KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has extended his congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on the occasion of the King’s Official Birthday.

In a Facebook post, Fadillah said he, together with all Malaysians, prayed that His Majesty and the Royal Family would be granted continued good health and remain under the protection and blessings of Allah.

“May the King continue to reign with majesty, sovereignty and honour, guiding the nation and its people with wisdom, fairness and prudence,” according to the post. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also conveyed his highest congratulations and royal greetings to the King in conjunction with His Majesty’s Official Birthday.

“My family and I humbly extend our deepest gratitude and pray that Your Majesty’s reign will always be blessed by Allah,” he said in a Facebook post.

He also prayed that His Majesty be granted enduring health and continue to reign with sovereignty and wisdom, guiding and protecting the people and the nation. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning covering several states, with heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds expected until late this afternoon.

In a Facebook post at 2pm today, MetMalaysia said the weather system is expected to affect Perlis; Kedah (Langkawi, Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena and Padang Terap); Perak (Kuala Kangsar and Kinta); Kelantan (Jeli and Kuala Krai); Terengganu (Marang, Dungun and Kemaman); and Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, Bentong and Kuantan).

It also said similar conditions are expected in Sarawak, covering Sibu (Selangau), Bintulu, Miri (Subis, Beluru, Miri and Marudi) and Limbang, as well as Sabah, including the Interior (Kuala Penyu, Beaufort and Tambunan), West Coast, Sandakan (Kinabatangan, Beluran and Sandakan) and Kudat.

The Federal Territory of Labuan is also expected to be affected.

MetMalaysia said the alert remains in place until 5pm today.

It added that thunderstorms warnings are issued when there are signs of intense rainfall exceeding 20 mm per hour which are expected to persist for more than an hour, and are short-term alerts valid for up to six hours for each issuance.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — PAS today officially decided to terminate its political cooperation with Bersatu.

PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said the decision was made during a special meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee yesterday, after taking into account reports, studies and the current assessment of relations between the two parties.

He said the action was also taken to endorse the Syura Council’s June 2 decision on policy, legal and public-interest considerations regarding the party’s political cooperation based on the principle of Muslim unity.

On June 2, PAS Syura Council secretary Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh said the party had taken serious note of the crisis and internal conflict within Bersatu, which were seen to be affecting Perikatan Nasional. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds are expected to hit five states until 7pm today.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) in a statement said that the situation is expected to occur in Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Hilir Perak and Batang Padang in Perak; Cameron Highlands in Pahang; and Johor (Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Bahru).

The same warning was also issued in Sarawak, involving Kuching (Lundu), Sarikei, Sibu (Kanowit and Selangau), Mukah (Tanjung Manis and Daro), Bintulu (Tatau), Miri (Beluru, Miri and Marudi) and Limbang (Limbang).

In Sabah, it involves the Interior (Keningau and Tambunan) as well as the West Coast and Kudat (Kota Marudu and Kudat). — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said the party’s decision to terminate its political cooperation with Bersatu was not based on sentiment or short-term political interests, but on an assessment of whether the partnership could achieve the broader goals of ummah unity and political stability.

He said PAS’ priority remains the unity of the ummah, adding that the decision followed concerns that recent developments within Bersatu had undermined that objective.

Last night, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said the decision was made during a special meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee, after taking into account reports, studies and the current assessment of relations between the two parties.

He said the move was also taken to endorse the Syura Council’s June 2 decision on policy, legal and public-interest considerations regarding political cooperation based on the principle of Muslim unity.

Fadhli in a statement posted on his Facebook page this morning said Bersatu’s stance during the Perikatan Nasional Supreme Council meeting, which opposed the inclusion of parties such as Berjasa, Pejuang, IMAN and PUTRA despite a prepared proposal, had undermined the unity agenda.

He also cited a series of developments involving Bersatu in Perlis and Negeri Sembilan, saying these had affected the morale of PAS machinery ahead of the next general election.

Fadhli said the relationship between PAS and Bersatu within Perikatan Nasional will now be managed according to constitutional provisions and proper channels following the decision.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar and most major currencies today, tracking a slight pullback in the US Dollar Index (DXY) amid easing tensions in West Asia.

At 8 am, the local note appreciated to 4.0665/0780 against the greenback from Monday’s close of 4.0715/0760.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the DXY fell slightly to 99.98 points as Iran and Israel appeared to be moving towards easing strikes against each other, although such pledges remain fluid.

“Market sentiment is likely to stay cautious ahead of the US consumer price index (CPI) release tomorrow.

“In light of the ongoing war and its impact on fuel prices, amid the strong non-farm payrolls (NFP) outturn last week, the Federal Reserve is likely to maintain its restrictive monetary policy stance,” he told Bernama.

The ringgit traded mostly higher against a basket of major currencies. 

It appreciated against the British pound to 5.4219/4372 from 5.4249/4309 and gained against the Japanese yen to 2.5385/5459 from 2.5445/5475, but slid against the euro to 4.6879/7011 from 4.6867/6919 at yesterday’s close.

The local currency was also higher against regional peers.

It improved versus the Singapore dollar to 3.1548/1639 from 3.1577/1614, was up against the Thai baht at 12.3639/4049 from 12.3942/4128, strengthened against the Philippine peso to 6.59/6.61 from 6.60/6.61, and rose against the Indonesian rupiah to 223.5/224.3.2 versus 223.8/224.2 on Monday. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 6 (Bernama) -- A total of 270 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) have recorded a graduate employability rate of 99.5 per cent, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

He said the impressive achievement demonstrated that MARA’s TVET institutions are at the forefront of advancing the nation’s TVET agenda, which has now entered the TVET 2.0 phase.

“I also greatly appreciate the private sector for being at the forefront of supporting TVET nationwide. They have not only introduced new training modules, but have also extended their support through the provision of equipment, machinery and other facilities for selected TVET institutions.

“They have embraced TVET 2.0 not only through the various contributions I mentioned earlier, but also by signing agreements with the National TVET Council and most TVET institutions across the country to ensure that all TVET students will be employed by the industry, with 100 per cent absorption into the workforce,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National TVET Council, in his welcoming remarks at the National TVET Day 2026 celebration here today.

The celebration was held at Dataran Putrajaya, where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the launch of TVET 2.0.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the implementation of TVET 2.0 would place greater emphasis on emerging high-demand fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and renewable energy, while continuing to strengthen conventional sectors that remain in demand.

“In TVET 2.0, in addition to the priorities I have outlined, we have also sent instructors from selected TVET institutions abroad for training at no cost to the government. The programmes are fully funded by industry players overseas, enabling our instructors to acquire the latest knowledge and skills,” he said.

He added that industry players are also offering premium salaries to TVET graduates, with holders of the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) receiving a minimum starting salary of RM2,500, above the current minimum wage.

The employability rate of TVET graduates nationwide rose to 98.7 per cent as of the end of May this year, compared with 95.1 per cent previously.

“This is an achievement we are grateful for. As I have often said, achieving success is difficult, but sustaining it is even more challenging. Our task and responsibility are not only to preserve this success, but to continue building on it and raising the bar even further,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said students from tahfiz institutions and pondok schools are now being given opportunities to pursue TVET programmes, including in aerospace engineering and maritime engineering, through courses offered by Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).

“This will elevate the capabilities of tahfiz students, who have traditionally focused on the fields of syariah and usuluddin. Insya-Allah, within the next three to five years, while continuing to preserve their Quranic memorisation, we will also see them emerge as engineers, including in the aerospace sector,” he said.

He said the initiative is expected to produce more highly skilled professionals from among tahfiz students without compromising their grounding in religious studies.

Ahmad Zahid also said that seven universities within the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN) provide pathways for TVET students to further their education up to master’s and doctoral levels.

He added that the government has allocated RM7.9 billion to the TVET sector under Budget 2026, the largest allocation ever provided to strengthen the implementation of TVET 2.0, including upskilling and reskilling programmes.

On the National TVET Day 2026 celebration, he said this year’s event was organised on a relatively large scale despite being conducted at a very low cost, reflecting efficient resource management and the government’s commitment to ensuring that high-impact programmes can continue without placing an undue burden on national expenditure.

Held under the theme ‘TVET Pilihan Utama Kerjaya’ (TVET: The Preferred Career Path), the three-day celebration, which runs until Sunday, from 9 am to 10 pm daily, brings together more than 107 agencies, institutions and industry players from nine key sectors on a single platform. These sectors include aerospace, electronics and digital technology, agriculture, transport and automotive, advanced manufacturing, services, rail, maritime and energy. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — The ringgit ended lower against the US dollar yesterday on cautious sentiment over rising fuel prices, unresolved geopolitical tensions and global trade uncertainties.

At 6pm, the local currency depreciated to 4.0095/0140 against the greenback from Wednesday’s close of 3.9955/9990.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said elevated fuel prices are expected to exert upward pressure on global inflation as a truce between the US and Israeli forces and the Iranian military remains elusive.

“Hence, traders and investors have become more edgy, with fuel prices expected to remain elevated.

“In addition, the US’ trade protectionist policies are here to stay, leading to further anxiety in market sentiment,” he told Bernama.

On June 2, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published its findings under the Section 301 investigation into alleged forced labour involving Malaysia and proposed a 10 per cent tariff on Malaysian goods upon the expiry of the tariff imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act 1974 on July 24, 2026.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) noted that no final tariff determination has been made against Malaysia, as the proposed 10 per cent tariff remains subject to the USTR’s ongoing investigation and formal determination.

The ringgit also traded lower against a basket of major currencies.

It eased against the British pound to 5.3872/3932 from 5.3727/3775, slid against the euro to 4.6610/6663 from 4.6400/6440, and slipped versus the Japanese yen to 2.5081/5111 from 2.5005/5027 at yesterday’s close.

The local currency traded mostly lower against regional peers.

It retreated versus the Singapore dollar to 3.1241/1279 from 3.1164/1193, eased against the Thai baht to 12.2708/2903 from 12.1825/1988, and weakened against the Philippine peso to 6.50/6.52 from 6.47/6.48.

However, it was higher against the Indonesian rupiah at 222.1/222.4 versus 222.3/222.7 at Wednesday’s close. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar and was mostly firmer against regional peers on Friday amid easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which lifted sentiment towards the local note.

At 8 am, the local currency appreciated to 4.0505/0615 against the greenback from yesterday’s close of 4.0650/0690.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said United States President Donald Trump had indicated that a deal with Iran was close to being finalised, which could lead to the resumption of shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Meanwhile, crude oil prices such as West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent fell by 1.97 per cent and 2.92 per cent to US$85.98 per barrel and US$90.38 per barrel, respectively.

“The US Dollar Index (DXY) was also down by 0.28 per cent to 99.672 points as a result. In addition, US initial jobless claims rose for the third week in a row to 229,000 last week,” he told Bernama.

The local currency traded mostly lower against a basket of major currencies. 

It climbed versus the Japanese yen to 2.5293/5364 from 2.5321/5347, but depreciated against the British pound to 5.4337/4485 from 5.4325/4378, and slid vis-a-vis the euro to 4.6889/7016 from 4.6878/6924 at Thursday’s close.

The ringgit was mostly higher against regional peers.

It rose versus the Singapore dollar to 3.1541/1632 from 3.1556/1589, was up against the Indonesian rupiah to 225.1/225.8 from 225.9/226.2, and strengthened against the Philippine peso to 6.60/6.62 from 6.62/6.63 previously.

However, the local note eased against the Thai baht to 12.3623/4023 from 12.3331/3501 yesterday. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Thai horror sensation Ghost Board hit local screens on June 11, riding a wave of viral success from its digital counterpart.

Directed by Chanathip Wongpoltree, the franchise first found its footing on the Roblox platform in May.

Roblox has solidified its position as a global entertainment titan, boasting more than 85 million daily active users.

Capitalising on this reach, Pall's Studio developed Ghost Board: Before Dawn following the film’s initial announcement, a move that quickly found favour with the platform’s massive player base.

Mirroring its cinematic counterpart, the game pits a group of teenagers against supernatural forces. Players must confront ghosts and survive until daybreak after a mysterious board game goes wrong. The digital experience clocked over 700,000 plays within its first two weeks, even catching the eye of major gaming influencers.

The game offers various endings based on player choices. Current statistics from Roblox reveal a high stakes environment: 70.8 per cent of players successfully survive until dawn, while 11.9 per cent meet a grim “Game Over” conclusion.

Produced by M Studio, Ghost Board taps into the dread of meddling with the unknown. Executive producer Visoot Poolvoralaks noted that the film challenges the belief that “some things should not be played with.”

“The key challenge is turning a board game — now a popular form of entertainment — into a medium that delivers truly immersive horror,” he said.

“We focus on creating an unpredictable horror atmosphere combined with the rules of a cursed board game that imposes a time constraint: the game must be completed before dawn. This creates intense pressure for both the characters and the audience,” he said in a statement.

The film features a talented ensemble including Ongart Jeamcharoenpornkul, Panisara Rikulsurakan, Win Sakulsangprapha, Nattawat Sumploy, Neenara Boonnitipaisit, and Pawat Ketsrisakda.

After its initial release in Thailand on March 12, the movie grossed THB40 million (RM4.9 million).

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — A total of 27 individuals, including tahfiz students and residents of an elderly care home, are reported to be in stable condition after being suspected of suffering from food poisoning at a tahfiz centre in Kundang, Rawang, near here, on Thursday (June 4).

Sungai Buloh police chief Supt Mohd Hafiz Muhammad Nor said the victims, including elderly people aged between 62 and 84, experienced symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

He said preliminary investigations found that the incident occurred after all the victims had consumed food obtained from outside sources on June 4.

“All the victims sought treatment at nearby healthcare facilities and the Sungai Buloh Hospital. Further investigations into the case is being handled entirely by the Ministry of Health (MOH),” he said in a statement today.

Following the incident, the Gombak Health Office went to the location to conduct investigations, record statements and collect food samples for laboratory analysis to determine the actual cause of the incident. 

Mohd Hafiz said the MOH has opened an investigation paper regarding the case under the Food Act 1983 and the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

He urged those with information regarding the incident to contact Investigating Officer Insp Mohammad Hafiz Seleman at 016-4507492 or any nearby police station, and advised the public not to make any speculation that could disrupt the investigation. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — An investigating officer told the Sessions Court today that he was unaware that former Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZCSB) director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli had links to another construction company that participated in the open tender for the Penang undersea tunnel and three main roads project.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Headquarters Investigation Division Senior Superintendent Zulhilmi Ramli said that besides Consortium Zenith Beijing Urban Construction Group (CZBUCG), VST Cemerlang Sdn Bhd had also submitted a bid for the mega project through the open tender process.

However, he said he was unsure whether Zarul Ahmad had planted VST Cemerlang as a bidder, and only knew that the businessman had links with CZBUCG.

The 38th prosecution witness said this during cross-examination by defence counsel Haijan Omar in the corruption trial of former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng involving the RM6.3 billion undersea tunnel and main roads project.

When asked by the lawyer whether his investigation showed that Zarul Ahmad had secretly placed VST Cemerlang in the bidding process, Zulhilmi replied that he was not sure.

Further questioned on whether he knew if Zarul Ahmad had any influence or interest in VST Cemerlang that enabled the company to participate in the tender, Zulhilmi answered: “I do not know.”

Haijan then suggested that the witness had never investigated the matter and was unaware of the reasons, basis and interests behind VST Cemerlang’s participation in the tender.

However, Zulhilmi disagreed and said his investigation was conducted based on the complaint lodged.

When the lawyer suggested that the matter had been overlooked during the investigation, Zulhilmi again maintained that he disagreed.

Earlier, in his witness statement, Zulhilmi said CZBUCG was the best company among the five bidders evaluated for the project.

According to him, CZBUCG scored 93 per cent compared with the nearest bidder, VST Cemerlang, which scored 77 per cent, resulting in CZBUCG being awarded the tender for the project.

Lim, 65, is charged with using his position as Penang chief minister to obtain gratification of RM3.3 million for himself by helping a company owned by Zarul Ahmad secure the RM6,341,383,702 Penang roads and undersea tunnel project at the Penang Chief Minister’s Office between January 2011 and August 2017.

For the second charge, the Bagan MP is accused of soliciting a bribe amounting to 10 per cent of the profits to be earned by Zarul Ahmad as an inducement for helping the businessman’s company secure the same project. The offence was allegedly committed near The Gardens Hotel, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, here, between 12.30am and 2am in March 2011.

He also faces two charges of causing two plots of Penang government land worth RM208.8 million to be disposed of to a developer company linked to the undersea tunnel project. The offences were allegedly committed at the Penang State Land and Mines Office, Komtar, on Feb 17, 2015, and March 22, 2017.

The trial before Judge Azura Alwi continues on July 23. — Bernama