multi-religious society. "YADIM highly upholds the words of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim who reminded all people to live up to the principles of Rukun Negara as the basis for unity, harmony and stability," he said in a statement today. Hasan said His Majesty's directive that all parties maintain good manners, speech and avoid provocations on sensitive issues is also in line with the values ​​of Islamic dakwah which emphasises wisdom, wisdom and morals in every action and conversation. Hasan said the tragedy of May 13, 1969 was a lesson that peace and unity should not be taken lightly. "On the contrary, the stability enjoyed today has opened up space for economic growth, national development and the well-being of the people," he said. He said that in the digital era, challenges to unity also arise through the spread of false information, hate speech and provocation on social media. In this regard, he said every citizen needs to practice the culture of tabayyun, be prudent in communicating and prioritize facts over sentiment. Differences in views, he said, should not be used as an excuse to damage relations between races, religions and cultures which are Malaysia's strengths. Hasan said YADIM is confident that the aspirations of a CIVIL Malaysia can only be realised in an atmosphere of peace, stability and mutual trust, with da'wah acting as a vehicle that nourishes the culture of knowledge, strengthens understanding and unites multi-racial and multi-religious communities. Therefore, he called on Malaysians to respond to His Majesty's call by strengthening the spirit of national unity and rejecting any form of hatred and divisive politics for the sake of a peaceful and prosperous future for the country. -- BERNAMA

Appreciating the Rukun Negara in line with Islamic demands in a pluralistic society – YADIM

PUTRAJAYA: The appreciation of the Rukun Negara is in line with the demands of Islam which calls for brotherhood, mutual respect, justice and the responsibility to maintain peace in a .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, June 5, 2026 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, King of Malaysia, attended the Armed Forces Colours Parade Ceremony at Dataran Pahlawan Negara, Putrajaya, today as part of the official celebrations marking His Majesty's Official Birthday 2026. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong of Johor. Upon arrival, Sultan Ibrahim was received by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, and Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin. His Majesty was accorded a royal salute as the national anthem, Negaraku, was played. A 21-gun salute was also fired by the 41st Ceremonial Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment, led by Major Hafizah Mat Ghani. Sultan Ibrahim subsequently inspected the parade contingent comprising 25 officers and 510 personnel from the three branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM). The parade was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Azlan Shah Baharom, Commanding Officer of the Fifth Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment. The Colours Parade Ceremony is one of the principal events held in conjunction with the Official Birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The military colours, known as Panji-Panji, represent the honour, pride, spirit, and unwavering loyalty of the Malaysian Armed Forces to the King and the nation. Historically, military colours originated from banners carried by armies in ancient times. In the modern era, they symbolize the close relationship between military units and the Royal Institution under the patronage of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The Colours Parade Ceremony is traditionally held three times during the five-year reign of each Yang di-Pertuan Agong — in the first, third, and final years of the monarch's reign. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE : Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Attends Armed Forces Colours Parade Ceremony in Putrajaya

PUTRAJAYA, June 5, 2026 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, King of Malaysia, attended the Armed Forces Colours Parade Ceremony at Dataran Pahlawan Negara, Putrajaya, today as part of .... read more

BATU PAHAT: Premium salaries are now being offered to young people from Johor with income rates reaching RM4,000 and above for new graduates. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said this scenario would see them no longer having to migrate to neighbouring countries such as Singapore or outside Johor such as Kuala Lumpur for survival. He said the more competitive income offer would be tailored according to the academic qualifications and level of technical skills possessed by each applicant. "New graduates now, God willing, can easily earn RM4,000 and above based on their qualifications." "If you graduate from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), depending on the level, you can get RM4,000 to RM5,000 and above... this is one of the initiatives we are taking," he said when speaking at the Ayuh Johor Mahasiswa program at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia here today. Onn Hafiz said the surge in premium salary offers was driven by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) initiative which acts as the main catalyst for the state's current economic development. He said the influx of foreign investors, including the latest investment commitment worth RM2 billion from a leading oil and gas industry company from the United States, would open up thousands of high-quality job opportunities in Johor. To realise this wish, Onn Hafiz said Johor is the only state government to mobilise integrated collaboration involving all higher learning institutions and related agencies under the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC). He said the strategic move brings together important entities such as the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), TVET institutions, higher learning institutions (IPT), Industrial Training Institutes (ILP) and HRD Corp to carry out the job matching process aggressively. For the period from January to April last year, JTDC facilitated 7,773 job placements. -- BERNAMA

Johor offers premium salary of RM4,000 for new graduates – Onn Hafiz

BATU PAHAT: Premium salaries are now being offered to young people from Johor with income rates reaching RM4,000 and above for new graduates. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday reaffirmed the MADANI Government's commitment to supporting high-quality investments that strengthen Malaysia's position in the global semiconductor industry and create more high-skilled employment opportunities for Malaysians. Speaking after receiving a courtesy visit from Dr. Michael Mertin, Chief Executive Officer of AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft (AT&S), and the company's delegation, Anwar highlighted Malaysia's growing importance as a strategic hub for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. AT&S is recognised as one of the world's leading producers of high-value integrated circuit (IC) substrates and printed circuit boards, while also developing advanced connectivity technologies that support key sectors including mobile communications, automotive, aerospace, medical technology, industrial applications and high-performance computing for artificial intelligence (AI). During the meeting, discussions focused on the progress of AT&S Malaysia's operations in Kulim, Kedah, where the company currently employs approximately 2,700 workers. Malaysia has emerged as one of AT&S' major production centres alongside Austria, China and India, reflecting the company's continued confidence in the country's investment environment and industrial capabilities. Anwar noted that the presence and expansion of global technology players such as AT&S underscore Malaysia's competitiveness within the international semiconductor value chain. "The Government will continue to provide clear and consistent support to quality investments that contribute to economic growth, technological advancement and the creation of high-skilled jobs for Malaysians," he said. The Prime Minister added that the confidence demonstrated by international investors is a testament to Malaysia's political stability, sound economic management and the policy clarity provided under the MADANI Government. Malaysia has increasingly positioned itself as a key destination for semiconductor and advanced technology investments, benefiting from strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce and strategic government initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation's role in the global technology ecosystem. -- MINUTESMY -- CREDIT: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PM Anwar Reaffirms Support for High-Tech Investments Following Meeting with Global Semiconductor Leader AT&S

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s commitment to supporting high-quality investments that strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global semiconductor industry .... read more

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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