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How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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MP proposes amendment to clarify ‘Allah’ usage in Malaysian law
In an effort to address the contentious issue surrounding the use of the word “Allah” in Malaysia, Jasin MP Zulkifli Ismail has proposed amending the Interpretation Acts 1948 and 1967. The suggested amendment aims to provide a specific explanation for the usage and meaning of the word “Allah” when referring to God in the country. Zulkifli, an Opposition lawmaker, believes…
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Transport Minister urges civil servants to curb corruption for better pay
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has urged civil servants in Malaysia to avoid corruption, emphasising that the nation could achieve significant economic growth and provide better pay and benefits if corruption were eliminated. He made the statement during a memorandum of understanding signing event between the Port Klang Authority, government agencies, and maritime industry stakeholders to enhance collaboration in combating corruption.…
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Littoral combat ship project cost surges to RM11.2bn due to delays, changes
The littoral combat ship (LCS) construction project in Malaysia has seen a significant increase in costs, reaching RM11.2 billion, due to extended construction periods and specification changes. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari revealed that an additional 83 months would be needed to complete the project, based on the Sixth Supplementary Contract (SA6) signed recently. The original agreement stipulated that the…
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Malaysia may pause OPR hikes as inflation remains steady
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has indicated that it may maintain its overnight policy rate (OPR) as long as inflation remains under control, according to a Bloomberg report. BNM Assistant Governor Fraziali Ismail stated that the central bank has room for a “conditional pause” on OPR hikes, given that inflation is not “misbehaving.” “Many central banks have taken the step, us…
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Truck crashes into roadside shop in Chon Buri, 3 injured, 1 dead
A truck veered off the road and crashed into a roadside shop in Chon Buri province early this morning, leaving three people injured and one dead. The incident took place on the 331 highway near the Ta Le Thong Market when the truck driver lost control of the vehicle after a car cut in front of him. Upon arriving at…
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Malaysians less worried about inflation, struggle with daily finances
A recent survey conducted by international market research firm Ipsos revealed that Malaysians are less worried about inflation this year compared to last year. The Ipsos Inflation Monitor 2023 found that 66% of Malaysians polled in May believed inflation would rise, which is a 10% decrease from June last year. The survey also noted similar trends in concerns regarding changes…
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Penang plans June 28 dissolution for state legislative assembly
The Penang government in Malaysia has announced its intention to dissolve the state legislative assembly on June 28, paving the way for upcoming state elections. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow disclosed this plan during a news conference in George Town, stating that he will soon request a meeting with Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak to propose the dissolution…
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Malaysia and Indonesia resolve maritime disputes, boost bilateral ties
The relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia has reached a level of which both nations can be proud, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He attributed this achievement to the close and familial ties between himself and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, as well as the rapport among government officials. These strong connections have led to the resolution of several long-standing…
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Couple charged again for child negligence, face RM50,000 fine or jail
A couple in Johor Baru, Malaysia, faced charges in the Sessions Court today after being given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal for negligence that likely caused physical injury to the woman’s four-year-old son. The 23-year-old woman, who is three months pregnant, and her husband pleaded not guilty to the new charge. The alleged offence took place at their…
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Former temple abbot allegedly sexually assaults teen girl in Thailand
An elderly former temple abbot, who is 78 years old, is accused of sexually assaulting a 16 year old girl and threatening to destroy her family’s home within the temple grounds. The girl’s brother secretly recorded the abbot’s behaviour and handed the evidence to the police, leading to the abbot’s suspension. Today, a 25 year old man identified as ‘A’,…
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Highway horror: Civil engineer’s fatal crash claims delivery rider’s life in Bangkok
A Department of Highways civil engineer crashed his car into a delivery rider instantly killing him in the early hours of this morning on the Lat Phrao-Wang Hin Road in Bangkok. The driver’s alcohol test results are yet to be reported. Chok Chai Police Station officers and medical and rescue teams rushed to the road at 12.30am today to investigate the…
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SEC offers guidance for investors amid Stark’s potential bond default
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued guidelines for investors as Stark Corporation faces the possibility of defaulting on bond payments worth nearly 9.2 billion baht. The SEC has emphasised that investing in debt securities carries high risks and that investors could lose both principal and interest. The guidelines aim to clarify the roles and functions of bond representatives…
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All children in Thailand should have education, regardless of nationality, says official
Tri-nut Thiengthong, Thailand’s Minister of Education, has emphasised the right of all children living in Thailand to receive an education regardless of their nationality. This was in response to the recent influx of 124 undocumented children at Thai Rat Witthaya 6 (Ratchamongkol) School in Ang Thong province. The Ministry of Education is working closely with local organisations to ensure the necessary…
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Teens engage in X-rated act in full view of residents in Pattaya beach park
A couple of amorous teenagers having sex in Pattaya beach park shocked residents who witnessed the act in full view. Pattaya residents condemned the horny couple for their immoral behaviour, fearing it may tarnish the image of the world-class resort town. A resident visiting a public park near Pattaya’s Krathing Lai Beach discovered the impassioned couple in the early hours…
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Thailand’s Excise Department probes official’s involvement in oil smuggling case
An investigation is underway by Thailand’s Excise Department into allegations that a high-level official attempted to persuade police to release a truck carrying 15,000 litres of smuggled oil. The department’s Deputy Director-General Kriangkrai Pattanaporn revealed that a probe committee was formed to look into the arrest of the 47 year old driver, identified only as Sombat, in Prachuap Khiri Khan…
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North Korea children’s union donates rockets to army amid rising patriotism efforts
North Korea’s political youth group, the Korean Children’s Union (KCU), demonstrated its patriotism by donating rocket launchers to the army during its 77th anniversary celebrations. High-ranking officials from the North Korean Communist Party attended the event, which comes amid increased efforts by the nation to develop nuclear and conventional weapons. North Korea has recently intensified its propaganda and public signalling…
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Politicians, NGO leaders risk racial unity with divisive rhetoric, warns Umno deputy
Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has raised concerns over the increasing trend of politicians and non-governmental organisation (NGO) leaders making statements that put racial unity at risk and create public unease. He highlighted that these individuals are willing to undermine fundamental rights, freedoms, and the integrity of public institutions, as well as inappropriately involve the royal institution in political matters.…
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Putrajaya mulls PM’s Office to oversee foreign workers recruitment
The Malaysian government is considering proposals to transfer the responsibility of foreign worker recruitment from the Human Resources Ministry and the Home Ministry to the Prime Minister’s Office. In a written parliamentary response, the Human Resources Ministry acknowledged the suggestions, which also call for the department overseeing foreign worker intake to be chaired by the prime minister and led by…
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Comedian condemned for mocking MH370 tragedy and Malaysia
Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir has condemned the actions of a comedian known as “Jocelyn Chia” for making insensitive jokes about Malaysia and the MH370 tragedy. The minister expressed regret and emphasised that the comedian’s actions displayed a lack of sensitivity and empathy towards Malaysians and the victims’ families. Zambry stated that the video featuring the comedian’s performance contradicts the…
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Malaysia PM to clarify Haj selection criteria, HPV vaccine status
The classification criteria for the B40, M40, and T20 groups in selecting Haj pilgrims for the 1444H season, as well as the number of individuals to receive offers this year, are expected to be discussed during today’s Dewan Rakyat session. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will address these concerns during the Minister’s Question Time, responding to questions from Abdul Latiff Abdul…
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Ex-minister Khairy slams MP’s opposition to anti-smoking policy
Former Malaysian minister Khairy Jamaluddin has criticised Sungai Buloh MP R. Ramanan for opposing the government’s generational end game (GEG) policy, aimed at reducing smoking among future Malaysians. Khairy, who championed the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill 2022 and the GEG policy during his tenure as health minister, shared his disapproval of Ramanan’s stance on his Instagram story. Ramanan…
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Sabah targets RM1bn local oil and gas contracts, eyes green energy
Sabah’s Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, announced that the state aims to secure RM1 billion in local contract awards, accounting for 20% of total oil and gas contracts awarded this year. As of now, local contract awards have reached RM564 million, which is equivalent to 11% of the total spend in 2022. The revenue from oil and gas has…
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Malaysia not expanding visa-on-arrival beyond China and India
The Malaysian government has confirmed that there are no plans to extend the visa-on-arrival programme for travellers from countries other than China and India. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the current visa-on-arrival policy is limited to Chinese and Indian visitors entering Malaysia. Saifuddin Nasution Ismail explained that the government does not plan to grant visa exemptions for tourist…
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SPM 2022 sees 10,109 candidates achieve top grades, best results since 2013
A total of 10,109 students achieved excellent grades in the 2022 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations, with the National Average Grade (GPN) score improving to 4.74 from 4.86 in the previous year, according to Education director-general Pkharuddin Ghazali. He revealed that 373,974 candidates sat for the SPM 2022, and 75,322 students obtained average results with at least a grade C…
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Malaysia and Indonesia boost trade, investment and halal sector cooperation
Malaysia and Indonesia have strengthened their trade, investment, and halal sector collaboration by signing agreements during Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s visit to Malaysia. Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan represented their respective countries in sealing the border trade agreement and memorandum of understanding on investment promotion cooperation. The Department of…
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Puteri Umno chief urges unity for political stability and Malaysia’s prosperity
Puteri Umno chief Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi acknowledged today the need for her party to adapt to the current political landscape under the unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking to over 1,000 delegates at Umno’s Annual General Meeting, Nurul urged party members to broaden their perspective and accept the new political dynamic. Nurul admitted that it took…
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Malaysia to float egg and chicken prices, ending subsidies from July
Kuala Lumpur’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, has announced that the prices of eggs and chicken will be floated starting July 1. This follows the termination of government subsidies for these items on June 30. The domestic trade and cost of living ministry will oversee the pricing of eggs and chicken. Mohamad Sabu, also known…
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Fraudulent employment: Fake farm jobs in Australia leave Thai victims scammed
A fraudulent employment agent lured nearly 30 Thais with enticing job opportunities on Australian cattle farms, duping them out of tens of millions of baht. The victims came forward yesterday, filing a complaint with Thai police against the alleged con artist claiming high social status. The complaint against Watsan (whose last name is withheld) was lodged yesterday by 61 year…
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Minister condemns comedian’s insensitive MH370 tragedy joke at US show
Kuala Lumpur witnessed strong condemnation from Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil regarding the inappropriate actions of Singaporean comedian Jocelyn Chia. She made offensive remarks about Malaysia and the tragic MH370 incident during a recent comedy show in New York. Fadzil stated that local comedians Adflin Shauki and Harith Iskander have also criticised and condemned Chia’s actions. In her performance,…
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Umno Youth Chief demands DAP apology for past accusations
Umno Youth chief, Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, has demanded an apology from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) for past accusations made against his party. In a passionate policy speech attended by hundreds of delegates at the Tun Razak Hall in World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Dr Akmal challenged the DAP to demonstrate its commitment to working with Umno by acknowledging…
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