N NewsMalay

Malaysia's news, around the clock.

RK
International Correspondent

Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh covers world for the publication.

905 articles published

Tabung Haji RCI Report Expected Within Days, PM Says

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim indicates the Royal Commission of Inquiry's final report on Tabung Haji controversies may be released imminently, either today or by Wednesday at the latest, depending on Cabinet procedures.

· · 4 min read

Zahid: PM Has Right to Remove Underperforming BN Ministers

Barisan Nasional chairman Zahid has stated that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim retains the authority to remove coalition ministers deemed underperforming, signalling party acceptance of performance-based accountability.

· · 3 min read

MACC Must Probe eFishery Investment Despite Preliminary All-Clear, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that preliminary findings suggest no impropriety in Retirement Fund Incorporated's RM163.4 million investment in Indonesian aquaculture startup eFishery, yet maintains that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission should conduct a thorough investigation.

· · 4 min read

Burnham Becomes Britain's PM, Pledges 'Rewiring' of Nation

Andy Burnham, the prominent Northern England politician nicknamed 'King of the North', has assumed office as Britain's seventh prime minister in ten years, committing to fundamental national restructuring focused on household economics and public service improvement.

· · 4 min read

Former civil servant arrested over RM300,000 benefits fraud scheme

Authorities have apprehended a former civil servant accused of fabricating documents to unlawfully obtain roughly RM300,000 in state financial aid. The case highlights growing concerns about internal fraud within Malaysia's government benefits system.

· · 3 min read

Actress from Popular Police Drama Arrested in Jalan Raja Chulan Drug Raid

An actress who featured in a well-known police television drama was among 14 people detained during an early morning Operation Noda enforcement action targeting an unlicensed entertainment establishment in Kuala Lumpur. The actress tested positive for multiple controlled substances.

· · 4 min read

MACC's Elephant Transfer Inquiry Confined to Documentary Review

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the Taiping Municipal Council's transfer of three elephants to Tennoji Zoo in Japan, limiting its probe to examining relevant documentation rather than conducting broader inquiries.

· · 3 min read

Onn Hafiz Says PAS Free to Back BN as Part of Electoral Strategy

Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz has defended political parties' autonomy to craft their own electoral strategies, including PAS's decision to support Barisan Nasional candidates in constituencies where Perikatan Nasional is not contesting.

· · 3 min read

Pope Leo XIV Cautions Against Viewing AI Through Amoral Lens

Pope Leo XIV has warned that artificial intelligence cannot be treated as morally neutral, arguing that every AI system reflects deliberate choices about human values and societal priorities that demand clear accountability.

· · 4 min read

Chinese Scam Suspect Wanted by Interpol Arrested at Jakarta Airport

Indonesian police have arrested a Chinese national at Jakarta's main airport following an Interpol red notice. Zheng Rongjing is accused of leading an international online scam network operating from Cambodia, marking another blow to transnational fraud operations.

· · 4 min read

Thailand's Anutin marks 100 days: Crisis management wins, but deeper reforms stall

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has earned cautious praise for steering Thailand through a Middle East-triggered energy crisis and maintaining political stability in his first 100 days. However, analysts warn his government has deferred deeper economic reforms needed to address sluggish growth and high household debt.

· · 5 min read

Iraq Clarifies OPEC Position Amid Production Quota Dispute

Iraq has rejected reports suggesting it could leave OPEC if production quotas remain unchanged, reaffirming commitment to the cartel while pressing for a reassessment of output ceilings based on technical capabilities.

· · 4 min read

China Firmly Rejects Forced Labour Claims in Xinjiang

China's Minister of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission has categorically denied allegations of forced labour in Xinjiang, asserting that all employment transfers are voluntary and supported by new labour protection laws taking effect in July.

· · 3 min read

Beyond Royal Jelly: How Honeybee 'Palaces' Create Queens

New research reveals honeybee colonies create future queens through specially engineered wax chambers with unique physical and chemical properties, challenging the long-held belief that royal jelly alone determines queen development.

· · 5 min read

Laos and Russia Cement Strategic Ties with Nuclear Energy Agreement

Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Russian President Vladimir Putin have strengthened bilateral relations through discussions on energy, trade, and education. The leaders signed a historic agreement on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation.

· · 5 min read

Paris landmarks shut down early as France battles severe heatwave

Paris's iconic Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum have announced early closures this week as France grapples with a dangerous heatwave. Temperatures are forecast to reach 38°C in the capital, prompting authorities to prioritize visitor and staff safety.

· · 4 min read

Lithuanian PM Resigns, Triggering Coalition Realignment

Lithuania's government has resigned following internal coalition shifts, with the Social Democratic Party chairman positioned to lead a new administration—the third governing coalition since late 2024 elections.

· · 4 min read

Thirteen Men Face Court Over Kepong Nightclub Brawl

Thirteen men arrested in connection with a brawl outside a Kepong nightclub in April are set to face charges in court today, marking the conclusion of initial investigations into the incident.

· · 3 min read

LRT3 Service Launches June 29, Connecting Shah Alam to Klang Valley

Malaysia's Light Rail Transit 3 line will commence operations on June 29, following an official launch ceremony on June 23 to be presided over by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The 37.8km route serves two million residents across the western Klang Valley.

· · 3 min read

Romania's Prime Minister-Designate Presents Cabinet to Parliament

Romania's prime minister-designate Adrian Vestea has formally presented his proposed government cabinet and policy programme to parliament, backed by the Social Democratic Party, marking an attempt to end political uncertainty in the country.

· · 4 min read

How Britain's Monarch Appoints a New Prime Minister

King Charles III holds a centuries-old prerogative to appoint Britain's next Prime Minister, a rare personal power guided by convention rather than law. The monarch must choose someone capable of commanding parliamentary confidence, typically the majority party leader.

· · 5 min read

Cambodian Police Dismantle Telegram Extortion Ring Targeting Facebook Shoppers

Cambodian authorities have arrested a suspect accused of running a sophisticated Telegram scam that targeted Facebook Live shoppers. The operation, which netted over US$110,000 across approximately 50 victims, involved impersonating business owners and government officials to pressure people into making fraudulent payments.

· · 4 min read

Iran and US Reach Draft Agreement on Temporary Oil Sanctions Relief

Iran and the United States have completed a draft framework for temporarily easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports, according to Tehran's negotiating team. The development comes as talks progress under a newly activated peace agreement signed by both nations.

· · 5 min read

US Navy Pivots Back to Pacific as Middle East Tensions Ease

With tensions easing in the Middle East following a US-Pakistan-Iran deal on the Strait of Hormuz, the US Navy is repositioning warships to the Pacific, reassuring regional allies of Washington's commitment to the region amid strategic competition with China.

· · 5 min read

Cerundolo Claims Queen's Crown in Epic Grass Court Battle

Francisco Cerundolo captured the Queen's Club championship, his maiden ATP 500 title, in a marathon three-hour-two-minute final against American Tommy Paul, becoming the first Argentine winner of the prestigious pre-Wimbledon tournament.

· · 4 min read

Iran and US Complete First Round of Mediated Talks in Switzerland

Iran and the United States have completed their first negotiating session in Switzerland, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan. The talks, led by senior officials from both nations, focused on implementing terms of a recent interim accord aimed at resolving regional tensions.

· · 4 min read

Two workers killed in scaffolding collapse at Chiang Rai tunnel project

A scaffolding collapse in Thailand's Doi Luang railway tunnel claimed two lives and injured seven workers on Saturday evening. The accident occurred during construction of the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong railway line, with preliminary findings suggesting falling rocks from the tunnel wall.

· · 3 min read

US and Pakistan Hold Strategic Talks at Swiss Peace Summit

A high-level US-Pakistan delegation meeting commenced in Switzerland, with Vice President JD Vance and special envoys meeting Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military leadership at a Burgenstock resort.

· · 4 min read

Seoul's Free Bus Plan for Seniors Raises Fiscal Concerns

Seoul's proposal to offer free or subsidised bus rides to citizens aged 70 and older has cleared committee approval but faces scrutiny over mounting costs and fiscal sustainability amid a rapidly ageing population.

· · 5 min read

India's Sports Passport Plan: A Game-Changer for Diaspora Athletes

India is weighing a Sports Passport framework that would permit overseas Indians and people of Indian origin to represent the nation in international competitions without acquiring full citizenship, potentially transforming Indian sports performance.

· · 6 min read

New Mosque for Over 1,500 Worshippers Planned in Bukit Bintang

Malaysia's Religious Affairs Minister announced plans for a new mosque in Bukit Bintang with capacity for over 1,500 worshippers, expected to open in early 2024. The facility will replace a temporary prayer surau at a community centre.

· · 3 min read

Marcos Signals Push for Deeper ASEAN-Russia Ties in Tech and Energy

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has called for stronger ASEAN-Russia cooperation, identifying artificial intelligence, data centres, and power generation as key areas where the two sides can deepen ties beyond traditional economic relations.

· · 4 min read

Rare Storm Ravages Bercham, Affecting Over 240 Homes

An unprecedented storm struck Bercham in Ipoh yesterday evening, affecting more than 240 residences and eight commercial premises. Authorities attribute the damage to a rare landspout phenomenon and are mobilising aid and repair efforts.

· · 4 min read

Thailand Grapples with Cannabis Regulation as Loopholes Widen

Thailand's cannabis policy faces mounting pressure as a parliamentary health committee examines whether the plant should be reclassified as a narcotic. The debate exposes deep divisions between medical authorities and business operators over regulation.

· · 5 min read

Robbery Ruled Out in Killing of Korean National in Nueva Ecija

Philippine police have ruled out robbery in the killing of a Korean national whose body was discovered in an abandoned SUV in Nueva Ecija. Valuables including a Rolex watch and cash were left untouched, pointing to a different motive.

· · 4 min read

Media Must Master Algorithms to Combat Misinformation, Says Expert

Media organisations cannot afford to ignore algorithms and artificial intelligence, according to a communications expert from UPSI. Rather than viewing technology as a threat, newsrooms must strategically leverage it to distribute credible journalism while maintaining ethical standards.

· · 4 min read

Philippine Earthquake Rewrites Coastline as Seabed Thrusts Above Water

A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in the southern Philippines has permanently altered the coastline, with the seabed rising two metres in some areas. The disaster killed at least 76 people and displaced hundreds of fishing families who now fear further tremors.

· · 6 min read

Moutet's Queen's winnings wiped out by BBC interview fine

French player Corentin Moutet has been fined $40,000 for swearing during a BBC courtside interview at Queen's Club, erasing nearly his entire $43,000 second-round prize money and highlighting ongoing disciplinary issues.

· · 4 min read

Media Sector Charts Path Forward at HAWANA 2026 in Penang

Malaysia's media sector converges in Penang for HAWANA 2026, with journalists and industry bodies launching programmes to reinforce professional standards and tackle emerging challenges in an era of rapid technological change.

· · 5 min read

Armizan Inspects Papar Water Projects Amid Supply Challenges

Malaysia's Domestic Trade Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali inspected ongoing water infrastructure projects in Papar district, reviewing capacity upgrades and addressing recent operational disruptions caused by raw water turbidity problems.

· · 4 min read

HAWANA 2026 Summit Prepares for Prime Minister's Inaugural Address

Malaysia's premier National Journalists' Day summit opens tomorrow in Penang with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officiating. The event will gather roughly 1,000 media professionals to discuss journalism's future under the theme 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility'.

· · 4 min read

Why Telegram Faces Mounting Legal Pressure Across the Globe

Telegram, the encrypted messaging platform favoured by activists and journalists, confronts escalating regulatory scrutiny globally. Governments cite terrorism, fraud and illicit activity, whilst founder Pavel Durov contends authorities weaponise restrictions to suppress dissent.

· · 5 min read

Police Net 58 Suspects in Nationwide World Cup Betting Operation

Malaysian police have arrested 58 individuals across the country in a major enforcement sweep targeting illegal World Cup betting operations. The coordinated action demonstrates authorities' intensified focus on combating unlicensed gambling during major sporting tournaments.

· · 3 min read

AirAsia Alerts Job Seekers to Fraudulent Recruitment Website Scam

AirAsia has warned job seekers of a fraudulent website posing as its official recruitment portal. The scam collects personal information and demands processing fees. The airline's genuine careers site is careers.airasia.com, and it never charges application fees.

· · 4 min read

Modi and Trump Signal Strong Progress on US-India Trade Deal

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reported significant progress in long-stalled trade negotiations with the United States following talks with President Donald Trump at the G7 summit in France, with both sides targeting a commercially meaningful agreement soon.

· · 6 min read

Norwegian Crown Princess Undergoes Successful Lung Transplant

Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, has successfully undergone a lung transplant after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. The operation marks a significant moment for the Norwegian royal family and has sparked increased organ donation registrations.

· · 4 min read

Newsom Rejects Federal Claims, Says Trump Behind Investigations

California Governor Gavin Newsom has disputed US Justice Department claims that investigations into his conduct originated from within the department itself, instead contending that the inquiries reflect political pressure from Donald Trump.

· · 3 min read

Cambodia Pivots Toward High-Tech Manufacturing With South Korea Push

Cambodia is actively courting South Korean investment in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors, moving beyond its traditional garment industry reliance. A high-level delegation led by Deputy PM Sun Chanthol visited major Korean firms in Incheon to promote investment opportunities.

· · 6 min read

Suspect held over KTMB cable theft in Taiping

Police have arrested a man suspected of stealing 43 metres of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad cables from a railway line in Taiping. The theft occurred at a location approximately 95.75 kilometres along the Padang Rengas-Kamunting sector early today.

· · 3 min read

SJKT Rajaji To Relocate to New RM8 Million Campus in Penang's Farlim

The 76-year-old SJKT Rajaji in George Town, Penang, will move to a new RM8 million facility in Farlim following Education Ministry approval. Construction is expected to complete within 18 months, with the school operating from the new site by the 2029 academic year.

· · 4 min read

Brunei Police Arrest Two Women in Vice Activity Crackdown

Brunei's Criminal Investigation Department has detained two local women suspected of involvement in vice activities during coordinated raids in the Brunei-Muara District, reaffirming law enforcement commitment to combating moral offences.

· · 3 min read