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KOTA BHARU: Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Director Azman Ismail died of intestinal cancer early this morning. The Kelantan KPDN in a statement announced that the matter was confirmed by the deceased's nephew, Ahmad Danial Asyee, after the deceased breathed his last at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital here at 2.40 am. "The deceased will be prayed for at the Al-Baqi Mosque in Mukim Mujur, Jelawat at 9am before being buried at the Kampung Kuin Pasir Islamic Cemetery, Jelawat, Bachok," according to the statement. Azman leaves behind a widow and five children. The deceased was previously hospitalized for a week due to complications from colon cancer and had been under hospital observation for the past few months. "The passing of the deceased is a great loss for the KPDN staff, especially in Kelantan. May the deceased's soul rest in peace and all family members be given strength and fortitude in facing this trial," the statement said today. Meanwhile, broadcast journalist from Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Majidah Ismail, 49, said Azman's passing was a great loss to media practitioners, especially in Kelantan because the late man was a very friendly person and often helpful when he was in the field covering news about the KPDN. "The late father was also involved in several programmes organised by the Kelantan Darul Naim Media Club and often provided insights to make programmes such as the Kelantan Journalism Awards Night in 2023 a success," he said. -- BERNAMA

Kelantan KPDN director dies of cancer

KOTA BHARU: Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Director Azman Ismail died of intestinal cancer early this morning. The Kelantan KPDN in a statement announced that the .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 APRIL -- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today paid his last respects to former Transport Minister and MCA Life Honorary President, Ling Liong Sik, who has passed away. During his visit, he also took the opportunity to meet with the late leader’s family members to personally convey his condolences and share in their grief over the loss of a highly respected figure. He described Ling Liong Sik as a leader who made significant contributions not only to MCA but also to the nation as a whole, particularly in advancing the transportation sector. The Prime Minister further expressed his deepest appreciation for the late leader’s dedication and leadership, noting that his legacy will continue to be remembered and serve as an inspiration for future generations. --Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris --Photo: FB Anwar Ibrahim

PM Anwar Ibrahim Pays Last Respects to Former Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 APRIL — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today paid his last respects to former Transport Minister and MCA Life Honorary President, Ling Liong Sik, who has passed away. .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for stronger efforts to empower women as key drivers of the nation’s economic growth, amid ongoing global uncertainties. Speaking at the launch of the Voices of HER forum this afternoon, Ahmad Zahid said the platform brings together various stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on the role of women in strengthening the country’s economy. He подчеркнул that women play a significant role not only in building families and empowering communities, but also in contributing to national economic development. “However, participation alone is not enough. Women must be given the space, opportunities, assets, and decision-making power to ensure they are truly empowered and capable of leading,” he said. Ahmad Zahid noted that in the current climate of global economic uncertainty—impacting the cost of living and domestic economy—women face increasing challenges, both as household financial managers and as contributors to the broader economy. In this regard, he stressed that efforts to uplift women must be intensified through improved access to financing, skills development programmes including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as greater exposure to digital platforms. He added that women should also be given more opportunities to expand their businesses and enhance competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic economic landscape. Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that with strong collaboration and a comprehensive approach, Malaysia can build a more inclusive, fair, and sustainable economic ecosystem. “We want to ensure that women are not merely participants, but leaders in the nation’s economic development,” he said. He added that such initiatives will continue to be strengthened to secure a more resilient and prosperous future for the country. --Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris --Photo: FB Zahid Hamidi

Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi Calls for Greater Empowerment of Women in Economic Development

KUALA LUMPUR — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for stronger efforts to empower women as key drivers of the nation’s economic growth, amid ongoing global uncertainties. Speaking .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR — The government is stepping up efforts to strengthen the resilience of the Bumiputera economy in response to ongoing global uncertainties, through a series of strategic measures and immediate actions. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was discussed during the Steering Committee Meeting of the Bumiputera Economic Council (MEB) No. 1/2026, which he chaired earlier today. He noted that the meeting focused on ensuring the Bumiputera economy remains resilient and continues to grow despite current economic challenges. “To achieve this, three key actions have been identified for immediate implementation,” he said. The first involves conducting a comprehensive assessment across critical sectors to better understand the real impact on the ground. Secondly, the government will introduce targeted interventions, including more flexible financing options, cost-related incentives, and efforts to strengthen local supply chains to support Bumiputera businesses. The third measure emphasizes firm and accountable execution without delay, supported by close monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of all initiatives. At the same time, PM Anwar Ibrahim stressed that long-term strategies must not be overlooked. These include accelerating digitalisation, empowering young entrepreneurs, and expanding into new markets to enhance competitiveness and self-reliance. He expressed confidence that with well-coordinated planning and strong collaboration among all stakeholders, the Bumiputera economy will remain robust and well-prepared to face future challenges. --Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris --Photo: FB Zahid Hamidi

Government Moves to Strengthen Bumiputera Economic Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty

KUALA LUMPUR — The government is stepping up efforts to strengthen the resilience of the Bumiputera economy in response to ongoing global uncertainties, through a series of strategic measures and .... read more

PPP Youth Raises Concerns Over SPM Moral Education Assessment

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6, 2026 — Sathiah Sudakaran, National Youth Chief of the Parti Progresif Penduduk (PPP), has expressed concern over the assessment of Moral Education in the Sijil Pelajaran .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, April 6 -- The government will not issue permits or special licences to individuals offering unofficial photography services, or photo touts, in popular tourist areas of the capital due to safety concerns, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh. She added that site inspections with management and security authorities revealed these locations to be high-risk for such activities. “The main concern is safety. These locations are simply not safe for taking photos, so we cannot consider issuing licences. It’s not just about the welfare of photo touts or tourism. “At the KLCC junction, for instance, a car could hit someone at any time. It's a safety issue,” she said after attending the Putrajaya International Language Initiative for Youth and Special Community Mobility Assistance programme today. Hannah added that two inspections were conducted at the KLCC area with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and security personnel. “DBKL has installed additional CCTV cameras at the junction, and during our site visit, we observed a noticeable drop in photo tout activity. The police are also conducting ongoing joint operations with DBKL,” she said. Public announcement systems in multiple languages have been set up, broadcasting every 10 minutes to remind tourists not to use the services of photo touts. Hannah added that checks on detained photo touts revealed some were foreigners using false identities. “This is not just a matter of operating without a licence; some are using fake identities, meaning they are not citizens. For this reason, issuing licences cannot be considered at this time,” she said. Media reports previously noted that photo touts had been warned to cease operations in the capital, particularly around popular tourist areas, due to various issues they posed. -- BERNAMA

No Licences For Photo Touts In Capital Over Safety Concerns – Hannah Yeoh

PUTRAJAYA, April 6 — The government will not issue permits or special licences to individuals offering unofficial photography services, or photo touts, in popular tourist areas of the capital due .... read more

RM20 Language Classes Launched to Boost Putrajaya Youth Skills

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6, 2026 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh has launched an expanded international language programme in Putrajaya, offering classes from as low .... read more

Inisiatif Sejahtera Untuk Warga Wilayah Persekutuan

Prosperity Initiatives for Residents of the Kuala Lumpur

1. Padang Merbok is opened to the public 2. Involvement of Members of Parliament in DBKL budgeting and planning 3. Rental prices for Ramadan bazaar lots in Kuala Lumpur 2026 .... read more

YB Steven Sim Chee Keong has highlighted the inspiring journey of local entrepreneur Saleha, whose humble nasi lemak business has grown from a roadside setup into a successful enterprise yesterday. Sharing the story, Steven Sim said Saleha began her business modestly, operating under an umbrella by the roadside, preparing and packaging nasi lemak on her own from home. Despite facing challenges, including occasional enforcement disruptions, her food quickly gained popularity among customers. Encouraged by strong demand, Saleha took a RM3,000 loan from Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) to expand her operations. That initial step marked the beginning of a steady growth trajectory. After 15 years of perseverance, her business—now widely known as Nasi Lemak Saleha—has transformed significantly. What started as selling around 100 packets a day has grown into a large-scale operation producing up to 15,000 packets daily. The business now includes a restaurant, a central kitchen, and employs dozens of workers. YB Steven Sim noted that Saleha’s success reflects the impact of continuous support from government-linked agencies, including SME Corp Malaysia and TEKUN Nasional. He added that Saleha was also recognised with the E50 Award by SME Corp, further cementing her status as a successful entrepreneur under initiatives linked to KUSKOP. He also highlighted the involvement of Saleha’s son, Dr. Rizal, a medical doctor who underwent training with the National Institute of Entrepreneurship (INSKEN) and now serves as Chief Operating Officer of the business. Today, Saleha is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a mentor figure—affectionately known as “Sis Long”—to other AIM entrepreneurs, inspiring many to pursue their own business ambitions. YB Steven Sim said her journey stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the effectiveness of targeted support in uplifting small businesses into sustainable enterprises. -- MinutesMY / Igneseous Noris -- Photo: FB Steven Sim

YB Steven Sim Chee Keong Highlights Nasi Lemak Saleha’s Rise from Roadside Stall to Thriving Enterprise

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 APRIL–YB Steven Sim Chee Keong has highlighted the inspiring journey of local entrepreneur Saleha, whose humble nasi lemak business has grown from a roadside setup into a .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 -- Veteran broadcast journalist Datuk Karam Singh Walia died at his residence in Klang at 3.30 am today. He was 67. His passing was confirmed by his younger brother, Jasbant Singh, who is also Group Managing Editor (GME) of News and Current Affairs at Media Prima Berhad. Born in 1959 in Teluk Intan, Perak, Karam began his career as a broadcast journalist with TV3 in 1995 before retiring in 2014 due to health reasons. He was widely regarded as one of the country’s most influential environmental journalists, having won the Seri Angkasa Award twice as well as the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) Award for Best Environmental Television Journalist for four consecutive years from 2004 to 2007. Karam was also a recipient of the Tabung Kasih @HAWANA in June 2024. Assistant Editor of News and Current Affairs at TV3, Juliana Sharin, said Karam’s passing would be deeply felt among colleagues, describing him as a figure who greatly inspired the field of journalism. “When I had the opportunity to work as part of the ‘Aduan Rakyat’ team, it was a source of pride and a valuable chance to learn from him. His voice was firm in upholding the truth. Today, that voice is no more. “Karam Singh Walia was not just a journalist. He was the voice of the people and the environment, as he did not merely report the news, but changed the way we see the world. His passing is deeply felt, but his legacy lives on,” she told Bernama when contacted. Meanwhile, TV3 news presenter Nur Jamalina Mohamad Jamali said although she had not worked closely with him, she was well aware of Karam’s approach and contributions throughout his career. She said he was known for his consistent environmental reporting, focusing on issues such as river pollution, illegal dumping and deforestation. “He was also known for his firm and principled reporting style, bringing attention to issues of public interest with clarity and confidence, without fear,” she said. She added that Karam maintained a strong presence on the ground, often reporting live from affected locations, which enhanced the depth and credibility of his reports. “His distinctive delivery style made his reports easily recognisable to viewers, including his trademark practice of ending reports with ‘pantun’ or concise, impactful remarks. “Karam Singh’s contributions helped raise public awareness on environmental issues, and his legacy continues to be felt within the country’s journalism community,” she said. -- BERNAMA

Former TV3 Journalist Karam Singh Walia Past Away

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 — Veteran broadcast journalist Datuk Karam Singh Walia died at his residence in Klang at 3.30 am today. He was 67. His passing was confirmed by .... read more