Category :

Malaysia News

PASIR PUTEH, June 18 -- Kelantan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle 24 boxes of uncustomed white cigarettes worth an estimated RM212,000 in an operation around the Kelantan River estuary on June 13. Its director, Maritime Captain Kamal Mohamad said the success stemmed from intelligence received on a suspicious speedboat operating in the Kelantan River estuary area at about 9 pm. He said MMEA assets deployed under Op Naga 1/2024, Op Damai Series 33/2026, Op Pelantar Merah 3/2023 and Op Tiris 4.0 were mobilised to the location at 9.10 pm to conduct surveillance and search operations. bootstrap slideshow “During inspections along the Kelantan River, the operation team detected a boat travelling without navigation lights under suspicious circumstances. However, the boat fled through a narrow route or ‘rat trail’ to avoid being detained,” he told a press conference here today. Despite losing sight of the boat, he said the operation team continued combing the area and found a pile of brown boxes believed to contain uncustomed cigarettes on the bank of the Kelantan River near Kampung Penambang, Kota Bharu. Following the discovery, the team inspected a nearby wooden jetty belonging to a villager and the surrounding area within a 20-metre radius of the riverbank. Kamal said further inspections uncovered three multi-purpose vehicles abandoned at the location and believed to have been used to transport the smuggled cigarettes. “Checks on the vehicles found 24 boxes of white cigarettes suspected to be uncustomed. The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM212,000,” he said. He said the case is being investigated under Section 135(e) of the Customs Act 1967 for transporting or transferring dutiable goods, non-customs-cleared goods or prohibited items without authorisation. To curb smuggling activities, he urged the public to channel information on suspicious activities in waters and coastal areas through the 999 emergency line or the Kelantan MMEA Headquarters Operations Centre at 09-778007. -- BERNAMA

Cigarettes Worth Over RM200,000 Seized, Smugglers Flee Through Rat Trail

PASIR PUTEH, June 18 — Kelantan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle 24 boxes of uncustomed white cigarettes worth an estimated RM212,000 in an operation around .... read more

PORT KLANG, June 18 -- The Selangor State Government is finalising the settlement of the land issue as the initial phase of the development of the Port Klang Third Terminal on Carey Island, here. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the process is being studied by the Transport Ministry and the Selangor government together with the private sector involving a concession model. “So right now we are dealing with the Selangor State Government to first resolve the land issue. “(The construction of this third port) will involve the Build-Operate-Transfer model. We do have a target if possible to start (construction) of the project this year but what is important now is that the land issue needs to be resolved,” he said. He said this after the Pre-Launch Ceremony of Wisma Golden Horse, Q Centre @ PKFZ (Port Klang Free Zone) Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ), the opening of the Suntek Materials Sdn Bhd Factory and the Golden Horse Rubber Factory Phase 2 involving a cumulative new investment value of RM566 million and the launch of PKFZ: Smart Intelligence Industrial Park in PKFZ, Pulau Indah today. On May 11, Loke was reported to have said that the government had approved the development project of the Third Terminal of Port Klang on Carey Island in Selangor. The Third Terminal of Port Klang on Carey Island is a strategic project that is important to strengthen Malaysia's economic capabilities and position in the port and logistics sectors. Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had instructed all relevant agencies to move quickly in realising the development of the Third Terminal of Port Klang on Carey Island. On Sept 17 2025, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari reportedly said that the state government has identified 1,699.68 hectares (4,200 acres) of land to be developed as a third port at Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat covering 1,011.71 hectares (2,500 acres) of seabed land under the management of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) and 687.96 hectares (1,700 acres) of coastal land owned by Yayasan Selangor. Meanwhile, commenting on employment opportunities for military retirees to meet the need for skilled manpower, Loke informed that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between PKFZ and the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen's Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) two weeks ago. Loke said the MoU was also witnessed by him and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the government's efforts to meet the demands of the industry and the market for the provision of skilled manpower. On March 16, Loke reportedly said that the government would implement a special programme for retirees and military veterans to obtain a class E license to drive heavy vehicles which is an effort to address the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers in the haulage and logistics industry. -- BERNAMA

Selangor Studies Land Issue On Third Terminal In Port Klang

PORT KLANG, June 18 — The Selangor State Government is finalising the settlement of the land issue as the initial phase of the development of the Port Klang Third Terminal .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, JUNE 18 -- The Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) will strengthen efforts to reach out to young people in line with the directive of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, who wants religious leaders to play an active role in addressing the threat of extremism and false information in the digital age. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan said his party upholds the edict and will use it as a guide in the implementation of related programs and initiatives. "At the level of the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), we will uphold and respond to the messages and calls of the Sultan of Perak as best we can. God willing, we will mainstream the messages and warnings conveyed," he said. Zulkifli said this to reporters after officiating the National and International Ma'al Hijrah 1448/2026 Prime Lecture here today. Last Friday, Sultan Nazrin said religious leaders need to play a more active role in reaching out to young people to address the threats of extremism, false information and polarization that are increasingly prevalent in the digital age. His Majesty said that youth are currently facing various challenges including concerns about climate change, conflict, economic uncertainty, digital polarisation and declining trust in social institutions. -- BERNAMA

Efforts to reach out to young people strengthened in line with Sultan Nazrin’s edict – Zulkifli

PUTRAJAYA, JUNE 18 — The Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) will strengthen efforts to reach out to young people in line with the directive of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan .... read more

"There is no time limit set for the investigation process. We do not need to rush and we are not chasing time. We (MACC) want to complete the investigation based on the cooperation we receive from SOCSO, not only at the headquarters but in the states. "So what that means is that when we get good cooperation and when the investigation is completed, we will begin prosecution," he said at a special press conference here today. He said Ops Daya, which was launched on June 9, was an integrated operation between MACC and SOCSO to investigate irregularities in Daya Kerjaya 2.0 incentive claims. Abdul Halim said 63 investigation papers had been opened, with 97 individuals comprising 86 company owners and 11 agents arrested as of last Tuesday to assist in the investigation. According to him, of the total, 77 individuals were remanded and his party recorded statements from 577 individuals. "A total of 36 company bank accounts worth RM463,076 were frozen and movable property such as gold, cash and various valuables estimated at RM74,198 were seized in the operation," he said. Abdul Halim said the modus operandi identified was that individual data was misused for incentive claims, one-off consolation prizes were given to employees even though full claims had been made, and information about people with disabilities (OKU) was used for payments to other parties. He said the investigation found that the irregularities occurred between 2024 and 2025 when several companies were believed to have submitted false claims by declaring employees who were not working at their companies for the purpose of obtaining government employment incentives. SOCSO Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said that as of yesterday, his office had managed to recover RM1.26 million from employers who admitted to committing fraud in the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 Programme application. On June 9, MACC arrested 73 individuals, consisting of 48 men and 25 women aged between 20 and 70, who acted as agents and company owners throughout the country, except Perlis, on suspicion of being involved in a syndicate forging Daya Kerjaya 2.0 incentive claims involving a value of approximately RM9 million. Initial investigations found that all the suspects were suspected of committing the act between 2024 and 2025, by making false claims involving government employment assistance of RM1,500 per month for six months for each worker employed by private sector employers and government-linked companies (GLCs). -- BERNAMA

Ops Daya: 1,638 more companies detected involved in submitting false claims – MACC

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detected another 1,638 companies suspected of being involved in submitting false claims to obtain incentives under the Social Security Organisation’s (SOCSO) Daya Kerjaya .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 18 -- The High Court today set August 13 to hear the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) application to prevent Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid from managing offshore assets in Jersey, a British Crown territory. The MACC, as the public prosecutor, filed an application to prevent Tun Daim Zainuddin's widow or any party related to her from managing offshore assets totaling US$157.5 million (approximately RM667 million) and 85 million pounds (approximately RM4.9 billion) located in the region. Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin set the date during the case management proceedings attended by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat and lawyer Muhammad Nizamuddin Abdul Hamid, representing Na'imah. Na'imah was excused from attending today's proceedings. On June 25 last year, MACC filed the application claiming that the assets were acquired by Na'imah or individuals related to her in Malaysia and were not declared to the Inland Revenue Board. The application was filed under Section 53 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001) following an investigation under Section 113 of the Income Tax Act and Section 4(1) of the AMLATFPUAA. This is the third application filed by the prosecution after two previous applications involving assets in the United Kingdom and Singapore. On June 19, 2025, MACC filed an application to prevent Na'imah, her son Muhammed Amir Zainuddin, two individuals, five companies or any parties related to them from managing assets outside Malaysia, namely GBP21 million (approximately RM121 million) and USD99 million (approximately RM423 million) of investment money in Singapore. The High Court here on May 22, 2026 rejected the prosecution's application to obtain a restraining order against the investment money. Meanwhile, for the case involving The Ilham Foundation, the court has set June 30 for a decision on Na'imah's application to cancel the MACC's application to freeze several commercial and residential buildings in London, United Kingdom (UK) worth GBP132 million. On May 22, 2025, Tan Sri Azam Baki, who was then the Chief Commissioner of MACC, revealed that eight investigation papers had been opened based on new information from foreign agencies regarding assets belonging to Daim, his family and proxies. Azam said the latest information showed that the assets involved were not declared during the MACC investigation in 2023. -- BERNAMA

MACC application to stop Na’imah from managing assets in Jersey to be heard on August 13

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 18 — The High Court today set August 13 to hear the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) application to prevent Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid from managing offshore .... read more

SUBANG, JUNE 18 -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) plans to replace its existing C-130 Hercules transport aircraft in line with increasing operational needs and the aging of the asset. Air Force Chief General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said the planning was given special attention given that the earliest C-130 Hercules aircraft received by the RMAF is now 50 years old, while the youngest aircraft is 31 years old. Beliau berkata faktor peningkatan kos penyelenggaraan pesawat lama dan kelebihan teknologi serta kapasiti beban pada pesawat generasi baharu menjadikan penggantian C-130 satu keperluan, walaupun keupayaan model sedia ada itu telah terbukti. "Tugas TUDM akan menjadi lebih besar dan lebih mencabar, justeru kita memerlukan aset yang berkeupayaan untuk melaksanakan tugas tersebut,” katanya kepada pemberita ketika Perbarisan Hari Ulang Tahun Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia Ke-68, di sini, hari ini. TUDM ketika ini memiliki 10 pesawat C-130 Hercules yang terdiri daripada beberapa varian. Muhamad Norazlan berkata TUDM sedang menjalankan kajian bagi penggantian pesawat tempur pelbagai peranan dan penambahan pesawat tempur ringan (LCA) menjelang 2035 kerana aset sedia ada sekarang ini dijangka berdepan isu keusangan dan sokongan penyelenggaraan pada masa tersebut. Selain itu, katanya, TUDM belum membuat ketetapan sama ada pesawat generasi 4.5, kelima atau keenam yang akan dipilih kerana perolehan aset baharu perlu mengambil kira Dasar Pertahanan Negara yang bersifat defensif. Sementara itu, Muhamad Norazlan memaklumkan kesiapsiagaan TUDM bagi menerima pesawat tempur ringan FA-50 kini berada pada tahap 90 peratus dengan kemudahan infrastruktur di Pangkalan Udara Kuantan dijangka siap sepenuhnya menjelang Oktober ini. Katanya, enam juruterbang TUDM kini sedang mengikuti latihan penerbangan pesawat FA-50 di Gwangju Airbase, Korea Selatan bersama kumpulan sokongan teknikal dengan dua daripada mereka dijadualkan tamat latihan pada Oktober manakala baki empat lagi pada Disember ini. “Apabila mereka balik, sudah boleh mula terbang, kita hanya perlu menubuhkan skuadron dan menyediakan prosedur operasi standard (SOP) mengikut keperluan TUDM," katanya. Muhamad Norazlan berkata kehadiran FA-50 akan membolehkan TUDM melatih lebih ramai juruterbang secara tempatan sebelum mereka beralih kepada pesawat yang lebih canggih. Kementerian Pertahanan memeterai kontrak dengan Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) pada 2023 bagi pemerolehan 18 buah pesawat FA-50 dengan dua pesawat pertama dijangka diterima oleh pada Oktober ini, manakala selebihnya secara berperingkat. -- BERNAMA

RMAF plans to replace C-130 aircraft in line with operational needs

SUBANG, JUNE 18 — The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) plans to replace its existing C-130 Hercules transport aircraft in line with increasing operational needs and the aging of the .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 – Malaysia and Russia have agreed to explore stronger strategic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, following discussions between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, both leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including opportunities to enhance collaboration in the energy industry, which is considered a strategic area for both nations. The leaders also exchanged views on expanding economic ties and welcomed Russia’s commitment to long-term cooperation in ensuring stable energy and oil supplies. Beyond energy, Malaysia and Russia explored potential partnerships in emerging technologies, cybersecurity, digital development, artificial intelligence (AI), modern agriculture, and the pharmaceutical sector. The discussions further covered initiatives to facilitate the movement of people through visa liberalisation, as well as mechanisms to expand bilateral trade and investment using local currencies, namely the Malaysian Ringgit and Russian Ruble. The MADANI Government reaffirmed its commitment to taking strategic and proactive measures to strengthen Malaysia’s energy security through international cooperation, ensuring the stability, continuity, and resilience of energy supplies for the benefit of the people and the nation’s economic prosperity. -- MINUTESMY -- Source: Parti Keadilan Rakyat 

Malaysia, Russia Explore Strategic Cooperation to Strengthen Long-Term Energy and Oil Supply

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 – Malaysia and Russia have agreed to explore stronger strategic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, following discussions between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and .... read more

GEORGE TOWN, JUNE 18 -- The organisation of the National Journalists' Day Summit (HAWANA) 2026 in Penang will catalyse the state's tourism sector and creative economy through large-scale media exposure that can strengthen the Penang brand at the regional level. The state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, Wong Hon Wai, said that the selection of Penang as the host of HAWANA for the first time was a recognition of the state's ability as the country's main tourism destination and a location for organising international-class events. He said the prestigious event, which brought together more than 1,000 media practitioners and delegates from Malaysia and ASEAN countries, opened up a wide opportunity to introduce the uniqueness of Penang's cultural heritage, gastronomic diversity, tourism products and the strength of the creative economy sector. "Through the presence of media from across the country and the ASEAN region, Penang will receive extensive and high-value exposure, thus strengthening its position as one of the major tourist destinations in Malaysia. "This is also expected to have a direct and indirect economic impact on the state because the presence of thousands of visitors and media personnel will increase demand for hotel services, food and beverage, transportation, shopping centres and local tourist attractions," he told Bernama, today. Commenting on the state's level of preparedness as the host, Wong said that initial feedback from tourism industry players saw hotel room booking rates showing an encouraging increase in conjunction with HAWANA 2026. He said that Seberang Perai, which was chosen as the main location for the program, has sufficient accommodation capacity to accommodate participants and visitors throughout the three-day event from June 19 to 21. Meanwhile, he described the media as an important strategic partner in efforts to promote tourist destinations and strengthen the development of a state's creative economy. Wong said the media helps introduce destinations, promote tourism products and build visitor confidence through the delivery of accurate and effective information. "For the creative economy sector, the media helps highlight local talent, artwork, cultural events and creative initiatives that can increase the economic value and identity of a state. "Therefore, the state government appreciates the contribution of the media as a development partner that helps drive the growth of tourism, the creative economy and the positive image of Penang at the national and international levels," he said. Wong is confident that organizing HAWANA 2026 will leave a positive impact not only on the media industry, but also on the entire tourism ecosystem and creative economy of Penang. The HAWANA 2026 Summit, which will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 20 at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena, is expected to be attended by approximately 1,000 media practitioners from home and abroad. Taking up the theme "Media with Integrity, Core Credibility", HAWANA 2026, organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, is a platform to celebrate the contributions, perseverance and professionalism of media practitioners in this country. In conjunction with HAWANA 2026, the RIUH Pi HAWANA Carnival will also be held at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena which will last for three days starting tomorrow. The carnival is expected to attract approximately 30,000 visitors and bring together more than 24 local creative product brands and 20 food and beverage vendors, in addition to interactive workshops that give the public the opportunity to explore various creative activities. Apart from that, visitors will also be entertained by 16 stage performances featuring local artists such as Exists, Bunkface, Masdo, Sakura Band, Budak Nakal Hujung Simpang and Chelsea Ng with free admission. -- BERNAMA

HAWANA 2026 will be a catalyst for Penang’s tourism and creative economy – Exco

GEORGE TOWN, JUNE 18 — The organisation of the National Journalists’ Day Summit (HAWANA) 2026 in Penang will catalyse the state’s tourism sector and creative economy through large-scale media exposure .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 18 -- Malaysia supports Turkey's aspirations to become an ASEAN Dialogue Partner. In a statement, the Malaysian Embassy in Ankara announced that the matter was conveyed by the Malaysian Ambassador to Turkey, Adlan Mohd Shaffieq, when he officially presented his Letters of Credence to the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Complex on June 17. The Ambassador stressed that Turkey is emerging as an increasingly important partner for Southeast Asia through its growing economic involvement, strategic outlook and increasingly strong people-to-people ties with ASEAN member countries. He also conveyed greetings and congratulations from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Erdogan. The Ambassador also stressed Malaysia's commitment to continue strengthening the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership with Turkey, which continues to grow through regular high-level engagements and closer cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, defence and the halal industry. "Malaysia and Turkey share a special relationship built on trust, respect and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity and development. "Based on the strong personal relationship between President Erdogan and Prime Minister Anwar, we should leverage their shared vision to deepen cooperation in all sectors," he said. Erdogan, when welcoming the Ambassador, also expressed confidence that trade relations between the two countries would continue to grow and reach the target of US$10 billion.

Malaysia supports Turkey’s aspiration to become ASEAN Dialogue Partner

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 18 — Malaysia supports Turkey’s aspirations to become an ASEAN Dialogue Partner. In a statement, the Malaysian Embassy in Ankara announced that the matter was conveyed by .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR: The Chief Executive Officer of Stadium Malaysia Corporation (PSM) was charged in the Sessions Court here today with seven counts of corruption totaling RM1.45 million in relation to the RM8.7 million tender to upgrade the Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre. Iliyas Jamil, 42, pleaded not guilty after all charges were read out before Judge Suzana Hussin. According to the first charge, Iliyas is accused of soliciting a bribe of RM1 million for himself from Yap Yeow Kuen, 60, at the Stadium Malaysia Corporation Office, Level 2, Kuala Lumpur Sports Center (KLSC) National Stadium, Sri Petaling here, on Feb 24. The money was in return for the accused agreeing to choose Yap's company, Aerolux Power Constructions Sdn Bhd, to win the tender for the Upgrading of Sports Courts & Facilities Project at the National Squash Centre, Kuala Lumpur Sports City Bukit Jalil here, worth RM8,733,197. The charge was brought under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 which is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same act, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. For the second to seventh charges, Iliyas is charged with receiving a cash bribe of RM450,000 from Yap as a reward for choosing Aerolux Power Constructions to win the project tender. The accused is charged with committing the offence at the PSM office and a restaurant in Sri Petaling, between Feb 25 and April 13, under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009 which is punishable under Section 24 (1) which provides for the same punishment. In today's proceedings, the prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Noralis Mat while the accused was represented by lawyer Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff. Earlier, Noralis offered bail of RM200,000 with one Malaysian surety taking into account the status of the accused and the seriousness of the offence. "Our side is also requesting additional conditions, namely that the accused's travel documents be submitted to the court, report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office once a month and not interfere with prosecution witnesses," he said. Mohd Yusmadi, on the other hand, applied for bail of between RM50,000 and RM80,000 as his client is still young and has a child who is still in school and is currently suspended from duty. Suzana allowed Iliyas to be bailed at RM100,000 with a Malaysian surety and allowed the additional conditions requested by the prosecution and not to interfere with the prosecution witnesses until the case is concluded. The court also set July 27 for mention of the case for the submission of documents. -- BERNAMA

CEO of Stadium Malaysia charged with corruption in Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre project

KUALA LUMPUR: The Chief Executive Officer of Stadium Malaysia Corporation (PSM) was charged in the Sessions Court here today with seven counts of corruption totaling RM1.45 million in relation to .... read more

Latest News

Gov’t Stability Rests on Dewan Rakyat Mandate, Not Sentiments – AMK

Mobile Police Station To Be Deployed Near Najib’s Residence Tomorrow – Sentul OCPD

Current Political Dynamics May Lead to Various Realignments – Fahmi

Fire Dept Launches SAR For Missing Hiker In Gua Musang

Join PDRM Fun Run 2026 At Dataran Merdeka This November