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World News
MCA president Wee Ka Siong steps down after 30 years in Johor Baru
The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) president, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, has stepped down from his position as Johor Baru division leader after serving the division for 30 years. He has held the role for 15 years, following another 15 years as the division’s secretary. Wee Ka Siong expressed his belief in the importance of leadership transition at the divisional…
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World News
MCA awaits seat negotiations before activating polls machinery
The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) anticipates finalising seat negotiations for the upcoming six state elections before activating its campaign machinery, according to party president Wee Ka Siong. He emphasised the importance of fostering a spirit of unity within the government during these discussions. Wee Ka Siong mentioned that one of the most significant challenges faced by political parties is manifesting…
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World News
Malaysian maritime agency urges life jacket use after boat tragedy
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Tawau Maritime Zone has issued a reminder to the public, particularly fishermen, to use life jackets while on boats. This comes after a recent boat sinking tragedy near Sebatik Island, where passengers were found not wearing life jackets, resulting in a fatality. Maritime Captain Shahrizan Raman emphasised the importance of life jackets for safety…
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World News
Ipoh City Council receives RM3.46m for facility upgrades and maintenance
The Local Government Development Ministry has granted an allocation of RM3.46 million to the Ipoh City Council (MBI) for the purpose of upgrading and maintaining facilities within its jurisdiction. The minister, Nga Kor Ming, announced that the funds will be used for projects such as improving the Kg Simee Market, Dataran Niaga Taman Cempaka, Lorong Isaac, and Jalan Sungai Pari…
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World News
PSD to continue sponsoring medical, dental, and pharmacy students
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has announced that the Public Service Department (PSD) will continue to sponsor students studying medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. This decision was made following special meetings with the PSD and is based on the ongoing demand within these sectors. Anwar Ibrahim stated, “I was informed that this was an existing policy, so…
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World News
Stamp duty exemption extended for sub-RM500,000 first homes
The decision to maintain the 100% stamp duty exemption for first-time property purchases under RM500,000 is anticipated to assist more Malaysians in owning a home. Nga Kor Ming, the Local Government Development (KPKT) Minister, stated that the ministry’s proposal to the Finance Ministry (MoF) to continue the initiative will help people save up for a house purchase. “Up to now,…
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World News
Anwar Ibrahim urges leaders to read more, foster critical thinking in students
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of being well-read and knowledgeable for leaders to effectively help the people. He addressed the recent “Kedah belongs to Penang” controversy, stating that such misunderstandings could be avoided through further reading and understanding. Anwar urged leaders to use their knowledge to benefit the public, rather than engaging in political games. During a ‘Temu…
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Thailand News
Chinese student couple caught on camera during intimate classroom moment
A Chinese student couple’s intimate act inside a classroom was recorded by security cameras, leading to other students watching the incident in real time. The couple did not realise their actions were being recorded and viewed by others. According to the ETtoday website, the young lovers in China were not aware that their entire interaction was captured by the building’s…
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Thailand News
Secret DNA test reveals wife’s affair with husband’s close relative
A surprising DNA test revelation left a Chinese man seeking legal justice after discovering his daughter was not biologically his, but shared a blood connection. This led to a court case exploring infidelity and damages. Recently, a civil dispute over divorce proceedings emerged at the Qiaoxi District People’s Court in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China. The case contained shocking details, capturing…
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World News
Olympian Phogat slams Modi’s silence on wrestling chief’s abuse allegations
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has expressed her disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence regarding the sexual abuse allegations against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Several Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, have been protesting for months, demanding Singh’s arrest. Singh is also a member of parliament from the ruling Bharatiya…
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World News
Montenegro snap election tests EU path amid political turmoil
In Montenegro, a snap parliamentary election is taking place, which could shed light on the future of the small NATO member in the Balkans as it grapples with political divisions and instability, potentially affecting its path towards joining the European Union. With fifteen coalitions and parties vying for votes, over 542,000 registered voters will determine the composition of the 81-seat…
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World News
Romanian ambassador recalled over racist monkey remark in Kenya
Romania’s foreign ministry has recalled its ambassador to Kenya, Dragos Viorel Tigau, following an incident in which he allegedly made a racist remark involving a monkey and Africans during a meeting at a United Nations building in Nairobi on April 26. The South Sudanese embassy in Kenya reported the comment, which was met with strong condemnation from African diplomats, led…
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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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World News
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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World News
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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World News
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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World News
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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World News
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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World News
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…
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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.…
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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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Thailand News
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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World News
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…
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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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World News
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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Thailand News
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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World News
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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World News
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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World News
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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Thailand News
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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World News
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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World News
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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World News
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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Thailand News
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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World News
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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World News
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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World News
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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