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JOHOR BAHRU, July 1 -- The tragedy in Gerik, Perak, that gripped the nation on Mother's Day last year appeared to repeat itself today when a baby elephant was struck and killed by a vehicle, while its mother refused to leave the carcass for seven hours along Jalan Felda Nitar in Mersing early this morning. According to a video that went viral on social media, the female elephant was seen refusing to leave her dead calf after it was struck by a Perodua Bezza in the 2.28 am incident. A spokesman for the Johor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), who confirmed the incident, said the department received a report at about 8.30 am before dispatching four personnel to the scene to conduct preliminary investigations. He said that upon arriving at the scene, officers found that a female elephant calf, estimated to be five years old, had died after being hit by a vehicle, while an adult elephant believed to be her mother was still at the scene. "Investigations also found that the elephant herd was identified as belonging to the Jamaluang-Mersing ID group. "The elephant calf was identified as a female measuring about 150 centimetres in body length, with no tusks, a front footprint width of 11 inches and a rear footprint width of 14 centimetres," he said. The Fire and Rescue Department said a 31-year-old man was trapped and suffered leg injuries after the car he was driving crashed into the elephant calf and plunged into a five-metre-deep ravine. The Perhilitan spokesman said the Elephant Capture Unit from the Johor Elephant Sanctuary also assisted in driving the mother elephant back into the forest, while the calf's carcass was later buried nearby. He said the department would conduct patrols tonight and tomorrow to ensure the safety of the mother elephant and prevent her from returning to the accident site. Warning signs indicating an elephant crossing had previously been installed in the area, he added. He advised the public to exercise caution when travelling through the area as it is quite dark and serves as an elephant crossing. In the Gerik incident on May 11 last year, a baby elephant became trapped beneath a container lorry after being hit, while an adult elephant believed to be its mother was seen trying to push the lorry in an apparent attempt to save her calf. The incident went viral on social media and drew widespread public attention to the issue of human-elephant conflict. -- BERNAMA

In Echo Of Gerik Tragedy, Mother Elephant Refuses To Leave Dead Calf

JOHOR BAHRU, July 1 — The tragedy in Gerik, Perak, that gripped the nation on Mother’s Day last year appeared to repeat itself today when a baby elephant was struck .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 1 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his appreciation after being given the opportunity to review the manuscript of an upcoming book titled “Anwar Ibrahim’s Ideas in Civilisation of the Nation’s Culture.” The Prime Minister said he was pleased with the involvement of renowned academic figure and Malay language expert, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Nik Safiah Haji Abdul Karim, in refining and developing the content of the book, which is currently in preparation. The book is authored by Professor Dr. Salinah binti Ja’afar, a lecturer and linguistics expert from the Academy of Malay Studies, Universiti Malaya. According to Anwar, he was extensively interviewed by both academics, covering various aspects of his thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on life and nation-building. Anwar Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the authors for their efforts in documenting and analysing his ideas and worldview, which are shaped by years of experience, reading, and public service. He also voiced hope that the manuscript will be completed soon and serve as an important reference for future generations, particularly in strengthening national development, cultural civilisation, and values of self-identity for the benefit of society. The book is expected to contribute to academic and public discourse on Malaysia’s cultural and intellectual development. -- MINUTESMY

PM Anwar Reviews Manuscript on Nation-Building Ideals Ahead of Publication

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his appreciation after being given the opportunity to review the manuscript of an upcoming book titled “Anwar .... read more

SHAH ALAM, July 1 -- The Shah Alam Line LRT3 is another testament to the MADANI Government's commitment to providing a more modern, efficient and integrated public transport system to improve people's daily lives, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. He said the new line was introduced to ease congestion along one of the busiest transport corridors in the Klang Valley. “It not only expands public transport options, but also helps reduce traffic congestion, shortens travel time and lowers daily commuting costs, especially for those travelling to work, educational institutions or attending to daily errands. “This is one of the government's strategic investments to improve the people's quality of life and strengthen the country's public transport network,” he said in a Facebook post. On Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when launching operations of the line, announced free fares on the Shah Alam Line LRT3 from June 29 to July 31, including Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) feeder bus services along the route. Saifuddin Nasution urged the public, especially those living in Shah Alam, Klang, Subang and areas along the LRT3 alignment, to take advantage of the free travel period. He said the initiative gives people the opportunity to experience the new rail line and its feeder bus services at no cost, while encouraging greater use of public transport. “The Shah Alam Line LRT3 and its feeder bus services are available free of charge until July 31 so that more people can experience the service and make the switch to public transport. “So if you live, work or study along the LRT3 route, now is the time. Leave your car behind for a while and try the LRT3 for free until July 31. Try it once and, insya-Allah, you'll want to ride it again,” he said. --Credit: FB - Saifuddin Nasution Ismail -- BERNAMA 

LRT3 Reflects MADANI Govt’s Commitment To Better Public Transport – Saifuddin

SHAH ALAM, July 1 — The Shah Alam Line LRT3 is another testament to the MADANI Government’s commitment to providing a more modern, efficient and integrated public transport system to .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today received a courtesy call from Malaysia's Ambassador to Lebanon, Anwar bin Udzir, in a meeting aimed at strengthening professional ties and exchanging views on current developments concerning Malaysia's interests at the international level. Fahmi said he first got to know Anwar while they were working together during the Ministerial Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity held in Tokyo in 2025. He noted that meetings of this nature are important for fostering stronger working relationships, facilitating the exchange of perspectives, and discussing developments that are relevant to Malaysia's interests on the global stage. Anwar bin Udzir received his letter of appointment as Malaysia's Ambassador to Lebanon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on May 18, 2026. Fahmi also extended his best wishes to Anwar, expressing confidence that he would carry out his responsibilities successfully and continue to represent Malaysia with distinction in Lebanon. -- MINUTESMY

YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil Receives Courtesy Call from Malaysia’s Ambassador to Lebanon

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today received a courtesy call from Malaysia’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Anwar bin Udzir, in a meeting aimed at strengthening professional ties .... read more

SHAH ALAM, July 1 -- The Sultan of Selangor, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, has welcomed the successful completion of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line, describing it as a long-awaited project that will significantly enhance mobility and improve the quality of life for residents in Selangor, particularly those in Shah Alam, Klang and surrounding areas. In a royal address, the Sultan expressed gratitude that the rail project had finally been realised for the benefit and well-being of the people, while acknowledging the contributions of multiple federal administrations in bringing the project to completion. His Royal Highness paid tribute to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for accepting his proposal in 2015 to build a rail link connecting Klang, Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur. The Sultan recalled raising the proposal during a breaking-of-fast event at Najib's residence after receiving numerous letters from residents, particularly homemakers, who complained that their spouses regularly returned home late due to severe traffic congestion along the Federal Highway.                                                                The Sultan noted that Klang had only two bridges crossing the Klang River at the time, worsening traffic congestion during peak hours. As an immediate measure to ease traffic, Najib's administration abolished the Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau toll plazas in 2018. His Royal Highness said the LRT3 project was subsequently delayed for more than 18 months following the change of government in 2018, with a further 19-month setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sultan also said that during the tenure of then Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, with advice from Tony Pua, the project's investment cost was reduced on the grounds that it was considered a "mega project." According to the Sultan, the move reflected a misunderstanding of the project's purpose, stressing that LRT3 was never intended as a prestige project but rather as essential public infrastructure to meet the needs of the people. He added that during that period, station sizes were reduced, the number of train carriages was scaled back, and five proposed stations along the alignment were cancelled. The Sultan expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for continuing the project after taking office, including restoring the five cancelled stations and supporting the construction of affordable housing around LRT3 stations and along the corridor to further benefit residents. His Royal Highness also thanked Anwar for directing that no further obstacles should hinder the project's implementation. Looking ahead, the Sultan expressed hope that the LRT3 line would reduce road congestion while providing commuters with a faster, safer and more comfortable public transport option, particularly for those travelling between Klang, Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur. He also called on Prasarana Malaysia Berhad to ensure the rail line is properly maintained so that it can continue operating efficiently and reliably. The Sultan emphasised that no individual or group should claim sole credit for the project's completion, stating that LRT3 was the result of continuous planning, commitment and cooperation across several administrations in the interest of the people of Selangor. He concluded by expressing confidence that the new rail line would serve as a catalyst for economic development, improve the quality of life for residents and strengthen connectivity between Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang as key growth centres for the nation. -- MINUTESMY

Selangor Sultan Hails LRT3 Completion, Credits Success to Cross-Administration Commitment

SHAH ALAM, July 1 — The Sultan of Selangor, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, has welcomed the successful completion of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line, describing it .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs worth almost RM7 million to a neighbouring country after arresting two local men in an operation in the southeast waters of Tanjung Piai, Pontian last Monday. Johor State Maritime Acting Director, Maritime Captain Kama Azri Kamil said the siblings, aged 26 and 40, were arrested at 12.36am after the fibre boat they were on was spotted about 3.5 nautical miles in the waters in question. He said the operation was carried out following intelligence information received regarding the presence of suspicious boats, before maritime patrol boats were deployed to carry out monitoring and detection. "The results of the inspection of the boat found several packages hidden under the seats and a pile of nets. "Further inspection found that the package contained drugs suspected to be syabu weighing 88.2 kilograms (kg) estimated to be worth RM4.41 million as well as 30,000 ecstasy pills weighing 18 kg worth RM2.25 million," he said at a press conference here today. Kama Azri said further investigation by the investigating officer and detective team then led to the discovery of a yellow Perodua Myvi in ​​the yard of a residence in Gelang Patah. He said a search of the vehicle found 787 vape cartridges containing a new synthetic drug known as "Piu Piu" with an estimated value of RM196,750. Meanwhile, he said the investigation found that the suspect acted as a drug transporter and received a payment of approximately RM16,000, with the 26-year-old man acting as the captain, while his brother acted as an assistant. Kama Azri said urine screening results also found that both suspects tested positive for methamphetamine. He said the suspect was remanded for seven days starting Monday and the case was being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The public is also urged to channel any information related to crime via the Johor Maritime Operations Centre hotline at 013-7001235 or the emergency line 999 for immediate action. --BERNAMA

“Transporter” siblings arrested for trying to smuggle RM7 million worth of drugs to neighboring countries

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs worth almost RM7 million to a neighbouring country after arresting two local men in an .... read more

PUTRAJAYA: The Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has proposed the procurement of Glock-type firearms for the team's use due to their durable specifications and low maintenance costs. AKPS Director-General Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said that in principle, the government agreed to supply AKPS with firearms to facilitate matters and ensure safety aspects while on duty. "We want something that is easy to maintain and doesn't have large maintenance costs." "Everyone knows that the weapon we usually use is a Glock, low maintenance and durable. That's what we ask for," he said after the AKPS monthly gathering here today. Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim approved an allocation of RM22 million to equip AKPS with appropriate firearms and equipment. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the move was approved by the Prime Minister following the urgent need to strengthen the security of AKPS personnel after the shooting incident on a vehicle carrying an agency commander in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah last February. In the incident, a Proton X70 driven by SAC Mohd Nasaruddin M Nasir, who is now the Deputy Director General (Operations) of AKPS, was shot at about 5.40 am at the entrance near the Muhajirin Mosque in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, approximately one kilometre from the Malaysia-Thailand border. Meanwhile, Mohd Shuhaily in his speech said AKPS is now equipping its members and officers with new outside expertise to ensure they remain competent. "This is because the people hope to see a team that is sufficiently credible at the country's entrance, standing firmly and with full self-respect, bound by a high attitude and work knowledge," he said. He also stressed that the aspect of integrity is highly emphasized in the AKPS team, with corrupt practices and any misconduct not being compromised. "We must put an end to the culture of corruption and misconduct at the entrance. "Since operating, AKPS in less than a year has terminated the services of five officers and 15 people are still in disciplinary action procedures and another 50 are still under active investigation," he said. -- BERNAMA

AKPS recommends procurement of Glock firearms, strengthens operations and security

PUTRAJAYA: The Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has proposed the procurement of Glock-type firearms for the team’s use due to their durable specifications and low maintenance costs. AKPS Director-General .... read more

BUKIT MERTAJAM, July 1 -- Penang has begun enforcing Community Service Order (CSO) against individuals caught littering, as part of efforts to strengthen public cleanliness across the state. State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the enforcement took effect today under the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2025  and the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Act 2025, which were gazetted on Nov 12 last year. Under the new enforcement regime, offenders will no longer receive warnings. Instead, immediate action will be taken against anyone found throwing, depositing, discarding or leaving litter in public places or on public roads. “We have enforcement teams patrolling littering hotspots, and they are equipped with body cameras to record video and photographic evidence for enforcement purposes.  “If the offence can be proven, a notice will be issued requiring the offender to appear in court. Upon conviction, they may be fined up to RM2,000, ordered to perform up to 12 hours of community service, or both,” he told reporters after inspecting the implementation of the order and distributing information leaflets to traders and the public with Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) Mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid in Bandar Perda today. H’ng said MBSP has equipped its investigating officers with 26 body cameras, while 119 locations across Seberang Perai have been approved for offenders to carry out community service if ordered by the court. Among the offences covered under the CSO are discarding cigarette butts, tissues, plastic waste, bottles and food packaging in public areas, dumping rubbish into drains, leaving litter in parks, beaches and recreational areas, throwing rubbish from vehicles, and abandoning food waste or rubbish after trading at night markets, food courts and hawker centres. H’ng said the enforcement applies to everyone, including domestic visitors, tourists and foreign nationals. For offences involving minors, legal responsibility will rest with their parents or guardians in accordance with the law. He added that implementation of the CSO had proceeded smoothly as of this morning and expressed hope that the public would comply with the law and play their part in keeping Penang clean. -- BERNAMA 

Penang Begins Enforcing Community Service Order For Littering Offences

BUKIT MERTAJAM, July 1 — Penang has begun enforcing Community Service Order (CSO) against individuals caught littering, as part of efforts to strengthen public cleanliness across the state. State Local .... read more

NILAI, July 1 -- The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) dismantled an international drug distribution syndicate through five separate cases involving the seizure of various types of drugs weighing 4.83 tonnes, estimated to be worth RM300.7 million, from April to June this year. Its director-general, Datuk Amran Ahmad, said that this largest seizure involved 3,396.6 kilogrammes (kg) of heroin worth RM169.83 million, which was found in a container at West Port, Port Klang on June 15. The investigation found that the drugs were hidden in 18,870 boxes of beverages containing a liquid suspected to be heroin. The cargo is believed to have been brought in from a West Asian country in transit before being sent to Australia as the final destination. "This syndicate uses a modus operandi by making false declarations as food, soap, detergent, hair gel, and sponges to deceive the authorities," he said at a press conference at the JKDM headquarters here today. Amran said that the JKDM also seized 161.39 kg of cannabis buds worth RM12.91 million, from 11 cargo cabins containing 269 transparent plastic packages filled with the drugs, during an inspection at a logistics company in the cargo area of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang on May 18. Amran said that following that, two locals in their 20s and 30s, who are shipping agents, were detained to assist in the investigatione. He said three more seizure cases involved various types of drugs and psychotropic substances totallnig 6.11 kg, worth RM978,778, methylenedioxy methamphetamine or MDMA (220.3 kg) amounting to RM33.05 million, and cannabis buds (1,049.5 kg), worth RM83.96 million at various locations including KLIA and Port Klang. All cases are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Amran added that the biggest success so far proves JKDM's continuous commitment to combating drug smuggling activities that make Malaysia a transit route. -- BERNAMA

JKDM Dismantles International Drug Syndicate, Netting Contraband Worth RM300.7 Mln

NILAI, July 1 — The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) dismantled an international drug distribution syndicate through five separate cases involving the seizure of various types of drugs weighing 4.83 .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — More than 30,000 consumers have been approved for an increased BUDI Diesel quota, with their monthly allocation raised from 200 litres to 300 litres to better accommodate users with higher diesel consumption. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the enhancement was introduced following feedback from small traders, hawkers and rural service providers who rely on diesel for their daily operations and require a larger monthly allocation. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the implementation of the BUDI Diesel programme at a petrol station in Putrajaya on Tuesday, Amir Hamzah said the response to the additional quota has been encouraging. "As of yesterday, over 30,000 consumers have applied for and received approval under the enhanced quota scheme," he said. The government has also introduced greater flexibility by allowing eligible BUDI Diesel recipients to transfer their subsidy entitlement to an immediate family member in situations where the vehicle is used by another family member but registered under a different name. According to Amir Hamzah, more than 1,000 applications for family quota transfers had been received as of yesterday. Under the new mechanism, eligible recipients may transfer their diesel purchasing entitlement once to a spouse, parent, child or sibling, subject to verification and approval. Once approved, the nominated family member can purchase subsidised diesel using their own MyKad based on the registered vehicle owner's eligibility. To further support the initiative, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will waive diesel vehicle ownership transfer fees for three months beginning July 1, 2026. The waiver covers fees of up to RM100 that would normally apply during ownership transfers. JPJ will also extend weekend operating hours from July 4 to July 31, with counters at all state JPJ offices and JPJ counters at Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs) open from 8.00am to 5.00pm to facilitate ownership transfers and BUDI Diesel-related applications. Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah announced that the subsidised BUDI Diesel price has been reduced from RM2.15 to RM2.10 per litre effective today, attributing the reduction to savings achieved through efforts to curb diesel subsidy leakages. He said the nationwide expansion of the programme, which commenced today after an early access phase in Peninsular Malaysia on June 27, has proceeded smoothly. Nearly 80,000 users have already utilised the facility, while more than 700,000 private diesel vehicle owners are expected to qualify for the programme nationwide. Amir Hamzah reaffirmed the government's commitment to continuously refining the BUDI Diesel programme to ensure a more efficient, user-friendly and accessible subsidy delivery system. Private diesel vehicle owners can check their eligibility status, monthly quota and programme details through the official BUDI MADANI portal. -- MINUTESMY

Over 30,000 Consumers Approved for Higher BUDI Diesel Quota – Amir Hamzah

PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — More than 30,000 consumers have been approved for an increased BUDI Diesel quota, with their monthly allocation raised from 200 litres to 300 litres to better .... read more