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KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- The government and Tabung Haji (TH) will consider increasing financial assistance for prospective pilgrims from the B40 income group if the cost of performing the haj continues to rise, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli said TH had continued to provide targeted financial assistance to B40 pilgrims this year despite rising haj costs. She said the actual cost of performing the haj this year stood at RM33,300 per pilgrim, but those in the B40 category were required to pay only RM15,000, with the remaining RM18,300 covered through TH's financial assistance scheme. “The assistance is funded through TH's investment returns generated from depositors' savings. Therefore, it must be provided prudently and on a targeted basis, taking into account the needs of prospective pilgrims as well as the interests of depositors as a whole. “However, TH will study the proposal to increase financial assistance for B40 pilgrims for future haj seasons,” she said in reply to Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat) on whether the government and TH were prepared to increase assistance for B40 pilgrims amid rising haj costs. Marhamah also said TH was reviewing improvements to its haj queue management system to make it more systematic and equitable, particularly for depositors who had planned ahead, saved consistently and accumulated sufficient funds. She said the move could reduce the need for repeated replacement offers when selected pilgrims defer their pilgrimage due to financial constraints. “The main challenge is that haj registrations now exceed four million people, while Malaysia's annual haj quota remains at around 31,600 pilgrims. As a result, newly registered applicants face very long waiting periods. “The government and TH remain committed to improving the quality of haj services, welfare and safety, with the aspiration of positioning Malaysia as a global leader in haj management and services,” she added. -- BERNAMA  

TH To Consider Increasing Financial Aid For B40 Pilgrims Amid Rising Haj Costs – Marhamah

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — The government and Tabung Haji (TH) will consider increasing financial assistance for prospective pilgrims from the B40 income group if the cost of performing the .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22  -- The ‘New Bar Course’ (NBC) will be introduced to replace the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) examination under a new approach that places greater emphasis on practical training and professional skills. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), M. Kulasegaran, said the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB) had completed its review of the Common Bar Course (CBC) curriculum on March 31 through a dedicated committee. He said the committee had proposed that the CBC be renamed the New Bar Course and be applied to individuals who are not qualified persons under the Legal Profession Act 1976, whether they obtained their law degrees locally or abroad. “Under the NBC, which will replace the CLP examination, the LPQB will introduce two programmes known as the Conversion Course and the Legal Practice Postgraduate Certificate (LPPC),” he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) on the latest status of the NBC and the articled clerkship pathway review undertaken by the LPQB. Kulasegaran said the Conversion Course would be a three-month online programme for overseas graduates requiring a structured introduction to Malaysia's legal system, including core substantive laws. He said the course would be conducted through a Learning Management System (LMS) developed by the LPQB and assessed through Computer-Based Assessment (CBA). Meanwhile, the LPPC would be a six-month vocational programme for both local and overseas graduates, focusing on legal practice before they undergo pupillage. “The LPPC is conceived as a new approach that places greater emphasis on practical skills development than the CLP examination, with a more relevant assessment method,” he said. Meanwhile, he said the LPQB had established an NBC Task Force on April 27 to undertake a study titled "A Study to Develop the Operational Framework for the New Bar Course (Conversion Course and Legal Practice Postgraduate Certificate): From Policy to Practice". Kulasegaran said the study is aimed at developing the operational framework for the NBC and ensuring the smooth implementation of the proposed course. He said the task force comprises experts from public universities, private higher education institutions and members of the Malaysian Bar, with the 12-month study running from May 1 this year until April 30, 2027. On the articled clerkship pathway, Kulasegaran said the LPQB had also established a special committee to undertake a Strategic Review and Enhancement of the Articled Clerk Pathway, with the nine-month study scheduled to run from March 1 to Nov 30, 2026. -- BERNAMA 

New Bar Course to Replace CLP Examination, Emphasis On practical Skills – Kulasegaran

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — The ‘New Bar Course’ (NBC) will be introduced to replace the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) examination under a new approach that places greater emphasis .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has confirmed that Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin resumed his role as Opposition Leader on June 18. Based on developments since the previous First Meeting of the Dewan Rakyat and notifications that had been considered, Johari said Hamzah was the Opposition Leader as of May 20, 2026. He said Kemaman MP Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar was subsequently appointed to the post from May 21 to June 10, before Hamzah returned as Opposition Leader on June 18. “I would like to express my appreciation to the Honourable Member for Kemaman for his service as Opposition Leader during that period and welcome the Honourable Member for Larut back to serve as Opposition Leader,” he said. Johari announced the status of the Opposition Leader under Standing Order 4A(3) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders in his opening remarks before today’s Oral Question Time. In a separate development, Johari also confirmed the casual vacancies in the Pandan and Setiawangsa parliamentary seats after their incumbents, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, submitted letters relinquishing their memberships as Members of Parliament on May 18. Johari said he had notified the Election Commission of the vacancies in both seats in accordance with Article 54(1) of the Federal Constitution. -- BERNAMA  

Speaker Confirms Hamzah’s Return As Opposition Leader

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has confirmed that Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin resumed his role as Opposition Leader on June 18. .... read more

SHAH ALAM, June 22 -- Two rooms at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Parit Serong in Tanjung Karang, near Kuala Selangor, were damaged in a fire shortly after midnight today, but no casualties were reported. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar said the department received an emergency call at 12.50 am, and a team from the Tanjung Karang station arrived at the scene at 1.01 am. He said the operation was also assisted by personnel from the Kuala Selangor and Sungai Besar stations, involving a total of 13 personnel and three fire engines. "The fire involved an administration office and the resource unit room measuring 18.3 by 7.6 metres. It was brought under control at 1.13 am," he said in a statement. The cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained, he said. -- BERNAMA

Two Rooms At SK Parit Serong Damaged In Fire

SHAH ALAM, June 22 — Two rooms at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Parit Serong in Tanjung Karang, near Kuala Selangor, were damaged in a fire shortly after midnight today, but no .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 has achieved all its key performance indicators (KPIs), with impact studies showing positive improvements across six core elements of human capital development among participants, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said trainees were required to attain at least 80 per cent achievement in six key areas: patriotism, unity, discipline and self-transformation, mental resilience and preparedness, military knowledge, and volunteerism. He said the KPI assessment was conducted through surveys and impact studies before and after training, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM). “Overall, the objectives and KPIs set for all PLKN 3.0 training series have been achieved, with all indicators showing positive improvement based on findings from the second series this year. “Military knowledge recorded the most significant increase, rising from 56 per cent before training to 84 per cent after training, while volunteerism increased from 75 per cent to 83 per cent,” he said in reply to a question from Sekijang MP Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Adly said patriotism levels rose from 82 per cent to 88.98 per cent after training, while unity scores increased by nine per cent. Discipline and self-transformation improved from 77.36 per cent to 92.6 per cent, and mental resilience rose from 71 per cent to 83 per cent. Although PLKN is not an employment programme, he said former participants would receive added value after five public sector appointing authorities agreed to award additional merit points to eligible trainees during recruitment and interview processes. On access for B40 and rural youths, Adly said PLKN 3.0 was designed to involve young people from all backgrounds, including through the integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) elements into its training modules. He said a total of 3,404 trainees had participated in PLKN 3.0 so far, comprising 1,202 last year and 2,202 in the second series this year. The ministry is targeting 4,200 trainees by year-end through its three existing camps, while preparations are underway for nine additional camps that are expected to increase capacity to 9,200 trainees next year. He added that health issues and continuing studies were among the main reasons cited by individuals who failed to report after being selected for training. -- BERNAMA

Impact Study Shows PLKN 3.0 Delivers Positive Outcomes – Adly

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 has achieved all its key performance indicators (KPIs), with impact studies showing positive improvements across six core elements .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his condolences following the passing of former Timor-Leste President Francisco Guterres, describing him as a respected leader who played a pivotal role in his nation's struggle for independence and democratic development. In a statement, Anwar said Malaysia joins the people of Timor-Leste in mourning the loss of a statesman whose life was dedicated to the freedom and progress of his country. “On behalf of Malaysia, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Timor-Leste,” Anwar said. Francisco Guterres, widely known by his resistance name “Lú-Olo”, was among the generation of leaders who helped secure Timor-Leste’s independence. He spent years in the resistance movement before going on to serve as President of the National Parliament and later as the country's Head of State. Anwar noted that throughout his public service, Guterres remained steadfast in his commitment to the freedom of the Timorese people and the building of a democratic nation. “Malaysia mourns his passing alongside the people of Timor-Leste. He will be remembered here with respect and affection,” he said. Guterres’ contributions to Timor-Leste’s independence and nation-building have left a lasting legacy, earning him admiration both at home and abroad.  -- MINUTESMY  -- SOURCE : FB ANWAR IBRAHIM 

PM Anwar Conveys Condolences Over Francisco Guterres’ Passing

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his condolences following the passing of former Timor-Leste President Francisco Guterres, describing him as a respected leader .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- The economic impact of trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and measures to improve the haj management system next year are among the key issues to be discussed on the opening day of the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament today. According to the Order Paper on Parliament’s official website, Datuk Dr Richard Rapu @ Aman anak Begri (GPS-Betong) is scheduled to ask the Economy Minister about the latest assessment of the impact of trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on local industries, especially operating costs, and the national inflation rate for the second quarter of 2026 during the questions for oral answers session. He will also ask about the contingency strategies under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to ensure the Gross Domestic Product growth target remains sustainable in the event of a prolonged global economic recession. Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat) will pose a question to the Prime Minister on measures to strengthen the haj management system in 2027, particularly with regard to costs, the waiting period, and pilgrims’ welfare and health protection. Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang) will ask the Digital Minister whether the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Bill currently being drafted will explicitly address the misuse of AI, including the creation of deepfake child sexual exploitation material, identity spoofing and the dissemination of explicit content without consent. Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) will seek clarification from the Agriculture and Food Security Minister on the short-, medium- and long-term intervention measures that have been and will be implemented by the government to address the impact of the Middle East conflict on national food security. Also on the agenda is the tabling of the Cybercrime Bill 2026 and the Road Transport Act (Amendment) Bill 1987. The Dewan Rakyat is scheduled to sit for 16 days, until July 16. --BERNAMA

Economic Impact Of Strait Of Hormuz Disruptions Among Parliament Highlights Today

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — The economic impact of trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and measures to improve the haj management system next year are among the key .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today welcomed Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two nations. Speaking in Putrajaya, Anwar expressed appreciation for Tarique's decision to choose Malaysia as his first official bilateral destination abroad since assuming office in February 2026. “The visit reflects the close friendship and longstanding trust between Malaysia and Bangladesh and is a meaningful honour for our country,” Anwar said. Upon arrival at the Perdana Putra Complex, Tarique and his delegation were accorded an official welcoming ceremony, including an inspection of a guard of honour comprising 105 personnel and three officers from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Major Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari. The visit underscores the strong and enduring relationship between Malaysia and Bangladesh, which have maintained close diplomatic and economic ties over the years. Anwar noted that the official visit is expected to further enhance bilateral relations and create new opportunities for collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, labour, education, and regional cooperation. The two leaders are expected to hold discussions on a range of issues aimed at deepening cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Tarique's visit marks an important milestone in Malaysia-Bangladesh relations and highlights the shared commitment of both governments to advancing mutual prosperity and regional stability. -- MINUTESMY

PM Anwar Welcomes Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Official Visit to Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today welcomed Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 -- Police arrested 349 individuals in 235 raids and inspections through Op Cantas Bersepadu at business premises, residences and construction project sites in Selangor. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director Datuk M. Kumar said that those arrested in the four-day operation starting last Thursday consisted of 280 men and 69 women aged between 20 and 83, including 85 foreigners. "Five of those arrested are on the list of wanted persons under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) while another 34 are wanted for violent crimes and property crimes," he said in a statement on Sunday. He said investigations were being conducted against the 349 individuals, covering various offences under the Penal Code, Immigration Act 1959/63, Secondhand Dealers Act 1946, Societies Act 1966 and Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Kumar said the operation, which was carried out with strategic cooperation from the Criminal Investigation Department, Special Branch, Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department and Bukit Aman Air Operations Force, the Malaysian Immigration Department and local authorities, focused on tracking and arresting individuals listed as wanted persons. He said the operation also aimed to track down identified organised crime groups, including crippling financial sources through enforcement actions against premises suspected of being a source of funding for the group's activities. Kumar said that in the same operation, two entertainment centres inspected were found to be operating without an entertainment licence, while 13 business premises were believed to be employing foreign workers without valid passes or permits. "Compound actions have been issued by local authorities against business owners who committed various license-related offenses," he said. The success of the operation, he said, proves the police's continued commitment in strengthening efforts to prevent and combat crime, especially involving organised criminal activities through the cooperation of various enforcement agencies. He also called on the public to continue to provide information regarding criminal activities to help strengthen prevention and suppression efforts for the well-being of society. -- BERNAMA

Integrated Op Cantas: 349 individuals including wanted persons arrested in Selangor

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 — Police arrested 349 individuals in 235 raids and inspections through Op Cantas Bersepadu at business premises, residences and construction project sites in Selangor. Bukit Aman .... read more

KUCHING, June 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to Sarawak’s development and praised the state’s role as a future energy powerhouse during a Gawai Dayak celebration dinner attended by leaders and communities from diverse backgrounds in Kuching on Sunday night. The event was also attended by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. Anwar said that since assuming office, he has made it a priority to attend both the Gawai Dayak and Kaamatan celebrations annually, describing them as important symbols of Malaysia’s unity in diversity. He noted that Gawai Dayak embodies Sarawak’s spirit of harmony and inclusiveness, highlighting the state's “Segulai Sejalai” philosophy as a foundation for strengthening understanding, friendship and cooperation among people of different races and cultures. The Prime Minister also highlighted the progress achieved under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), saying the MADANI Government has successfully implemented several long-standing matters that had previously remained unresolved. While acknowledging that some issues still require careful negotiations and detailed consideration, Anwar said the strong relationship built on trust, friendship and mutual understanding between the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government has enabled significant progress to be made. Among the key achievements, he cited the transfer of the Bintulu Port to the Sarawak Government as an important step reflecting confidence in the state's ability to manage its own strategic assets. “I believe that when a state is governed effectively, led by capable leaders who understand the principles of good governance, the benefits will be visible and felt by the people,” he said. Anwar also reiterated Sarawak’s growing importance in the global energy sector, revealing that he has consistently highlighted the state’s vast potential during meetings with world leaders and major industry players, including during his recent visits to Russia, Turkmenistan and Japan. He said Sarawak possesses significant advantages and has the potential to emerge as one of the leading energy hubs in the region. On the ongoing relationship between national oil company PETRONAS and Sarawak-owned PETROS, Anwar said he and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg agreed that all remaining issues should be resolved fairly and equitably through a spirit of teamwork and cooperation. He stressed that close collaboration between both companies is crucial to enhancing the prosperity and standing of both Sarawak and Malaysia. “It can be done, it has been done, and it must be done,” Anwar said. The Prime Minister further assured Sarawakians that the Federal Government would continue contributing to the state's development agenda. “We are one team. We work together and we achieve success together,” he said, expressing hope that ongoing efforts would help Malaysia, including Sarawak, continue to grow as a peaceful, just and prosperous nation that benefits all its people. Anwar concluded by extending Gawai Dayak greetings to the people of Sarawak, wishing them prosperity, happiness and harmony as they celebrate the harvest festival. -- MINUTESMY

PM Anwar Reaffirms Commitment to Sarawak Development at Gawai Dayak Celebration

KUCHING, June 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to Sarawak’s development and praised the state’s role as a future energy powerhouse during a .... read more

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