WASHINGTON, May 9 — An outbreak of the deadly hantavirus on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship is reviving conspiracy theories about vaccines, alleged depopulation campaigns and miracle cures that flourished during the Covid pandemic.

The multilingual misinformation, which dominated online discourse and disrupted public health responses to the coronavirus, resurged even as the World Health Organization insisted Friday that there remained minimal risk to the general public from passengers of the MV Hondius.

“LOCKDOWN ALERT: Globalists Launch Covid 2.0 As Hantavirus Spreads Worldwide”, InfoWars founder Alex Jones said on X. “Just Like A Light Switch.”

A flurry of similar posts declared the outbreak a “plandemic” — borrowing from the title of a widely discredited pseudo-documentary from 2020 that pushed falsehoods about Covid.

A passenger is believed to have contracted the rare respiratory disease before boarding the ship in Argentina and infecting others on board.

Yet, an AFP analysis found widespread claims alleging a sinister plot to force vaccines on the masses, coerce people into lockdown, or sway America’s November elections by justifying expanded use of mail-in ballots — a voting method that election deniers have insisted without evidence is rife with fraud.

“The almost-immediate resurrection of Covid-19 era conspiracy theories is a reminder that misinformation doesn’t simply disappear once the crisis that yielded them is over,” said Yotam Ophir, head of the University at Buffalo’s Media Effects, Misinformation and Extremism lab.

During the Covid pandemic, health misinformation became more entwined with political identity, he said, so the election-rigging narrative “primes existing beliefs”.

Other posts pointed to past coverage of potential vaccines for hantavirus, Covid-era comments from billionaire Bill Gates and a fictional 1990s television show as evidence the hantavirus was intentionally released to reduce the population or make money for vaccine manufacturers.

Some further claimed the hantavirus was a side effect of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccines, misrepresenting a document that showed only that it was one of many “adverse events of special interest” subjected to monitoring, not something caused by the shot.

Ophir said many of the conspiracy theories now resurfacing have a long history, tracing to centuries-old fears that diseases were manufactured by elites.

But they spread faster now, boosted by social media algorithms and sometimes entertained by anti-vaccine voices installed in high-ranking offices by President Donald Trump.

Unproven cures

There are no approved vaccines or known cures for the hantavirus, which is usually spread from infected rodents and can cause respiratory and cardiac distress as well as haemorrhagic fever.

But online, anti-establishment physicians and some politicians immediately touted the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin and other medications as cures.

Former US representative Marjorie Taylor Greene — who posted that the virus was a “bioweapon” unleashed so pharmaceutical companies could profit off “poison” vaccines — amplified ivermectin claims from Texas otolaryngologist Mary Talley Bowden, whom AFP has fact-checked for spreading misinformation.

Bowden later posted an offer to sell ivermectin, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reupped support for failed legislation aimed at making ivermectin available without prescription.

“There is extreme misinformation about ivermectin,” John Lednicky, a virologist at the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, told AFP.

“Outside of laboratory tests, ivermectin has not proven effective in treating infections.”

Ophir, from Buffalo, said the promotion of Covid-era conspiracy theories could be an effort to curry political favour — and may also be financially motivated.

Amid anxiety and confusion over the outbreak, he told AFP that “online influencers, social media groups, or AI-operated users, may seize the chance to make some money”. — AFP

TAMPARULI, May 9 — Tamparuli has made history after its Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) election process was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the “Most Villages in a Simultaneous Village Committee Election”.

Tuaran MP and Tamparuli assemblyman Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau said the recognition was awarded under that category involving the simultaneous election of village committees.

He said the JKKK election involved a total of 94 villages across five mukim conducted simultaneously within the Tamparuli constituency, namely Mukim Tenghilan, Topokon, Mangkaladoi, Pantai and Mukim Tamparuli.

“This recognition is a highly proud achievement for the entire people of Tamparuli because it proves that rural communities are also capable of carrying out a community election process in an organised, transparent and integrity-driven manner.

“It also reflects the commitment of all parties, including the Tamparuli Sub-District Office, UPPM, election personnel, as well as the village communities who collectively ensured the success of this process,” he said during the Presentation Ceremony of JKKK Appointment Letters at the Tamparuli Sub-District Multipurpose Hall here.

The MBOR certificate was presented by its representative Dr Stanley Tulis Missun to Tamparuli Sub-District Officer Hannevy W. Harry, who also chaired the JKKK Election Process Organising Committee for the constituency, on March 15, 2026.

Earlier, the JKKK Appointment Letter Presentation Ceremony was officiated by Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang.

Rubin also witnessed the presentation of appointment letters by Madius to representatives of JKKK committees from each mukim within the constituency.

“We are grateful for the support provided by Rural Development Ministry, which enabled the JKKK election process to be carried out successfully.

“The implementation of the simultaneous election is also part of efforts to strengthen a more democratic and inclusive village governance system,” Madius added.

In a related development, Madius also announced the implementation of the Sustainable Village Programme Competition at the Tamparuli Sub-District level, in collaboration with strategic partners Zero Waste Sabah and the Institute for Development Studies Sabah (IDS).

He said the programme focuses on sustainable community development through strengthening the village economy, preservation of customs and culture, waste management, environmental conservation and overall community sustainability. — The Borneo Post

Resolution 80 views culture as an “asset” capable of generating returns and contributing to national economic development, with a target for cultural industries to account for 7% of GDP by 2030 and for culture to become a key export sector.

MEXICO CITY, May 9 — Mexican authorities yesterday announced that the school year would end over a month early as the country gears up to host World Cup matches, prompting broad backlash.

Education Secretary Mario Delgado said the decision to end the school year 40 days early was made in part due to a heat wave impacting several states.

“We’re going to end the school year on June 5 because many states are already experiencing high temperatures, and there’s also the issue of the World Cup,” he said at an event in the northern state of Sonora.

He noted, however, that authorities were considering in turn moving up the start of the next academic year, currently scheduled for August 31.

The tournament—hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada—kicks off on June 11 when Mexico takes on South Africa at home in Mexico City.

When Delgado initially announced the move on Thursday, President Claudia Sheinbaum said it was merely a “proposal.”

“There is no definitive calendar yet,” she said at her daily press conference. “It’s important that the children don’t miss classes either.”

Parents were left stunned by the decision, which could mean they need to find—and pay—for a third month of childcare during the summer break.

“Moving up the end of the school year will affect more than 23.4 million students by further reducing learning time, amid existing educational underachievement and growing inequalities,” warned the Mexico Evalua public policy think tank.

The Coparmex business association called the decision “hasty,” and warned of disruptions to families’ schedules and subsequent impacts on labor.

Officials in Jalisco state in western Mexico—run by Sheinbaum opponents—said they would not comply with the decision, and keep schools open until June 30 as originally scheduled.

Classes will only be suspended for the four days when Guadalajara, located in the state, hosts World Cup matches, in order to address “logistical needs” sparked by the event. — AFP

CEBU, May 9 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a meeting with his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday and expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas including border development, energy security, rail connectivity, and logistics.

Anwar said the bilateral meeting with Anutin took place in the spirit of friendship and growing mutual understanding between Malaysia and Thailand.

“In the spirit of close neighbourly ties, Malaysia and Thailand will continue to strengthen cooperation involving border development, rail and logistics connectivity, energy security, flood mitigation, as well as people-to-people relations,” he posted on Facebook yesterday.

The two prime ministers met on the sidelines of the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings, which concluded yesterday.

The close relationship not only continues the long-established legacy of friendship, but also serves as an important foundation for fostering a more peaceful, prosperous, and resilient future for the region, he added.

During the meeting, Anwar said they also expressed a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, including accelerating the target of achieving USD30 billion in trade by 2027 and expanding cross-border connectivity for the benefit of the people of both countries.

“We also reaffirmed that all disputes must be resolved peacefully based on international law, while upholding Asean unity as a vehicle for regional peace and stability.

“Malaysia remains committed to supporting diplomacy, dialogue, and principles rooted in mutual respect and shared interests,” he said. — Bernama

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (right) meets his Thai counterpart  Anutin Charnvirakul (right) during the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings on May 8, 2026 in Cebu, the Philippines. — Picture from Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim

Domestic agricultural enterprises are exerting efforts to maintain their standing in key export markets to avoid dependence on certain markets, especially the US.

WASHINGTON, May 9 — The Pentagon on Friday released a first batch of secret files documenting reported sightings of unidentified flying objects — some dating back to the 1940s — fanning speculation over whether alien life exists.

Reports of flying saucers and discs, and a sighting of a “Lord of the Rings” glowing orange orb, are among incidents in the files, which are from the FBI, State Department and Nasa in addition to the Pentagon.

Interest in UFOs has been renewed in recent years as the US government investigated numerous reports of seemingly supernatural aircraft, amid worries that adversaries could be testing highly advanced technologies.

“These files, hidden behind classifications, have long fuelled justified speculation — and it’s time the American people see it for themselves,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement.

President Donald Trump hailed the release, posting: “Whereas previous Administrations have failed to be transparent on this subject, with these new Documents and Videos, the people can decide for themselves, ‘WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?’”

More than 160 files were released on the website of the Defense Department, which officially refers to UFOs as “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena,” or UAPs.

One file — from December 1947 — contains a series of reports on “flying discs.”

“Continued and recent reports from qualified observers concerning this phenomenon still makes this matter one of concern to Headquarters, Air Material Command,” a document in the file said.

An Air Force intelligence report — marked “top secret” — from November of the following year features information on reported sightings of “unidentified aircraft” and “flying saucers”.

“For some time we have been concerned by the recurring reports on flying saucers,” a document in that file said.

This handout image released by the US Department of Defense on May 8, 2026, shows what the Department of Defense and FBI say is an infrared still image derived from a US military system showing unidentified object(s) over the western United States in September, 2025. — AFP pic/US Department of Defense Handout

‘Most compelling’

Another file summarises statements from seven federal government employees who separately reported “several unidentified anomalous phenomena” in the United States in 2023.

“The reporters’ credibility, and the potentially anomalous nature of the events themselves — combine to make this report among the most compelling within AARO’s current holdings,” a description of the file said, referring to the Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office.

In one incident, three teams of federal law enforcement special agents independently described “seeing orange ‘orbs’ in the sky emit/launch smaller red ‘orbs’”.

In another, two federal special agents witnessed “a glowing orange orb... perched close to a rock pinnacle”. That account included an artist rendering of a red-orange circle with a streak of yellow in its lower third.

The object was described as looking “similar to the Eye (of) Sauron from Lord of the Rings, except without the pupil.”

Trump directed US federal agencies in February to begin identifying and releasing government files related to UFOs and aliens, saying the move was “based on the tremendous interest shown.”

The Republican president also claimed the same day he issued the release order that one of his Democratic predecessors, Barack Obama, had revealed “classified” information in podcast remarks about extraterrestrial life.

“They’re real, but I haven’t seen them and they’re not being kept in... Area 51,” Obama told host Brian Tyler Cohen, referring to the top-secret US military facility in Nevada at the heart of many UFO conspiracy theories.

Trump told reporters at the time that Obama “gave classified information, he is not supposed to be doing that,” while saying of his own beliefs: “I don’t know if they are real or not.”

No evidence has been produced of intelligent life beyond Earth.

In March 2024, the Pentagon released a report saying it had no proof that UAP were alien technology, with many suspicious sightings turning out to be merely weather balloons, spy planes, satellites and other normal activity. — AFP

GUA MUSANG, May 9 — An elderly lorry driver was killed after he was believed to have been hit by a motorcycle ridden by a 17-year-old while crossing a road in Gua Musang on Friday night, Sinar Harian reported.

In the 8.30pm incident at Kilometre 41 of the Gua Musang–Kuala Krai road, the victim, Mat Zaki Jusoh, 62, died at the scene.

Gua Musang police chief Superintendent Sik Choon Foo said preliminary investigations found that the accident occurred when the teenage motorcyclist was travelling from Paloh towards Gua Musang.

“Upon reaching the location, the lorry driver was crossing the road to get to his vehicle which was parked on the opposite side,” he was quoted as saying. 

“Upon reaching the location, the motorcycle is believed to have collided with the elderly man. As a result of the impact, he was flung and died at the scene,” he told the Malay daily. 

Sik said the victim’s body was sent to the Forensic Unit at Gua Musang Hospital for post-mortem.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Investigations are ongoing, and witnesses or anyone with information have been urged to contact police at 09-9121222 to assist in the probe.

CEBU, May 9 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia and Cambodia are committed to intensifying cooperation in various sectors, including trade, halal, higher education, and strengthening regional security governance, particularly in combating cross-border crime and job scam activities.

Anwar, who is in Cebu, the Philippines, to attend the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings today, held a bilateral meeting with his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, on the sidelines of the conference.

Both leaders also expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation in higher education, halal, agriculture, and tourism sectors, he said, adding that Malaysia also welcomes more students and tourists from Cambodia to the country in line with the spirit of openness and Asean’s shared development.

“The bilateral meeting with Hun Manet this afternoon took place in the spirit of regional friendship that continues to be strengthened for the shared well-being of the people of both countries.

“Malaysia values its long-standing relationship with Cambodia, including growing people-to-people ties, economic cooperation, and efforts to expand strategic networks across various fields,” he said in a Facebook post today.

In a world increasingly faced with geopolitical uncertainty and economic challenges, Anwar said Asean must continue to be strengthened as a platform for regional peace, stability, and prosperity based on mutual trust and shared interests. — Bernama