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Malaysia News

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government has expressed deep regret over the Norwegian government's decision not to approve the export permit for the procurement of missiles from the country at the last minute. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the decision had prevented the Norwegian company involved from continuing with the supply as agreed, even though the procurement contract had been signed since 2018. He said the contract had been implemented without any issues, with all payments made on schedule. "The Malaysian government absolutely cannot accept the reasons put forward by the Norwegian government," he said at a weekly press conference at Angkasapuri here today. Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson, said the government is currently taking action through diplomatic channels in addition to considering follow-up steps from a legal perspective because matters related to national defence planning involved strategic interests that could not be compromised. -- BERNAMA

Govt Regrets Action Of Norway In Not Approving Guided Missile Export Permit- Datuk Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — The Malaysian government has expressed deep regret over the Norwegian government’s decision not to approve the export permit for the procurement of missiles from the .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 MAY -- Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has strongly condemned the spread of slander and fake news, describing it as a political weapon aimed at undermining the MADANI Government amid ongoing global economic and supply chain challenges. Saifuddin said the allegations circulating online, including claims that citizenship was being granted arbitrarily to certain groups for political purposes, were completely false and malicious. According to him, the issue had been clarified multiple times in Parliament as well as during media sessions throughout his tenure as Home Minister, including a denial issued in March last year. However, he said the defamatory content resurfaced again in the form of a provocative poster containing elements of racial and religious incitement. He stressed that the process of approving Malaysian citizenship applications is carried out strictly in accordance with the Federal Constitution, existing laws, and comprehensive security screening procedures. Saifuddin described accusations claiming he had “granted citizenship to the Chinese at will” as baseless slander deliberately designed to stir public sentiment and create confusion within society. He urged the public not to be easily influenced by false narratives and advised citizens to verify information through legitimate and trusted sources before sharing it. “The spread of slander and fake news is irresponsible and can threaten national harmony and security,” he said. Saifuddin also called on those responsible for spreading the defamatory content to immediately cease such actions and instead support the MADANI Government’s efforts in addressing current national challenges, including the Global Supply Crisis affecting the rakyat and the country’s economy. He added that this is not the time to incite fear, manipulate sentiments, or burden the people further with baseless propaganda, especially as Malaysians continue to face rising living costs and global economic uncertainties. The minister stressed that all parties must act responsibly in disseminating information while prioritising stability, unity, and the wellbeing of the nation. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB SAIFUDDIN NASUTION

Slander, Fake News Being Used as Political Weapons Against MADANI Government – Saifuddin Nasution

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 MAY — Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has strongly condemned the spread of slander and fake news, describing it as a political weapon aimed at undermining the .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, 13 May — Sultan Ibrahim today received a presentation report regarding the construction of five new mosques across Johor during an audience session held at Istana Pasir Pelangi. The report was presented by Dato' Yahya Ahmad, accompanied by Dato' Nasri Md Ali and Dato' Mohd Radzi Mohd Amin. The mosque development project involves the construction of two new mosques in Johor Bahru, while one mosque each will be built in Kluang, Mersing and Kulai. Funding for the construction projects will come from allocations by the Federal Government, the Johor State Government, as well as public contributions. The audience session took place at Istana Pasir Pelangi today. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR

Agong Receives Report on Construction of Five New Mosques in Johor

JOHOR BAHRU, 13 May — Sultan Ibrahim today received a presentation report regarding the construction of five new mosques across Johor during an audience session held at Istana Pasir Pelangi. .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 -- The government has been urged to adopt a multi-dimensional household income classification system to ensure that the proposed review of petrol subsidies for high-income earners is implemented more transparently and accurately. Economist Emeritus Prof Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the approach would provide a more comprehensive assessment of a household’s actual financial capacity, as it would take into account not only income, but also assets, location, number of dependents and spending patterns. The Provost and Dean of the Institute of Graduate Studies at Universiti Sains dan Teknologi Malaysia said the current B40, M40 and T20 classification system no longer reflects the realities of today’s cost of living, particularly the disparity between urban and rural areas. “An income of RM15,000 in Kuala Lumpur is not the same as RM15,000 earned by a household in Kota Bharu, because living costs in major cities, medium-sized towns, rural areas, as well as Sabah and Sarawak, differ significantly,” he told Bernama. Barjoyai said a score-based multi-dimensional approach would be more practical in the long term as it measures a household’s real financial capability rather than relying solely on gross monthly income. He also cautioned the government against policies that could intensify the “middle-class squeeze” phenomenon, where middle-income groups face mounting pressure from taxes and subsidy reductions, leading to a higher cost of living. On the proposed petrol subsidy review, he suggested that the government consider alternative mechanisms such as a controlled fuel price float or limiting subsidised petrol purchases to the first 100 litres per consumer. Meanwhile, Fellow of the National Professors' Council, Azmi Hassan, proposed reducing the high-income household category to the top 15 per cent instead of the current 20 per cent, using data from the Main Database (PADU) as the primary reference. He said integrating PADU data with information from the Inland Revenue Board could help the government identify subsidy recipients more accurately and comprehensively. Azmi also dismissed claims that the move would be unfair to high-income earners, stressing that the proposal only involved households with strong financial standing. Federation of Malaysian Consumers' Associations chief executive officer Dr T Saravanan said public concerns remained over the accuracy of government data involving income levels, employment status, family dependents and changing economic circumstances. “If the data is inaccurate, there is a risk of exclusion or mistargeting. Before full implementation, the government must ensure that review, update and appeal processes are simple, efficient and accessible so consumers are not adversely affected by data weaknesses,” he said. Saravanan also proposed that the government introduce incentives such as tax relief or additional targeted assistance if subsidy reductions are implemented for certain groups. At the same time, he said the government should continue prioritising efforts to curb fuel smuggling, reduce wastage in public spending and improve the efficiency of subsidy distribution systems. Meanwhile, Deputy President of the Consumer-Friendly Organisation of Malaysia, Azlin Othman, said the proposed subsidy review for high-income groups is a reasonable step towards ensuring government aid is more targeted and sustainable, while strengthening the country’s fiscal position over the medium and long term. However, she stressed that any subsidy rationalisation measures must be implemented cautiously and in stages, accompanied by clear communication to avoid negative public perception and market sentiment. On Sunday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government was still studying the best mechanism for the proposed petrol subsidy review for high-income groups and that a final decision would be announced soon.

Experts Urge Fairer, Data-driven Approach To Petrol Subsidy Reform

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — The government has been urged to adopt a multi-dimensional household income classification system to ensure that the proposed review of petrol subsidies for high-income earners .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — Deputy Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan Ramanan today praised the dedication and sacrifices of Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) employees, describing them as the backbone of Malaysia’s social protection system. Speaking at the PERKESO Outstanding Service Award and Loyal Service Award Ceremony in Putrajaya, Ramanan said the event symbolised appreciation and recognition for staff who have consistently demonstrated commitment in safeguarding the welfare and social security of the people. A total of 193 employees received the Outstanding Service Award, while several others were honoured with the 20-year and 25-year Loyal Service Awards. “You are the strength and backbone of PERKESO in ensuring the country’s social protection system continues to serve the rakyat effectively,” he said. Ramanan also paid tribute to PERKESO Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, who received the Faithful Service Award for more than 25 years of service with the organisation. He described Mohammed Azman’s leadership and dedication as instrumental in elevating PERKESO to one of its strongest performances in history. “The success of an organisation is not determined solely by its systems or buildings, but by the values, integrity and human spirit that drive it every day,” he added. Ramanan stressed that PERKESO has evolved beyond being merely an institution, saying it now represents “the hope of the people” in providing social protection and welfare support to Malaysians. He congratulated the entire PERKESO workforce and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in service to the nation.

PERKESO Celebrates Long Service and Excellence as Datuk Seri Ramanan Hails Staff Dedication

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri M. Saravanan Ramanan today praised the dedication and sacrifices of Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) employees, describing them as the backbone .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, 13 MAY -- National Film Development Corporation Malaysia yesterday hosted the Ministry of Communications Monthly Assembly for May 2026 at the Multipurpose Hall, Level B1, Ministry of Communications Complex, attended by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. In his address, Fahmi highlighted several significant achievements of the nation’s creative industry, including the success of local films which recorded the highest-ever box office collection of RM244 million in 2025. He also announced the establishment of the Orange Economy Council as a strategic initiative to strengthen the national creative industry ecosystem. In addition, he shared plans for the creation of an Animation Division within FINAS aimed at empowering and elevating the local animation sector to greater heights. Also present at the assembly were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, FINAS Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, as well as the ministry’s top management, heads of agencies and departments under the Ministry of Communications. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB FAHMI FADZIL

Fahmi Fadzil Highlights Creative Industry Achievements at Ministry’s Monthly Assembly Hosted by FINAS

PUTRAJAYA, 13 MAY — National Film Development Corporation Malaysia yesterday hosted the Ministry of Communications Monthly Assembly for May 2026 at the Multipurpose Hall, Level B1, Ministry of Communications Complex, .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 MAY -- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today received a courtesy visit from Deputy Minister of Human Resources Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan and Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Jamawi Jaafar. During the meeting, they discussed and reviewed several matters related to the development and welfare of the people of Sabah. The discussion also focused on efforts to improve the living standards of citizens, particularly those in rural areas, including initiatives to strengthen economic opportunities and enhance the people’s welfare. Prime Minister Anwar stressed that the MADANI Government will continue to prioritise Sabah’s needs to ensure that every policy and assistance announced is effectively implemented and truly felt by the people on the ground. “Insya-Allah, the government remains committed to ensuring that development and aid initiatives benefit the rakyat directly and comprehensively,” he said. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PM Anwar Reaffirms MADANI Government’s Commitment to Sabah’s Welfare and Development

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 MAY — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday received a courtesy visit from Deputy Minister of Human Resources Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan and Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, 13 May — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday chaired the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, which focused on strengthening Malaysia’s preparedness and economic resilience in facing the ongoing global supply crisis and rising cost of living. During the meeting, several strategic proposals and initiatives were discussed, including measures to reduce rental rates for business premises under the supervision of local authorities (PBTs) nationwide. Anwar stressed that more local authorities should emulate the efforts already implemented by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and MARA in lowering rental rates for traders and premise occupants, particularly to ease the burden faced by hawkers and small business operators affected by increasing operating costs. “The MADANI Government has begun implementing rental reductions through DBKL and MARA. This compassionate approach should serve as an example for other local authorities across the country in safeguarding the welfare of the people and ensuring the continuity of small businesses amid increasingly challenging global economic conditions,” he said. The Prime Minister added that the meeting also reviewed several strategic measures aimed at addressing global economic uncertainty, including the development of a Global Supply Crisis Monitoring Dashboard and proposed policy improvements related to supply management and price control. Taking into account the impact of the global crisis on the prices of daily necessities, Anwar instructed all ministries to restructure and strengthen existing initiatives, assistance, and intervention efforts to ensure aid reaches targeted groups effectively, especially the poor and vulnerable communities. He reiterated that MTEN will continue prioritising efforts to guarantee supply continuity and protect the rakyat, particularly vulnerable groups and small traders, from the effects of global economic shocks. “The government remains committed to ensuring no one is left behind as we navigate these global economic challenges together,” he said. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

MADANI Government Expands Support for Small Businesses Facing Rising Costs

PUTRAJAYA, 13 May — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday chaired the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, which focused on strengthening Malaysia’s preparedness and economic resilience in facing the ongoing .... read more

Maran Health Clinic To Be Upgraded With 24-hour Emergency Care

MARAN, May 12 — Maran Health Clinic (KK Maran) will be upgraded from a Type Four Health Clinic to a Type Three facility with 24-hour emergency services to better meet .... read more

Drug Dealer Suspect Arrested After Swinging Machete At Police In Batu Caves

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12– A man was arrested after acting aggressively by swinging a machete at police officers while trying to escape during an operation on Jalan Ulu Yam, Batu .... read more

Latest News

SINGAPORE and NEW YORK, June 18 -- Vibefam, the all-in-one operating system for fitness businesses, announced the completion of a US$1 million seed funding round led by a Singapore-based family office with a strong track record of backing category-defining technology companies. In addition to capital, the investor brings deep operating insight and a network built through years of supporting founders and working alongside leading venture investors.  Today, Vibefam powers more than 700 fitness locations worldwide and serves over 500,000 end users. The platform supports a diverse range of fitness businesses, including Pilates studios, yoga studios, strength and conditioning gyms, dance academies, martial arts schools, and boutique fitness brands. The investment will accelerate Vibefam's mission to help fitness businesses launch, operate, and scale through a unified platform that combines operations, payments, customer engagement, and growth solutions within a single platform. The funding comes at a time when fitness operators are increasingly seeking intelligent operating platforms that unify operations, payments, and customer engagement, replacing fragmented technology stacks and legacy software platforms. "Fitness businesses deserve technology that works as hard as they do," said Serene Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of Vibefam. "Many operators still juggle multiple disconnected systems to manage bookings, payments, customer communication, marketing, and reporting. We're building a platform that brings everything together, helping businesses operate more efficiently while delivering better experiences to their customers." The newly raised capital will primarily be invested into artificial intelligence and embedded financial services, two areas the company believes will fundamentally reshape how service businesses operate. In July 2026, Vibefam will launch Vibe AI, a messaging-native customer engagement platform that allows members to interact with fitness businesses through natural conversations. From answering enquiries and recommending classes to completing bookings and re-engaging inactive customers, the platform helps businesses deliver instant service at scale without increasing administrative workload. The company is also expanding its embedded finance capabilities through a growing network of financial partners, enabling eligible businesses to access funding directly within the Vibefam platform to support expansion, hiring, equipment purchases, and working capital needs. By leveraging operational data already available on Vibefam, eligible businesses can gain faster access to growth capital with significantly reduced paperwork and approval times. "We believe the future of business software will be proactive, intelligent, and deeply embedded into the daily operations of every business," Lim added. "The opportunity extends far beyond managing bookings and payments. We're building infrastructure that helps fitness businesses acquire customers, automate operations, access capital, and make better decisions every day." The funding will support continued product development, strategic hiring, and the expansion of Vibefam's AI and embedded finance capabilities as the company continues its evolution into a comprehensive operating system for fitness businesses. About Vibefam Vibefam is an AI-powered operating system for fitness businesses. The platform helps gyms, studios, and wellness operators manage scheduling, memberships, payments, customer engagement, reporting, and growth from a single platform. Today, Vibefam powers more than 700 fitness locations worldwide and serves over 500,000 end users. Vibefam is also backed by leading early-stage investors including Hustle Fund and Ignite Asia, alongside strategic investors and operators from the fitness and wellness industry who bring deep expertise in building and scaling consumer and service businesses. --  PRNewswire -- Source: Vibefam

Vibefam Raises US$1 Million to Build an AI-Powered Operating System for Fitness Businesses

SEREMBAN, June 18 -- The Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (RTD) has seized 145 luxury vehicles for various road offences through Ops Luxury in the first six months of this year. Negeri Sembilan RTD director Jasyindar Singh Sihdu said this was the result of inspections on 870 luxury vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Alphard, Lexus and BMW Limousine with 262 offences detected. "They include Motor Vehicle Licenses (LKM), insurance coverage and invalid or expired driving licenses, vehicle modifications without RTD approval and violations of provisions under the Road Transport Act 1987. "During the operation, seven luxury cars driven by non-citizens including from China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and a United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholder were seized," he said in a statement here today. He said that every offence would be dealt with without any compromise, including confiscation of vehicles and prosecution in court. He said his party would increase the frequency and intensity of enforcement operations including patrols, roadblocks and technical inspections to ensure compliance with traffic laws is always at the highest level. -- BERNAMA

N.Sembilan RTD Seizes 145 Luxury Cars In Ops Luxury

HANOI, Vietnam, June 18  -- KPIT Technologies, a global technology partner to the Automotive and Mobility ecosystem, announced an expansion of its Vietnam presence with the inauguration of a new technology center in Hanoi and strategic collaborations with two leading universities. With over 25 years of specialized expertise in mobility, experience across 2000+ vehicle production programs, and software powering 20+ million vehicles on the road, this marks an important step in KPIT's long-term commitment to Southeast Asia and its vision to help shape the future of Mobility A strategic base for Southeast Asia's Mobility growth The global mobility industry is focusing on strengthening its competitive advantage by reducing vehicle costs, improving manufacturing efficiency, faster release of vehicles and features, and differentiated consumer experiences. Southeast Asia is emerging as an important region in the mobility value chain. For KPIT, Vietnam represents both a strong local opportunity and a strategic gateway into a fast-evolving regional ecosystem. The new technology center will serve as a hub for engineering, innovation, and collaboration, supporting mobility programs across Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. KPIT's growing presence in Vietnam reflects its strategy of being close to the markets where mobility is being reimagined. The company already works with Mobility leaders across Germany, Japan, USA, China, India and other markets. The Vietnam center has already employed several local engineers and will add 100+ positions in the near future. Building a long-term talent ecosystem and job opportunities in Vietnam As part of its long-term vision for the country, KPIT has also signed Memorandums of Understanding with Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST- is Vietnam's first and leading technical university, known for its strong academic tradition, quality faculty, and research achievements); and VinUniversity (VinUni is a private, not-for-profit university built to international standards, with strategic collaborations with Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania). These partnerships are aimed at strengthening industry-academia collaboration, developing next-gen Mobility talent, and creating huge job opportunities for students and young professionals in Vietnam. Commenting on the expansion, Sachin Tikekar, President & Joint MD, KPIT Technologies, said, "Vietnam is an important long-term market and talent hub for KPIT in Southeast Asia. We see strong potential in its talent, energy, and pace of innovation, with both homegrown and global vehicle makers continuing to invest in the country. With our new technology center and partnerships with leading universities, we are committed to building local talent, creating high-quality jobs, and establishing a meaningful long-term presence in the region."  About KPIT KPIT is reimagining mobility to create a cleaner, smarter, and safer world. With 25+ years of expertise, KPIT is transforming Software and AI-Defined Vehicles. www.kpit.com  -- PRNewswire -- Source: KPIT Technologies

Mobility Technology Firm KPIT Expands its Vietnam Presence with New Center and University Partnerships

JOHOR BAHRU, June 18 -- The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will deploy 11,926 officers and personnel to ensure security and the smooth conduct of the upcoming Johor State Election. Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the deployment will be carried out in five phases throughout the election process. “The deployment will be adjusted according to operational needs,” he told a press conference at the Johor Police Contingent Headquarters today. In addition, Ab Rahaman said the Johor Police Contingent had received additional manpower support from units under the Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) to maintain public order He said it involved 54 officers and 701 personnel from the General Operations Force, Federal Reserve Unit, PDRM Air Unit and Marine Police Force. Ab Rahaman said that for nomination day on June 27, a total of 4,832 officers and personnel will be deployed to ensure the smooth running of the process, including security and traffic control aspects. He said that throughout the campaign period, from after nomination day until 11.59 pm on July 10, a total of 3,903 personnel will be deployed to monitor all campaign activities, ceramah, gatherings and political programmes. On polling day, July 11, Ab Rahaman said a total of 11,814 police officers and personnel will be deployed statewide to assist the Election Commission (EC) in overseeing the voting process and ensuring voters can carry out their responsibilities safely. He also said the police would take strict action against any form of provocation, threats, incitement, the spread of fake news and hate speech involving the royal institution, religion and race (3R), which could affect public order. Meanwhile, he said a total of 12,710 police officers and personnel in Johor were eligible for early voting in the state election based on the electoral roll gazetted by the EC as of May 31. --BERNAMA

PDRM Deploys 11,926 Personnel For Johor State Election

PUTRAJAYA, June 18 (Bernama) -- The Court of Appeal here today reduced the general damages awarded to DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng from RM1.05 million to RM450,000 in a defamation suit filed against Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin relating to the revocation of tax exemption for Yayasan Albukhary. A three-member panel comprising Datuk Azhahari Kamal Ramli, Datuk Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid and Datuk Seri Latifah Mohd Tahar made the ruling after allowing part of Muhyiddin’s appeal against the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision. In the unanimous verdict, Justice Azhahari said after examining the three impugned statements dated March 9, 11, and 12, 2023, the High Court was correct in finding that the statements were defamatory and there was no reason to disturb this finding of fact. bootstrap slideshow “On the issue of quantum, having considered the pattern of events, and the evidence adduced at trial, we are of the opinion that the general damages awarded are manifestly high. “Accordingly, this court awarded RM150,000 for each of the three statements leading to RM450,000. We therefore substitute the sum of RM1.05 million with RM450,000,” he said. The panel also set aside the High Court’s decision in awarding RM150,000 for aggravated damages and RM150,000 for exemplary damages to Lim. However, the court granted Lim's cross appeal on interest and ordered that interest be paid at the rate of five per cent per annum from the date of judgment until full settlement. The panel ordered Muhyiddin to pay RM5,000 in costs to Lim, while the former Penang chief minister was ordered to pay RM30,000 in costs to the former prime minister. On March 27, 2023, Lim filed a lawsuit against Muhyiddin for allegedly making three defamatory Facebook statements on March 9, 11, and 12, 2023, involving him in the tax exemption issue. Reports on the matter were subsequently published in several newspapers and news portals. In Nov 2024, the High Court allowed Lim’s suit and ordered Muhyiddin to pay RM350,000 for each of the three statements leading to RM1.05 million in general damages, RM150,000 for aggravated damages and RM150,000 for exemplary damages. -- BERNAMA

Suit Against Muhyiddin: Court Reduces Guan Eng’s Damages From RM1.05 Mln To RM450,000