Category :

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed optimism over ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran towards a framework agreement, including efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement yesterday, Anwar said Malaysia had received encouraging indications from leaders in West Asia that the negotiations were progressing positively. “I view these developments with earnest optimism,” he said. Malaysia also acknowledged the constructive roles played by Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates in facilitating the diplomatic process. Anwar further welcomed the personal engagement of US President Donald Trump in pursuing a negotiated outcome, expressing hope that all parties would seize the opportunity to achieve a successful conclusion. The Prime Minister urged all parties involved to reach an inclusive framework agreement that would strengthen the current ceasefire, ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and address the legitimate security interests of all nations in the region. He also reiterated Malaysia’s readiness to support any multilateral effort aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in West Asia. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE : FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PM Anwar Ibrahim Optimistic Over Progress in US-Iran Talks, Welcomes Efforts to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed optimism over ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran towards a framework agreement, including efforts to reopen the .... read more

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has announced that the livestock supply for this year's Aidiladha celebration is sufficient to meet current needs throughout the country. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in a statement today informed that based on statistics from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) until last April, the local supply of cattle and buffaloes was 35,127 heads while the imported supply was 16,845 heads. "This brings the total supply of cows and buffaloes for sacrificial purposes to 51,972, exceeding the estimated needs of institutions such as mosques, suraus and slaughterhouses, which are expected to be 40,420," the statement said. For the supply of goats and sheep, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced that local stocks were recorded at 25,815 heads while imported supplies were 4,232 heads, bringing the total to 30,047 heads compared to the current demand forecast of 22,424 heads. Through the data projection, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development guarantees that the total livestock supply in the country is sufficient to meet the demand for slaughter for sacrificial purposes this year. In terms of infrastructure readiness, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced that 27 DVS-owned slaughterhouses throughout Peninsular Malaysia are ready to operate for the purpose of slaughtering sacrificial livestock. "In addition, DVS also issued licenses to 43 private slaughterhouses throughout Peninsular Malaysia until March 16 to offer legal slaughtering services to the community," the statement said. KPKM informs that organisers who wish to carry out animal slaughter activities outside slaughterhouses such as in mosques, suraus, schools, residential areas and public places are required to submit an application for an outside slaughter permit along with relevant documents to obtain approval. The ministry also recommends that the public always refer to the Guidelines for the Slaughter of Sacrificial Animals issued by DVS as a basic reference to ensure that the entire process of implementing the sacrificial ritual goes smoothly and complies with the set standards. -- BERNAMA

Aidiladha: Sufficient supply of sacrificial livestock

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has announced that the livestock supply for this year’s Aidiladha celebration is sufficient to meet current needs throughout the country. The .... read more

BUKIT MERTAJAM -- Two factories and a workers' dormitory were destroyed in a fire in Lorong Industri Ringan 4, Juru Light Industrial Area, here yesterday. Assistant Director of the Fire and Rescue Operations Division of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in Penang, John Sagun Francis, said his department received an emergency call regarding the incident at 8.25pm. "Eight people who were in the factory and dormitory managed to escape, consisting of one Myanmar and one Vietnamese worker each, as well as two local workers and three Nepalese workers," he said in a statement today. He said the fire was completely extinguished at 10.22pm before the operation ended two hours later after his team ensured that there were no embers or the spread of fire there. According to him, 30 officers and firefighters from three fire stations and rescuers were involved in the firefighting operation and were also assisted by more than 100 people from 17 Volunteer Fire Departments. -- BERNAMA

Two factories, a workers’ dormitory in Juru destroyed in fire

BUKIT MERTAJAM — Two factories and a workers’ dormitory were destroyed in a fire in Lorong Industri Ringan 4, Juru Light Industrial Area, here yesterday. Assistant Director of the Fire .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR -- A luxury vehicle belonging to a former national football player and motivational expert was among 1,814 vehicles seized by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) through the Special Operation for Luxury Vehicles (Op Luxury) nationwide. JPJ Deputy Director-General (Planning and Operations) Datuk Jazmanie Shafawi said that of the total, 915 vehicles of various brands including Porsche and Lamborghini were detected and seized this year, while 899 vehicles were seized last year, including for failing to renew their Motor Vehicle Licenses (LKM). He said the confiscation of the former national football player's vehicle was carried out early yesterday morning following three offences, namely lack of insurance coverage and LKM and a driving licence that had expired since December last year. "In the past five months, the former player has still failed to obtain insurance and a valid LKM for his vehicle," he said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory (WPKL) JPJ Seized Depot here last night. Also present was JPJ Enforcement Senior Director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan. Jazmanie said the motivational expert's vehicle, estimated to be worth more than RM500,000, was impounded on the Damansara-Puchong Highway due to the fact that the LKM expired by almost a month, there was no insurance and it was still displaying the old registration number even though the vehicle had had its number changed. He stressed that failure to renew the LKM is a serious offence under the Road Transport Act 1987 and the JPJ will not compromise on imposing compound action and confiscation on the vehicles involved. "The usual excuse given by vehicle owners is that they overlooked it, but this is unreasonable because the MyJPJ application will actually issue a warning notice when the vehicle license is about to expire," he said. Jazmanie said using a vehicle without a valid LKM poses a great risk to the owner and other road users because the vehicle is not covered by insurance in the event of an accident. -- BERNAMA

Op Luxury: Vehicles of former national football player, motivation expert among those seized by JPJ

KUALA LUMPUR — A luxury vehicle belonging to a former national football player and motivational expert was among 1,814 vehicles seized by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) through the Special .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR -- PETRONAS on Monday confirmed an incident at about 12.50pm yesterday during lifeboat maintenance work at the Sepat Floating Storage and Offloading Facility (FSO) off the coast of Terengganu involving four contractor workers. "We are saddened to inform you that three workers were confirmed dead upon arrival at the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital, Kuala Terengganu at approximately 5.57 pm yesterday, while another injured worker has been transferred to receive medical treatment and is still under observation," the national oil and gas company said in a statement today. According to PETRONAS, the investigation into the cause of the incident is still ongoing and in cooperation with the relevant authorities. "PETRONAS expresses its condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased. The company's immediate priority is to provide support for the welfare of those affected," the company said. — BERNAMA

PETRONAS confirms incident at FSO Sepat, investigation still underway

KUALA LUMPUR — PETRONAS on Monday confirmed an incident at about 12.50pm yesterday during lifeboat maintenance work at the Sepat Floating Storage and Offloading Facility (FSO) off the coast of .... read more

KUDAT, May 24 -- The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) today carried out a drug prevention programme in Pulau Banggi through an aggressive grassroots outreach approach aimed at empowering local communities. AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said in a statement today that the programme, conducted through the Anti-Drug Squad on Two Wheels Roadshow campaign in conjunction with the Drug-Free Aspirations Tour Programme (JABD) 2026, was aimed at strengthening protective synergy with village community institutions. “We continue to implement a grassroots outreach approach directly to communities, families and village society. This is because drug prevention campaigns are no longer centred at the top level, but must truly reach the grassroots,” he said. He said the paradigm shift ensures the country’s drug prevention agenda moves organically, while opening the eyes of the public to become more aware of the dangers posed by the threat. According to him, when such grassroots outreach programmes are held frequently, they would indirectly encourage local residents to consistently adopt healthier activities and lifestyles. He added that through the JABD programme, the initiative was not designed to focus on only one state, but its implementation was targeted comprehensively nationwide. Earlier, the programme was officiated by Banggi assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin and attended by Sabah AADK director Elmariah Chung. -- BERNAMA

AADK Conducts Drug Prevention Programme In Pulau Banggi

KUDAT, May 24 — The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) today carried out a drug prevention programme in Pulau Banggi through an aggressive grassroots outreach approach aimed at empowering local communities. .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 -- A total of 91 per cent of 271,472 pieces of contents ordered to be taken down by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) issued to social media platform providers were identified as being related to online scams and gambling. According to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, the total contents were recorded since January 1 2026 until yesterday. He said 81 percent of online gambling content was detected on Facebook, while 58 percent of online scam content was also on the same platform. “I was informed by the Assistant Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia that last year, banks in Malaysia successfully blocked about RM1.2 billion that scammers tried to steal through the banking institutions’ own security mechanisms,” he said at a press conference after the closing ceremony of the Inter-Agency Retreat on Combatting Online Scam 2026 here today. He said the situation was very worrying considering that scam syndicates were reported to have defrauded Malaysians involving losses of RM2.7 billion last year. Also present were the Ministry of Communications secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) managing director Abdul Karim Fakir Ali, advisor (Southeast Asia) of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) Rajeshpal Singh Sandhu and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. Fahmi said the outcome of the meeting also proposed the establishment of a special committee involving enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, telecommunications companies and banking institutions to strengthen cooperation in combating scam crimes in an integrated and continuous manner. He said the committee was expected to be formed within two to three weeks after the relevant note was brought to the Cabinet. According to Fahmi, the move was important to enable new techniques used by scammers, including the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), to be identified more quickly, as well as to ensure that enforcement actions could be implemented in a coordinated manner. At the event, Fahmi also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between MCMC and GASA. The MoU is a step towards expanding international cooperation in the fight against online fraud, focusing on knowledge sharing and best practices, capacity building, advocacy and public awareness raising regarding the threat of digital scams. This collaboration reflects MCMC's continued commitment to strengthening the country's ability to address the threat of online fraud as well as supporting the government's efforts to build a safer, more trusted and more resilient digital ecosystem. -- BERNAMA

91 Pct Of Social Media Contents Removed By MCMC Linked To Online Scams And Gambling – Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — A total of 91 per cent of 271,472 pieces of contents ordered to be taken down by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) issued .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 -- Applications for the RM5 million ‘Dana Pemangkin Generasi MADANI’ will officially open from June 1 to 30 to support the production of creative content that reflects the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the fund, provided through the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), is open to eligible local companies and youth organisations. Fahmi, who is also MADANI Government spokesperson, said the fund covers five main production categories, namely telemovies, documentaries, short films, short documentaries and animation. “Through this fund, the Communications Ministry via FINAS aims to support the production of content that reflects the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, with emphasis on strengthening identity, harmony, integrity and social unity,” he said. Fahmi was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Festival Belia @ National Youth Day 2026 celebration for the Federal Territories here today. Fahmi said the content produced must also be in line with the principle of respecting 3R sensitivities involving religion, race and the royal institution. “Therefore, I urge all eligible parties to seize this opportunity by submitting applications to continue creating, innovating and producing creative, high-quality artistic works that can bring positive impact to society and the country,” he said. He also said the fund is among the strategic components introduced to strengthen the creative youth ecosystem through various initiatives, including the Film Community and Creative Youth Workshop, Reel MADANI@Kampus Programme, Ikon Belia Kreatif MADANI and special collaboration programmes with the Malaysian Youth Council and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). At the same event, Fahmi also witnessed the exchange of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between FINAS and TikTok Malaysia for a strategic collaboration aimed at building a stronger support ecosystem to nurture a generation of capable, ethical and competitive content creators. “The collaboration between FINAS and TikTok is expected to help more local youths produce, promote and bring their creative works to the international market through broader industry support, technology and global reach,” he said. Fahmi also officiated the presentation of Letters of Acceptance (SST) for the Reel MADANI@Kampus Programme to 15 public and private higher learning institutions. The programme aims to encourage students to produce quality and creative short-form video or reel content based on Malaysia MADANI values for participation in the FINAS Short Film and Video Festival (FFPV). -- BERNAMA

Applications Open June 1 For RM5 Mln MADANI Content Fund – Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — Applications for the RM5 million ‘Dana Pemangkin Generasi MADANI’ will officially open from June 1 to 30 to support the production of creative content that .... read more

GEORGE TOWN, May 24 -- The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) is mobilising four of its financing agencies to go to the ground and engage micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing advisory services and direct financing assistance. Its Minister, Steven Sim, said the four agencies are the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional), Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), SME Bank and Bank Rakyat, which are regularly deployed, including during the nationwide KUSKOP MADANI Sales programme. He said the move is also in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for microcredit agencies to be more proactive in reaching out to the public and entrepreneurs. “We always go to the ground, provide face-to-face advisory services, and, if anyone is interested in registering with complete documents, they can apply on the spot. “So, we do not wait for customers to come to the office. Instead, we seek out customers, entrepreneurs and petty traders to provide assistance to them,” he told reporters after officiating the Family Day Carnival held in conjunction with the Sungai Pinang state constituency KUSKOP MADANI Sales programme today. Also present was chairman of the state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Muslim Affairs Committee Lim Siew Khim, who is also the Sungai Pinang assemblywoman. Yesterday, Anwar called on relevant agencies to intensify efforts to go to the ground and provide information to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on financing facilities and assistance offered by the government. The Finance Minister said this was important to ensure the group does not miss out on various initiatives specifically designed to help increase income and expand businesses. Meanwhile, Sim said KUSKOP is always open to discussions with MSMEs facing cash flow problems or affected by economic crisis and disasters. He said this includes assistance through moratoriums and loan repayment rescheduling, which are part of the ministry’s efforts to support MSMEs. According to him, the non-performing loan (NPL) rate involving financing agencies under KUSKOP has also shown improvement over the past one to two years, with fewer borrowers defaulting on repayments. -- BERNAMA

KUSKOP Financing Agencies Go To The Ground To Reach MSMEs, In Line With PM’s Call – Sim

GEORGE TOWN, May 24 — The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) is mobilising four of its financing agencies to go to the ground and engage micro, small and .... read more

SIBU, May 24 -- A total of RM500,000 has been allocated for the implementation of the MADANI Adopted Village Project in Batu Luking, Kanowit near here, involving the upgrading of the water supply system for residents of three longhouses and a primary school. National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang said the construction of the clean water tank was crucial to ensure residents have access to sufficient, stable and safe water supply. Aaron, who is also the Kanowit MP, said the project involves Rumah Bibi, Rumah Johnny, Rumah Morris and SK Batu Luking, which are the main focus of the development initiative in the area. “The MADANI Adopted Village Programme is an integrated effort to bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas through improvements to basic infrastructure such as clean water supply, electricity, road networks, enhanced digital connectivity, community empowerment and strengthening the local socioeconomic landscape,” he said. He told reporters this after launching the Batu Luking MADANI Adopted Village Project at Rumah Bibi today. Aaron hoped the project would be implemented by the end of this year, stressing that the programme demonstrates the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring every development intervention has a direct impact on the people’s well-being, while ensuring no community is left behind in the nation’s development. According to him, the programme is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in efforts to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality and ensure inclusive development. He said the MADANI Adopted Village Programme has shown significant growth in implementation and coverage, involving 43 villages during its initial phase in 2024 before expanding to 219 villages last year. “For this year, the expansion target has been set at up to 500 villages with a more aggressive approach, including the implementation of innovative projects such as off-grid solar energy for areas requiring alternative energy solutions,” he said. -- BERNAMA

RM500,000 Allocated For Batu Luking MADANI Adopted Village

SIBU, May 24 — A total of RM500,000 has been allocated for the implementation of the MADANI Adopted Village Project in Batu Luking, Kanowit near here, involving the upgrading of .... read more