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KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — The government is expanding the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme by increasing the number of retail outlets that accept MyKad as a payment method, including stores located in rural and remote areas. The initiative is aimed at making it easier for eligible recipients to purchase essential goods closer to their homes, reducing the need to travel long distances to access participating retailers. Under the expanded programme, more supermarkets, grocery stores, mini markets, and local community shops across the country will be equipped to accept MyKad transactions for approved purchases of basic necessities. The government said the move reflects its commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the SARA programme reach more Malaysians, particularly those living in underserved and remote communities. By widening the network of participating retailers, eligible recipients will have greater convenience and flexibility in using their assistance to buy essential items such as food, household necessities, personal care products, and other approved goods. The expansion is also expected to support local businesses by increasing customer traffic to participating retailers while strengthening the delivery of targeted assistance under the MADANI Government's social protection initiatives. The government reiterated that efforts to enhance the SARA programme will continue to ensure aid reaches those who need it most, while improving accessibility and reducing disparities between urban and rural communities. -- MINUTESMY

Government Expands SARA Programme with More MyKad-Enabled Retailers, Including Rural and Remote Areas

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — The government is expanding the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme by increasing the number of retail outlets that accept MyKad as a payment method, including .... read more

KUANTAN: Four motorcyclists were killed while several others were injured in an accident involving 13 vehicles at KM 246.4 of the East Coast Highway, here, early this morning. Kuantan District Police Chief, ACP Ashari Abu Samah said that in the incident at about 1 am, Che Mohd Sufian Che Ghani, 40, Muhammad Hafiz Al Hakim Mazlan and Mohd Aizat Husni, each aged 33, who were riding a Yamaha RXZ motorcycle, died at the scene. He said another victim, Muhammad Safawi Md Noh, 24, died while receiving treatment at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) here in the accident involving a car and 12 motorcycles. He said initial investigations found that the accident occurred when a car driven by a 25-year-old man from Kuantan was heading to Kemaman. "While at the scene, suddenly the motorcycle being ridden by Che Mohd Sufian is believed to have hit the back of the car and fallen into the right lane, causing several other motorcyclists to not have time to avoid and crash into each other on the road," he said in a statement. He said the accident resulted in a 13-year-old teenager, who was also a passenger in the car, being injured in the neck, while the driver was not injured. Ashari said the case is being investigated under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987. -- BERNAMA

Four motorcyclists die in accident at LPT

KUANTAN: Four motorcyclists were killed while several others were injured in an accident involving 13 vehicles at KM 246.4 of the East Coast Highway, here, early this morning. Kuantan District .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 -- The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds affecting five states until noon today. In a statement today, MetMalaysia said the adverse weather conditions are expected to affect several areas in Kedah, namely Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Yan and Pendang; Perak (Manjung, Bagan Datuk and Hilir Perak); and Negeri Sembilan (Rembau and Tampin). Similar warnings were also issued for Melaka, as well as several districts in Johor, namely Tangkak, Muar, Batu Pahat, Pontian, Kulai and Johor Bahru. The public in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and obtain the latest weather information through MetMalaysia’s official channels. --BERNAMA

Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain Expected In Five States Until Noon

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds affecting five states until noon today. In a statement .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 11 – Several Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers were among the early voters as they fulfilled their civic duty in the 16th Johor State Election (PRN) on Saturday morning. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, was among the first national leaders to cast her ballot, voting at 8.15am at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Penawar in Pengerang. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin cast his vote at 8.30am at Sekolah Kebangsaan Rinting 1 in Masai. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad also voted in the morning, casting her ballot at 8.50am at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato' Onn in Batu Pahat. Meanwhile, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan completed his voting process at 8.40am at Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Bahagia in Benut. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching cast her vote at 9.30am at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Kulai Besar, about 10 minutes after arriving at the polling centre. Polling for the 16th Johor State Election began simultaneously at 8.00am, with 1,076 polling centres and 4,889 polling streams opened across the state to enable voters to elect a new state government for the next term. The voting process, involving more than 2.7 million registered voters, is scheduled to continue until 6.00pm, following the conclusion of the 14-day election campaign at midnight on Friday. -- MINUTESMY

Johor Polls: Ministers, Deputy Ministers Cast Their Votes Early on Election Day

JOHOR BAHRU, July 11 – Several Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers were among the early voters as they fulfilled their civic duty in the 16th Johor State Election (PRN) on .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU: More than 2.7 million registered voters across Johor are casting their ballots today in the 16th Johor State Election (PRN), as the state takes centre stage in one of Malaysia's most closely watched electoral contests. Polling officially began at 8am with 1,076 polling centres and 4,889 voting channels opening simultaneously across all 56 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) constituencies, following the conclusion of the 14-day campaign period at midnight. Polling stations will close in stages between 11am and 6pm, depending on their locations. Voting will end earliest at Pulau Besar at 11am, followed by Pulau Aur and Pulau Pemanggil at noon, before ballot counting begins later in the day. To ensure the electoral process proceeds smoothly, the Election Commission (EC) has deployed 43,036 election officers throughout Johor. Meanwhile, all 24,677 issued postal ballots must be returned before the 6pm deadline to be included in the official count. The EC is aiming for a voter turnout of approximately 70 per cent, a significant increase from the 54.92 per cent turnout recorded during the 2022 Johor state election. Official results are expected to be announced as early as 10pm tonight. Employers have also been reminded to provide employees with adequate time to fulfil their voting responsibilities. Earlier this week, 20,607 early voters, comprising members of the police, armed forces and their spouses, completed the early voting process. Weather conditions may affect voters in some parts of the state. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, morning rain is forecast for Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Kulai, Muar, Pontian and Tangkak, while fair weather is expected later in the day. Thunderstorms are forecast in Kluang, Kota Tinggi and Segamat during the afternoon, with similar conditions expected in Mersing from the afternoon into the evening. A total of 172 candidates are contesting the election. Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) are each fielding candidates in all 56 seats, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) is contesting 33 seats. Parti Bersama Malaysia has nominated 15 candidates, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) is contesting four seats, while Parti Orang Asli Malaysia and Parti Sosialis Malaysia are each fielding one candidate. Six Independent candidates are also in the race. Before the Johor State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 1, BN held 40 seats, followed by PH with 12, PN with three and MUDA with one seat. -- MINUTESMY

Johor Heads to the Polls as More Than 2.7 Million Voters Decide State’s Future

JOHOR BAHRU: More than 2.7 million registered voters across Johor are casting their ballots today in the 16th Johor State Election (PRN), as the state takes centre stage in one .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 11 – Johor voters have been urged to fulfil their civic responsibility as polling officially began for the 16th Johor State Election (PRN Johor). In a public reminder issued on polling day, voters across the state were encouraged to cast their ballots and play their part in determining Johor's future through the democratic process. Authorities also reminded voters to bring their identification documents, particularly their MyKad, before heading to their respective polling centres. Voters were further advised to verify their assigned polling stations and voting channels in advance to ensure a smooth voting process and avoid unnecessary delays. "The day we have all been waiting for has arrived. We wish all Johor voters the very best as they carry out their responsibility in the 16th Johor State Election today," the reminder stated. The message also emphasised that every vote is important in shaping the future of Johor and encouraged eligible voters to exercise their democratic right. Polling centres across Johor opened as scheduled, with election officials expecting voters to cast their ballots throughout the day before voting concludes later in the evening. The 16th Johor State Election is being closely watched, with political parties contesting for control of the state government in what is expected to be one of the country's most significant state polls. -- MINUTESMY

EC Urges Johor Voters to Fulfil Civic Duty as Polling Begins

JOHOR BAHRU, July 11 – Johor voters have been urged to fulfil their civic responsibility as polling officially began for the 16th Johor State Election (PRN Johor). In a public .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 11 – The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) is reinforcing its commitment to Johor's development through the implementation of a series of strategic projects aimed at enhancing security services, border management, and the delivery of public services to the people. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Johor holds a vital position as Malaysia's southern gateway and plays a key role in national security and public administration. In line with the state's strategic importance, he said the ministry, through its agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), National Registration Department (JPN), Malaysian Prison Department, National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), is undertaking various development initiatives to strengthen infrastructure and improve operational readiness. "A wide range of projects has been identified to enhance security facilities and public services in Johor, ensuring direct benefits for the people," he said in a statement. Among the key initiatives are the construction of the Segamat District Police Headquarters (IPD), land acquisition for the proposed Pengerang District Police Headquarters, as well as upgrading police quarters and lift facilities at PDRM premises. The ministry is also enhancing Immigration Department facilities at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) to improve the efficiency of border management and strengthen security at the country's southern entry points. In the public service sector, KDN is constructing a new National Registration Department office in Batu Pahat, while upgrading essential infrastructure at Kluang Prison and Simpang Renggam Prison to improve operational efficiency and inmate management. The ministry is also redeveloping AADK offices and Community-Based Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres (CCRC), in addition to upgrading the jetty and facilities at the Abu Bakar Maritime Base to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. Saifuddin said these projects reflect the government's continued commitment to improving facilities for security personnel while enhancing the quality of services delivered to the public. "God willing, KDN will continue to ensure that every allocation and development project delivers tangible benefits to the people, strengthens the operational readiness of our security agencies, and supports Johor's development as a safe, efficient and prosperous state," he said. He reaffirmed that the ministry remains committed to empowering Johor's development for the benefit of its people, security personnel and the nation as a whole. -- MINUTESMY

Home Ministry Strengthens Johor’s Security Infrastructure Through Strategic Development Projects – Saifuddin Nasution

JOHOR BAHRU, July 11 – The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) is reinforcing its commitment to Johor’s development through the implementation of a series of strategic projects aimed at enhancing .... read more

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, JULY 10 -- Malaysia's Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, together with Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, today officiated the opening of a new road alignment connecting the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam with the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Sadao, Thailand, marking another milestone in strengthening bilateral connectivity and economic cooperation. Speaking after the ceremony, Anwar said the new road connection reflects the shared commitment of Malaysia and Thailand to enhance cross-border relations, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and improve the efficiency of one of Southeast Asia's busiest land trade corridors. He noted that the Bukit Kayu Hitam–Sadao route plays a vital role as the busiest land gateway for trade between the two countries, with the upgraded infrastructure expected to boost trade flows, attract investments and support regional economic growth. During the bilateral meeting, Malaysia and Thailand also agreed to expedite the development of the Special Border Economic Zone, resolve outstanding technical matters, and strengthen cooperation towards achieving the USD30 billion bilateral trade target by 2027. Anwar said the benefits of the initiative would extend beyond the border areas, driving economic growth in Kedah, Perlis, Penang, Perak and Kelantan through increased trade, logistics activities, tourism development, investment opportunities and job creation. He added that the initiative reflects the MADANI Government's commitment to ensuring that strategic international partnerships deliver tangible benefits to the people. Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to working closely with Thailand to further strengthen bilateral relations, promote regional peace and prosperity, and create lasting economic opportunities for the people of both nations. -- MINUTESMY

PM Anwar Officiates New Malaysia–Thailand Border Road, Strengthens Bilateral Ties

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, JULY 10 — Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, together with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, today officiated the opening of a new road alignment .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 10 -- Police have busted a syndicate distributing vape cartridges, suspected of containing drug liquids, to neighbouring countries through Ops Pijat with the arrest of eight foreigners and the seizure of drugs worth RM152,400 in two series of raids around Meru and Kajang, Selangor on July 1. Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the syndicate is believed to have obtained drug supplies in Malaysia before processing and repackaging them to be sent to Indonesia. "This syndicate is believed to be using rural areas as locations for operations to evade authorities and prevent their activities from being detected." "The syndicate's modus operandi is to use village houses in rural areas as locations to process and package drugs before shipping them by sea using boats to neighboring countries," he said in a press conference here, today. Hussein said police also seized 500 plastic packets containing cartridges suspected of containing MDMA, estimated to weigh almost five kilograms, as well as eight small plastic bottles suspected of containing the same type of drug liquid. Hussein said initial urine screening tests found that three of the eight suspects tested positive for methamphetamine, while checks found that none of them had a criminal record. Commenting further, Hussein said initial investigations found that the syndicate, which is believed to be active since last February, had successfully made several shipments to the neighbouring country. He said all the suspects, consisting of six men and two women aged 21 to 40, were remanded for 11 days starting from July 1 until tomorrow to assist with investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act. -- BERNAMA

Police bust syndicate distributing vape cartridges suspected of containing drugs to neighboring countries

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 10 — Police have busted a syndicate distributing vape cartridges, suspected of containing drug liquids, to neighbouring countries through Ops Pijat with the arrest of eight foreigners .... read more

KUCHING: Police busted a drug trafficking syndicate through four separate raids around Kuching and Padawan on July 3 to 4, seizing 26.97 kilograms (kg) of suspected methamphetamine (syabu) worth RM1.35 million. Kuching District Police Chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said that in the operation from 4.35 pm to 12.30 midnight, police arrested seven individuals consisting of four locals and three Indonesians, with an age range between 25 and 46 years old. He said the first raid in a residential area on Jalan Matang led to the arrest of a 31-year-old local man and the seizure of 60.5 grams (g) of drugs suspected to be methamphetamine. "Following that, police raided an apartment on Jalan Batu Kawa and arrested a 43-year-old local man, a 44-year-old local woman, two Indonesian men aged 37 and 46, respectively, and a 34-year-old Indonesian woman. An examination found 5.45g of suspected methamphetamine. "The third raid in front of a shop in Jalan Setia Raja, Stutong led to the arrest of a 25-year-old local man with 5.3kg of drugs suspected to be methamphetamine," he said in a statement today. Alexson said information from the arrests then led to a fourth raid at an apartment on Jalan Tabuan Tranquility, which found another 21.6kg of drugs suspected to be methamphetamine. "The total amount of drugs seized is estimated to be able to supply about 134,500 addicts. Investigations found that the arrested syndicate members received wages of between RM3,000 and RM6,000 a month as runners, to distribute drugs around Kuching and Padawan," he said. Alexson said the modus operandi was believed to be receiving instructions from upliners to deliver drugs using the drop and collect method , which is placing drug supplies at designated locations without meeting customers face to face, to avoid their activities being detected by the authorities. He said the case is currently being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment and if not sentenced to death, the offender can be given no less than 12 strokes of the cane if convicted. -- BERNAMA

Police bust drug syndicate, seize RM1.35 million worth of methamphetamine in Kuching

KUCHING: Police busted a drug trafficking syndicate through four separate raids around Kuching and Padawan on July 3 to 4, seizing 26.97 kilograms (kg) of suspected methamphetamine (syabu) worth RM1.35 .... read more