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KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 -- The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has recommended that the combined shareholding in Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) be maintained at a minimum of 70 per cent to safeguard the nation's strategic control over the airport operator. PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the recommendation was aimed at ensuring that national sovereignty and strategic interests remained protected following changes to MAHB's ownership structure. "To preserve the country's strategic control, the combined domestic shareholding under Khazanah and the EPF must be maintained at no less than 70 per cent," she told a press conference at the Parliament building here today. The committee also recommended that any future changes to MAHB's equity ownership structure or the disposal of its strategic assets be subject to Cabinet approval through a transparent process. "PAC also recommended that MAHB strengthen integrated strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, the National Security Council (MKN) and the Ministry of Communications to coordinate the development of the aviation industry," she said. Mas Ermieyati said the committee also recommended the early engagement of industry stakeholders, particularly local airlines, in infrastructure development planning to ensure that new facilities meet actual operational requirements. “To improve operational efficiency on a continuous basis, MAHB was urged to establish a regular consultation mechanism with major airlines to ensure that development planning is carried out through a consultative rather than unilateral approach,” she said. On transparency, PAC recommended that MAHB continue publishing periodic reports on its operational performance and key performance indicators (KPIs) for public access even after its delisting.  The Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Transport were also urged to ensure that MAHB submits regular progress reports on physical implementation and cash flow of high-impact projects, including the Aerotrain replacement, Baggage Handling System (BHS) and airport expansion works, to facilitate effective monitoring. The committee further recommended that these project progress reports be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat and submitted to the relevant Parliamentary PAC for the purpose of continuous checks and balances. “Procurement procedures and the contractor screening system should be tightened in collaboration with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) to curb cartel practices and safeguard the quality of public infrastructure," she added. -- BERNAMA 

MAHB’s Local Stake Must Not Fall Below 70 Pct — PAC

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has recommended that the combined shareholding in Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and the Employees Provident .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Malaysia and Thailand are set to further strengthen strategic cooperation in agriculture, food security, and bilateral trade following a courtesy visit by Thailand’s Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, to Wisma Tani today. The meeting, hosted by Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Mohamad Sabu, focused on expanding market access for agricultural products, enhancing cooperation in fisheries and livestock sectors, and facilitating export processes through improved regional logistics networks. Both sides also discussed strengthening technical collaboration between relevant agencies to support sustainable agricultural development and regional food security resilience. During the meeting, Malaysia extended an invitation to the Thai delegation to participate in MAHA 2026, scheduled to take place from 28 August to 6 September 2026 under the theme “Value Creation for Food Security.” The participation of international partners such as Thailand is expected to further enhance global networking, while opening up additional opportunities for trade and investment in the agri-food sector. Mohamad Sabu expressed confidence that the long-standing Malaysia–Thailand relationship will continue to deepen through mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and cooperation that benefits both nations’ farming communities and broader populations. -- MINUTESMY

Malaysia, Thailand to Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation, Food Security Ties

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Malaysia and Thailand are set to further strengthen strategic cooperation in agriculture, food security, and bilateral trade following a courtesy visit by Thailand’s Minister of .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 -- The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority's (FAMA) Agro MADANI Sales (JAM) programme recorded sales of RM46.72 million through 1,833 programmes held nationwide between January and May this year. FAMA said the achievement reflected the agency's commitment to strengthening the nation's agri-food marketing chain while expanding market opportunities for entrepreneurs and improving consumers' access to fresh, quality produce at affordable prices. The agency said this in a statement issued in conjunction with the Penang edition of the JAM programme, organised by FAMA in collaboration with the Penang government at the FAMA headquarters in Selayang on Monday. Also present at the event were FAMA director-general Abdul Rashid Bahri and Penang State Economic Planning Division secretary Kamarul Azlan Mustaffa. The Penang edition was the third JAM programme organised in Selangor and is expected to attract 2,000 visitors, with a sales target of RM100,000. FAMA said 45 sales lots were made available, involving 30 entrepreneurs from Penang offering a wide range of quality agri-food products to consumers. "The platform serves as a medium to promote and enhance the marketability of entrepreneurs' products, while creating wider marketing networks and generating higher sales returns for them," it said. The programme also received support from Penang Rural Development, Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperatives Committee Exco Datuk Rashidi Zinol through a joint entrepreneurship development initiative with the Penang Bumiputera Development Council. FAMA said the initiative aims to strengthen the development of local entrepreneurs while helping to expand the market reach of products from Penang-based entrepreneurs. The programme featured a variety of daily necessities at affordable prices, while enabling consumers to purchase directly from growers and producers products such as Balik Pulau premium durians, Black Thorn, Red Prawn and Hor Lor durian varieties, as well as Cempedak King. Visitors also had the opportunity to purchase agro-based products and agri-food items produced by Penang entrepreneurs, while enjoying iconic state delicacies such as nasi kandar, Penang laksa, char kuey teow, mee sotong and air sarbat.   -- BERNAMA   

FAMA’s Agro MADANI Sales Reach RM46.72 Mln In First Five Months

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority’s (FAMA) Agro MADANI Sales (JAM) programme recorded sales of RM46.72 million through 1,833 programmes held nationwide between January and May .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 1 -- Malaysia is now prioritising the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza via the land route at the Rafah border following the reopening of the crossing, which is considered more efficient and secure. Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the opening of the route provided the government with a better alternative method to ensure critical supplies reach the Palestinian population directly. In this regard, he said the decision of any individual or local activist to participate in a humanitarian mission voyage such as the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) from now on is their own personal choice and decision. "Their participation in the program is a personal decision based on the individual's principles who want to fight for issues related to Palestine and Gaza. The government will channel assistance if problems arise. Since the door has been opened, it is good for us to send assistance so that it can be felt," he said. He was answering a supplementary question from Datuk Ahmad Saad @ Yahaya (PN-Pokok Sena) during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today regarding the post-GSF mission planning and efforts to increase support among member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Lukanisman said that despite prioritising the land route, Malaysia still recognised the importance of such a voyage mission as an instrument of pressure to attract international media attention and demand accountability from the Israeli regime. He said various forms of Malaysian aid, including food, medicine and solar lamps, had been successfully channeled to the people of Gaza as a result of the sustainability of the existing approach. Meanwhile, he said Wisma Putra continued to strengthen strategic cooperation and collective diplomatic pressure at the multilateral level through the OIC, the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU). He said the effort included Malaysia's active involvement in driving cross-sector support through the Brussels 2026 Declaration which brought together the voices of members of Parliament, political figures and civil society from Europe as well as Malaysia. "Efforts are being made to build collective diplomatic pressure to ensure that the Palestinian issue continues to receive appropriate attention and action at the international level," he said. Earlier, when answering the original question, Lukanisman said the government strongly condemned the Zionist regime's violent actions in detaining GSF 2.0 mission participants, in addition to expressing appreciation to the Turkish government for helping to rescue and bring back all 29 Malaysian volunteers safely. -- BERNAMA

Malaysia Prioritises Land Route via Rafah for Gaza Aid Delivery – Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Malaysia is now prioritising the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza through the land route via the Rafah border, following its reopening, which the government .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 1 -- Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi expressed his delight after having the opportunity to meet a group of students from Sekolah Tinggi Muar who were on a study visit to the Parliament of Malaysia. During a brief encounter while on his way to the Dewan Rakyat, Zahid said he was approached by the students, who appeared excited to learn more about the country’s parliamentary institution. “I was very pleased to see their enthusiasm in understanding the functions and roles of Parliament. We had a short conversation and took a commemorative photo together,” he said. He described such study visits as an important platform in nurturing interest and understanding among young people about the nation’s democratic system. According to him, early exposure of this kind could help produce future leaders who will continue the excellence of Muar, Johor, and Malaysia as a whole. “God willing, from visits like these, young people will emerge who will lead, serve, and continue the nation’s excellence in the future,” he added. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Hamidi Meets Muar Students at Parliament, Praises Youth Enthusiasm

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 1 — Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi expressed his delight after having the opportunity to meet a group of students from Sekolah Tinggi Muar who were on .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 1 — The government has announced enhanced service accessibility for BUDI MADANI-related matters, with counters operated by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia and the Road Transport Department extending their weekend operating hours. The move aims to ensure citizens can complete applications and transactions more smoothly, particularly those related to vehicle fuel subsidy assistance and ownership matters under the BUDI MADANI initiative. Under the expanded services, the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (LHDN) will assist eligible applicants, including pickup truck and jeep owners, in applying for additional fuel allocations of up to 100 litres. Meanwhile, the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ), including state offices and UTC branches, will facilitate key services such as vehicle ownership transfers, road tax renewals, and other related transactions. The initiative is part of efforts to improve public service efficiency and ensure wider access to government assistance programmes. More information can be found at the official portal: BUDI MADANI portal. -- MINUTESMY

LHDN and JPJ Extend Weekend Operating Hours to Ease BUDI MADANI Applications

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 1 — The government has announced enhanced service accessibility for BUDI MADANI-related matters, with counters operated by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia and the Road Transport .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has announced the permanent closure of the Royal Thai Embassy traffic light junction at Lorong Ampang 2, Jalan Ampang, effective today as part of a major road upgrading project. The closure is implemented under the Jalan Ampang upgrading works, which stretch from the Jalan Tun Razak junction to the MRR2 corridor. The project aims to improve traffic efficiency, enhance road safety, and ensure smoother traffic flow along one of the city’s key routes. According to DBKL, the 3.2-kilometre upgrade includes the development of improved road infrastructure such as road dividers, upgraded carriageways, safer pedestrian walkways, and enhanced street lighting systems. The closure of the traffic light junction is expected to reduce vehicle conflict points, minimise congestion caused by traffic weaving, and improve overall traffic movement along Jalan Ampang. As an alternative route, motorists travelling from Jalan Tun Razak towards Ampang are advised to make a U-turn at Jalan Ampang Hilir, while those heading towards the city centre should also utilise designated U-turn points. DBKL has advised road users to plan their journeys ahead and comply with all traffic signage and directions throughout the construction period. -- MINUTESMY

Permanant Closure Of Royal Thai Embassy Traffic Light Junction On Jalan Apang Starting 1 July

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has announced the permanent closure of the Royal Thai Embassy traffic light junction at Lorong Ampang 2, Jalan Ampang, effective .... read more

handle individual private Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM) and Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM) renewal transactions starting today. State RTD director Zulkarnain Yasin said the initiative allows customers who want to renew both documents to take only one queue number and get services at the same counter. "In addition, customers can also save time and thus further streamline LKM and LMM renewal transactions," he said in a statement today. Commenting further, Zulkarnain said that the transactions at the multi-counters are not limited by division and customers can be coordinated across all service counters. He said any complaints can be made directly or in real time using the MyJPJ application: e-Aduan@JPJ or email aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my along with complete details of the complaint. -- BERNAMA 

Johor RTD Introduces Four Multi-counters To Facilitate Renewal Of LKM And LMM

JOHOR BAHRU, July 1 — The Johor Road Transport Department (RTD) has set up four multi-counters at its headquarters in Taman Daya here to handle individual private Motor Vehicle Licence .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 -- Proposed amendments to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) Act 1999 and the gap between the inflation rate and the cost of living are among the key focus in the Dewan Rakyat today.  According to the Order Paper on Parliament’s official website, during the question-and-answer session, Teresa Kok Suh Sim (PH-Seputeh) will ask the Prime Minister whether the government plans to amend the SUHAKAM Act to allow the commission to generate additional income through training programmes and courses, so that it will no longer be fully dependent on government allocations.  Another key question comes from Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok) to the Economy Minister regarding the government’s assessment of the gap between the official inflation rate and rising living costs, as well as the indicators used to ensure economic growth translates into improved household purchasing power.  During the same session, V. Ganabatirau (PH-Klang) will ask the Prime Minister on the status of the review of land transfers or changes in land use involving flood retention ponds, particularly in Kuala Lumpur.  Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu) will ask the Higher Education Minister to state the ratio of students in higher education institutions in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields compared to non-STEM fields, as well as the target number of engineers in various disciplines to meet the demands of high-technology industries.  Also scheduled is the tabling of the Cybercrime Bill 2026 for second reading by a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.  The Second Meeting of the Dewan Rakyat for the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament convenes for 16 days until July 16.  -- BERNAMA  

SUHAKAM Act Amendment, Inflation-cost Of Living Gap Among Key Focus In Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Proposed amendments to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) Act 1999 and the gap between the inflation rate and the cost of living are .... read more

Public Service Department

PSD Opens Second Phase PBU Academic Loan Application Until Aug 31

PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — The Public Service Department (PSD) has opened applications for the Second Phase of the Academic Merit-Based Convertible Loan Option (PBU Academic), effective today until Aug 31. .... read more