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PUTRAJAYA, 17 APRIL -- In a joint press conference yesterday, Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that Malaysia will continue to stand as a reliable and committed partner to Australia, underscoring a shared vision to deepen cooperation across key strategic sectors including energy, trade, and agriculture. The Prime Minister emphasized that the longstanding and robust bilateral relationship between both nations has laid a strong foundation for expanded collaboration. He noted that the latest discussions have opened new avenues to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and agricultural development, with energy emerging as a central focus. Highlighting the interdependence between the two countries, Anwar pointed out that Malaysia and Australia maintain strong ties in energy resources, particularly in fuel supply and liquefied natural gas (LNG), reinforcing mutual economic resilience. On international matters, Anwar expressed appreciation for Australia’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, commending its call for an end to hostilities, support for humanitarian assistance, and commitment toward a lasting and peaceful resolution. The engagement concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The agreement is expected to enhance market access for both countries while strengthening collaboration in the agricultural sector, including the exchange of expertise and best practices. The development marks a significant step forward in Malaysia–Australia relations, reinforcing a partnership anchored in trust, shared interests, and long-term strategic cooperation. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

“MALAYSIA WILL REMAIN A TRUSTED PARTNER TO AUSTRALIA” — PM ANWAR IBRAHIM STRENGTHENS STRATEGIC TIES IN ENERGY, TRADE AND AGRICULTURE

PUTRAJAYA, 17 APRIL — In a joint press conference yesterday, Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that Malaysia will continue to stand as a reliable and committed partner to Australia, underscoring a shared .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, 16 APRIL -- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following an official welcome ceremony, as both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Malaysia–Australia ties across key strategic sectors. The meeting, conducted in a closed-door one-on-one session, focused on advancing cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underscores shared priorities in ensuring regional prosperity, security, stability, and long-term economic growth. Both nations reiterated their commitment to open markets and rules-based trade, anchored in mutual trust and strategic alignment. During the discussions, Anwar and Albanese expressed deep concern over ongoing conflicts in West Asia and their broader implications, particularly on global energy supply chains, pricing volatility, and the flow of critical resources such as oil and natural gas. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of complementing each other’s roles in trade and economic relations, especially in the area of energy security. Malaysia and Australia, they noted, serve as key energy suppliers to one another, reinforcing the need for closer coordination. They also emphasized a shared commitment to maintaining open and rules-based energy trade, ensuring stable trade flows, enhancing transparency, and strengthening collaboration in energy security. Efforts will be intensified to build more resilient energy supply chains, support the transition toward cleaner energy, and expand the adoption of renewable energy sources. The discussions reflect a unified vision to safeguard economic stability and shared prosperity, while reinforcing the Malaysia–Australia partnership as a key pillar in navigating evolving regional and global challenges. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

PM ANWAR IBRAHIM, PM ALBANESE DEEPEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, FOCUS ON ENERGY SECURITY AND REGIONAL STABILITY

PUTRAJAYA, 16 APRIL — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following an official welcome ceremony, as both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, 16 APRIL -- Anwar Ibrahim today welcomed Anthony Albanese on his official three-day visit to Malaysia, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Albanese, who arrived with a delegation, was accorded an official reception that included an inspection of the guard of honour by the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment. Anwar said the visit is expected to further enhance bilateral cooperation and contribute to ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing regional tensions. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining secure international trade routes and ensuring stability in global energy supply chains. “Malaysia and Australia share a strong commitment to regional peace, economic resilience, and mutual prosperity,” Anwar said, expressing optimism that the visit would open a new chapter in relations between the two nations. He added that the engagement reflects both countries’ shared goal of fostering deeper collaboration across strategic sectors, paving the way for a more dynamic and meaningful Malaysia–Australia partnership. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

PM ANWAR IBRAHIM WELCOMES AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL TIES

PUTRAJAYA, 16 APRIL — Anwar Ibrahim today welcomed Anthony Albanese on his official three-day visit to Malaysia, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two .... read more

SABAH, 16 APRIL -- Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi has announced a major push to accelerate rural water supply development in Sabah, highlighting strong collaboration between the federal and state governments under the Projek Bekalan Air Luar Bandar (BALB). Zahid, who chaired a coordination meeting on the handover of BALB projects with the Sabah state government, described the initiative as a “game changer” aimed at improving the delivery of clean water infrastructure to rural communities across the state. He said the effort, coordinated through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, reflects a shared commitment between Putrajaya and Sabah to ensure more efficient, structured, and high-impact project implementation. For 2026, a total of 83 new and ongoing BALB projects in Sabah have been approved, with a combined value of RM4.06 billion. An allocation of RM143 million has been set aside under the First Rolling Plan (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) for the year. Zahid noted that the initiative also demonstrates the strong spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding between federal and Sabah leaders, enabling smoother execution of development plans for the benefit of the people. He also confirmed that an official handover note for the projects had been presented to the Sabah Chief Minister during a recent meeting. Zahid expressed appreciation to the Sabah state government for its support and cooperation, adding that he hopes the implementation of the projects will proceed smoothly and deliver lasting benefits to communities across the state. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Zahid Hamidi

SABAH RURAL WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS TO ACCELERATE UNDER FEDERAL-STATE COLLABORATION – DATUK SERI DR. ZAHID HAMIDI

SABAH, 16 APRIL — Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi has announced a major push to accelerate rural water supply development in Sabah, highlighting strong collaboration between the federal and state .... read more

Online Fraud Losses In Perak Hit RM125 Million, Rising Cases Among Students Raise Alarm

IPOH, April 16 — A total of 4,848 online fraud cases involving losses amounting to RM124.99 million were recorded in Perak last year, with a worrying rise in cases among .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR -- Human Resources Development Corporation Berhad (HRD Corp) has appointed Datuk Rusli Jaafar as its new chairman effective April 1. HRD Corp in a statement today informed that Rusli previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) from 2022 to 2025 after starting service with the commission, which was previously known as the Malaysian Cooperative Development Department, in 1993. With over 32 years of extensive experience in the public service sector, his leadership has led to institutional empowerment, driven organizational transformation and expanded the impact of socio-economic development. The holder of a Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) plays an important role in strengthening the financial and economic sectors as strategic drivers of inclusive and sustainable national development. "Under his leadership, SKM has recorded encouraging development. As of December 2025, the total assets of the cooperative movement in Malaysia managed by SKM are estimated to reach RM186 billion with total shares and fees exceeding RM18 billion, thus reflecting the significant role of the cooperative sector in the country's socio-economic development." "As of 2025, the total financing arrears under the SKM Revolving Capital Fund (TMP-SKM) have been successfully reduced to RM11.33 million from RM20.67 million previously," the statement said. The statement informed that in 2024, for the first time, the registration of cooperatives under SKM will exceed 1,000 cooperatives per year compared to an average of around 600 cooperatives per year before, as a result of the implementation of more aggressive awareness and encouragement programs among the community. In addition, SKM successfully obtained Clean Audit Certificate recognition for the financial statements for the years ending 31 Dec 2022, 2023 and 2024. "His contributions have also been recognised through several Outstanding Service Awards and he was awarded the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu in 2024." "Under his leadership, SKM also received recognition when it was awarded the Special Organisational Award at the 2024 Malaysia Franchise Awards Night Ceremony," the statement said. HRD Corp said Rusli's appointment reflects the agency's commitment to continue strengthening its mandate in leading skills development, workforce training and human capital sustainability in line with national priorities as well as the ever-evolving needs of employers and the workforce.

DATUK RUSLI JAAFAR APPOINTED NEW CHAIRMAN OF HRD CORP

KUALA LUMPUR — Human Resources Development Corporation Berhad (HRD Corp) has appointed Datuk Rusli Jaafar as its new chairman effective April 1. HRD Corp in a statement today informed that .... read more

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to monitor the implementation of the Work From Home (BDR) policy for the Federal public sector. MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the matter was decided at a Cabinet meeting today, including instructions for the whereabouts of civil servants to be confirmed throughout the BDR implementation period. "However, the delivery of government services to the people, especially over-the-counter transactions, continues to operate as usual," he said at a briefing on the global energy crisis and post-Cabinet meeting press conference here today. Fahmi, who is also the Communications Minister, said the government also reiterated its recommendation to the private sector to consider implementing BDR for appropriate functions or divisions. The implementation of the BDR policy for the Federal civil service sector nationwide begins today, involving approximately 200,000 civil servants as a preparedness measure to face the global energy crisis following the conflict in West Asia. The policy covers Federal civil servants in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, as well as all state capitals, especially those who live more than eight kilometres from their workplace. However, the implementation does not apply to personnel in the security and defense, health and education sectors. The implementation of BDR is determined by state and weekly holiday (KHM). For states with HKM on Sunday, BDR is implemented from Tuesday to Thursday, while for states with HKM on Friday, BDR is implemented from Monday to Wednesday. -- BERNAMA

PM ANWAR DIRECTS KSN TO MONITOR BDR IMPLEMENTATION, INCLUDING THE PRESENCE OF CIVIL SERVANTS – YB DATUK FAHMI

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to monitor the implementation of the Work From Home .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today announced an additional RM75 million in government cash assistance for diesel users, aimed at easing the burden of rising fuel costs and ensuring continued stability in the agricultural sector. Zahid said the government has increased the Field Ploughing Incentive (IPKP) from RM160 to RM300 per hectare per season, benefiting approximately 200,000 farmers nationwide, with an additional allocation of about RM40 million. He added that the BUDI Agri-Commodity Interim Assistance has also been raised from RM300 to RM400 for April, benefiting more than 200,000 farmers and smallholders, involving an extra RM20 million in monthly funding. In addition, the Individual BUDI Diesel Interim Assistance has been increased from RM300 to RM400 for April, providing support to over 150,000 diesel vehicle owners in Peninsular Malaysia, with an additional RM15 million allocated monthly. To further ease access, Zahid announced that the government will relax the special permit requirement for diesel purchases exceeding 20 litres for non-vehicle usage. “In total, the government will cover RM7 billion in fuel assistance by April 2026 to help Malaysians cope with the pressures of the global energy crisis,” he said. Zahid emphasised that these measures are crucial to ensuring agricultural operations continue smoothly, production costs remain controlled, and the nation’s food supply stays secure. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Zahid Hamidi

DATUK SERI DR. ZAHID HAMIDI ANNOUNCES RM75 MILLION ADDITIONAL DIESEL AID TO SUPPORT FARMERS AND CONSUMERS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday announced an additional RM75 million in government cash assistance for diesel users, aimed at easing the burden of .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described his recent meeting with Muhammad Kamal Idhamuddin Kamal Arifin, one of the Malaysians previously stranded at Hamriyah Port, as deeply moving yesterday. Kamal was among several crew members of the Ship Berkat Tuah who had been stranded in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for the past seven months before being successfully brought home. “Alhamdulillah, through continuous efforts and close cooperation between Wisma Putra, the Malaysian Embassy in the UAE, and other relevant agencies, he and his fellow crew members were finally able to return safely to the homeland,” Anwar said in a statement. The Prime Minister added that ongoing efforts are being undertaken to ensure that the remains of other affected crew members can be brought back to Malaysia as soon as possible. He emphasised that the welfare and safety of Malaysians abroad remain a core responsibility and priority of the MADANI Government. Anwar also expressed his prayers for Kamal and all the crew members, hoping they will continue to be granted strength and perseverance following their ordeal. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

PM ANWAR IBRAHIM MEETS RESCUED MALAYSIAN CREW MEMBER, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CITIZENS’ WELFARE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described his recent meeting with Muhammad Kamal Idhamuddin Kamal Arifin, one of the Malaysians previously stranded at Hamriyah Port, as deeply .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening regional energy security during his participation in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit on Energy Resilience, held at the invitation of the Government of Japan yesterday. In a statement, Anwar expressed his appreciation to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for convening the timely meeting, highlighting its importance amid growing global uncertainties. He noted that recent developments in West Asia, particularly those affecting the Strait of Hormuz, underscore the critical need for a stable energy supply to ensure economic resilience and safeguard the wellbeing of the people. “Malaysia remains committed to strengthening regional cooperation through AZEC to ensure a stable, sufficient and resilient energy supply,” he said. As an energy producer, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), Anwar stressed that Malaysia will continue to play a constructive role in supporting regional energy security. He added that the country is also focused on diversifying its energy sources, including expanding renewable energy, while reinforcing its energy systems in line with national development priorities. The Prime Minister emphasised that collaborative regional efforts remain key to navigating evolving energy challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

PM ANWAR IBRAHIM REAFFIRMS MALAYSIA’S COMMITMENT TO ENERGY SECURITY AT AZEC SUMMIT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening regional energy security during his participation in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit .... read more