SYDNEY, June 11 — Twenty-two countries including the United States and European nations jointly warned Iran today to stop attacking people “on our soil”.

Iran’s security services were condemned for their “deplorable” use of international and local criminal gangs for plots in Europe, North America and Australia.

“Attempts to kill, kidnap, harass, intimidate, or otherwise attack people on our soil, undermines national sovereignty and international norms. These actions must stop immediately,” the countries said in a joint statement.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ intelligence services and its foreign operations branch, the Quds Force, had engaged in “lethal plotting and malign actions” against Iranian dissidents, journalists and Jewish and Israeli communities and interests, they said.

“We stand united in our determination to protect our countries and our people against these threats. The Islamic Republic of Iran must halt these actions now.”

The countries also accused Iran of being behind a campaign of attacks across Europe targeting Jewish communities, Iranian journalists and US journalists that were claimed by Iran-linked group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI).

The group, whose name means The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand, has claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Jewish communities in the United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands.

HAYI reportedly said it was responsible for the stabbing of two Jewish men and a series of arson attacks on synagogues and community sites in north London over recent months.

Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador to Australia in August last year, accusing Tehran of directing at least two antisemitic attacks: an arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne and the torching of a kosher cafe in Sydney.

Canberra also withdrew the Australian ambassador to Iran and suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran.

In November, Australia designated the Revolutionary Guards as a state sponsor of terrorism, describing its alleged attacks in Australia as “unprecedented and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil”.

Iran’s foreign ministry said at the time Australia’s decision was an “insulting and unjustified act” that violated international rules and norms.

The statement was issued by Albania, Australia, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and the United States. — AFP

KOTA BHARU, June 3 — Four exotic birds worth approximately RM100,000, believed to have been smuggled from Thailand, were seized by the General Operations Force (GOF) in an operation near the illegal Kak Nah jetty in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, yesterday. 

GOF Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the seizure was carried out under Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan at about 7 pm after a Strike Force team detected a man unloading several cages on the Malaysian side of Sungai Golok. 

He said the suspect fled by boat towards the Thai riverbank upon realising the presence of GOF personnel. 

“Inspection of the abandoned cages found two Blue-and-Gold Macaws and two Blue-fronted Amazon parrots, believed to have been brought in without valid permits. 

“Also seized were two cages used to transport the birds, bringing the total value of the seizure to an estimated RM100,200,” he said in a statement today. 

According to Ahmad Radzi, the case has been handed over to the Kelantan Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) for further investigation and action under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716). 

He said the exotic birds are believed to be intended for local buyers, adding that patrols and monitoring along the border will continue to be intensified to curb wildlife smuggling activities. — Bernama

MADRID, June 10 — Real Madrid said yesterday that Atletico Madrid had rejected the club’s offer of 150 million euros (US$173 million) for Argentine forward Julian Alvarez.

“After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atletico de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal... and has rejected it,” Real Madrid said in a statement.

A World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022 and formerly of Manchester City, the 26-year-old Alvarez joined Atletico in 2024. He is under contract until June 2030, with a release clause estimated at 500 million euros.

Included in Argentina’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, Alvarez scored eight goals last season in La Liga and 10 in the Champions League, where Atletico were eliminated in the semi-finals by Arsenal.

“After studying and evaluating it, Atletico de Madrid thanked the club for the offer made, in keeping with the good relations between our two clubs, but rejected it,” Real Madrid said in a statement.

Atletico Madrid scoffed at the Real statement.

“You may have confused politeness with gratitude, but to be clear: we don’t thank you for anything. We neither studied nor considered any offer for Julian. You make us laugh even more than Barcelona do,” Atletico said in reply to Real in a social media post.

Re-elected on Sunday as Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez had promised during his election campaign that he would make a big-name signing.

Spanish media had reported that the target was Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.

But the German club said they would not be selling their French international.

“If Florentino Perez wants to send us an offer, which has not happened so far, he can save himself the trouble,” said Bayern president Herbert Hainer. — AFP

GEORGE TOWN, June 15 — The federal government has guaranteed that no vernacular schools will be closed under its administration, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said today.

He reaffirmed Putrajaya’s commitment to protect the existing Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools in Malaysia.

Wong said vernacular schools remain an important component of the national education system and dismissed long-standing concerns among communities over the fate of schools facing enrolment, land or infrastructure challenges.

“Under the Madani government, we guarantee that no school, whether a national school, SJKC or SJKT, will be closed,” he said in his speech after attending a handing over ceremony of an approval letter for the construction of a new building for SJKT Rajaji in Air Itam here.

He said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had repeatedly stressed since 2023 that vernacular schools are part of Malaysia’s education landscape and would continue to receive government support.

The deputy minister also announced that maintenance allocations for Tamil vernacular schools nationwide have been increased to RM50 million this year, more than double the annual allocations provided in recent years.

“The funding will benefit about 527 SJKTs nationwide,” he said adding that the Education Ministry is finalising the distribution of the allocations based on the schools’ individual needs and enrolment levels.

“We will not simply divide the allocation equally because some schools are larger, some are smaller, and their maintenance requirements differ,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said 22 government-aided SJKTs in Penang will receive furniture worth RM1.156 million through an initiative funded by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra).

On SJKT Rajaji, Wong officially handed over the ministry’s approval letter for the construction of the school’s new location in Farlim.

The 76-year-old school, which currently has about 100 pupils and 20 preschoolers, will relocate to a 2.3-acre site provided by the Penang state government.

He said construction is expected to cost about RM8 million and will be fully funded by a private developer.

The project is targeted for completion within 18 months, with the school expected to begin operating at its new premises by the 2029 academic session.

Wong said the approval reflected the government’s commitment to developing schools across all education streams, including national, Chinese vernacular and Tamil vernacular schools.

“Whether it is a national school, SJKC or SJKT, all are under the focus and radar of the Ministry of Education,” he said.

SERIAN, June 2 —  Beneath the vibrant costumes, thunder of gongs and pulse of ethnic music at today’s Gawai Dayak Parade in Kampung Taee lies a remarkable story of 56 years of unwavering commitment by the local community to preserve a tradition, passed down uninterrupted since 1970.

As modern pressures wear away at age-old practices, the Bidayuh of Kampung Taee, just 60 kilometres from Kuching, refuse to let their ancestral heritage fade, keeping it alive through the annual birarak (parade), where young and old march together.

For Malvern Lister, 42, that continuity was clear to see as he watched his two children join a parade that has been part of his life since childhood.

Having first taken part at the age of ten, Malvern has never missed the opportunity to join the procession, which stands as the centrepiece of the Gawai Dayak celebration in his home village.

“Ever since I was born, my whole family has been involved in this birarak. Now my two children are taking part too… so that’s three generations. I hope they will continue to keep this tradition alive in the years ahead,” he said.

“We take pride in still being able to host this parade every year. We hope more people from across the globe will come to Kampung Taee to experience Bidayuh culture and heritage for themselves,” he told Bernama.

He added that the parade, deeply rooted in the Dayak community’s rice harvesting tradition, is far more than an annual event. It is a unifying force for the community and a vital link between multiple generations. 

That same passion is shared by McWilkins Benadik, 33, who views the five-kilometre procession winding through the village as a powerful platform to introduce Bidayuh culture to the outside world.

James Handfield-Jones from the United Kingdom said the allure of the Land of the Hornbills has kept him coming back to various Gawai celebrations throughout more than two decades of living in the state. — Bernama pic

The father of one said Kampung Taee welcomes visitors every year from various states and countries, all eager to witness firsthand how the Bidayuh Bukar community in Serian celebrates Gawai Dayak.

“These visitors don’t just help showcase our culture globally, they also give a real boost to local tourism and economy,” he said.

The presence of international visitors at this year’s parade shows that the event’s appeal has clearly stretched far beyond the borders of Sarawak.

Aaron Richards, 42, from the United States, who now works in Kuala Lumpur, attended the Gawai Dayak celebration for the first time after being invited by his girlfriend, a Bidayuh native of Sarawak.

“My girlfriend invited me to join in the Gawai celebration with her family. This is my first time joining such an event and I am looking forward to seeing the local culture and interacting with the local people,” he said.

Sharing a similar enthusiasm for Sarawak’s culture, James Handfield-Jones from the United Kingdom said the allure of the Land of the Hornbills has kept him coming back to various Gawai celebrations throughout more than two decades of living in the state.

True to the Malay proverb tak lapuk dek hujan, tak lekang dek panas (untouched by rain nor faded by heat), the joint effort by the Gawai Taee organising committee and Kampung Taee’s Village Development and Security Committee remains a lasting symbol of Bidayuh identity. Despite the forces of modernisation, the event drew some 3,000 participants and visitors this year.

Besides parading through the village, participants also stopped at several stations to interact with residents and join various cultural activities that form an integral part of the celebration.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg told reporters at the Gawai Dayak 2026 Open House that holding such parades helps introduce Sarawak’s culture to both Malaysians and the international community.

He noted that local television channels and digital platforms like YouTube make it possible to showcase the unique cultural traditions of the state’s diverse ethnic communities to a much wider audience.

“We are grateful to media practitioners who cover and promote these Gawai Dayak parades in Sarawak.

“In fact, through YouTube, these traditions are also being shared with the global community, sparking their interest to learn more about the multi-ethnic, multi-faith way of life in Sarawak,” he said. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — US singer song-writer Peabo Bryson, known for his duets on Disney hits such as Beauty and the Beast and A Whole New World, has died at the age of 75.

His family announced his death in a statement carried by Variety, noting that no cause was given but that he had suffered a stroke earlier on Sunday.

“With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing,” the statement said.

The family added that he “transitioned peacefully at 5pm ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2 (6am today Malaysian time), 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”

They said his voice “served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments” for more than five decades and that his music offered “comfort and inspiration” across generations.

Bryson was best known for his smooth vocals and duet ballads, including his Oscar‑winning performances with Celine Dion and Regina Belle for Disney films Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.

He also recorded hits such as Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, You’re Looking Like Love to Me and As Long as There’s Christmas.

Born in South Carolina, Bryson began his career in the 1970s with Moses Dillard and the Tex‑Town Display before signing with Bang Records as a solo artist in 1976.

He later moved to Capitol Records and released a run of R&B hits including Feel the Fire, Reaching for the Sky, I’m So into You and Crosswinds.

Bryson scored his first Top 10 pop hit in 1984 with If Ever You’re in My Arms Again, followed by Show and Tell and Can You Stop the Rain.

He appeared on the soap opera One Life to Live in 1985 and recorded a version of its theme song that ran for seven years.

His duets with female vocalists became a defining part of his career, including collaborations with Roberta Flack, Angela Bofill and Regina Belle.

His family said celebration of life and memorial details will be announced later. 

PETALING JAYA, June 12 — The family of the late Zulfiqar Zamir Amirul Nizam wants the driver who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, causing the victim to be seriously injured and die while being treated in hospital, to be investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

The deceased’s sister, Nur Amirah Afra, 25, said when the investigation was initiated, the case was being investigated under Section 44(1A) of the Road Transport Act 1987 because her brother was still alive, but after the victim’s death, the family hopes that the investigation can be conducted under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

“We only want justice for the deceased and will not stop until appropriate action is taken, besides hoping that this case can be investigated based on the fact that the deceased died as a result of the accident,” she told a press conference here, yesterday.

Nur Amirah Afra said the deceased died 18 days ago after 13 days fighting for his life in hospital, but the family is still waiting for the progress of the investigation from the authorities and is providing full cooperation to the investigating officers.

The woman said her family also hoped the case would go through the legal process properly because they were worried that the driver, who was released on bail, might repeat the same mistake.

“My brother’s death has had a huge impact on the family because he was one of the main sources of income.

“We are very upset because my brother’s death was caused by someone else’s fault,” she said, also claiming that the driver involved has never apologised to his family since the incident occurred.

According to Nur Amirah Afra, her late brother, the eldest of the four siblings who worked as a service advisor for an automotive company, also worked part-time in preparation for getting married this December.

Meanwhile, South Klang district police chief ACP Lim Jit Huey when contacted by Bernama said the investigation papers regarding the case had been submitted and his party was now awaiting further instructions and the decision of the deputy public prosecutor.

On May 18, a part-time event planning assistant pleaded not guilty at the Klang Magistrate’s Court to a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol causing serious injury to a p-hailing dispatcher.

Low Kean Peng, 35, was charged with driving a vehicle with an alcohol level of 196 milligrammes (mg) in 100 millilitres (ml) of blood, exceeding the limit of 146 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, causing serious injuries to Zulfiqar at Persiaran Kota here at 12.35 midnight, May 13.

On May 25, Zulfiqar, 27, died after 13 days fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR), Klang. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 15 — The recovery of global oil supplies is expected to take time despite a peace deal between the United States and Iran, following infrastructure damage and disruptions to strategic trade routes caused by the conflict.

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the ongoing global geopolitical crisis has significantly impacted the national economy, particularly regarding oil supplies, adding that any positive developments towards peace are highly anticipated.

However, he noted that the impact on the oil market and the global economy would not be immediate, as the recovery process requires time.

“If it is true that a peace deal can be reached, its impact may take time because of the process of clearing routes in the Strait of Hormuz and repairing infrastructure damaged during the war. So, it will take time to fully recover,” he told reporters after the Ministry of Economy’s monthly gathering today.

He was asked to comment on recent developments regarding the peace agreement reached between the United States and Iran.

He said the Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global oil trade, and any disruption in the area carries implications for energy costs and inflationary pressures in many countries, including Malaysia.

Consequently, he said the Economy Ministry would continue to monitor developments and maintain mitigation measures to ease economic pressures, including through the National Economic Action Council (MTEN).

“At the Ministry of Economy level, we remain committed to exploring the roles we can play to ease the ongoing pressures until the situation provides a clearer picture that this crisis has truly ended,’ he said.

It was reported today that the United States and Iran have reached a peace agreement, calling for an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all conflict zones, including Lebanon, which directly signals the end of a conflict in West Asia that has dragged on for more than three months. — Bernama

SHAH ALAM, June 15 — Selangor’s financial position is still at a healthy level despite the global economic uncertainties following the supply crisis and fluctuations in world markets.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state government did not see the need to take emergency measures because revenue collection remains on a positive track.

State revenue collection reached RM1.6 billion as of May against this year’s RM2.8 billion target, with the current collection trend showing positive development.

“We have not yet pressed the ‘panic button’, but are monitoring weekly and monthly developments,” he said at a press conference after launching the Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package Phase 1 at the Selangor State Secretary’s Office (SUK) Building here today.  

Amirudin added that Selangor also recorded a RM300 million surplus against total expenditure due to the state government’s savings.

Although this year’s financial position is not as strong as last year’s, the state government is confident of achieving the set revenue target, and it still has good reserve collection, he said.

“At the same time, various efforts are being made, including through the land disposal process, changes to the actual conditions of land for industrial purposes and the influx of new investments into Selangor,” he said.

Amirudin said the real impact of global economic uncertainty is expected to be seen in the next few months, and the state government is taking a proactive approach to reduce its impact on the people and the economic sector. — Bernama

IPOH, June 13 — Buildings constructed without planning permission are illegal and will not be allowed access to water or electricity supplies, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said.

He said the policy was intended to prevent the emergence of illegal settlements, including those linked to foreign communities such as the Rohingya.

“The issue of Rohingya refugees falls under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Department, which conducts regular inspections and enforcement operations.

“However, the government’s policy is clear. Anyone entering the country, whether on humanitarian grounds or as a refugee, must obtain government approval,” he told reporters after visiting an unclaimed money mobile counter here today.

Nga was commenting on reports of an unauthorised four-storey building constructed by the Rohingya community in a remote area of Sungai Tekali, Hulu Langat, Selangor.

Meanwhile, he said the government had revoked 26,108 business licences operated by foreign nationals through 4,000 enforcement operations carried out nationwide as of May this year.

“Foreign nationals are not allowed to run businesses or hold business licences. They may work as employees, but they cannot own businesses,” he said.

Nga added that local authorities nationwide had been directed to step up enforcement efforts, while urging the public to report the presence of illegal immigrants or any suspicious activities to the authorities.

On the unclaimed money campaign, he said RM13 billion is currently available for claim and encouraged the public to check their status.

“The process is simple. Citizens only need to bring their identity card and a bank statement,” he said.

Nga said the initiative is in line with Section 13(1) of the Unclaimed Moneys Act 1965, under which funds left untouched for more than seven years are transferred to the Unclaimed Moneys Account managed by the Accountant General’s Department.

“The money belongs to the rightful owners, but many are unaware that they have unclaimed funds,” he added.

“Starting this week, we will launch the campaign beginning in the Kepayang state constituency, with Pakatan Harapan elected representatives visiting constituencies across Perak to assist the public in reclaiming their money,” he said. — Bernama

WASHINGTON, June 11 — A US surveillance law that allows federal authorities to collect the communications of foreigners abroad and search them for Americans’ data without a warrant is set ‌to expire on June 12, amid debate over warrant rules and President Donald ​Trump’s planned appointment of a political loyalist as acting Director of National Intelligence.

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is a key tool for collecting foreign intelligence, officials say.

It allows authorities to ‌gather communications from foreign targets overseas and then search that data, including for information about Americans who may have ​been in contact with them, a central concern for critics.

The June 12 deadline is the second extension deadline for the law this year. Here’s how we got here:

What is section 702?

Section 702 is "a key provision” of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 that "permits the government to conduct targeted surveillance of ​foreign persons located outside the United States, with the compelled assistance of communication providers,” the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said in an explainer document.

The law allows targeting of non-US citizens abroad, but bars US agencies from targeting US citizens, "regardless of location."

It also prohibits collecting data on anyone located in the US, or targeting a non-American to get to a US citizen.

Millions of Americans are caught up in this surveillance, however, if they happen to communicate with a ‌foreigner who is under surveillance.

The FBI, NSA, CIA and the National Counterterrorism Center "routinely” search the data for Americans’ phone calls, emails ⁠and text messages without having to obtain a warrant, the Brennan ⁠Center for Justice said in March 2026.

Why is it expiring on June 12? 

Section 702 ⁠expired on April 20, 2026, but Congress ⁠passed a 10-day extension.

Bipartisan ⁠critics pushed for a warrant requirement to better protect Americans’ data, while the White House and intelligence officials sought a "clean” renewal with no changes to the law.

Supporters of the clean reauthorization said that 2024 reforms to the law had addressed concerns, but critics pointed to ⁠data showing that Americans’ data was still being searched in questionable ways.

On April 30, Congress again passed another extension, this time for 45 days.

As part of that agreement, Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat who has long opposed warrantless data collection, secured an agreement to publicly release a secret FISA court ruling related to how Section 702 has been used.

What happens if Section 702 is not renewed?

Federal authorities may still be able to query Americans’ data under Section 702 even if it were ⁠to expire on June 12, according to the Brennan Center for Justice’s Hannah James and Elizabeth Goitein, because the program operates under yearlong certifications last renewed in March.

However, telecommunications companies may be reluctant to provide information without a clear ⁠reauthorization, according to James and Goitein, while also facing heavy federal fines if they fail to comply with lawful requests.

A T-Mobile representative ⁠said the company "carefully (reviews) ⁠each request and provide legally required information.

Our teams are closely monitoring developments, and our focus remains on complying with the law and protecting our customers' information."

Neither ​AT&T nor Verizon responded to requests for comment.

Even without Section 702, ​US authorities have other surveillance tools.

The Department of Homeland Security uses facial ‌recognition, social media monitoring, phone hacking tools and cell site simulators, which allow for ​granular surveillance of mobile phones in some ​cases, and the deployment of MQ-9 Predator drones.

Local police departments also employ facial recognition technology under various laws, news outlet Stateline reported last year. — Reuters 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Professional men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei‑Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have the potential to become world champions at the 2026 World Championships in New Delhi from August 17 to 23.

National badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek said the significant improvement shown by the world No. 7 pair, including ending Malaysia’s 18‑year title drought at the 2026 Indonesia Open in Istora Senayan, Jakarta yesterday, proved they are capable of becoming world title contenders.

Sze Fei‑Nur Izzuddin clinched the Indonesia Open title after coming from behind to defeat home pair Raymond Indra‑Nikolaus Joaquin 13‑21, 21‑18, 21‑10 in 49 minutes.

Razif, who won the Indonesia Open with his brother Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek in 1988 and 1990, said yesterday’s victory demonstrated the pair’s mental toughness in handling high pressure despite strong home crowd support at the prestigious Super 1000 event.

He added that their win over top seeds and reigning champions from South Korea Kim Won Ho‑Seo Seung Jae in the semi‑finals, 21‑18, 17‑21, 21‑16, signalled that they are genuine contenders for the World Championships.

“Since the last four tournaments, I can see their movement, strategy and confidence level is going up and they managed to strike it at the right time.

“So it’s unbelievable, I did not expect them to play so well at the Indonesia Open. I hope they can maintain their performance. Definitely they have a chance and I hope they succeed at the World Championships,” he told Bernama.

Razif also acknowledged that competing in BWF World Tour Super 1000 tournaments such as the Indonesia Open carries higher pressure compared to the World Championships.

He said Super 1000 events offer lucrative prize money, while the World Championships provide medals and significant world ranking points.

“It’s not easy to win in Indonesia, especially playing at Istora Senayan stadium and keeping the Malaysian flag flying high. We should all be proud of their achievement,” he said.

Sze Fei‑Nur Izzuddin’s victory saw Malaysia reclaim the men’s doubles Indonesia Open title for the first time since Zakry Abdul Latif‑Fairuzizuan Tazari achieved it in the 2008 edition.

As champions of their biggest title of the season, Sze Fei‑Nur Izzuddin took home prize money of US$107,300 (RM432,365), while the runners‑up earned US$50,750 (RM204,533).

Yesterday’s success marked their second triumph at Istora Senayan this year after winning the 2026 Indonesia Masters by defeating the same opponents 21‑19, 21‑13 in January.

Last month, Goh Sze Fei‑Nur Izzuddin finished runners‑up at the 2026 Malaysia Masters after losing to Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard‑Mads Vestergaard 16‑21, 17‑21. — Bernama