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PUTRAJAYA, July 6 -- Bumiputera economic participation continues to improve, although there remains room to increase Bumiputera involvement in high-growth sectors to narrow the socio-economic gap, chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said. He said data presented through the Bumiputera Data Analytics Dashboard, developed by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), showed that wages for both Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera workers generally recorded growth of more than five per cent. However, he said the increase was influenced by population composition, with the average wage growth among Bumiputera appearing more moderate because it reflected a much larger population than that of non-Bumiputera. “The Bumiputera population is much larger, so while some segments may be experiencing faster growth, the overall average is moderated by the size of the population,” he told reporters after launching the Bumiputera Data Analytics Dashboard at the Simfoni Data and Media special discourse here today. The Bumiputera Data Analytics Dashboard was developed as a strategic monitoring platform to track and assess the current performance and progress of the Bumiputera empowerment agenda based on the key indicators outlined in the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35). Meanwhile, Mohd Uzir also introduced the subnational indicators portal, an interactive platform that consolidates the country's official data to facilitate analysis and monitoring across various levels of administration. He said the platform integrates data covering 1,998 administrative areas, comprising 16 states and federal territories, 160 districts, 222 parliamentary constituencies and about 600 state constituencies, enabling users to make location-based comparisons and analyses more efficiently. The portal contains 22 official datasets across eight domains, namely demography, economy, education, labour, agriculture, environment, crime and electoral affairs. It is updated regularly and includes metadata to ensure transparency and consistency in data definitions. “Our goal is to establish a single, trusted source of official data to support evidence-based decision-making, while helping the government and stakeholders formulate policies and development programmes more effectively,” he said. -- BERNAMA 

DOSM: Bumiputera Participation In High-growth Sectors Must Be Strengthened

PUTRAJAYA, July 6 — Bumiputera economic participation continues to improve, although there remains room to increase Bumiputera involvement in high-growth sectors to narrow the socio-economic gap, chief statistician Datuk Seri .... read more

IPOH, July 6 -- Police seized 208 live rounds of ammunition and several objects resembling firearms, besides arresting a local man in two raids linked to drug trafficking activities in Sitiawan, near Manjung, last Wednesday. Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the operation conducted by the Perak Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) also resulted in the seizure of drugs believed to be Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and ketamine, with a total estimated value of RM6,547. "The first raid was carried out in the Taman Terus Maju area in Sitiawan, where police stopped a Proton Wira driven by the 29-year-old suspect. "An inspection of the vehicle uncovered three red plastic packets containing substances believed to be MDMA, weighing 66.64 grammes," he told a press conference at the Perak Police Headquarters here today. He said said following the arrest, police raided a house in Jalan Kampung Cina, Sitiawan, where they found 12 transparent plastic packets containing substances believed to be ketamine, weighing 64.30 grammes. Mohd Alwi said further inspection of a wooden shed behind the house led to the discovery of an object resembling a pistol, seven rifle-like barrels, two crossbow-like barrels, 208 live rounds of ammunition and eight spent cartridge casings. "Initial investigations also found that the suspect is believed to have been actively involved in drug trafficking for about four months, selling the drugs directly to users. The drugs seized were estimated to be sufficient to supply about 100 addicts," he said. He said the suspect was found to have no criminal record, while preliminary urine screening showed he was tested positive for ketamine. According to him, police also seized RM720 in cash under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, bringing the total value of the seizures and confiscations to RM7,267. “The suspect was remanded for six days from July 2 until today to facilitate investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 8A of the Firearms Act 1960,” he added. -- BERNAMA 

Police Seize 208 Bullets, Arrest Man In Sitiawan Drug Raids

IPOH, July 6 — Police seized 208 live rounds of ammunition and several objects resembling firearms, besides arresting a local man in two raids linked to drug trafficking activities in .... read more

KUCHING, July 6 -- The integrated Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) in Sarawak recorded its biggest success with the seizure of assets worth RM81.8 million involving the illegal trade of bird’s nests during a series of operations conducted from June 1 to 16. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said six individuals were arrested in 10 raids, effectively crippling the illegal processing and commercial trade of bird’s nests in the Kuching area. “All the suspects have been handed over to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for further action as they are suspected of harvesting, collecting, selling and possessing bird’s nests without a valid licence issued by the Controller of Wildlife. “The case is being investigated under Sections 33(1) and 33(2) of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, while the seizures were made under Section 48(1) of the same ordinance,” he said at a press conference at the General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade headquarters here today. Mohd Yusri said that during the same period, OBK operations nationwide resulted in 70 investigation papers being opened and the arrest of 62 individuals, with the total value of seized assets estimated at RM98.4 million. Among the items seized during the operation were 16,367 kilogrammes of bird's nests; 223 birds of various species; eight eagles; two pangolins; 790 turtle eggs; 4,238 tortoises of various species; 218 axolotl salamanders; 116 exotic fish; 959 fighting cocks; 1,673 logs; 7,600 saplings of various species; 14 animal microchips; and nine mammals of various species. “Throughout the operation, the police successfully carried out a series of raids at strategic locations, including storage facilities, residential premises, logistics vehicles and distribution networks believed to have been used by the owners,” he said. -- BERNAMA 

OBK: RM81.8 Million Worth Of Bird’s Nests Seized In Sarawak

KUCHING, July 6 — The integrated Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) in Sarawak recorded its biggest success with the seizure of assets worth RM81.8 million involving the illegal trade of bird’s .... read more

SHAH ALAM, July 6  -- An assistant director with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to receiving RM15,000 in bribes last month. Fareez Akmal Md Yusuf, 38, an officer with the Kuala Lumpur Enforcement Division’s Investigation Branch (Trade Fraud), is charged with allegedly accepting RM15,000 in cash from a 50-year-old man in return for helping to close an investigation he was conducting. He is accused of committing the offence at a car park in Petaling on June 6 under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which carries penalties under Section 24(1) of the same Act. If found guilty, the accused is liable to a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of at least five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is greater. MACC Deputy Public Prosecutor Muaz Ahmad Khairuddin proposed bail of RM10,000, subject to additional conditions that the accused surrender his passport to the court, report to a nearby MACC office and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses. Lawyer Azrul Zulkifli Stork, representing Fareez Akmal, asked the court to consider bail of RM5,000, arguing that his client supports a family and elderly parents in poor health. Judge Datuk Mohd Nasir Nordin ordered bail of RM5,000 with further conditions as requested by the prosecution, and set Aug 3 for mention. -- BERNAMA 

Customs Assistant Director Charged With Receiving Bribes To Close Case

SHAH ALAM, July 6 — An assistant director with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to receiving RM15,000 in bribes last month. .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 -- Former Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz told the High Court today that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had issued a letter proposing the appointment of 54 contractors to implement 54 projects under the Jana Wibawa programme through direct negotiation. Tengku Zafrul, 53, said the letter, titled ‘Cadangan Pelantikan 54 Kontraktor Pelaksana Bagi Pelaksanaan 54 Projek Di Bawah Program Jana Ekonomi Pemerkasaan Kontraktor Bumiputera Berwibawa (Jana Wibawa) Secara Rundingan Terus (Reka & Bina)’, was dated Nov 13, 2020, the same day the Cabinet memorandum on the Government Procurement Action Plan was tabled at a Cabinet meeting. “I confirm that the date of this letter is the same as the Cabinet meeting at which the Cabinet memorandum on the Government Procurement Action Plan was presented to the Cabinet,” he said when reading his witness statement during the trial of Muhyiddin, who faces seven charges of abuse of power and money laundering. The 11th prosecution witness also confirmed that the letter was issued by Muhyiddin, who was then Prime Minister, as it bore his signature on the third page and contained instructions for the Finance Ministry to urgently consider the proposal. “I recognise this signature as his, as I had previously received minutes and letters from Tan Sri Muhyiddin. Had I not received the Nov 13 letter, I would not have taken further action,” he said. Tengku Zafrul said the Nov 13 letter was a proposal issued by Muhyiddin to him for the appointment of 54 companies through direct negotiation to implement pre-determined projects. He said direct negotiation meant that projects were awarded directly to the listed companies without going through a tender process or competitive bidding among other contractors. “Regarding the list of 54 companies and the allocation of projects in this letter, I do not know how the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) assessed the companies or selected the projects for each company. “I also confirm that the companies listed in this document were provided by the PMO and not by me or the Ministry of Finance,” he said. Tengku Zafrul added that he was also unaware whether the companies had any links or interests connected to Muhyiddin, as this had never been disclosed to him. Tengku Zafrul also said that Muhyiddin had never informed him that he and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) would receive donations from the companies listed. “I confirm that I have never received any donations from the 54 companies listed in this letter. I also have no knowledge of whether those companies had ever made donations to any political party,” he said. Tengku Zafrul said he had also not derived any personal financial benefit from the Jana Wibawa programme throughout his tenure as Finance Minister from March 2020 to August 2021. To a question from Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin on whether a prime minister had the authority to appoint any company to carry out government projects, Tengku Zafrul replied: “No.” Muhyiddin, 78, who was then Prime Minister and Bersatu president, was charged with four counts of abuse of power for allegedly soliciting RM232.5 million in bribes for the political party from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, Nepturis Sdn Bhd, Mamfor Sdn Bhd, and Datuk Azman Yusoff in connection with the Jana Wibawa project. He was accused of committing the offence at the Prime Minister's Office, Bangunan Perdana Putra, Putrajaya between March 1, 2020, and Aug 20, 2021 under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment and a fine of five times the value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. The Pagoh MP also faces three charges of receiving RM200 million in unlawful proceeds from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, which were deposited into Bersatu's Ambank and CIMB Bank accounts, allegedly committed in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur between February 2021 and July 2022. These charges were brought under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of either five times the value of the proceeds from unlawful activities or RM5 million, whichever is higher. The trial is before Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin. -- BERNAMA 

Tengku Zafrul Confirms Muhyiddin Issued Letter Proposing Appointment Of 54 Jana Wibawa Contractors

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — Former Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz told the High Court today that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had issued a letter proposing .... read more

ALOR GAJAH, July 6  -- A footballer died after he was believed to have been struck by lightning during a friendly between Rembau Indian Veteran FC and Tanjung Minyak FC at Padang Kompleks Rakan Muda Lendu here yesterday. Alor Gajah police chief Supt Ahmad Abu Bakar said R. Thanesh, 28, was confirmed dead in the 5.40 pm incident, while the match referee was injured and another individual involved escaped unharmed. He said police received information regarding the incident at 8.50 pm from the Alor Gajah Hospital authorities, who said that a man had been brought to the hospital unconscious after he was believed to have been struck by lightning. "Preliminary investigations found that the victim participated in the friendly match at 5.30 pm, and about 10 minutes into the game, it began to drizzle and a clap of thunder caused three individuals to collapse on the field. "The victim was taken to hospital in a private vehicle while the referee was sent to hospital by an ambulance. Another individual did not suffer any injuries and was reported to be in good condition,” he said when contacted. Ahmad said the victim's body has been sent to the Melaka Hospital for a post-mortem today and that the case has been classified as a sudden death. Earlier, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said they will obtain a full report from the Melaka Football Association (MFA) and the match organiser to review the chronology of the incident and the actions taken, before identifying areas for improvement in game safety management. -- BERNAMA 

Football Player Dies In Suspected Lightning Strike In Alor Gajah

ALOR GAJAH, July 6 — A footballer died after he was believed to have been struck by lightning during a friendly between Rembau Indian Veteran FC and Tanjung Minyak FC .... read more

SHAH ALAM, July 6  -- A schoolgirl has been injured after she was allegedly stabbed by a woman at a school in Banting earlier today. Kuala Langat district police chief Supt Mohd Akmalrizal Radzi confirmed the incident, saying the victim is in stable condition and that further details will be shared as soon as possible. “Yes, the incident took place. An initial press statement will be released for confirmation, and the victim is stable,” he said when contacted. Earlier, a video circulating on social media showed commotion at a school after a woman dressed in black was seen carrying a knife and walking around the school grounds. -- BERNAMA 

Schoolgirl Injured In Stabbing At Banting School

SHAH ALAM, July 6 — A schoolgirl has been injured after she was allegedly stabbed by a woman at a school in Banting earlier today. Kuala Langat district police chief .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 -- The Malaysian International Passport is more than just a travel document; it serves as a powerful symbol of the nation's identity, sovereignty and standing on the global stage. The passport reflects Malaysia's values and heritage while representing the country and its citizens wherever they travel. It is regarded as an important national document that carries Malaysia's name to the world. The design of the new Malaysian International Passport incorporates elements inspired by the five principles of the Rukun Negara, highlighting the country's commitment to unity, sovereignty and good governance. These principles — Belief in God, Loyalty to King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, Rule of Law, and Courtesy and Morality — form the foundation of Malaysia's nation-building efforts and are embedded in the passport's identity. Beyond facilitating international travel, the passport symbolises the values upheld by Malaysians and reinforces the country's reputation as a respected and trusted member of the international community. As Malaysia continues to strengthen its presence on the global stage, the passport remains a proud emblem of national identity, reflecting the country's aspirations while carrying the spirit of Malaysia to the world. -- MINUTESMY

Malaysian Passport Represents National Identity, Sovereignty and Global Trust

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — The Malaysian International Passport is more than just a travel document; it serves as a powerful symbol of the nation’s identity, sovereignty and standing on .... read more

SEGAMAT, July 6 -- Johor North must no longer be left behind and should be developed as a key growth corridor for the state, said YB Yuneswaran Ramaraj. He said that for many years, development in Johor has been heavily concentrated in the southern region, particularly Johor Bahru, while districts in the north such as Segamat, Tangkak and Muar have not enjoyed balanced progress despite contributing to the state’s economy. According to him, true development should not only be measured by skyscrapers, commercial hubs or GDP figures, but by whether every district benefits from quality jobs, infrastructure, investment inflows, modern transport links and improved living standards. He noted that many young people from Johor North are still forced to migrate to Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore in search of better employment opportunities, while local entrepreneurs face high logistics costs that affect competitiveness. Yuneswaran welcomed the reactivation of the Segamat Inland Port (SIP) by the Ministry of Transport, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening Johor North’s logistics ecosystem. He said the initiative could help reduce transportation costs and improve supply chain efficiency, especially for industries such as furniture manufacturing in Muar and surrounding areas. However, he stressed that SIP alone is not sufficient, and called for a comprehensive development package for Johor North, including: Full operation of the Segamat Inland Port as a national logistics hub Completion of flood mitigation projects to support resilience and investment confidence Extension and improvement of ETS rail services to Johor Bahru Upgrading of key road networks including Tangkak–Segamat routes Development of new industrial zones to attract domestic and foreign investors More affordable housing projects for young people and middle-income families Greater investment in modern agriculture and agro-based industries Strengthening value-added agricultural production in Segamat Leveraging Segamat’s potential under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) framework He said Johor possesses strong fundamentals, including land resources, agricultural output, strategic location, workforce capacity and logistics potential, but requires stronger political will to ensure more balanced development. “Development in Johor cannot end in Johor Bahru. Johor North must become the next growth engine connecting agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and trade,” he said. Yuneswaran added that he will continue to bring the voice of Johor North residents to Parliament and relevant ministries to ensure equitable development for all districts in the state. -- MINUTESMY

Johor Utara Must Be Developed as New Growth Corridor – YB Yuneswaran

SEGAMAT, July 6 — Johor North must no longer be left behind and should be developed as a key growth corridor for the state, said YB Yuneswaran Ramaraj. He said .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 6  -- The Johor contingent of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has mobilised 3,565 personnel to ensure that the early voting process for the 16th Johor state election tomorrow proceeds smoothly, safely and in an orderly manner. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the deployment comprises 647 officers, 2,806 rank-and-file personnel, and 112 civilian staff. He said the personnel would be responsible for security at early voting centres, escorting ballot boxes, traffic control, crime prevention patrols, operations room duties, monitoring strategic locations, and enforcing the law in all areas involved. “Ahead of tomorrow’s early voting, the police are now at full operational readiness to ensure that the entire early voting process is conducted safely, smoothly and in an orderly manner,” he said in a statement today. Ab Rahaman said early voting tomorrow would involve 64 polling centres across Johor, comprising 53 police early voting centres and 11 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) early voting centres. He said a total of 12,710 police personnel have been registered as early voters for the 16th Johor state election, with 12,067 set to cast their ballots at early voting centres tomorrow, while the remaining 643 will vote by post. The police would continue to enhance their level of operational readiness, monitoring and enforcement throughout the early voting process and for the remainder of the 16th Johor state election period. “Any violation of the law will be dealt with firmly, fairly and with integrity, without compromise,” he said. He also called on the public to continue complying with the law, respect the democratic process and extend their full cooperation to personnel on duty to ensure that the 16th Johor state election is conducted in a peaceful, harmonious, safe and orderly manner. Overall, the 16th Johor state election has drawn 172 candidates contesting 56 state assembly seats, with polling scheduled for July 11. -- BERNAMA 

Johor Polls: PDRM Mobilises 3,565 Personnel To Ensure Smooth Early Voting

JOHOR BAHRU, July 6 — The Johor contingent of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has mobilised 3,565 personnel to ensure that the early voting process for the 16th Johor state .... read more

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