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KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Their 2027 Asian Cup qualification hopes may be over, but Harimau Malaya remain undeterred. Harimau Malaya chief executive officer Rob Friend said they will now head to Hanoi for the last Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers third round against Vietnam on March 31 with intent. “Our attention is fully focused on preparation for the upcoming match against Vietnam, where the team will compete with the same belief, resilience, and discipline that the team has displayed throughout 2025,” he said in a statement today. Malaysia were unbeaten across all eight competitive matches throughout last year including outplaying Vietnam 4-0 at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, here on June 10. Friend said they acknowledged the decision issued by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Disciplinary and Ethics Committee regarding the points deduction for Malaysia. “We respect the regulatory processes of the competition. At the same time, this matter is currently being reviewed through the appropriate legal channels. “Throughout this period, our priority remains clear to support our players and staff, and to ensure they are in the best possible position to represent Malaysia with professionalism, unity, and pride,” he said. The Canadian also took the opportunity to thank supporters for their continued belief in the team despite the heritage players controversy that rocked Malaysian football previously. On Tuesday, Malaysia were declared to have lost 3-0 to Nepal and Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying matches after the AFC ruled that Harimau Malaya had fielded ineligible players in those games. Following the penalty, Harimau Malaya have accumulated only nine points in the qualifiers and lost their spot in the 2027 Asian Cup. Before the decision, Malaysia led the group with 15 points, followed by Vietnam with 12, Laos with three, and Nepal without any points. Even if Malaysia defeat Vietnam in the final group match on March 31, it would still not be enough for the national squad to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup, as they would have only 12 points, while Vietnam would top the group with 15. Only the top team in the group qualifies for the Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia from Jan 7 to Feb 5. AFC had opened an investigation into Football Association of Malaysia over alleged document falsification involving seven heritage players, who had earlier been suspended by International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) in September over the same allegations. The seven players are Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel.

Harimau Malaya To Give Their Best In Match Against Vietnam.

KUALA LUMPUR — Their 2027 Asian Cup qualification hopes may be over, but Harimau Malaya remain undeterred. Harimau Malaya chief executive officer Rob Friend said they will now head to .... read more

Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) maintained their remarkable dominance in the Super League after thrashing PDRM FC 7-0 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium tonight. The Southern Tigers started aggressively as early as the fourth minute when Bergson Da Silva’s header from a cross by La’ Vere Corbin-Ong rattled the PDRM goal, guarded by goalkeeper Muhd Asri Muhamad, but it did not result in a goal. JDT’s dominance eventually paid off in the 14th minute when Yago Cesar finished off a pass from Manuel Hidalgo inside the penalty box to put the hosts ahead. The second goal came in the 20th minute through Ignacio Mendez, who unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box following a pass by Corbin-Ong. Four minutes later, in the 24th minute, Stuart Wilkin added a third with a fierce shot, giving JDT a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime. In the second half, JDT extended their lead in the 51st minute when Stuart Wilkin capitalised on a scramble inside the penalty area from a pass by Manuel Hidalgo. In the 71st minute, Jairo Da Silva nearly added to the tally, but his goal was disallowed following a VAR review that ruled him offside inside the penalty area. JDT’s fifth goal came in the 80th minute when Jairo Da Silva tapped in from a pass by Muhammad Nazmi Faiz Mansor, beating substitute goalkeeper Nor Hakeem Hamidun. A minute later, in the 81st minute, Jairo Da Silva struck again with a shot from outside the box, again assisted by Muhammad Nazmi Faiz Mansor, making it 6-0 for the hosts. In the 87th minute, Bergson Da Silva added the seventh goal after capitalising on a pass from Jairo Da Silva, sealing a resounding 7-0 victory for JDT. Despite several counter-attacks, PDRM FC were unable to break through JDT’s solid defence. The victory underscores JDT’s dominance in the Super League and adds to their remarkable record of 12 consecutive league titles since 2015.

Super League: JDT Thrash PDRM FC 7-0 To Extend Dominant Reign

ISKANDAR PUTERI — Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) maintained their remarkable dominance in the Super League after thrashing PDRM FC 7-0 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium tonight. The Southern Tigers started .... read more

Melaka FC Determined to Improve Super League Ranking – Elavarasan

MELAKA — Melaka FC Head Coach E.Elavarasan described the 2-1 victory over Kelantan The Real Warriors in the Super League match last night as three very important points to improve .... read more

Sivasangari ends 13-month drought, wins Australian Open

KUALA LUMPUR: National women’s squash player S. Sivasangari ended her 13-month championship drought in style when she defeated American player Marina Stefanoni to win the 2026 Australian Open title in .... read more

F1 cancels Bahrain GP, ​​Saudi Arabia following tensions in West Asia

ISTANBUL: Formula One (F1) confirmed early Sunday that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (GP) races will not take place in April due to rising tensions in the Middle .... read more

MotoGP postpones the Qatar Grand Prix to November 8 following the conflict in West Asia

KUALA LUMPUR — MotoGP confirmed on Sunday that the Qatar Grand Prix (GP), scheduled to take place this April, has been postponed to Nov 8 due to the geopolitical tensions .... read more

RM250 Milllion Allocated Under Sejati MADANI Grants For Youth Societies – Youth, Sports Minister

MELAKA — The government has expanded the Sejati MADANI grants this year to youth societies to develop entrepreneurial activities capable of generating income, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq .... read more

JDT Wins 12th Consecutive Super League Title

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (Bernama) — Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have won their 12th consecutive Super League title, as they continued to assert their dominance over the domestic football scene .... read more

Khai Xing-Aaron Crash Out In Last Eight Of Swiss Open

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) — It’s the end of the road for Malaysian shuttlers following men’s doubles pair Kang Khai Xing-Aaron Tai’s quarter-final exit in the Swiss Open Badminton .... read more

Awang Kadin Appointed Acting SAFA President Until Year-end

KOTA KINABALU — Sabah Football Association (SAFA) deputy president Datuk Awang Kadin Tang has been appointed acting president until the end of this year. SAFA secretary-general Shamsuddin Mohd Shah said .... read more

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PEKAN, JUNE 15 -- Five individuals, including a nurse, have been remanded for three to four days starting today to assist in the investigation into the sale and purchase of suspected invalid sick leave certificates (MC). The remand order against all the suspects, aged 33 to 55, was issued by Magistrate Melody Woon Sze Mun at the Magistrate's Court here to enable the police to conduct investigations under Section 420 and Section 468 of the Penal Code. Pekan District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin said all the suspects were arrested in an operation around Kampung Marhum and Kampung Kuala Pahang here, between 3pm and 10pm last night. Yesterday, Mohd Zaidi said initial investigations found that the MCs were believed to be sold at prices between RM50 and RM200 a piece. He said the activity was believed to be carried out in a planned manner with the involvement of individuals who acted as middlemen to find customers and manage the sale of fake sick leave certificates. -- BERNAMA

Nurse among five remanded for selling fake sick leave certificates

KOTA KINABALU: The new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sabah building on Jalan Sepanggar, here, which is currently 90 percent complete, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. MACC Chief Commissioner, Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the building will house all MACC staff who are currently in three separate offices. "We need to have our own building because it is a solid platform for us to act, carry out our duties as a truly independent and neutral identity," he said. He said this to Bernama and TV3 after visiting the Sabah MACC Office at the Federal Government Administration Complex Building, here yesterday. Also present was Sabah MACC Director, Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah. He said that by placing the commission's staff under one roof, communication between officers, controls and technical matters would be improved. Meanwhile, Abd Halim expressed his appreciation to the media for always providing the best coverage in every report involving the MACC. He said the media cooperation was in line with MACC's efforts to combat corruption in the country. However, Abd Halim at the same time reminded the media to maintain the sensitivity of the identity of third parties who are suspects in a case. "Avoid posting the suspects' appearances because they are just suspects, not yet accused," he said. He said media practitioners also need to be responsible for the accuracy of reports by obtaining authentic information from legitimate sources. He said this was to avoid any negative perceptions and to avoid publishing provocative or speculative news. "Ensure the authenticity and authenticity of the news, don't make it a delusion for some parties and a source of speculation," he said. -- BERNAMA

Sabah MACC’s new building expected to be completed by the end of this year

As international travel continues to recover, many Malaysians are turning their attention closer to home and discovering that some of the country's most memorable experiences can be found within its own borders. From pristine islands and ancient rainforests to heritage towns rich with culture, Malaysia offers a diverse range of destinations that cater to every type of traveller. Increasingly, local tourists are seeking authentic experiences, choosing nature retreats, eco-tourism adventures and cultural explorations over crowded commercial attractions. One destination gaining popularity is Langkawi, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the Sky Bridge, relax on white sandy beaches and experience world-class hospitality. Meanwhile, the Perhentian Islands continue to attract travellers looking for crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and a slower pace of life. For those interested in history and culture, George Town and Melaka remain among the country's most treasured destinations. Their colourful streets, colonial architecture and renowned food scenes provide visitors with a unique glimpse into Malaysia's multicultural heritage. Nature lovers are also spoilt for choice. Taman Negara, one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests, offers jungle trekking, canopy walks and wildlife encounters. In Sabah, Mount Kinabalu continues to inspire adventurers with its stunning landscapes and challenging summit climb. Tourism experts note that domestic travel is becoming increasingly popular due to affordability, improved infrastructure and a growing appreciation for local experiences. Social media has also played a significant role in highlighting lesser-known destinations that were once overlooked. As Malaysia continues to promote sustainable tourism, travellers are encouraged to explore responsibly, support local communities and preserve the natural beauty that makes the country a unique destination. Whether it is a weekend road trip, an island escape or a cultural journey through historic towns, Malaysia remains a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be rediscovered. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Malaysia’s Hidden Wonders: Rediscovering the Beauty of Domestic Travel in 2026

PUTRAJAYA, JUNE 14 -- The National-Level Maal Hijrah Celebration 1448H/2026M will begin with a special Tausiyyah @ Maal Hijrah and Maal Hijrah Prayer Recitation Ceremony at the Putra Mosque, here, this evening. The Director-General of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), Datuk Sirajuddin Suhaimee, said that the program, which starts at 4pm, will be attended by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Zulkifli Hasan, while the prayer recitation will be led by the Grand Imam of the Putra Mosque, Muhamad Zakuwa Rodzali. He said the highlight of the celebration is scheduled to take place tomorrow in conjunction with 1 Muharram 1448H at the Putra Mosque starting at 7am with the presentation of the Tokoh Maal Hijrah Awards in the National and International Categories. "The ceremony will be officiated by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, who has agreed to attend the ceremony," he said in a statement today. Sirajuddin said that 5,000 guests were expected to attend the celebration, including Deputy Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, Heads of Services, representatives of ministries, departments, statutory bodies, institutions of higher learning and the private sector around Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. Sirajuddin said, "CIVIL LIFE, BLESSED UMMA" was chosen as the theme for this year's celebration to coincide with the spirit of the Prophet Muhammad's migration, which became the starting point for building a superior Islamic civilization through the establishment of the state of Medina. He said that the values ​​of justice, unity, trust, kindness and well-being that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) implemented in the formation of the Madinah community were also in line with the aspirations of MADANI Malaysia which emphasised aspects of sustainability, well-being, creativity, respect, confidence and kindness. "Therefore, the appreciation of MADANI values ​​is believed to be able to create a united, resilient and blessed ummah, in line with the spirit of migration in developing a prosperous society and country," he said. Sirajuddin said that among the special features of this year's celebration is the introduction of the Tausiyyah @ Maal Hijrah program as a new addition that focuses on the contemplation of Quranic verses, thus inviting Muslims to appreciate the meaning of hijrah as a turning point in life. He said that this approach allows participants to not only listen to the recitation of the Quran by the best reciters, but also understand the messages, wisdom and guidance from the verses recited to be applied in daily life. Apart from that, Sirajuddin said, the National and International Maal Hijrah 1448H/2026M Prime Lecture Ceremony will be held on June 18 at the Putrajaya Islamic Complex Auditorium starting at 9 am to allow award recipients to share their knowledge, experiences and views on the results of their contributions to the development of the ummah. He said that this year's celebration was organized in a modest manner but remained lively, prestigious and meaningful in line with the country's priorities in strengthening the fiscal position and the well-being of the people. -- BERNAMA

5,000 expected to attend National-Level Maal Hijrah celebration at Putra Mosque tomorrow

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — All banks in Malaysia will abolish the RM1 charge for interbank cash withdrawals at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Smart Recycler Machines (SRMs) beginning July 1, 2026, in a move expected to benefit millions of banking customers nationwide. The decision means customers will no longer be charged a fee when withdrawing cash from ATMs or SRMs operated by banks other than their own. Previously, interbank cash withdrawals typically incurred a RM1 service charge per transaction. The fee waiver is expected to provide greater convenience and cost savings for consumers, particularly those who frequently rely on ATM networks outside their primary banking institution. Industry observers believe the move reflects ongoing efforts by the banking sector to enhance customer experience and support the country's transition towards a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem. The abolition of the fee will apply across participating banking institutions nationwide, allowing customers to access cash more freely without having to consider additional withdrawal charges. The initiative is also expected to encourage wider usage of banking services and improve accessibility, especially in areas where customers may have limited access to their own bank's ATM network. Further details regarding the implementation and any applicable conditions are expected to be announced by individual banks ahead of the July 1 commencement date. The removal of the RM1 interbank withdrawal fee marks one of the most significant consumer-friendly banking measures introduced this year, offering direct savings to Malaysians who regularly conduct cash withdrawal transactions across different banking networks. -- MINUTESMY

RM1 ATM Withdrawal Fee to Be Scrapped Nationwide Starting July 1