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Malaysia News

PUTRAJAYA, 12 MAY -- Malaysia's labour market remained stable in March 2026 with the unemployment rate unchanged at 2.9 percent, supported by continued employment growth and labour force participation, according to the Malaysian Labour Force Statistics, March and First Quarter 2026 released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the positive economic outlook throughout the month allowed the country's labour market to maintain stable growth momentum. "The labour force increased by 0.1 percent to 17.31 million people in March 2026 compared to 17.30 million people in February, while the labour force participation rate (LPFR) remained at 70.9 percent," he said in a statement today. Mohd Uzir said the number of employed people also increased by 0.1 percent to 16.80 million people, compared to 16.79 million recorded in the previous month. At the same time, he said the number of unemployed recorded a slight increase of 0.4 percent to 509,000 people compared to 506,800 people in February, thus leaving the unemployment rate unchanged at 2.9 percent. The Chief Statistician said the workers category comprised the largest share of total employment at 75 percent, with a slight increase to 12.60 million people in March compared to 12.59 million previously. "At the same time, the number of self-employed also recorded an increase of 0.3 percent to 3.14 million people compared to 3.13 million in February," he said. Mohd Uzir said the services sector remained the main contributor to employment growth, particularly in accommodation activities as well as food and beverage services, information and communication, as well as transportation and storage activities. "The manufacturing, construction and agriculture sectors also recorded an increase in employment, while the mining and quarrying sectors recorded a slight decrease," he said. Regarding unemployment, Mohd Uzir said the actively unemployed are defined as those who are ready to work and actively looking for work, comprising 79.7 percent of the total unemployed, increasing by 0.3 percent to 405,800 people in March compared to February's 404,700 people. At the state level, Mohd Uzir said the Federal Territory of Putrajaya recorded the lowest unemployment rate at 1.3 percent, followed by Pahang at 1.9 percent, while Selangor and Melaka each recorded two percent. He said the Federal Territory of Putrajaya also recorded the highest KPTB at 79.2 percent, followed by Selangor at 78 percent and WP Kuala Lumpur at 76 percent. Going forward, Mohd Uzir said the Malaysian labour market is expected to remain stable, supported by strong domestic fundamentals and ongoing structural transformation. "However, growth is expected to be more moderate and increasingly influenced by external developments, particularly the direction of the global energy crisis and the geopolitical situation." "In this regard, businesses and the workforce need to be resilient in navigating a more dynamic and uncertain economic environment," he said.

Malaysia’s unemployment rate to remain stable at 2.9 percent in March 2026 – DOSM

PUTRAJAYA, 12 MAY — Malaysia’s labour market remained stable in March 2026 with the unemployment rate unchanged at 2.9 percent, supported by continued employment growth and labour force participation, according .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 -- Malaysia and China will deepen cooperation to co-develop future industries, with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) serving as Malaysia’s first line of readiness for the future economy, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said both countries must move beyond traditional trade, identifying electric mobility, battery technology, renewable energy, smart manufacturing, digital systems and talent development as key areas of collaboration. “Malaysia brings strategic geography, a growing industrial base and a young, trainable workforce. China brings technological depth, industrial scale and proven leadership in new energy industries. “Together, we can build more than bilateral success. We can strengthen regional value chains, support ASEAN’s industrial transformation and create a partnership that is not only good for Malaysia and China, but meaningful for the future of this region,” he said. He said this while delivering his keynote address at the Malaysia-China Forum on Electric Vehicle (EV), Battery and New Energy Talent Development and Innovation (MCEF 2026) at the Asia School of Business here today.

Malaysia, China To Co-build Future Industries, TVET First Line Of Readiness – Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — Malaysia and China will deepen cooperation to co-develop future industries, with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) serving as Malaysia’s first line of readiness .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 MAY -- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended his heartfelt congratulations to C. Joseph Vijay following his election as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. In a statement, Anwar described Vijay’s victory as a historic moment, noting that the actor-turned-politician had successfully transformed the hopes of his supporters into a real political movement. “For many years, his adoring fans watched him defeat corrupt politicians and assorted villains within three hours, usually after a short interval. The people of Tamil Nadu have now entrusted Vijay with a responsibility far greater than any role performed on screen,” Anwar said. The Prime Minister also referred to Vijay’s political slogan, “Oru Viral Puratchi” or “one-finger revolution,” saying it now stands on the verge of creating history in Tamil Nadu politics. Anwar highlighted the long-standing historical, cultural and people-to-people ties shared between Malaysia and Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional engagement in the years ahead. “I warmly congratulate my friend Vijay on being elected Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Malaysia and Tamil Nadu share deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties across generations. I look forward to working closely with Chief Minister Vijay in the years ahead,” he added. Vijay’s rise to power marks a major political shift in Tamil Nadu, with observers describing his victory as one of the most significant developments in the state’s recent political history. -- MINUTESMY

MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER ANWAR CONGRATULATES VIJAY ON HISTORIC ELECTION AS TAMIL NADU CHIEF MINISTER C. JOSEPH VIJAY

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 MAY — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended his heartfelt congratulations to C. Joseph Vijay following his election as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. In .... read more

SHAH ALAM, 12 MAY -- The decision not to allow Teachers' Day celebrations at the school and district levels for institutions under the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) was made in line with the government's recommendations to save expenses following the global supply crisis. JAIS director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said the matter was also in line with the directive of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, to spend prudently and according to needs in the face of the uncertainty of the global situation. "JAIS also made this decision due to the impact on parents or guardians who are burdened with providing gifts for teachers at the request of their children. "JAIS believes this matter needs to be stopped in the current situation because it has a financial impact on parents or guardians," he said in a statement. Mohd Shahzihan said JAIS would consider allowing the Teachers' Day celebration to be held again when the situation calms down by assessing several things including ensuring that the celebration time does not disrupt the schedule and learning process in the classroom as well as providing a simple tentative plan to be adopted by all schools under the supervision of JAIS. He said the Selangor State Government, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) and JAIS always appreciate the services and contributions of teachers in educating students. "As a great recognition to teachers, the Selangor State Level Teachers' Day Celebration Ceremony will be held on 21 May 2026. "The ceremony, which was held to recognise the contributions of teachers and school excellence in various categories, costing more than RM200,000 from allocations from MAIS and the Selangor State Government, will be given to outstanding teachers and schools selected in the form of cash or grants," he said. Previously, a circular letter titled "decision not to implement Teacher's Day celebrations at the school and district level" issued by JAIS went viral on social media.

Decision not to celebrate Teachers’ Day in line with government’s call for savings – JAIS

SHAH ALAM, 12 MAY — The decision not to allow Teachers’ Day celebrations at the school and district levels for institutions under the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) was made .... read more

GEORGE TOWN, 12 MAY -- Several State Assemblymen (ADUN) on Monday called on Penang to seize the opportunity following global geopolitical and economic uncertainties to strengthen the state's position as a hub for investment, tourism and regional supply chains. Wong Yuee Harng (PH-Pengkalan Kota) said that conflicts in West Asia and the changing world geopolitical landscape opened up opportunities for Penang to attract more international events, investments and global capital flows. He said the Asia Pacific region, including Pearl Island, is in a strategic position as many international events seek new locations that are more stable and secure in terms of geopolitical relations. "The business tourism sector and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry are significant economic drivers for the state," he said when discussing the motion of thanks for the policy speech by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, here. Wong also supported the proposal to establish a special international financial hub and said Penang had advantages in terms of strategic location, highly skilled workforce and a track record as a manufacturing and technology centre. Meanwhile, Ong Ah Teong (PH-Batu Lanchang) reminded the state government not to take lightly the phenomenon of involution or extreme competition following the aggressive entry of foreign business chains, especially from China, which is said to be affecting the local business ecosystem. He said the dumping of cheap products and fierce price competition had the potential to put pressure on small and medium enterprises, food and beverage traders as well as local hawkers. Opposition Leader, Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff (PN-Sungai Dua), said that Penang's economy, which is largely driven by the manufacturing and services sectors, is still highly dependent on foreign markets, exports and investments from multinational companies. He said, based on the Penang Economic Outlook 2026 report by the Penang Institute , the manufacturing sector contributes 46.1 percent to the state's Gross Domestic Product while services contribute 48.1 percent. "Penang needs a more balanced and sustainable domestic economic sector, including strengthening the community tourism, ecotourism and agrotourism sectors, especially in the Seberang Perai area," he said. Muhammad Fauzi also said that tourism development is currently still concentrated in island areas such as George Town, Bukit Bendera and Batu Ferringhi, causing traffic congestion and tourist congestion. The State Assembly session continues today. -- BERNAMA

Penang urged to seize economic opportunities amid global uncertainty

GEORGE TOWN, 12 MAY — Several State Assemblymen (ADUN) on Monday called on Penang to seize the opportunity following global geopolitical and economic uncertainties to strengthen the state’s position as .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 MAY -- Anwar Ibrahim today expressed his deepest appreciation to nurses across the country in conjunction with International Nurses Day, describing them as among the earliest and most compassionate figures present throughout every stage of human life. In his message, Anwar said nurses are often the first individuals to welcome a person into the world, standing beside mothers during childbirth, hearing a newborn’s first cry, and continuing to care for patients through moments of illness and hardship until the final stages of life. The Prime Minister noted that nearly every individual has experienced the kindness and dedication of a nurse, whether through comforting patients in pain, calming frightened children, or providing emotional strength to anxious families. He also highlighted the vital role nurses play in supporting the healthcare system, stressing that their experience, precision, and commitment are essential in helping doctors deliver the best possible treatment to patients. Anwar described nursing as a noble profession that demands immense sacrifice, emotional resilience, and sincerity, adding that the contributions of nurses are often beyond words but carry immense value for both the people and the nation. “Thank you for all your services and sacrifices. Happy International Nurses Day,” he said. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

International Nurses Day: Anwar Ibrahim Expresses Deepest Appreciation to Healthcare Heroes

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 MAY — Anwar Ibrahim today expressed his deepest appreciation to nurses across the country in conjunction with International Nurses Day, describing them as among the earliest and .... read more

PETALING JAYA, 12 MAY -- Gobind Singh Deo personally inspected the LRT3 pillar site at Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara, Damansara, following growing concerns over slope conditions caused by riverbank erosion in the area, which has worsened due to continuous rainy weather. During the visit, Gobind was informed that the LRT3 pillars remain safe and structurally stable. However, he stressed that the surrounding slope erosion issue must be addressed immediately to prevent further risks and to safeguard nearby residents. He has instructed Prasarana Malaysia Berhad to work closely with Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) and Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran Selangor (JPS Selangor) to ensure all repair and mitigation works are carried out according to strict safety standards. Gobind also called for a detailed report on the matter to be submitted promptly, emphasizing that the wellbeing, safety, and confidence of the surrounding community remain the government’s top priority. He reaffirmed that swift coordination between all agencies is essential to ensure the issue is resolved effectively and without delay. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB GOBIND SINGH DEO

YB Gobind Singh Deo Orders Immediate Action on LRT3 Slope Erosion Issue in Kayu Ara

PETALING JAYA, 12 MAY — Gobind Singh Deo personally inspected the LRT3 pillar site at Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara, Damansara, following growing concerns over slope conditions caused by riverbank erosion .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, May 12 — Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil yesterday received a courtesy call from Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil following her appointment as Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industries) of the Ministry of Communications, effective May 11, 2026. The meeting took place at Menara Komunikasi and marked the beginning of Datuk Bahria’s official duties in overseeing strategic communications and the nation’s creative industry development under the ministry. Fahmi welcomed Datuk Bahria to her new role and expressed confidence in her experience and leadership in strengthening the ministry’s strategic communication agenda as well as empowering Malaysia’s growing creative economy. The courtesy visit also reflected the ministry’s continued commitment towards enhancing institutional coordination, policy implementation, and innovation within the communications and digital creative sectors. Datuk Bahria’s appointment is expected to further support the ministry’s efforts in driving effective public communication strategies and strengthening Malaysia’s creative industries ecosystem in line with current technological and media developments. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION MALAYSIA

YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil Receives Courtesy Visit from New Deputy Secretary-General of Communications Ministry

PUTRAJAYA, May 12 — Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil yesterday received a courtesy call from Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil following her appointment as Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industries) .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 -- The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) International Bureau looks forward to constructive engagement and closer people-to-people ties with Tamil Nadu following the appointment of film star-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay as its new chief minister. Its chairman, Dr Maszlee Malik, said the bureau aims to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, youth empowerment, technology, culture and regional cooperation. “Malaysia and Tamil Nadu share longstanding historical and cultural bonds, especially through the vibrant Malaysian Indian community, whose roots and heritage remain closely connected to Tamil civilisation and identity,” he said in a statement today. Maszlee also congratulated Vijay on his appointment, noting that the victory reflects the democratic aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu and signals a new chapter of leadership grounded in hope, reform, and the empowerment of ordinary citizens. He further noted that the bureau recognises the deep political consciousness and rich civilisational heritage of the Indian state, citing its contributions to social justice and economic development as an inspiration to the wider region. “We believe that the strengthening of democratic institutions, inclusive governance, and people-centred policies remains essential in navigating the challenges of our time,” he said. Maszlee also extended his well-wishes to the new Chief Minister, wishing him wisdom and success in serving the people of Tamil Nadu with justice and compassion. Vijay, 51, was sworn in as Tamil Nadu’s new chief minister on Sunday after garnering enough support from other parties to command a legislative majority. His Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party won 108 seats in April's assembly election, falling short of the 118 needed for a majority of its own in the 234-member chamber.

PKR Congratulates Vijay, Seeks Stronger Malaysia-Tamil Nadu Ties

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) International Bureau looks forward to constructive engagement and closer people-to-people ties with Tamil Nadu following the appointment of film star-turned-politician .... read more

Member of the Senate, Dato Sivarraajh Chandran said the extraordinary rise of C. Joseph Vijay in Tamil Nadu politics has inspired many young Malaysians, especially Indian youth, to become more actively involved in politics and public service. According to Sivarraajh, Vijay’s success demonstrates that young leaders with vision, courage, and commitment to the people can create meaningful political change and earn the trust of the public. “After witnessing actor Vijay’s outstanding performance in Tamil Nadu politics, I believe many young Malaysians have been inspired and found a reason to serve or become actively involved in politics,” he said in a statement today. He encouraged Malaysian Indian youth to step forward, understand the political system, and contribute positively toward nation-building through quality leadership and service. “I encourage all Malaysian Indian youth to participate actively in Malaysian politics. Learn about politics and provide high-quality service to the people. You represent the future of the community and the country. All the best,” he added. Sivarraajh also stressed that greater youth participation in politics is essential to ensure the voices of younger generations are represented in shaping Malaysia’s future, particularly in areas involving education, economic opportunities, social mobility, and national unity. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE:FB SIVARRAJAH CHANDRAN

“Vijay Effect Inspires Malaysian Indian Youth to Enter Politics, Says Dato Sivaraj Chandran”

Member of the Senate, Dato Sivaraj Chandran said the extraordinary rise of C. Joseph Vijay in Tamil Nadu politics has inspired many young Malaysians, especially Indian youth, to become more .... 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