World News
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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Pakistani widow’s life cleaning UK expats’ vacant villas
In Bhatial, a rural village in the Jhelum district of Punjab, Pakistan, 42-year-old widow Zubeida Begum works as a domestic helper for several families who have migrated to the UK. These families return to their luxurious villas in Bhatial for a few weeks each winter, leaving the houses vacant for the rest of the year. Zubeida’s job is to maintain…
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Bangladesh suffers longest heatwave amidst crippling power crisis
Abdur Rahman, a rickshaw puller in Dhaka, Bangladesh, struggles to work under the blazing sun as the city experiences its longest heatwave in decades. Adding to the misery is a crippling power crisis, leaving Rahman and many others without electricity at night. The government has closed tens of thousands of primary and secondary schools due to soaring temperatures exceeding 40…
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Ukraine dam destruction exposes dark history of warfare tactics
The blame game between Ukraine and Russia continues as both nations accuse each other of causing the explosion at the Nova Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine. Regardless of who is responsible, the destruction of dams in warfare has a long and devastating history. The recent flooding in the region, forcing the evacuation of thousands of civilians, serves as a stark…
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UK to remove Chinese surveillance cameras from sensitive sites over security
Sensitive UK government sites are set to remove Chinese surveillance cameras in response to national security concerns relating to China. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighted China as the “biggest challenge” to global security and prosperity during the G7 summit last month. The government will release a timeline for the removal of equipment produced by companies governed by China’s National Intelligence…
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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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Over 336k Malaysian girls miss HPV vaccine amid global supply disruption
A total of 336,592 female Form 1 students from the 2020 to 2022 cohort in Malaysia have not received any human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine shots, according to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is dedicated to ensuring that all female students from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 cohorts receive the HPV vaccine before they complete their…
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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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DAP’s seat negotiations ongoing for Selangor state elections
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke announced today that seat negotiations for the upcoming Selangor state elections are still in progress. Loke clarified that he is not participating in the discussions and described the ongoing negotiations as “normal.” Loke directed reporters to inquire with Gobind Singh Deo, DAP deputy chairman and Selangor DAP chairman, for further information on the matter. The announcement…
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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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Jokic and Murray make NBA history with dual 30-point triple-doubles
In a groundbreaking NBA Finals performance, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both achieved 30-point triple-doubles, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 109-94 victory over the Miami Heat and securing a 2-1 lead in the series. This marked the first time in NBA history that two teammates accomplished this feat in the same game, whether in the regular season, playoffs, or…
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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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Budget 2023 eases financial burden for Malaysian fresh grads
Helena Roshnee Eswaran, a 24-year-old junior executive, is among the many Malaysian fresh graduates who have benefited from the repayment discount incentive for National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers under the federal government’s Budget 2023. The initiative aims to ease the financial burden of borrowers amidst the challenging economic climate. The PTPTN offer covers four categories, including a 20%…
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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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Police kill two machete-wielding burglary suspects in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
In the early hours of the morning, two men believed to be foreigners were fatally shot by the police in Taman Supreme, Cheras, near Kuala Lumpur. The police were forced to open fire in self-defence when the suspects attempted to attack them with machetes. The two men, both in their 30s, died at the scene, while their two accomplices managed…
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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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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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Malaysia maintains cooking oil subsidies, plans targeted mechanism
The Malaysian government has confirmed that it will not increase the price of subsidised cooking oil, despite the ongoing economic challenges faced by the country. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub stated that the government will instead introduce a targeted subsidy mechanism once the Central Database Hub (PADU) system is fully operational. The decision comes as many…
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Indonesian President Jokowi delights crowd during Malaysia market visit
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, received an enthusiastic welcome from locals and Indonesians as he visited the Chow Kit market in Kuala Lumpur, accompanied by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The crowd had gathered at the popular wet market from as early as 11am, while security personnel placed barricades along the streets. Jokowi arrived at the market at…
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Umno president dismisses DAP apology demand for Malay, Islamic commitment
Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed demands for a public apology from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) to prove its commitment to the Malay and Islamic agenda. The call for an apology was made by Umno Youth Chief Dr Akmal Salleh during the wing’s assembly. Hamidi, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, stated that the issue…
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Court sets verdict date for ex-MP Abdul Azeez’s defamation appeal
The Court of Appeal is set to announce its verdict on August 21 regarding the appeal by former Baling MP, Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, in his defamation lawsuit against Lim Guan Eng. The decision date was confirmed by both Abdul Azeez’s lawyer, Craig Ho, and Felix Lim, counsel for Bagan MP Guan Eng. The appeal follows the Penang High Court’s…
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