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Sponsored See the best of Northern Thailand this winter on a budget
The Thaiger key takeaways Peak season brings higher prices, but smart planning and local know-how can help you experience Northern Thailand affordably. Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai offer plenty of free or low-cost attractions, from temples and canyons to...
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Malaysia considers five-season paddy cultivation for agro-food ecosystem boost
The Malaysian government is considering a two-year paddy cultivation initiative with five seasons to enhance the country’s agro-food ecosystem. The decision was made during a recent Cabinet Committee on the National Food Security Policy (JKSMN) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The committee also discussed efforts by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) to ensure food supply availability and…
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Man arrested for assaulting female driver with helmet in road rage incident
In Balik Pulau, a 32-year-old motorcyclist has been arrested following an assault on a female driver on June 10 at Jalan Permatang Damar Laut. Barat Daya district police chief Kamarul Rizal Jenal confirmed that the man was taken into custody yesterday to assist with the investigation. According to initial findings, the motorcyclist was upset with the female driver, who had…
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ACCCIM urges stamp duty exemption extension for RM500,001-RM1m properties
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) has expressed its hope that the government will extend the stamp duty exemption period for properties priced between RM500,001 and RM1 million until the end of 2025. This extension would align the exemption period with that of properties valued at RM500,000 and below, which is also set to expire…
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Malaysia’s trade outlook brightens with global growth upgrade
The recent upgrade in the global economic growth forecast for this year is expected to have a positive impact on Malaysia’s trade performance, according to Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. The World Bank has increased its global growth projections to 2.1% in 2023, up from the 1.7% predicted in January. Additionally, the growth forecasts for the…
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Boris Johnson resigns, blasts Sunak and slams partygate inquiry
Boris Johnson has resigned as an MP, effective immediately, and criticised Rishi Sunak in a scathing resignation letter. The former Prime Minister also attacked the panel of MPs investigating whether he lied to the Commons over the partygate scandal. The privileges committee confirmed that it will meet on Monday to conclude its inquiry, with a spokesperson promising to publish its…
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Malaysian Pharmacists Society urges swift passage of Tobacco Control Bill
The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has urged the country’s Parliament to pass the Tobacco Product Control for Public Health Bill 2023 without delay, including the Generational End Game (GEG) provision. MPS President Prof Amrahi Buang emphasised the importance of controlling vape products and nicotine liquid, which were delisted from the Poisons Act on March 31. He stressed that any delay…
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Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission accused of unlawful lawyer denial
Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), a Malaysian lawyer group, has stated that it is unlawful for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to deprive the public of their right to legal counsel during questioning. The group’s director, Zaid Malek, emphasised that MACC has no arbitrary right to deny the public legal counsel during the interrogation process. “This is arbitrary, unlawful and unbefitting…
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Son kills father in brutal attack, Thai village demands life sentence
A 46 year old man was found dead in his home in Nong Bua Lamphu province, Thailand after allegedly being killed by his 24 year old son. Locals witnessed the son, Amarin, confessing to the murder while covered in blood before being apprehended by police. At the crime scene, a one-storey house with two bedrooms, the police found the body of…
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Russia blamed for Ukraine dam collapse causing floods and $5m Japanese aid
The Kakhovka dam collapse in Ukraine has sparked a heated debate over responsibility, with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell pointing the finger at Russia. According to Borrell, the dam was destroyed by explosives placed in the turbine areas, which are under Russian control. The New York Times cited an unnamed US official who claimed that US spy satellites…
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Thai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19 million baht budget
Animal lovers will be happy to know that Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has allocated a budget of 19 million baht for the return of Sak Surin, an ailing Thai elephant, from Sri Lanka next month, as announced by Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. Sak Surin was one of three elephants sent to Sri Lanka as goodwill ambassadors from Thailand…
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Boris Johnson resigns as MP after tumultuous political career
Boris Johnson’s fall from power in the UK was as dramatic and controversial as his rise. The former prime minister, whose career was defined by surviving scandal, stepped down as an MP after a series of controversies. Despite this, Johnson left the possibility of a return to politics open for his allies. Born in New York in 1964, Johnson’s political…
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Tajuddin urges Umno to lift suspension for state elections participation
Former Umno Supreme Council member, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, has reportedly called for his six-year suspension to be lifted ahead of the state elections. In an interview with Malaysiakini, the seasoned politician expressed his desire to engage in a metaphorical “silat” match against Umno’s opponents in Perikatan Nasional, the Malay martial arts. However, he currently cannot participate, comparing his…
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Man escapes work stress, rescued after six days lost in forest
A 41-year-old man, Mohamad Suhairy Mohamed, who had sought refuge in a forest for six days to escape work-related stress, was rescued by the Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in the early hours of the morning. The rescue took place after the man contacted emergency services for help. Perak JBPM assistant director of operations, Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad, stated that…
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Tractor accident kills driver in Lopburi, workers shocked at discovering body
A 69 year old farmer was crushed to death by his overturned tractor in a forest in Lopburi province, Thailand yesterday. Authorities and rescue workers were called to the scene where they discovered the flipped farm vehicle with the man’s body beneath it. At the site of the accident, investigators found the toppled tractor laying on top of the farmer, Chatchai…
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Trump indicted for hoarding classified documents at Mar-a-Lago
In a major development, US federal prosecutors have unveiled a comprehensive indictment against former President Donald Trump, accusing him of hoarding and concealing classified documents containing sensitive national security information. The 49-page document details 37 federal charges against Trump, with 31 of those charges relating to violations under the Espionage Act. The remaining six charges are connected to Trump’s alleged…
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Probe leader steps down amid partisanship in Canada’s China interference inquiry
The investigation into alleged Chinese interference in Canada has experienced a major change, as David Johnston, the government-appointed leader of the probe, announced his resignation on Friday. Johnston, a former Canadian Governor General, cited the highly partisan atmosphere surrounding his work as the reason for his departure. His appointment had been controversial, with some, including opposition Conservative Party leader Pierre…
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Malaysia seeks to improve ‘Allah’ usage directive with Islamic scholars
The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) recently held a meeting with Islamic scholars and religious teachers in an effort to develop a proposal aimed at improving the administrative directive on the use of the word ‘Allah.’ This move comes in response to the order issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on June 5,…
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Sarawak Dayak National Union seeks answers on Iban alphabet, native language institution
The Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) is seeking answers from the Sarawak state government regarding two proposals it submitted 14 years ago. The proposals included the adoption of the Iban alphabet in the education system and the establishment of an institution dedicated to the development of native Sarawak languages. SDNU president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom stated that after successfully…
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20,000 Man City fans in Istanbul for Champions League showdown
Istanbul is preparing to welcome an influx of 20,000 Manchester City supporters, as the team gears up to take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final this Saturday night. The Turkish authorities are relieved that the city does not appear to be overwhelmed by football fans, and English police officers are optimistic that the chaos experienced during last year’s…
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Partygate aides among honourees in Johnson’s resignation list
The resignation honours list of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been released, revealing nominations for political aides involved in the partygate scandal. Martin Reynolds, who earned the nickname “party Marty,” has been awarded a Companion of the Bath (CB). Reynolds gained notoriety for inviting people to “socially distanced drinks” in the Number 10 garden during the first national lockdown…
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Umno Women and Youth wings embrace former rivals for Malaysian stability
Sections of Umno Youth and Women leaders in Malaysia have announced their readiness to work alongside former rivals within the national unity government, putting aside years of hostility for the sake of the country’s political stability. Leaders from the party’s Women and Youth wings spoke about the importance of this collaboration during this year’s Umno general assembly. As Malaysia gears…
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Disney’s Hotstar offers free mobile streaming of cricket tournaments in India
Hotstar, owned by Walt Disney Co, has announced that it will provide free streaming of cricket tournaments in India on mobile devices, following the success of rival JioCinema’s similar strategy in the cricket-loving nation. The streaming platform will offer the Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup tournaments at no cost to users, aiming to make the matches accessible…
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Pakistan targets 6.54% deficit with $50.45bn budget to unlock IMF funds
Pakistan’s finance minister has announced a budget deficit target of 6.54% of economic output for the upcoming fiscal year, starting July 1. This figure is slightly lower than the current year’s revised estimate of 7%. The budget aims to satisfy the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure the release of bailout funds for the crisis-stricken country, which is due to…
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South Korea summons China’s ambassador over ‘senseless’ US tilt accusation
South Korea’s foreign ministry has called on China’s ambassador, expressing concerns over comments made by the diplomat that accused Seoul of favouring the United States over China. This comes as tensions between Washington and Beijing escalate in the battle for global influence. On Friday, South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin cautioned Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming about his “senseless…
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Blinken’s delayed China trip aims to mend strained US relations
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, is reportedly planning a visit to China this month in an effort to mend the tense relationship between the two nations. According to unnamed US officials, Blinken is expected to arrive in Beijing on June 18 for discussions with high-ranking Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Qin Gang and potentially President Xi Jinping. US…
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Newcastle secures £25m annual shirt deal with Saudi-backed Sela
Newcastle United has inked a lucrative multi-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Saudi events management firm Sela, following the lifting of a temporary ban on owner-related commercial deals. The sponsorship, reportedly valued at £25 million annually, comes as both organisations experience rapid growth. Sela is supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also owns an 80% stake in Newcastle…
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Boris Johnson resigns as MP, citing Partygate probe as reason
Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has resigned from his position as a Member of Parliament, citing a parliamentary investigation into the “Partygate” scandal as the reason for his departure. The 58-year-old announced his resignation on Friday, causing an immediate by-election in his constituency and putting pressure on his successor, Rishi Sunak. The parliamentary inquiry was…
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US accuses Iran of aiding Russian drone factory near Moscow
The US government has accused Iran of assisting Russia in establishing a drone manufacturing facility near Moscow, indicating a deepening of their defence collaboration. According to a statement by White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, US intelligence has discovered that Iran has supplied material support for the plant, which could become operational early next year. Furthermore, US officials…
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Breaking Bad actor Mike Batayeh dies aged 52 from sudden heart attack
US actor and comedian Mike Batayeh, best known for his role in the hit series Breaking Bad, has passed away at the age of 52. His family informed TMZ that he died in his sleep on June 1 at his Michigan home, following a heart attack. Batayeh had no known history of heart problems, and his family described his passing…
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Officer rescues kidnapped woman after spotting ‘help me’ plea during traffic stop
A woman in South Carolina was rescued from her alleged kidnapper after mouthing “help me” to a police officer during a traffic stop. The incident occurred on 28 May when Officer Kayla Wallace stopped a white Jeep for running a red light. The distressed female driver informed Wallace that the male passenger, Collins Bates, 29 years old, had abducted her…
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