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Elderly Woman Cheated Out Of RM327,600 In Phone Scam

KUANTAN, May 12 2026 — A 76-year-old woman lost RM327,600 after falling victim to a phone scam syndicate posing as police officers. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said .... read more

KLUANG, 12 MAY -- Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin will meet his Norwegian counterpart in Singapore later this month to seek clarification regarding the country's surprise decision to block the export licence of anti-ship missiles (NSM) to Malaysia. He said the meeting would also be used to express the Malaysian government's regret and surprise at Norway's action in cancelling the delivery of the assets, just a few days before the scheduled date last March. "It is very unfortunate that we have signed a contract to purchase missiles from Norway since 2018. The missiles were supposed to be delivered last March to equip our littoral combat ships (LCS) as well as KD Lekiu and KD Jebat. "... but a few days before the delivery date, without any 'storms and hurricanes', the Norwegian government told us they would not grant a license to market the product after eight years of our purchase. Of course it surprised us, of course it affected us," he said. He said this after officiating the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) MADANI Economic Programme here today. Mohamed Khaled said the action did not reflect good diplomatic relations between the two countries. He said Malaysia was currently using diplomatic channels at various levels, including the relationship between the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of both countries, to resolve the crisis. "Since this matter is still being handled through diplomacy, I do not want to comment further at this time," he said. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry has reportedly revoked several export licenses related to certain technologies as part of the country's efforts to tighten export controls. According to the website of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KDA), the NSM procurement was signed between the RMN and KDA in April 2018 with a contract value of 124 million euros (RM571.9 million) to equip six new LCS ships. The missile is capable of carrying out long-range maritime strikes at high subsonic speeds with a range exceeding 300 kilometers. -- BERNAMA

Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled meets Norwegian counterpart to discuss missile sanctions

KLUANG, 12 MAY — Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin will meet his Norwegian counterpart in Singapore later this month to seek clarification regarding the country’s surprise decision to .... read more

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