Year: 2023
- World News
Malaysia Airlines magazine mislabels Sarawak in traveller’s guide
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian expressed his dismay at a misleading nickname for Sarawak published in the Going Places traveller’s guide. In a Facebook post, he highlighted his shock at the sub-headline of an article in the June 2023 edition of Malaysia Airlines’ magazine. Dr Sim did not explicitly mention the error, but it was clear he…
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Masked trio break into Kuching home, steal food in viral CCTV clip
A CCTV video capturing three masked intruders breaking into a residence on Jalan Stampin Tengah at around 3am has been widely circulated on social media. The one-minute footage shows the suspects crawling on a kitchen counter after gaining entry through a window. One of the individuals can be seen taking two knives from a holder and handing one to another…
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Over 50,000 Kelantan children targeted for free pneumococcal vaccination
The Kelantan Health Department (JKNK) in Malaysia is aiming to provide free pneumococcal vaccinations to over 50,000 children born in 2018 and 2019 in the state. JKNK director, Dr Zaini Hussin, announced that the department is currently gathering information and registering eligible children for the vaccination under the Pneumococcal Catch-up Immunisation (CHUP) programme. The programme has already been implemented in…
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Ex-JDT footballer Asraruddin Putra Omar moves to Saudi for religious growth
Former JDT footballer Asraruddin Putra Omar, 35, has relocated to Saudi Arabia in pursuit of happiness and to deepen his religious knowledge. Although he has not signed any contracts with clubs in the country, Asraruddin Putra, who did not announce his retirement from football after suffering leg injuries, is currently residing in a Malay village in Ajyad Hill, Mecca. Asraruddin…
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Kelantan to announce state legislative assembly dissolution date this week
Kelantan is set to reveal the dissolution date of its state legislative assembly later this week, following the state government’s weekly executive council meeting, according to Astro Awani. Kelantan’s Menteri Besar, Ahmad Yakob, confirmed the upcoming announcement, while state Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah urged for patience, stating that the date will be disclosed soon. *God willing, we…
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EU deforestation rules seen as discrimination against Malaysia’s palm oil industry
The European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR) and other related regulations have been criticised for discriminating against Malaysia’s palm oil industry. Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof claims that these regulations, along with the European Green Deal, aim to restrict the entry of Malaysian products into the European market. He argues that Malaysia’s palm oil industry is more productive and progressive compared…
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Kemas kindergarten teachers’ salary restructuring still under discussion
The Rural and Regional Development Ministry in Kota Samarahan is currently working on the restructuring of the salary scale scheme for kindergarten teachers under the Community Development Department (Kemas). Deputy Minister Rubiah Wang has revealed that the ministry has so far only announced an increase in the monthly allowance for Kemas volunteers, raising it from RM500 to RM800. “Discussion is…
Read More » - Thailand News
Woman arrested for Jackson Wang concert ticket scam
Thai authorities recently arrested a 40 year old woman on charges of scamming people for over 3 million baht. Wilaiwan Praphat Kitjarugul is accused of deceiving multiple victims by selling fake tickets to a Jackson Wang concert in Nonthaburi, Thailand. Many victims filed complaints on the “Sub Nakorn Ban Online Patrol” Facebook page, having suffered huge financial losses since December 2022.…
Read More » - Guides
10 unique Thai superstitions for the curious
Like loads of other places, Thailand has its own bundle of superstitions. Plenty of them are about bad luck, while some are referred to in good humour. Each superstition has an interesting backstory, mainly tied to Buddhism, ghostly happenings, and old traditions. From ditching hide and seek when the sun goes down to cracking colour codes, we’ve gathered 10 common…
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Supernatural occurrences during room clean-up by rescue workers
Volunteer rescue workers found themselves in an unusual situation while cleaning a rented room of a late DJ in Chon Buri province. The room, which contained an abandoned motorbike parked for over two years, had peculiar incidents ensuing wind and musty smell amidst the cleaning process. On June 9, crews from Sawangkan Pragoson Rescue Foundation in Rayong province helped clean…
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Deputy Premier slams Malaysia Airlines’ magazine for Sarawak nickname error
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian expressed his disappointment over the incorrect nickname for Sarawak featured in the Going Places traveller’s guide. In a recent Facebook post, Dr Sim shared his shock at discovering the error in the June 2023 edition of Malaysia Airlines’ magazine. He did not explicitly mention the mistake, but it was evident that he…
Read More » - Thailand News
Myanmar gang caught providing illegal labour in Samut Prakan
Police in Samut Prakan province swooped on a Myanmar human trafficking gang involved in illegally providing undocumented workers. Officers arrested two gang members and 13 other Myanmar nationals, who were found inside two taxis. Security officers in Samut Prakan province recently arrested Mr Jo and Mr Bung, both from Myanmar, along with 13 other Myanmar nationals who were found in…
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Health Ministry discusses halted sponsorship for medical students
The Health Ministry (MOH) and the Public Service Department (JPA) are in discussions regarding the JPA’s decision to cease sponsorship for students in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa expressed concerns that this move may discourage students from pursuing studies in these fields, which are essential for the country’s health services. Dr Zaliha also mentioned that the…
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Gunmen attack Pattani railway checkpoint, security officer killed
An attack on a railway checkpoint in Pattani province left a 22 year old officer dead, as unidentified assailants believed to be separatist militants, fired shots and stole a gun. Security forces are now hunting for the perpetrators along their escape routes. On the evening of June 10, a group of armed suspects, dressed like Va’ah members, attacked a railway…
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China upgrades intelligence unit in Cuba amid global spy efforts
For years, China has maintained an intelligence unit in Cuba, which was upgraded in 2019 as part of Beijing’s global strategy to enhance its intelligence-gathering capabilities, according to a senior White House official. This revelation follows a recent Wall Street Journal report claiming that China had struck a covert agreement with Cuba to establish an electronic eavesdropping facility on the…
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Annuar Musa rejects Umno return, claims party causes division and betrays Malays
Tan Sri Annuar Musa, a former senior Umno leader, has announced that he will not return to the party from which he was sacked, according to a report by PAS-owned daily Harakah. Annuar, who recently became a PAS member, stated that Umno is no longer the preferred party for Malaysians since GE13 and has caused divisions. “I decided not to…
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Sultan Ibrahim pays record RM1.2m for Malaysia’s priciest number plate
Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, the Johor Ruler, now possesses Malaysia’s most expensive number plate in the Road Transport Department’s (RTD) special “FF” series. Loke had initially planned to present the “FF 1” plate to Sultan Ibrahim as a gift, but the monarch chose to pay the government RM1.2 million (US$290,000) for it instead. Loke stated,…
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8 year old girl’s body found in bamboo grove after drowning in creek
The body of an 8 year old girl was discovered floating near bamboo shoots in the Lum Hua Klong Kong Creek, 100 meters away from where she drowned in Udon Thani’s Kum Pha Wa Pi district. The tragic incident occurred on June 9 when the girl, Patty, and her friends played at the creek after school. On the evening of June…
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Datuk Shaik Abdul Rasheed named new Bank Negara Malaysia governor
The Association of Banks Malaysia has extended its congratulations to Datuk Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour on his appointment as the next governor of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli, the association’s chairman, praised Abdul Rasheed as a “true home-grown talent” who has contributed significantly to the country’s economy. “The banking industry will certainly benefit from his experience as…
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Education Ministry investigates factors behind SPM exam non-attendance spike
The Education Ministry of Malaysia is currently investigating the factors leading to the absence of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students on their examination day. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has stated that the ministry aims to make appropriate interventions to ensure better student attendance in future years. Fadhlina Sidek commented on the issue during a visit to Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan…
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Newborn’s body found floating in Kota Kinabalu water village
A newborn baby’s body was discovered floating in a water village in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. Villagers made the tragic discovery as they were crossing the wooden bridge in the village around 6.30pm and promptly contacted the police. The gender of the baby has yet to be determined. Acting Kota Kinabalu district police chief, Kalsom Idris, stated in a press release…
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Purrr-perplexing predicament: Python’s toilet tango turns into kitten craving catastrophe
A 4 metre long python trapped in a toilet in Nonthaburi, Thailand, was found to have eaten three kittens before swelling difficulties led to its rescue. Officials from the Charlie Radio Rescue Centre took more than 30 minutes to extract the snake. On June 10, at 2pm, Charlie Radio Rescue Centre was alerted to the incident of a large python…
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Umno VP urges early candidate selection for upcoming state elections
Umno Vice-President Johari Abdul Ghani has urged his party to announce its candidates for the upcoming six state elections early, allowing grassroots members ample time to accept the decision and prepare, as reported by Mingguan Malaysia. Speaking at the close of Umno’s general assembly, the Titiwangsa MP emphasised that election victory relies on three key factors: the party, its machinery,…
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MACC: No constitutional right to lawyer presence during questioning
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has stated that lawyers do not possess a constitutional right to be present during the questioning of their clients. This statement comes in response to accusations by rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), which claimed that the MACC was restricting access to a client. MACC deputy director Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin cited legal precedents supporting…
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Education Ministry investigates factors behind SPM exam no-shows
The Education Ministry in Malaysia is investigating the factors behind a significant number of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students not attending their examination day. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the purpose of the study is to make appropriate interventions to ensure improved student attendance in future years. Fadhlina Sidek explained that there could be various factors that led to students…
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National Unity Index Survey to assess Malaysia’s multi-racial unity
The Ministry of National Unity in Malaysia is set to conduct the National Unity Index Survey (IPNas) for the third time this year, aiming to evaluate the unity levels among the nation’s diverse racial communities. The IPNas, which was carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Ethnic Studies (Kita) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) last year, demonstrated an increase…
Read More » - Thailand News
Mysterious Naga-like pattern appears on temple candle, reviving dead gecko
A mysterious event occurred at the Poo Srisuttho Shrine in Udon Thani Province when worshippers encountered unrecognisable markings on sacred candles and a seemingly dead gecko revived, causing awe and astonishment. On June 10 at 11am, amid drizzling rain, devotees continued to visit and pay their respects to Poo Srisuttho at Wat Sri Daram in Nakhum Saeng District, Udon Thani…
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Rees-Mogg warns Tories against blocking Johnson, risking party civil war
Jacob Rees-Mogg, former Cabinet minister, has cautioned the Conservative Party against attempting to block Boris Johnson from standing in another parliamentary constituency, warning that such a move could lead to a “civil war” within the party. Johnson resigned as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip on Friday due to the ongoing investigation into Partygate. Rees-Mogg received a knighthood in Johnson’s…
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Heatwave hits 32C amid amber thunderstorm warnings and flood risks
The ongoing heatwave in the United Kingdom is expected to reach 32C today, but weather experts are warning of potential thunderstorms that may lead to flooding. Saturday marked the hottest day of the year thus far, with temperatures in Surrey reaching 32.3C. However, in the North, heavy rain and hail were experienced on Saturday evening, prompting the Met Office to…
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Ukraine counteroffensive underway, Zelenskyy confirms with Trudeau
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed counteroffensive actions against Russian forces, though he did not disclose further information. During a news conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy stood alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and responded to a query about Russia’s claim that Ukrainian forces were taking “significant losses.” The Ukrainian leader acknowledged that counteroffensive and defensive actions were taking place, though…
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Tory mortgage penalty costs UK homeowners extra £7,000 annually
Labour has accused the Conservative Party of causing a “Tory mortgage penalty” of £7,000 for homeowners, with interest rates now three times higher than they were two years ago. Pat McFadden, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, pointed to the “reckless economic gamble” taken by Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng during their time in power as the cause of the…
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Manchester City clinch treble with Champions League victory
The roar of 6,000 Manchester City fans filled the air as their team claimed victory in the Champions League, securing the treble. This moment of sheer elation caused the ground to shake and bodies to tremble. Rob, 64 years old, was in disbelief, stating, “I never thought I’d see this day.” He had been a loyal City fan since he…
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Top SPM student’s mother dies, school to provide support
An 18-year-old top student from Sekolah Menengah Ugama (A) Darul Iman, Muhammad Syahril Saidi, lost his mother, 54-year-old Faridah Ismail, on June 11. The young achiever had recently earned 11As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. Noor Ruziana Ismail, the principal of the school, confirmed the sad news and expressed her condolences to Muhammad Syahril’s family. Faridah Ismail passed…
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Annuar Musa wishes Umno’s Zahid luck in dominating state elections
Former Umno lawmaker Tan Sri Annuar Musa has extended his well wishes to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi regarding the latter’s ambition to dominate three of the six seats in the upcoming elections. Annuar, who was expelled from Umno last December, acknowledged that Ahmad Zahid has a responsibility to rally his supporters, but also noted that voters in…
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BN-PH alliance focuses on economy to win voter trust for next election
Umno vice-president Johari Abdul Ghani has urged Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) to concentrate on reviving the Malaysian economy in order to secure public trust and win the upcoming general election. Johari, a former second finance minister, believes that a strong economic recovery could significantly boost the two coalitions’ chances of success in the next election. “I believe…
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Tory civil war fears as more Johnson allies may quit
The Conservative Party is on high alert as rumours circulate that additional allies of Boris Johnson may resign as MPs, potentially escalating internal conflict within the party. Johnson’s supporters have indicated that two more MPs may be preparing to step down, following the recent resignations of Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams, who joined the former prime minister in triggering by-elections.…
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Anwar Ibrahim denies using judiciary for political revenge as Malaysia PM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia has dismissed allegations that he is utilising the nation’s judiciary system to exact political revenge on certain individuals. Instead, Anwar emphasised his respect for the country’s judiciary and his commitment to not interfering in decisions made by the attorney-general or judges in any case. Anwar stated, “If revenge was on my mind or my…
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