Lee Shuyi
- World News
Malaysia’s Klang Valley sees singles’ high monthly spending due to cars
A recently published spending guide reveals that single individuals residing in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia must budget a minimum of RM2,600 per month if they own a car, and at least RM1,930 per month if they rely on public transportation. The guide seeks to provide a comprehensive outline of expenses for those living in this area, encompassing Kuala…
- World News
Malaysia anticipates improved US human trafficking report ranking
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has expressed optimism that Malaysia’s ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report will show improvement this year. Currently, Malaysia is placed in Tier 3, which puts the country in a disadvantageous position. The TIP report is scheduled to be released tomorrow night, and the Home Ministry is set to have an engagement session…
- World News
Malaysia’s Economy Ministry targets 4,900 vending machines in two months
The Economy Ministry of Malaysia anticipates the acquisition of the remaining 4,900 vending machines aimed for this year under the People’s Income Initiative (IPR) programme to be finalised within the next two months. Rafizi Ramli, the Economy Minister, explained that the ministry is currently selecting and evaluating suitable applicants through an ongoing open procurement process. “Our aim is also to…
- World News
Seven arrested in Malaysia over Pakistani human trafficking suspicions
Seven Pakistani men were arrested in Kuala Lumpur on suspicion of involvement in a human trafficking case. The suspects, aged between 21 and 44, were apprehended at an apartment in Taman Pandan Perdana, Ampang. The police were alerted to the situation by a 23-year-old Pakistani male victim who had been beaten by four of the suspects, who were believed to…
- World News
Malaysia allocates $750m to tackle rural poverty, plans new job programmes
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to convene a meeting with district officers across Malaysia next week to address the pressing issue of hardcore poverty, particularly in rural areas. Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan revealed that the government has allocated US$750 million in the 2023 budget for this purpose, which will be directed to the Ministry of Economy to implement…
- World News
Ex-minister disputes PM’s claims on 30,000 absent SPM exam students
Former Malaysian education minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin has countered Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s claims regarding the number of absent SPM candidates during last year’s national examinations. Mohd Radzi pointed out that local news reports indicated 14,858 students were absent, not the 30,000 cited by the prime minister during a dialogue session with undergraduates at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Anwar had…
- World News
KLIA aerotrain service upgrade set for 2023 completion, minister urges haste
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is set to have one of its two Automated People Mover (APM) or aerotrain services back in operation next year. The Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, has instructed Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to ensure the upgrading works are completed on schedule or earlier. The aerotrain has been in service for 25 years and is now…
- World News
Kelantan state assembly dissolves, paving way for Malaysian elections
The Kelantan state assembly in Malaysia is set to be dissolved on June 22, clearing the way for state elections, as announced by Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob. He had previously sought an audience with the state ruler of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, to discuss the dissolution of the 14th state assembly. Kelantan is not the only state to hold elections…
- World News
AI use in workplace linked to loneliness and insomnia, study reveals
A recent study has revealed that employees who frequently use artificial intelligence (AI) in their workplace are more likely to experience loneliness, leading to insomnia. The research was conducted in four locations – Taiwan, Indonesia, the US, and Malaysia – and found consistent results across all regions. Lead researcher Pok Man Tang explained that the rapid advancement in AI systems…
- World News
Malaysian mother and daughter die in Toronto house fire
A Malaysian mother, aged 38, and her three-year-old daughter tragically lost their lives in a house fire in Brampton, Toronto. The mother, Melissa Archana John, passed away during the fire, while her daughter, Aria Jeanne Phoenix, succumbed to her injuries the following day. Melissa’s husband, Omar Watson, is currently in a medically induced coma due to severe injuries sustained in…
- World News
Baleh hydroelectric project on track for 2028 despite pandemic delays
The Baleh hydroelectric project, a 1,285MW dam in Kapit, Sarawak, is on track to commence operations by 2028, according to Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg. The construction is expected to be completed within the next three to four years, despite some delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and worker-related issues. “Our schedule for the dam to be completed is in…
- World News
Malaysia’s Health White Paper set for Dewan Rakyat debate
The Health White Paper, which includes a comprehensive policy on reforming Malaysia’s health system over 15 years, is set to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa will move the motion to table the paper after the winding up session for the debate on the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) annual report. The Health White…
- World News
Six Malaysian states anticipate simultaneous polls in August
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has indicated that the state elections for Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan could take place in August. The final decision on the election date rests with the Election Commission (EC), which has not yet provided a clear indicator. However, simultaneous polls are expected for all six states. Chow is scheduled to…
- World News
MIC leader dismisses need for explanation on Sivarraajh’s CWC removal
An MIC leader has stated that there is no need for the party to provide an official explanation to former vice-president C. Sivarraajh regarding his removal from its central working committee (CWC). According to Free Malaysia Today, MIC information chief Thinalan Rajagopal claimed that there was no reason given when Sivarraajh joined the CWC in 2021, as it was the…
- World News
Sarawak ministry mulls Tuak Festival to boost local culture, tourism
As part of its efforts to promote Sarawak culture, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak is considering the idea of organising a “Tuak Festival.” The event, which may initially be held in Kuching, aims to showcase and promote tuak, a traditional rice wine of the Dayaks, and the culture of the state. Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian…
- World News
Manhunt for Indonesian escapees expands in Sarawak with 100 officers
A manhunt involving 100 police personnel, including members of the General Operations Force’s (GOF) Tiger Platoon, has been launched in Sarawak to locate two Indonesian men who escaped from the Tapah police station lockup. Sarawak police commissioner Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri announced that the search radius for the escapees, Kelvin, 21 years old, and Bony, 31 years old, has been…
- World News
Umno’s decline signals political shift, coalition method future of Malaysia
The declining support for Malaysia’s United Malays National Organisation (Umno) has been evident since the 12th general election in 2008, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. According to Syaza Syukri, an assistant professor of political science at International Islamic University Malaysia, the 2008 election signalled the beginning of a “political tsunami” that has continued to impact Umno’s…
- World News
Foreigner found stabbed to death in Taman Central Island, Penang
In Taman Central Island Aspen, Batu Kawan, a man’s body was discovered in a pool of blood, with 10 stab wounds. The victim is believed to be a foreigner, and his identity remains unknown as no identification documents were found on him. Penang police chief Khaw Kok Chin confirmed that the man was wearing a t-shirt and jeans, and initial…
- World News
Klang River rubbish removal declines, water quality improves in Malaysia
A decline in the amount of rubbish removed from the Klang River in Malaysia has been observed since 2016, with the water quality also showing marked improvement, according to Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. The minister revealed that the water quality, which was previously categorised as Class Four and Five, has improved to Class…
- World News
Over 11,000 luxury serviced apartments unsold in Johor amid foreign interest
A total of 11,512 serviced apartments priced at RM500,000 and above remain unsold in Johor Baru and Iskandar Puteri, according to Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, the state Housing and Local Government committee chairman. Despite the high number of unsold units, developers have started to receive positive feedback from foreign buyers, particularly those from Singapore, where property prices are among…
- World News
Selangor reviews cancelling permanent positions for long-serving contract staff
The Selangor government in Malaysia has announced plans to review the decision to cancel the policy of appointing contract civil servants who have served for more than 15 years to permanent positions. Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said the matter would be discussed during the state government meeting this week, with the decision to be announced by the state secretary.…
- World News
Foreigner found stabbed to death in Batu Kawan, Penang police investigate
A gruesome discovery was made recently in Taman Central Island Aspen, Batu Kawan, as the body of an unidentified man, believed to be a foreigner, was found with ten stab wounds. The Penang police received a call at 9:20am alerting them to the situation, and a team was promptly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, the police discovered the lifeless…
- World News
Klang River rubbish drops 63% since 2016, water quality improves
The Klang River in Malaysia has seen a significant decline in the amount of trash collected annually since 2016, according to Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. The water quality has also improved, moving from Class Four and Five to Class Two, and even reaching Class One during the rainy season. Odour issues have become…
- World News
Malaysia plans National Disease Control Centre to tackle future health crises
In response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia’s Health Ministry has announced plans to establish a National Disease Control Centre (NDCC). The information was released in a Health White Paper published on the Parliament’s website. The NDCC aims to enhance the country’s preparedness and ability to respond rapidly to potential public health crises in the future. The…
- World News
PSD scholars to receive RM100 monthly allowance boost from July
An additional RM100 monthly allowance will be granted to students on Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships starting in July, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The announcement was made during a dialogue session with scholars from around Malaysia at University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in Bangi. The event aimed to identify public issues and explore ways the government could help address…
- World News
Malaysia mulls medical fee revision for higher-income groups at public facilities
The Malaysian Health Ministry (MoH) has proposed a review of the low medical fees currently imposed on Malaysians at government health facilities, aiming to match the fees with patients’ affordability levels, according to its recently published White Paper. The document highlights that the low fees charged at public healthcare facilities are greatly appreciated by Malaysians, as they can access healthcare…
- World News
MIC removes Senator Sivaraajh from central working committee
Senator Datuk C. Sivaraajh was removed from the central working committee (CWC) of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) on Sunday. The former MIC vice-president was informed of his dismissal from the CWC through a letter dated June 10, which was signed by MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran. Although the letter did not provide a reason for Sivaraajh’s removal, it…
- World News
Malaysia ranks second worst for trans rights, MP defends constitution
Malaysia has been ranked as the second worst country globally for transgender rights, according to a recent Global Trans Rights Index report. Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, however, believes that upholding the values set in the Federal Constitution justifies the country’s poor ranking. The index gave Malaysia a score of -105 and the highest danger rating of F, indicating…
- World News
Malaysia to blacklist entities manipulating subsidised sugar prices
The Malaysian government has announced plans to blacklist any entities, including manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, found to be manipulating the price of subsidised regular sugar. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub emphasised that the government will not tolerate any party taking advantage of its efforts and will take stern actions to protect the public interest. Salahuddin warned…
- World News
Malaysia consolidates IT systems, aims to save RM7bn annually
The Malaysian government is working to consolidate its information technology systems, including government databases and websites, according to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. The current system costs approximately RM7 billion (US$1.7 billion) annually to maintain. The centralised database initiative aims to bring together 297 separate databases, with government ministries and agencies expressing support for the approach. Rafizi also mentioned plans to…
