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PUTRAJAYA, June 8 -- There are no reports of any Malaysian citizens affected by the earthquake off the coast of Mindanao, Philippines so far, according to the Foreign Ministry. The ministry in a statement on Monday said that as the incident is still in its early stages, the Malaysian Embassy in Manila is actively coordinating with relevant local authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the Malaysian community in the affected areas. "Malaysian citizens residing in or travelling to affected areas in the Philippines are strongly advised to remain vigilant, immediately move to higher ground if near the coast and fully comply with all evacuation and safety instructions issued by Philippine authorities," the statement said. To facilitate communication and the swift delivery of consular assistance, Malaysian citizens are urged to register and constantly update their contact information via the e-Consular portal at the link https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my . For urgent or emergency consular assistance, Malaysian citizens may contact the Malaysian Embassy in Manila directly via the Malaysian Embassy in Manila channel. Telephone (General Enquiries): +63 2 8662 8200 Emergency Line (Outside Office Hours): +63 961 077 8113 Email: mwmanila@kln.gov.my The ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, through the Malaysian Embassy in Manila, is closely monitoring developments following the strong earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale that struck off the coast of Mindanao, Philippines, at 7.37 am, June 8. According to the statement, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) has issued the latest information regarding a local tsunami advisory for the coastal areas of Sabah following the incident. Wisma Putra will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as confirmed information becomes available. -- BERNAMA

No Malaysians affected by earthquake in Mindanao – Wisma Putra

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 — There are no reports of any Malaysian citizens affected by the earthquake off the coast of Mindanao, Philippines so far, according to the Foreign Ministry. The .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysian diplomat Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has been named a recipient of the Icons of Change International Awards 2026, becoming the first Malaysian to receive the global honour for advancing sustainable development initiatives. The award was presented in conjunction with the United Nations-designated International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026. The Icons of Change™ movement is a premier global recognition platform honouring transformative Changemakers - individuals and organisations whose vision, leadership, and innovative interventions generate measurable impact across industries and communities worldwide. Currently serving as Minister of Economic Affairs at the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, Unny Sankar is responsible for strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations between Malaysia and China. Before his current appointment in Beijing, he served as Director of the China Section and Europe II Section at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), overseeing Malaysia's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-related matters and economic relations with China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, the European Union and selected Western European countries. In his acceptance speech, Unny Sankar described the award as a significant personal honour and a recognition of efforts to foster stronger international partnerships. "It is with profound humility and gratitude that I accept the Icons of Change International Awards 2026. This recognition deeply honours me as an individual committed to fostering meaningful connections between nations. “(Under my role), I lead efforts to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China, two dynamic nations whose partnership is shaping a more connected and prosperous Asia," he said, noting that cooperation between the two countries has expanded through major regional and international economic frameworks. Through frameworks like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, he said both countries are fostering trade, investment and technology transfer that go beyond growth. According to Unny Sankar, Malaysia and China are actively pursuing collaboration in green development, new energy vehicles, renewable energy and emerging technologies. He said these efforts include engagement with central and provincial government officials, visits to innovative companies, and the finalisation of memoranda on the digital economy, green development, and sustainable industries. "My work aligns directly with Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan, driving innovation, creating jobs and building resilient supply chains," he said. He added that such initiatives contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusive economic growth, responsible consumption, climate action and reduced inequalities. "We are not only boosting GDP (Gross Domestic Product), we are investing in a low-carbon future that benefits both our peoples and the planet," he said. Describing the recognition as a motivation to continue advancing sustainable economic partnerships, Unny Sankar stressed the importance of translating diplomacy into tangible outcomes. "This award inspires me to do even more. True change happens when diplomacy turns into tangible, sustainable progress for generations to come," he said. He also called for greater global cooperation in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, saying, "Let us continue building a world where economic partnership and environmental stewardship go hand in hand." Unny Sankar holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry from the University of Malaya and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. In 2023, he was recognised by Britishpedia in its publication "Successful People in Malaysia", further cementing his standing as one of Malaysia's distinguished public servants on the international stage. His full acceptance speech can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mue830VpqNQ. -- BERNAMA

Unny Sankar Makes History As First Malaysian Recipient Of Icons Of Change International Award

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — Malaysian diplomat Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar has been named a recipient of the Icons of Change International Awards 2026, becoming the first Malaysian to receive .... read more

NEW DELHI: At least three workers were killed after a crane fell on them during bad weather in the northern Indian state of Haryana, a local official said on Friday, Xinhua reported. The incident reportedly occurred in the Faridabad area, where a bridge is being built to connect the area with the newly built Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred on Thursday evening during heavy rain. A muddy and slippery construction site caused a large crane to suddenly collapse, crushing a container housing several construction workers. One worker was successfully rescued, while three others died at the scene. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

Three dead after crane crushes container

NEW DELHI: At least three workers were killed after a crane fell on them during bad weather in the northern Indian state of Haryana, a local official said on Friday, .... read more

ST PETERSBURG: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States (US), Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told RIA Novosti. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he might invite Putin to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US. "Putin is not going away," Peskov said. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in three countries, namely the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. -- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

Putin will not attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US – Kremlin

ST PETERSBURG: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States (US), Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told RIA Novosti. Earlier, US President Donald .... read more

11 gold miners killed in landslide in eastern Madagascar

11 gold miners killed in landslide in eastern Madagascar

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA: Eleven gold miners were killed in a landslide at a mine in eastern Madagascar, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing authorities on Wednesday. Initial investigations found that the victim .... read more

WASHINGTON, June 4 -- US President Donald Trump said Wednesday negotiations with Iran are proceeding "very well", Anadolu Ajansi reported. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump was asked whether a ceasefire involving Iran remains in effect following recent developments. "They did something, not a big deal. We got it. We nipped it in the bud very quickly, as we do with the greatest military in the world," Trump said. Earlier in the day, Kuwait said that Iranian strikes killed one person, injured 63 others, and damaged key facilities, including diplomatic missions, stressing that it “reserves the full right” to respond to the attacks. Despite the tensions, Trump expressed optimism over ongoing diplomatic efforts. "I hear the negotiation itself has gone very well, actually very well," he told reporters. The president said there could be progress in negotiations with Iran "over the weekend". Iran is "pretty close to signing a paper," he said. Meanwhile, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will open "immediately" upon the signing of a possible deal with Iran. When asked if it is possible to get a deal with Iran or to open up the Strait of Hormuz without Israel stopping its attacks in Lebanon, Trump said the US is "trying" to separate the issue of opening the waterway and hostilities in Lebanon. "We actually spoke with (Lebanese group) Hezbollah for the first time ever. We didn't know they spoke, and they agreed yesterday that they're not going to shoot. Israel's not going to shoot ... but I'd like to separate it. I'd like to have a separate thing, because it is separate." On Iran's enriched uranium, Trump said he wants to "get it". "I want to get it ... We will go in at some time in the not-too-distant future," he added. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Trump Says Negotiations With Iran Going ‘Very Well’

WASHINGTON, June 4 — US President Donald Trump said Wednesday negotiations with Iran are proceeding “very well”, Anadolu Ajansi reported. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump was asked .... read more

MANILA, June 4 (Bernama-PNA) -- Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines on Wednesday assured the public that it remains fully operational amidst reports that its operations have been stopped due to unpaid fees, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported. “AirAsia Philippines assures the travelling public that it remains fully operational, with flights and services continuing as scheduled across its network, subject to normal operational considerations such as weather and other standard factors affecting airline operations,” it said in a statement. The statement was issued amid reports that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has ordered the airline to halt operations at all government-managed airports over PHP270 million in unpaid fees. According to reports, AirAsia owes CAAP around PHP271.94 million in air navigation, landing, parking, and passenger service charges accumulated from 2021 through May 2026. CAAP, however, has yet to issue an official statement. -- BERNAMA-PNA

Airasia PH Says It Remains Fully Operational

MANILA, June 4 (Bernama-PNA) — Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines on Wednesday assured the public that it remains fully operational amidst reports that its operations have been stopped due to unpaid .... read more

MOSCOW: Russia has always been and will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy and food supplies to all Southeast Asian countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported . "Taking this opportunity, I would like to reiterate: Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of energy and food to all Southeast Asian countries," Lavrov said in a video message on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and the Philippines. Diplomatic relations with the Philippines began on June 2, 1976, while the exchange of embassies between the two countries took place in 1977. --BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

Russia remains a reliable energy supplier to Southeast Asia – Lavrov

MOSCOW: Russia has always been and will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy and food supplies to all Southeast Asian countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on .... read more

CANBERRA: Australia's population reached 28 million on Tuesday, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, Xinhua reported. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that based on current growth trends, the country's population will reach 28 million at around 6am Australian Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, two years after its population will surpass 27 million in 2024. According to the ABS, on average, one person from overseas arrives to settle in Australia every 59 seconds, while one birth is recorded every two minutes and 16 seconds. The bureau also estimates that one death occurs every three minutes and 33 seconds, while one resident migrates from Australia to live overseas every two minutes and 35 seconds. ABS projects that the country's population will reach 30 million people by 2031. Meanwhile, the ABS is scheduled to conduct the first national population census since 2021 next August. --BERNAMA-XINHUA

Australia’s population reaches 28 million

CANBERRA: Australia’s population reached 28 million on Tuesday, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, Xinhua reported. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that based on current growth trends, .... read more

EU considers temporary freeze on Russian oil price limits following West Asian conflict – Report

MOSCOW: The European Union (EU) is considering temporarily freezing price caps on Russian crude oil due to ongoing conflicts in West Asia, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported citing a Bloomberg report on .... read more

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