Lee Shuyi

Lee Shuyi

Lee is an expat writer living in Thailand. She specialises in Southeast Asian news for the Thaiger. When she's not writing, Lee enjoys immersing herself in Thai culture and learning Thai.
  • World News

    Malaysia studies rail service revamp for enhanced governance and competitiveness

    The Malaysian government is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine the future direction of multiple rail service operators in the country. The Ministry of Transport (MoT) stated that the study aims to enhance the governance and framework of the existing railway model, covering financial, economic, operational, social, regulatory, and legal aspects. In response to a question posed by Wong…

  • World News

    Malaysia police seek key witnesses in high-profile drug case

    Johor police in Malaysia are currently searching for three local men who are considered crucial witnesses in a drug-related case at the High Court in Muar. The individuals in question are Muhammad Najib Somadin, 32 years old; Muhamad Zaki Johari, 40 years old; and Muhammad Diah Abas, 42 years old. Muhammad Najib’s last known residence was in Taman Cempaka 2,…

  • World News

    Sabah set to control electricity supply with PM Anwar’s approval

    Sabah’s Chief Minister Hajiji Noor announced that a special state assembly sitting is set to take place on January 3 next year, paving the way for Sabah to assume regulatory control of its electricity supply. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has given the green light for the transfer of regulatory power, which is expected to occur on January 1, 2024. To…

  • World News

    Malaysia urged to end child detention, adopt alternatives for refugee welfare

    In the Dewan Rakyat, the debate on the 2022 Annual Report of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) brought forward concerns regarding child welfare and the empowerment of children’s rights. Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman urged the government to put an end to the detention of refugee children and families by implementing initiatives such as the Alternative to Detention (ATD) pilot…

  • World News

    Perak considers Penang’s request to purchase treated water supply

    Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad confirmed that an application from Penang to purchase treated water from the state was received two months ago. The Perak Water Board (LAP) currently sells treated water to users in the Nibong Tebal area, situated adjacent to Parit Buntar, based on cubic meters. Saarani expressed readiness to discuss the matter with the Penang state government,…

  • World News

    Malaysia tackles poverty-driven school dropouts with compulsory 11-year education

    Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying has stated that poverty is a significant factor contributing to school dropouts, particularly among secondary school students in Malaysia. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has discovered that some students are unable to attend school as they must work to support their families financially. Addressing this social issue during a question and answer session at…

  • World News

    Malaysia upholds 54.6% forest cover, exceeding 1992 Rio Summit pledge

    Malaysia has successfully maintained over 50% of its land area as forest and tree cover for nearly three decades, according to Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Huang Tiong Sii. Currently, the nation’s forest cover stands at 54.6%, or 18.04 million hectares, demonstrating Malaysia’s commitment to preserving its natural environment. This pledge was made during the 1992…

  • World News

    Malaysia amends Act 118 to tackle abandoned housing projects issue

    The Malaysian government is working to amend the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 (Act 118) to address the issue of abandoned housing projects and safeguard the interests of homebuyers. Deputy Local Government Development Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir explained that, under the current legislation, liquidators appointed by the court to manage the affairs of a development cannot be…

  • World News

    Sarawak drafts biodiversity masterplan for sustainable economic growth

    Sarawak’s state government is working on a biodiversity masterplan to integrate biodiversity and ecosystem management into the state’s legal framework and institutions, with the aim of promoting sustainable economic development. The draft masterplan is currently being discussed with relevant stakeholders before it can be officially endorsed by the state government. Sarawak is home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests,…

  • World News

    Upskilling crucial for women to excel in leadership, says Dr Wan Azizah

    Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of Malaysia’s Prime Minister and the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia president, emphasised the importance of continuous education, upskilling, reskilling, and cross-skilling for women to remain at the top of leadership. She believes that women’s participation in leadership roles should be based on their skills and capabilities, rather than simply filling…

  • World News

    Anwar Ibrahim to launch Madani economic narrative in August

    In August, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to launch the Madani economic narrative, a concept he introduced to provide clear directions for ministries and agencies in implementing the unity government’s economic plans. These plans encompass the creation of a high-value sustainable economy, expanding social protections by empowering individuals, and reforming the labour market. The government will…

  • World News

    Malaysia’s oldest Johor Zoo set to reopen by year-end after upgrades

    The Johor Zoo, Malaysia’s oldest, is set to reopen its doors to the public by the end of the year, following its closure in 2020 for upgrading work, according to Johor Mentri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi. The reopening is anticipated to take place with the consent of Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. Onn Hafiz made the announcement during his…

  • World News

    Anwar Ibrahim to address Indonesia maritime border deal in Parliament

    Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced he will address the concerns raised by Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin regarding the recent maritime border agreement with Indonesia during the Prime Minister’s Questions and Answers (PMQ) session in Parliament. Anwar urged Muhyiddin to attend the debate and stated that he hopes he will be present. The prime minister’s statement came during a…

  • World News

    Health Ministry tackles Johor staff shortage with 35 nurses and RM771,600

    The Malaysian Health Ministry is taking action to address the urgent staff shortage at health facilities in Johor by allocating 35 permanent staff nurses and other staff, including medical assistants. The allocation will also include various contract posts awaiting confirmation. This immediate solution is a collaboration between the Health Ministry and the central agency. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa stated…

  • World News

    Selangor state assembly not dissolving in June, confirms Menteri Besar

    Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari announced that the Selangor state assembly will not be dissolved in the coming weeks, despite June 19 marking his fifth year in office. He dispelled rumours that a dissolution would be called on that date during a meeting between Selangor public servants and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The Penang government, on the other hand, plans…

  • World News

    PM urges public servants to embrace Madani concept, tackle corruption

    Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on public servants in Selangor to embrace the Madani concept and be open to change in order to combat corruption and cronyism. Selangor is considered the fortress of the national unity government and a crucial element in Malaysia’s aspirations to become a developed country. During a speech to Selangor civil servants, Anwar…

  • World News

    Malaysia appoints Wan Suraya as Auditor-General, effective tomorrow

    Malaysia’s Institute of Integrity (IIM) CEO Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi has been appointed as the country’s new Auditor-General, effective tomorrow, according to an announcement made by Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali. The appointment follows the procedures outlined in Article 105 (1) of the Federal Constitution and has received the approval of Yang di-Pertuan Agong…

  • World News

    Ex-Bersatu director faces 30-year sentence for non-consensual sexual act

    A Malaysian businessman, Wan Mohammad Ashraf Nasjaruddin, 42, is facing charges for allegedly having a non-consensual sexual connection with a 25-year-old bank officer using an object. The incident reportedly took place in a hotel toilet at Jalan Bukit Bintang in the early hours of January 2. The Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur has set the next mention date for the…

  • World News

    Malaysia cuts combat ships order amid PAC investigation, saves costs

    An article published by Malay newspaper Utusan Malaysia has been accused of jeopardising the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) ongoing scrutiny into the littoral combat ships (LCS) scandal. PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin expressed her concerns over the article, which claimed that the government had decided to reduce the number of LCS to be built from six to five to…

  • World News

    Malaysia eyes digital economy boom with RM130bn investment target by 2025

    Malaysia is striving to become an Asian digital tiger over the next decade, with a focus on attracting talent and expertise in data and technology, according to Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. Addressing around 100 Malaysian students in London, Fahmi highlighted the importance of the digital economy, which is expected to contribute at least one-fourth of the nation’s economy…

  • World News

    Diver Datuk Pandelela Rinong named Malaysia’s national unity icon

    National diving champion Datuk Pandelela Rinong has recently been named a national unity icon in Malaysia, according to National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. This move is part of the ministry’s efforts to promote unity among the people by recognising leaders, artists, and sports legends who embody the values of unity and harmony. Pandelela Rinong, 29 years old and…

  • World News

    Dengue fever cases soar 158% in Malaysia with 34 deaths recorded

    Dengue fever cases in Malaysia have risen by 158% from January to June 3, with 48,712 cases reported compared to 18,883 cases during the same period last year. The Health Director-General, Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, revealed that 34 deaths due to dengue fever complications were recorded, a significant increase from the 12 deaths reported in 2022. From May 28…

  • World News

    Anwar defends subsidy restructuring, excludes Malaysia’s affluent from benefits

    Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently defended Malaysia’s subsidy restructuring programme, which aims to benefit targeted groups by excluding affluent households. Anwar explained that the policy shift differs from previous administrations’ proposals for a nationwide electricity tariff hike, as the increased tariff will only impact multinational companies and high-income households. “This does not burden the people as compared to the proposal…

  • World News

    Malaysian Haj pilgrim dies in Makkah, country introduces ATMs in Holy Land

    A Malaysian Haj pilgrim, aged 57, passed away due to heart failure on June 4 in Makkah. The woman from Raub, Pahang, died at the Tabung Haji (TH) Treatment Centre, according to Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman, Head of the Malaysian Haj Delegation. Her funeral prayers were held at Masjidil Haram (the Grand Mosque) after the Zohor (midday)…

  • World News

    Farmer crashes into petrol station shop after mistaking accelerator for brake

    A 69-year-old farmer sustained minor injuries after mistakenly pressing the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, causing his car to crash into a convenience store at a petrol station in Jalan Bukit Rambai, Melaka. The incident took place yesterday evening when the farmer, Jaafar Yusof, was leaving the station after refuelling his Hyundai Sonata. Melaka Tengah district police chief Christopher…

  • World News

    Myanmar worker killed in stabbing, three foreigners arrested in Malaysia

    A factory worker from Myanmar tragically lost his life after being stabbed by a colleague during an argument at a house in Butterworth, Malaysia. Seberang Perai Utara district police chief Mohd Asri Shafie announced that three foreign individuals have been arrested and are currently being held in remand for seven days in connection to the murder. Two coworkers of the…

  • World News

    Malaysia’s tobacco control bill sent to parliamentary committee for review

    The Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill has been referred to a parliamentary special select committee (PSSC) for further review after its first presentation in the Dewan Rakyat. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa stated that the decision was made due to several recommendations from engagement sessions held with government and non-governmental stakeholders that required additional consideration. Dr Zaliha explained,…

  • World News

    Anwar orders transfer of minor infrastructure projects from JKR to district offices

    In a recent announcement, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that minor infrastructure projects, such as repairs of dilapidated schools currently overseen by the Public Works Department (JKR), will be transferred to other departments or district offices. This decision aims to reduce the workload of JKR, which is responsible for implementing development projects and maintaining infrastructure for various ministries, departments, statutory…

  • World News

    Malaysia needs action plan to retain talent amid planter shortage

    Malaysia is urged to develop an action plan to retain existing talents and attract a new generation of planters, as the industry faces a potential shortage of skilled professionals. Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof highlighted the issue at the 10th International Planters Conference 2023, noting that some planters have retired or are seeking opportunities in other countries. Fadillah, who also…

  • World News

    PAS open to all members contesting in six state elections

    PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has stated that all party members, including Muafakat Nasional President Annuar Musa, are eligible to become candidates in the six states facing elections this year. The party is yet to finalise its list of candidates, but Takiyuddin expects a decision to be made next week. “Any PAS member has the right to be a candidate and…