British-American writer and journalist Toby Muse has immersed himself in the underworld of drugs for more than 15 years. He has infiltrated narcotics labs and traveled through guerrilla camps in the Colombian jungle, in order to understand the aspirations and deprivations that drive thousands of people into the trafficking networks. Through his work, the 50-year-old – born in Chichester, United Kingdom – dismantles the failed promises of the war on drugs, while offering a stark portrait of the global cocaine empire.

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VH-HET 1945 Supermarine Spitfire HF.VIII RAF as MV239 RAAF A58-758 Marked up as A58-602 RG-V Grey Nurse
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BUENOS AIRES, June 11 — Dozens of Argentines who were denied visas to travel to the United States to see the World ‌Cup will at least have a new free television to watch the games.

Argentine conglomerate Newsan promised to give out local brand Noblex televisions to the first 100 people who lined up yesterday outside its Buenos Aires office with paperwork in hand showing they had been denied a visa between January ‌and June of this year to visit ⁠the United States.

“Give us ⁠your denied visa and take ⁠a free TV,” an ⁠advertisement on ⁠Instagram said.

One of the lucky winners was Tomas Vageller, a 24-year-old professional videogame player.

“I ⁠went to get a visa because we all think it will be Messi’s last World Cup,” he said. “It’s very sad I won’t be able to see it, but well, ⁠I’m leaving with a gift.”

In three-time World Cup winner Argentina, soccer fever has been ⁠unusually tempered days before the 2026 World Cup kicks ⁠off ⁠in North America - much less feverish than in 2022, which many saw as Argentina’s last hope ‌to win the tournament under Lionel Messi’s leadership. — Reuters 

Banks, crypto firms and Kremlin oil reserves also targeted in 21st set of measures since full-scale invasion of Ukraine

The EU hopes to ban Russian soldiers from entering its territory as part of further sanctions against Moscow that also target banks, crypto firms and the Kremlin’s oil revenues.

Announcing the proposals on Tuesday, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “We propose for the first time to ban from entry into the European Union anyone who has served in the Russian armed forces since the beginning of the war. So Europe stays off limit for anyone who has participated in the invasion of Ukraine, as simple as that.”

KUCHING, June 11 — The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is closely monitoring recent flight disruptions involving AirBorneo services across Sabah and Sarawak and has reminded the airline of its obligations to consumers under the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC).

In a statement, CAAM said the flight delays, cancellations and schedule changes were attributed by AirBorneo to operational and maintenance-related issues.

While stressing that safety must remain the highest priority in flight operations, the aviation regulator said affected passengers must continue to be treated fairly and in accordance with consumer protection requirements.

“AirBorneo is reminded to take all reasonable measures to minimise inconvenience to affected consumers and to ensure compliance with its obligations under the MACPC while maintaining the highest standards of operational safety,” said the authority.

CAAM advised passengers affected by the disruptions to check the latest status of their flights before heading to the airport and to contact the airline directly for updated information, available assistance and alternative travel arrangements.

The authority noted that under the MACPC, airlines are required to provide timely, accurate and updated information on flight delays, cancellations or schedule changes, including the reasons for the disruption and the options available to affected passengers.

It added that, depending on the nature and duration of the disruption, consumers may be entitled to care and assistance such as meals, communication facilities, accommodation, transportation, re-routing to their final destination or refunds, subject to the provisions of the code.

CAAM encouraged affected passengers to first seek resolution directly with AirBorneo through the airline’s official customer service channels.

“Airlines are required to address consumer concerns promptly and provide clear guidance on the available remedies and next steps,” it said.

Passengers who are unable to resolve their issues with the airline, or who are dissatisfied with the response received, may lodge complaints with CAAM via its FlySmart platform, online complaint form, email or consumer hotline.

The regulator said it will continue to monitor the situation and assess AirBorneo’s compliance with applicable consumer protection requirements under the MACPC.

“Airlines are expected to ensure that communication, assistance, re-accommodation and refund processes are carried out in a timely, transparent and accountable manner,” it said.

CAAM also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights while maintaining safety as the highest priority in Malaysia’s civil aviation sector.

In a statement earlier, chief executive officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin said the flight disruptions were caused by multiple aircraft becoming unavailable at the same time due to scheduled maintenance and technical rectification works.

He assured that the airline has been working around the clock to restore normal operations and minimise further disruptions. — The Borneo Post

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Malaysia’s kopitiam concept could potentially emerge as an exportable identity capable of strengthening tourism branding, food entrepreneurship and cultural influence abroad, according to culinary veteran Chef Rossham Rosli, who has spent 33 years in the industry.

Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the culinary profession, including serving as an international judge at global culinary competitions, Rossham said Malaysia’s next opportunity may not necessarily lie in exporting individual dishes alone, but rather in introducing a broader dining ecosystem that reflects the country’s multicultural identity and everyday food culture.

Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur head chef Rossham shared his views with Bernama after returning from the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2026”.

He was among the international panel of judges at the culinary competition and also coached Malaysia’s representative for the Young Chef International (YCI) tournament held alongside the forum.

Rossham is also Gastronomy Association of Malaysia president and World Platform of Islamic Countries Culinary Societies’ Secretary General, positions that gave him extensive exposure to culinary development, international gastronomy networks and food promotion initiatives across multiple countries.

From kaya toast and kopi traditions to multicultural breakfast offerings and shared dining experiences, Rossham sees Malaysia’s kopitiam culture as a unique value proposition that can resonate internationally while remaining distinctly Malaysian.

According to him, unlike individual dishes, which sometimes face limitations due to differing taste preferences across markets, kopitiam culture offers a more adaptable concept. It also combines familiar staples such as bread, coffee, rice, noodles, curries, kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs.

These offerings are distinctive Malaysian flavours, traditions and dining customs that can be appreciated internationally.

“Whether it is bread, noodles or rice, we have all the fundamental staple foods,” he added.

Rossham said Malaysian kopitiam culture offers a wider culinary experience that is approachable among international audiences, even as it retains its local identity.

“Malaysia should look beyond food promotion from a purely culinary perspective and recognise the wider economic ecosystem supporting the kopitiam concept.

“Beyond food itself, Malaysia’s kopitiam ecosystem supports a broader value chain involving bakery businesses, coffee supply chains, food manufacturing activities, small and medium enterprises, hospitality operators and tourism-related experiences, all of which could benefit from stronger international positioning of the (kopitiam) concept,” he said.

He also highlighted that the concept brings together a variety of dishes and beverages under one recognisable identity.

Countries around the world are increasingly leveraging food culture as part of broader economic positioning and tourism strategies. Rossham also noted that Malaysia’s multicultural dining identity has similar untapped potential, given the country’s unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Nyonya, as well as Sabah and Sarawak culinary influences.

His views are shaped by decades in professional kitchens and by extensive international exposure through culinary competitions, judging assignments and gastronomy engagements across countries, including Türkiye, Indonesia, Tunisia and Russia.

Throughout those engagements, he said Malaysian chefs have consistently demonstrated strong capabilities on the international stage, with Malaysia regularly ranking among the top performers in culinary competitions involving Islamic countries.

“The best food for us to promote internationally is our national cuisine. Food, after all, is often one of the first ways people connect with a country’s culture and identity,” he said.

Heritage influences, multicultural traditions

For international visitors, the kopitiam culture is distinctly Malaysian, combining heritage influences, multicultural traditions and daily local experiences under one roof. This allows visitors to enjoy the food itself and experience the social and cultural environment that has shaped Malaysia’s food identity for generations.

Rossham advocates a broader national cuisine positioning rather than focusing too heavily on individual state-based food identities. He said a unified multicultural narrative provides stronger international recognition and branding opportunities and makes it easier for global audiences to understand and appreciate Malaysia’s culinary diversity.

Malaysia spent years promoting individual dishes abroad, but it is concepts such as the kopitiam that offer greater long-term potential because they bring together multiple elements of the country’s food culture under a single, recognisable identity.

“The concept is particularly relevant because it naturally accommodates different culinary traditions under one roof, making it easier to introduce international audiences to the broader Malaysian food story.

“Food brings people together,” he said, recalling how food promotion activities often create opportunities for networking, cultural exchange and relationship-building across countries.

He also argued that gastronomy should not be viewed solely through a hospitality lens, as food increasingly intersects with tourism development, entrepreneurship, heritage preservation, the expansion of the halal ecosystem, export opportunities, and nation branding, making it a strategic asset that extends far beyond the dining table.

“In an increasingly competitive global tourism landscape, heritage alone is no longer enough. It must also create economic value and international relevance.

“Malaysia’s culinary heritage has endured through generations, shaped by diverse cultural influences and traditions passed down over time, but the next challenge may lie in determining how the country can internationalise and commercialise its culinary strengths without losing authenticity and cultural value,” he said. — Bernama

MALAYSIA: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim donated 260 sacrificial cattle for Hari Raya Aidiladha in Permatang Pauh, a constituency in Penang, with 155 distributed under the Korban MADANI programme across Seberang Jaya, Penanti, and Permatang Pasir, and 105 to the Seberang Perai Tengah District Mosque. 

Anwar said the rite symbolises obedience to Allah and the spirit of sacrifice, urging Malaysians to use their blessings to ease the burdens of the poor and underprivileged.

The Prime Minister’s donation of 260 cows for Hari Raya Aidiladha has drawn scrutiny from social media users. Many questioned how Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could afford such a gesture after famously declaring he had forfeited his salary as Prime Minister. 

One user on social media X openly questioned how many of the Prime Minister’s 260 donated cows were destined for Tambun, the constituency Anwar Ibrahim won in the last election. 

Additionally, another commenter has raised concerns over the Prime Minister’s donation. She questioned whether Anwar Ibrahim was using government funds as though they were personal, noting the apparent contradiction with his earlier pledge to forgo his salary. 

Her remarks reflect the scepticism online, with some netizens asking how the cow donations were financed and whether greater transparency is needed.

Furthermore, X user @A_Hxrrxz2nd estimated that a cow in Malaysia costs around RM6,000 (S$1,927). Multiplying that by 260 brings the total to nearly RM1.6 million (S$514,000)—a sum far beyond the reach of the average Malaysian. 

The user also questioned how such an expense was covered and called for better transparency regarding the source of funds used for the Prime Minister’s large‑scale donation.

Some argue that cow donations to Malaysian Prime Ministers are not unprecedented. One even shared screenshots of older reports alleging that former Prime Minister Najib Razak once received 793 cows as corporate donations. 

The user suggested that if similar practices are happening today, it would be better for the government to openly acknowledge that the 260 cows were corporate contributions, rather than leaving the public to speculate about the funding source.

Despite the Prime Minister’s gesture, many remain dissatisfied, particularly amid global economic uncertainty. 

Comments questioning his actions are perhaps inevitable for someone in public office, where scrutiny is constant, and every move is weighed against broader challenges facing ordinary Malaysians. 

This article (260 cows for Eid: Malaysians question PM’s spending source due to forgone salary) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

MALAYSIA: Following public pushback and debate, the Selangor state government announced that guidelines called the Selangor State Planning Guidelines and Standards for Community Facilities 2025 have been paused and are undergoing a review.

It recently issued a statement explaining that its position on the proposed guidelines for non-Islamic places of worship is intended to improve planning standards and inclusivity, and not to restrict religious practices.

Selangor Special Committee on Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Taoist Affairs co-chairman P. Papparaidu said the state executive council had agreed to review and refine the guidelines to ensure they remained practical, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the state’s diverse communities.

However, critics argue that the guidelines could impose restrictions that could limit the establishment and expansion of non-Islamic places of worship.

Today, a member of the ruling People’s Justice Party (PKR), Lee Chean Chung, said that he thanked the Selangor State Government Exco YB Ng Sze Han for responding to public concerns regarding the controversy and to his statement dated 1 June on the matter, but Lee says the explanation by the state Exco still falls short of addressing the real concerns on the ground.

The concerns regarding those guidelines are that bans in commercial zones and height and Structural Constraints.

The guidelines initially stipulated that non-Islamic houses of worship could not be located in commercial zones, and existing buildings in these areas could not be converted for such use.

Critics say that because gazetted religious land is often scarce, many religious groups have historically relied on shoplots.

On the issues concerning height and structural constraints, the rules apparently specified that non-Muslim places of worship must not be taller than any mosque located within the same or neighbouring development areas, with an absolute height limit capped at 72 feet.

Lee highlighted two main issues with the proposed rules:

1. Industrial areas — The guidelines say existing buildings cannot be converted into non‑Islamic houses of worship (RISI). Legally, this could mean RISI are not allowed in industrial zones at all.

2. Temporary approvals (KMTT) — Many RISI in commercial and industrial areas operate under temporary permits that must be renewed regularly. By law, these permits cannot last more than 12 consecutive years, so approvals are granted cautiously.

“The question is: how can the state government guarantee that such renewals or reapplications will not be treated as new applications and subsequently rejected?

Lee Chean Chung has called for a full withdrawal and review of Selangor’s latest worship guidelines, warning they pose risks to non‑Islamic houses of worship (RISI).

He noted that earlier editions allowed case‑by‑case discretion for religious sites in shop or residential premises, but this clause was removed in 2020, creating uncertainty.

Lee also criticised the residency threshold requiring 1,250 units for new RISI sites, saying such large developments are rare in the Klang Valley.

He raised concerns over clauses permitting enforcement against existing RISI exceeding the 72‑foot height limit, including statues and symbolic structures.

To ease public anxiety, Lee proposed clarifying the status of temporary permits (KMTT), restoring local authority discretion, lowering land thresholds to 500 units, and involving LIMAS in decisions on existing sites. He stressed that reforms are vital to uphold Malaysia’s tradition of coexistence and unity.

This article (Controversy over height of non-Muslim houses of worship in Malaysia) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.