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  • ✇Malay Mail - All
  • Gas Malaysia rolls out Asia Pacific’s first LOOP system to turn methane into graphene
    KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Gas Malaysia Bhd has deployed the first LOOP system in Asia Pacific, using technology developed by Levidian Nanosystems Ltd to produce graphene and capture carbon from methane.This breakthrough reinforces Gas Malaysia’s transformation under its GM32 growth strategy, evolving beyond its traditional role as a gas distributor into a provider of high-value solutions and an ecosystem builder in advanced materials.Developed in collaboration with
     

Gas Malaysia rolls out Asia Pacific’s first LOOP system to turn methane into graphene

3 June 2026 at 10:29

Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Gas Malaysia Bhd has deployed the first LOOP system in Asia Pacific, using technology developed by Levidian Nanosystems Ltd to produce graphene and capture carbon from methane.

This breakthrough reinforces Gas Malaysia’s transformation under its GM32 growth strategy, evolving beyond its traditional role as a gas distributor into a provider of high-value solutions and an ecosystem builder in advanced materials.

Developed in collaboration with United Kingdom-based Levidian, the LOOP technology transforms methane into high-quality graphene and hydrogen-rich gas, creating new value from existing gas infrastructure while enabling cleaner and more efficient industrial applications.

Speaking at the launch of the “From Methane to Graphene: Revolutionising Industry with Graphene” initiative here today, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said the strong collaboration between Malaysia and the UK, as evidenced by the partnership between Gas Malaysia and Levidian, will complement NanoMalaysia Bhd’s (NMB) ongoing efforts and further galvanise the national advanced materials ecosystem.

He said the deployment of Levidian’s LOOP technology in Malaysia, marking its first installation in the Asia Pacific, reflects growing international confidence in the country’s industrial ecosystem.

“The new graphene production technologies, such as Levidian’s LOOP, can complement existing graphene production facilities in Malaysia, thereby increasing national graphene output, strengthening supply

security and supporting broader downstream adoption by Malaysian industries.

“More importantly, such partnerships create opportunities beyond technology deployment alone. They facilitate knowledge exchange capability development, talent enhancement, and collaborative innovation, thereby strengthening Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness,” said Chang.

Also present were Gas Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, British High Commission Kuala Lumpur Trade and Investment director Richard Colley, and Levidian United Kingdom chief commercial officer Ian Hopkins.

Chang highlighted the role of NMB in advancing the development and commercialisation of graphene-based solutions through the National Graphene Action Plan 2020 (NGAP 2020) and the Graphenovation Programme under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans.

He said that through these initiatives, NMB, an agency under his ministry, has brought together industry players, universities and research institutions on a triple-helix platform to stimulate market demand and accelerate the growth of Malaysia’s graphene ecosystem. 

Chang said the ministry also provides further support to NMB to establish the local supply side of graphene through the Strategic Research Fund for the Biomass Innovation Circular Economy Programme (BICEP).

He said that, via BICEP, NMB has been working with a local university on developing local technology to convert palm-based biogas, specifically biomethane, into hydrogen and graphene to support Malaysia’s emerging Hydrogen Economy and National Industrial Master Plan aspirations.

“This effort is important because it demonstrates how Malaysia’s natural and biomass-based resources can be upgraded into higher-value outputs.

“Instead of treating methane merely as a fuel or an emission source, it can be converted through a locally patented hydrogen pyrolysis process, which produces graphene, supporting the development of high-value industrial applications.

“As a byproduct, the technology also enables its conversion into hydrogen. By the same token, if methane from fossil fuel sources is used, the process can be interpreted as a carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) mechanism, thereby supporting the clean energy agenda,” he said.

Chang said this is significant as Malaysia remains the only country in Asean with a national-level graphene programme, positioning the country as a regional frontrunner in graphene application development, industrial adoption and commercialisation.

“To date, these efforts have also contributed to a growing portfolio of graphene-related intellectual property (IP), including 92 IP filings and 16 patents granted, demonstrating Malaysia’s progress in translating graphene research and development into protectable, commercially relevant technologies,” he said. — Bernama

  • ✇The Independent SG
  • Making Kuala Lumpur great again is the aim of the new Minister Kazi Mahmood
    MALAYSIA: Kuala Lumpur is a major player in the regional entertainment industry, with a reduction of bureaucracy and speeding up of approval processes for international events. Is Kuala Lumpur ready to be a big player in the region? The Minister for Federal Territories, Hannah Yeoh, believes the city is ready. She has directed Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to facilitate and accelerate applications to ensure the capital remains a preferred destination for global industry players. “Time is money,
     

Making Kuala Lumpur great again is the aim of the new Minister

30 May 2026 at 04:30

MALAYSIA: Kuala Lumpur is a major player in the regional entertainment industry, with a reduction of bureaucracy and speeding up of approval processes for international events.

Is Kuala Lumpur ready to be a big player in the region? The Minister for Federal Territories, Hannah Yeoh, believes the city is ready.

She has directed Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to facilitate and accelerate applications to ensure the capital remains a preferred destination for global industry players.

“Time is money, speed is currency. And this is how I want to drive DBKL forward in facilitating approvals when they deal with applications.

“We cannot just sit and wait for things to happen; instead, we must facilitate and move the process,” she said this whilespeaking at the launch of ‘KL Headline Season 2026’ at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre this week.

She posted the same thoughts on her Facebook page yesterday, adding that according to Tourism Malaysia, the recent Water Festival in Kuala Lumpur generated RM320 million (S$100 million) for the Malaysian economy in a single weekend.

“The returns to Malaysia’s economy came from international visitors, about 100,000 people for the Water Festival, who spent around RM255 million just that weekend.

“For local visitors, 150,000 people spent about RM64 million,” she said.

She says Kuala Lumpur is no longer just keeping up. The world is already paying attention.

“From Coldplay’s record-breaking 81,812 crowd at Bukit Jalil to major international concerts, sporting events and cultural showcases, KL is proving that it belongs on the global stage.

“And when global events come to our city, the impact goes far beyond the stadium. Restaurants stay busy, hotels fill up, e-hailing drivers earn more, small businesses grow, and young creatives gain valuable opportunities,” she says.

She also says a vibrant city is not built with concrete alone, as it is built by experiences, creativity and the confidence to bring people together.

“We want Kuala Lumpur to be a city people do not only visit, but a city they are proud to call home. Because Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s face to the world, and we are ready.”

This article (Making Kuala Lumpur great again is the aim of the new Minister) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

  • ✇Malay Mail - All
  • Pakatan not eyeing post-poll pact with BN in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, says Amanah sec-gen Malay Mail
    KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Amanah secretary-general Muhammad Faiz Fadzil has reportedly said Pakatan Harapan (PH) is not planning any post-election cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state polls.According to Utusan Malaysia, Faiz said PH’s current priority was to strengthen its own position ahead of any political developments after the elections.“So far, there are no plans for cooperation with BN after the Johor and Negeri Sem
     

Pakatan not eyeing post-poll pact with BN in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, says Amanah sec-gen

11 June 2026 at 02:15

Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Amanah secretary-general Muhammad Faiz Fadzil has reportedly said Pakatan Harapan (PH) is not planning any post-election cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state polls.

According to Utusan Malaysia, Faiz said PH’s current priority was to strengthen its own position ahead of any political developments after the elections.

“So far, there are no plans for cooperation with BN after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections,” he was quoted as saying.

Faiz, who is also the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia chairman, was reportedly speaking to reporters after a Madani engagement programme with fishermen from the northern Perak zone in Sungai Betul Bawah, Tanjung Piandang, yesterday.

He said Amanah was confident it would be allocated seats it could win once negotiations within PH were finalised.

He added that seat talks among PH component parties were almost complete and had proceeded smoothly, with an announcement to be made by the coalition leadership soon.

Monash, Taylor’s say campuses back to ‘normal’ after bomb scares, confirm cops gave safety clearance

5 June 2026 at 10:03

Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — Both Taylor’s University and Monash University Malaysia said this afternoon that their campuses have resumed normal operations, after police confirmed that it was safe to do so.

Earlier today, Taylor’s University campus in Subang Jaya was reportedly evacuated.

In a brief statement posted on its Facebook page around 3pm, Taylor’s University explained it had “activated its emergency response procedures following a reported bomb threat”.

“The campus was immediately evacuated, and access was restricted while authorities conducted the necessary security assessments.

“Following a thorough security sweep, the Subang Jaya District Police have confirmed that the situation is all clear. Taylor’s Lakeside Campus is safe, and normal operations may resume,” it said in the statement.

Taylor’s University thanked its students, staff, visitors, emergency responders and the authorities for their cooperation, swift response and professionalism.

In its latest update this afternoon, Monash University Malaysia said it had “resumed normal campus operations” today, following a thorough security assessment by local authorities in response to yesterday’s reported bomb threat.

The university thanked both the Subang Jaya and Larkin district police and the university’s own security team for their swift response.

“We are continuing to work closely with local authorities to investigate this matter and have temporarily increased security at our campus to ensure the health and safety of our community,” it said, also thanking its community for their patience while work was done to facilitate a safe return to normal campus operations.

Monash University Malaysia this afternoon also posted a link to its website, where it gave a timeline of key developments in response to the reported security incident.

Previously, the university said it had activated emergency response procedures last night following a reported bomb threat, including evacuation of campus and restricted access as precautionary measures while authorities conducted a thorough assessment.

Based on the timeline provided on its website, Monash University Malaysia in an update dated yesterday at 11.53pm said the Subang Jaya police had gave the clearance for its Sunway City campus to resume normal operations.

In the same timeline, the university in an update dated today at 5.51am said police had also given clearance for its CSJB campus in Johor to resume normal operations.

  • ✇The Independent SG
  • Rising expenses drive tourists away from Langkawi Kazi Mahmood
    MALAYSIA: Langkawi, once a jewel of Malaysia’s tourism industry, is facing mounting challenges. Rising fuel costs, disrupted ferry services, and global uncertainties have driven operators to raise prices while visitor numbers steadily fall.  In the first quarter of 2026, arrivals dropped month by month, reflecting waning international demand. Small businesses, from jet ski operators to restaurants, report fewer bookings and shrinking margins. Industry leaders warn that steep costs risk eroding L
     

Rising expenses drive tourists away from Langkawi

4 June 2026 at 07:31

MALAYSIA: Langkawi, once a jewel of Malaysia’s tourism industry, is facing mounting challenges. Rising fuel costs, disrupted ferry services, and global uncertainties have driven operators to raise prices while visitor numbers steadily fall. 

In the first quarter of 2026, arrivals dropped month by month, reflecting waning international demand. Small businesses, from jet ski operators to restaurants, report fewer bookings and shrinking margins. Industry leaders warn that steep costs risk eroding Langkawi’s competitiveness across Southeast Asia. 

As the government pushes its ambitious Visit Malaysia 2026 target, the island’s struggles highlight the urgent need for targeted support and sustainable strategies.

A video posted by on X by @MadaniNomics has gone viral, showing Kuah township in Langkawi looking deserted. The clip’s caption notes that roads once crowded with tourists now resemble a ghost town. The footage highlights empty streets in the island’s downtown area, sparking concern over Langkawi’s declining visitor numbers.

Some comments suggest that Langkawi may not be as welcoming as its image portrays. One claimed locals are less friendly compared to other tourist destinations, adding that food is overpriced and of poor quality relative to its cost. Hotel rates were also highlighted as a burden, especially for Malaysian visitors who find them unaffordable. 

Political remarks have also surfaced in response to Langkawi’s tourism slump. Another claimed that any state under the jurisdiction of the Islamic party PAS is bound to fail, pointing to Langkawi as an example. This sentiment reflects a broader view held by some Malaysians who link the island’s struggles to the opposition coalition’s governance. 

Not all reactions to Langkawi’s slowdown are negative. Some argue that the type of tourists visiting the island has changed. Instead of focusing on shopping, visitors today are more interested in the vacation experience itself. 

The viral video highlighted Kuah’s commercial district, but critics note that this area is not the main draw for travellers seeking an exotic beachside escape. 

Tourism is slowing not only in Langkawi but across several Southeast Asian seaside destinations. Popular hubs like Bali are also reporting fewer visitors. At the same time, many islands are tightening regulations as authorities respond to concerns over inappropriate behaviour by foreign tourists. 

This article (Rising expenses drive tourists away from Langkawi) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

  • ✇Malay Mail - All
  • Nancy Shukri says new care standards will safeguard dignity, rights across Malaysia’s care services
    KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — The National Care Standards for Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities is expected to be launched in October this year as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s care economy framework.Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the standards are currently under development, following continuous discussions to establish clear benchmarks for quality care services, including expectations for pro
     

Nancy Shukri says new care standards will safeguard dignity, rights across Malaysia’s care services

8 June 2026 at 07:50

Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — The National Care Standards for Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities is expected to be launched in October this year as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s care economy framework.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the standards are currently under development, following continuous discussions to establish clear benchmarks for quality care services, including expectations for providers within the care sector.

“We are developing standards of care. This is still in the discussion stage and is expected to be launched in October.

“I am pleased to have heard the views of the industry players involved, including the challenges faced and the suggestions for improvement put forward,” she said after delivering her keynote address at the ABAC Malaysia Care Economy Roundtable 2026 here today.

She also noted that ongoing discussions continue to generate new ideas, reflecting the evolving nature of the care sector, which requires continuous refinement and policy enhancement.

Earlier in her keynote address, she said the standards would serve as a key governance instrument to strengthen the quality, safety and accountability of care services nationwide.

“They are intended to establish minimum standards of care, safeguard the dignity and rights of care recipients, and promote greater consistency in service delivery across institutional, community-based and home-based care settings,” she said.

Nancy said investment in the care economy is no longer merely a social welfare issue, but a critical economic imperative to ensure Malaysia’s future productivity and resilience.

She said addressing caregiving gaps and enabling greater labour force participation could contribute about RM77 billion annually to the national economy, equivalent to around five per cent of gross domestic product.

Citing research by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, the minister said unpaid care and domestic work are estimated to be worth RM379 billion annually, while about 3.2 million Malaysians face constraints in full labour force participation due to caregiving responsibilities.

Nancy also noted that Malaysia is undergoing significant demographic changes, with the total fertility rate declining from 6.0 births per woman in 1960 to around 1.6 currently, below the replacement level of 2.1.

To address these challenges, she said the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030 represents an important step towards establishing a more structured and coordinated national direction for the care ecosystem. — Bernama

Second day of BTS ‘Arirang’ KL presale sells out within three hours, restricted-view seats available tomorrow

4 June 2026 at 08:33

Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — The ticketing battle for the upcoming BTS World Tour ‘Arirang’ in Kuala Lumpur continued for its second consecutive day today and allocated tickets were fully sold out within three hours.

The Live Nation Presale, which began at 11am today, kicked off with 900,000 online users joining the queue. However, by 12pm, the number had risen to 1 million and by 1pm, it had dwindled to just over 200,000 with several categories, including VIP, Cat 1 and Cat 2, already sold out.

At around 2pm, concert promoter Live Nation Malaysia took to its X and Instagram accounts to announce that all allocated tickets had sold out for the day while adding that Restricted View (RV) seats would be added for both days of the concerts.

The RV seats will be available during the General On-Sale, which commences tomorrow from 11am.

ARMY in Malaysia, you did that! Live Nation Presale is officially SOLD OUTThank you for the incredible support!

But we’re not done yet! ARMY,?, the GENERAL ONSALE is happening TOMORROW!

Restricted View… pic.twitter.com/euxPtgDKNw

— Live Nation Malaysia (@livenationmy) June 4, 2026

Despite the heavy traffic, today proved to be a smoother experience for fans compared to yesterday, when the ARMY Membership Presale saw around 1.3 million users flocking to the waiting room, with all ticket allocations being fully snatched up within five hours.

Today also marked the launch of the Trip.com presale, featuring specially curated accommodation packages which include BTS in KL concert tickets for travelling fans.

These packages, which are priced between RM1,718 and RM2,087, allow concertgoers to not only catch all seven BTS members live on stage but also fully immerse themselves in the Kuala Lumpur city experience.

Meanwhile, as yesterday’s presale was marred by rampant scalping and reselling activities online, with tickets already being offered for resale within the first hour, GoLive Asia, the official authorised ticketing platform for BTS in KL, said via Instagram that any tickets associated with suspicious accounts may be cancelled and voided.

“To safeguard the integrity of the ticket sales process, any tickets associated with accounts flagged for suspicious, fraudulent, or prohibited activity may be cancelled and voided without prior notice.

“Any voided tickets will be returned to the available inventory and released during subsequent sales, helping to ensure equitable access and a fair opportunity for genuine fans to purchase tickets.

“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in supporting a fair ticketing environment for everyone. Thank you,” GoLive Asia wrote on Instagram today.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A brief check on social media platforms such as X and Threads showed that reselling activities were still rampant today.

Although most of the resellers would require interested parties to leave them a direct message for pricing, at least one user on X was seen offering Cat 7 tickets for RM400, a mark-up from its initial RM338 price.

Meanwhile, resellers on online marketplace Carousell were also rampant, with one seen offering Cat 6 tickets, initially priced at RM438, for RM600.

Today marked the last presale day for BTS World Tour ‘Arirang’ in KL while the general on-sale will begin tomorrow, June 5, from 11am.

For more ticketing information, please visit https://www.golive-asia.com/home.

  • ✇Malay Mail - All
  • MetMalaysia issues alert for thunderstorms, heavy rain in seven states until 5pm
    KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit seven states until 5pm today, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).In a weather warning issued at 3.15 pm, MetMalaysia said the affected areas in Perak are Kerian, Larut, Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak, and Kuala Kangsar.In Selangor, the warning covers Hulu Langat and Sepang, while in Negeri Sembilan it involves Jelebu, Seremban, Port Dickson, Kuala
     

MetMalaysia issues alert for thunderstorms, heavy rain in seven states until 5pm

1 June 2026 at 08:19

Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit seven states until 5pm today, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

In a weather warning issued at 3.15 pm, MetMalaysia said the affected areas in Perak are Kerian, Larut, Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak, and Kuala Kangsar.

In Selangor, the warning covers Hulu Langat and Sepang, while in Negeri Sembilan it involves Jelebu, Seremban, Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah and Rembau.

On the east coast, the adverse weather is forecast to affect the Kelantan districts of Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Bharu, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Bachok, Machang and Pasir Puteh, as well as Kuala Nerus and Kuala Terengganu in Terengganu.

Meanwhile, in Sarawak, the warning covers Kuching (Bau and Kuching), Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Kapit (Song and Bukit Mabong), Bintulu (Bintulu and Sebauh), and Miri (Subis, Beluru and Marudi), while in Sabah, it covers Tawau (Lahad Datu). — Bernama

 

  • ✇Malay Mail - All
  • Tourism Malaysia MyCEB step up Central Asia outreach as Visit Malaysia 2026 gets underway
    KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and Tourism Malaysia have expanded their presence in Central Asia following successful inaugural business events seminars in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, promoting Malaysia as a preferred destination for business tourism.The seminars, held in Almaty on June 2 and Tashkent on June 4, marked Malaysia’s first dedicated business events engagement in both cities, drawing regional tourism play
     

Tourism Malaysia MyCEB step up Central Asia outreach as Visit Malaysia 2026 gets underway

5 June 2026 at 11:08

Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and Tourism Malaysia have expanded their presence in Central Asia following successful inaugural business events seminars in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, promoting Malaysia as a preferred destination for business tourism.

The seminars, held in Almaty on June 2 and Tashkent on June 4, marked Malaysia’s first dedicated business events engagement in both cities, drawing regional tourism players, corporate representatives, as well as stakeholders from the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry.

Tourism Malaysia Almaty Office director Nor Shazly Azmi said the seminars marked an important milestone in strengthening tourism and business ties, while showcasing Malaysia’s potential as a destination for corporate travel and international events.

“Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan continue to demonstrate encouraging growth as emerging markets for Malaysia. Improving air connectivity and expanding flight options between Central Asia and Malaysia have made the destination increasingly accessible for both leisure and business travellers,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, MyCEB senior manager of Business Development Edward Lim Chee Chong said Malaysia sees significant potential for collaboration with Central Asia’s business events sector.

He said the country’s robust infrastructure, strong connectivity and continuous government support offer highly competitive advantages for business events of all scales.

Organised with the support of Tourism Malaysia’s Almaty office and the Embassy of Malaysia in Uzbekistan, the seminars were used to promote Malaysia’s comprehensive MICE ecosystem, with specific emphasis on Kuala Lumpur as one of Asia’s leading business events hubs.

The seminar in Almaty also featured a tourism presentation by Tourism Malaysia Almaty marketing officer Kamilla Chaldanbayeva, showcasing Malaysia’s diverse travel portfolio tailored for the Kazakhstani market, luxury, family, leisure and business travel experiences.

Participants were also introduced to Malaysia’s specialised offerings for conferences, corporate meetings, and incentive programmes, alongside the growing potential of ‘bleisure’ travel experiences that seamlessly combine business and leisure tourism.

The initiative also aligns with preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, as Malaysia seeks to expand its source markets and strengthen tourism and business linkages with Central Asia amid rising visitor arrivals from the region.

In 2025, Malaysia welcomed more than 43,000 visitors from Kazakhstan, making it the largest source market for Malaysia in Central Asia, while more than 20,000 visitors from Uzbekistan travelled to Malaysia, reflecting growing interest in the destination and strengthening people-to-people ties between the countries. — Bernama

 

  • ✇The Independent SG
  • Malaysia Politics: PM says no plans to work with Bersatu Kazi Mahmood
    MALAYSIA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismissed speculation that Bersatu would join his coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH), firmly rejecting the rumours after PAS severed ties with its opposition partner. He said he had not heard any rumours about that matter, saying there are no negotiations with Bersatu. Whether there will be negotiations in the future if Bersatu approaches PH is also not known. However, the internet is full of rumours that the party of Muhyiddin Yassin, a former PM who brought d
     

Malaysia Politics: PM says no plans to work with Bersatu

12 June 2026 at 00:00

MALAYSIA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismissed speculation that Bersatu would join his coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH), firmly rejecting the rumours after PAS severed ties with its opposition partner.

He said he had not heard any rumours about that matter, saying there are no negotiations with Bersatu. Whether there will be negotiations in the future if Bersatu approaches PH is also not known.

However, the internet is full of rumours that the party of Muhyiddin Yassin, a former PM who brought down Anwar’s coalition from power in 2020, is joining PH.

The PH chairman said the political approach practised by his side at present is based on negotiation and cooperation, not manoeuvres that could damage relations between parties.

“There is none yet, not even rumours. This is a political marriage — divorce, talaq, marriage, for me that is not our way,” he said at a press conference concluding his three-day official visit to Japan yesterday.

PAS has severed ties with Bersatu, citing several key points that disrupted the political arrangement that won 76 seats in the general elections in 2022.

The two parties were in power (together with Umno-Barisan Nasional) from 2020 to 2022 following the Sheraton Move that saw Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad then lose grip on power while his party, Bersatu, left the Pakatan Harapan-led government that won the elections in 2018.

PAS defended its decision to end political cooperation with Bersatu, describing the move as a “bitter pill” necessary for what it says is the broader goal of Muslim unity and national political stability.

“PAS does not take decisions based on sentiment or short-term interests, but based on an assessment of whether a cooperation can achieve a greater objective — the unity of the ummah and political stability of the country.

“It is not something pleasing, but a bitter pill that must be swallowed for the greater good,” its information chief, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, said.

On the other hand, Anwar, who has so far dismissed calls for fresh general elections, said the Unity Government at the Federal level continues to function well.

The government is shaken with Barisan Nasional and Umno’s decision to contest all state seats in the two state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

This has set the parties in the ruling coalition apart, with frictions rattling the BN-PH collaboration.

But Anwar said, “So far the Unity Government remains strong even though at the state level there are some differing opinions.

“I have not heard any views, in fact from the Cabinet leadership that exists, they are still firm, consistent in stating the Unity Government at the national level must remain strong,” he said.

At the same time, he said, he will not be involved in any steps that could be considered betraying partners in the existing coalition.

This article (Malaysia Politics: PM says no plans to work with Bersatu) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

  • ✇Malay Mail - All
  • Toh Ee Wei still hoping for World Championships, Asian Games miracle despite knee injury
     KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — Injured national number one mixed doubles shuttler Toh Ee Wei is refusing to completely shut the door on a World Championship title defence in New Delhi and the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.Ee Wei, instead, said she is clinging to hope for a miracle despite facing a race against time to recover from a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee.“ I can’t confirm it now (World Championships and Asian Games pa
     

Toh Ee Wei still hoping for World Championships, Asian Games miracle despite knee injury

12 June 2026 at 05:04

Malay Mail

 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — Injured national number one mixed doubles shuttler Toh Ee Wei is refusing to completely shut the door on a World Championship title defence in New Delhi and the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Ee Wei, instead, said she is clinging to hope for a miracle despite facing a race against time to recover from a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee.

“ I can’t confirm it now (World Championships and Asian Games participation). Maybe I need to pray to God to give me a miracle.

“As an athlete, of course I want to play, but the injury happened quite close to the tournament, so there is nothing much I can do,” she told reporters when met at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia, Bukit Kiara, here today.

Ee Wei also said she is still awaiting the magnetic resonance imaging assessment before deciding whether to proceed with surgery. 

Recently, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed that Ee Wei suffered the injury during the Singapore Open 2026 quarter-finals.

The World Championships will be held in New Delhi from Aug 17-23, while the Asian Games are scheduled from Sept 19 to Oct 4.

Last year, Ee Wei and Chen Tang Jie created history as they became the first Malaysian mixed doubles pair to win the world title when they defeated China’s Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin 21-15, 21-14 in the final in Paris.

Despite trying to stay positive, Ee Wei admitted that the setback had taken an emotional toll on her.

“It’s okay; I think I need to move on and do my best for the recovery and return to the court.

“Everything happened for a reason. Maybe it’s time for me to rest. What I can do is to maintain discipline and follow the instructions of my coach and physiotherapist,” she said.

The 25-year-old has also encouraged Tang Jie to make the most of the opportunity while playing with her replacement for the time being.

Recently, national mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto confirmed that Tang Jie will temporarily be paired with Clarissa San at the China Open in Jiangsu from July 21-26.

Ee Wei also expressed her gratitude to BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and BAM Performance Committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei for their support throughout her recovery process. — Bernama

 

  • ✇The Independent SG
  • Chinese man among 51 charged after Kuala Lumpur hotel drug raid Kazi Mahmood
    KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s narcotics crime division carried out several raids in Kuala Lumpur last week, arresting 51 individuals at a drug-fuelled gay party. One of the raids was carried out at a luxury hotel. One person was found collapsed on the floor at one of the establishments. The person died in the hospital. The statements from the police have raised alarm and protests from activists who said they are unhappy that the words “gay party” and “immoral” were used in the wake of the arrests. Ho
     

Chinese man among 51 charged after Kuala Lumpur hotel drug raid

3 June 2026 at 12:08

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s narcotics crime division carried out several raids in Kuala Lumpur last week, arresting 51 individuals at a drug-fuelled gay party.

One of the raids was carried out at a luxury hotel. One person was found collapsed on the floor at one of the establishments. The person died in the hospital.

The statements from the police have raised alarm and protests from activists who said they are unhappy that the words “gay party” and “immoral” were used in the wake of the arrests.

However, the latest information now reveals that a Chinese national who was arrested alongside 50 others at a Kuala Lumpur hotel is believed to be the organiser of the event.

Bukit Aman narcotics crime investigation department director Hussein Omar Khan said investigations found that the man promoted the party on Instagram using his private account, a local Malay-language portal said.

Whether the drugs seized at the raids were used for distribution outside the establishments is not known, but police said they were used by participants in the party.

“However, further investigations are ongoing to identify the supplier of the drugs,” Hussein said, adding that all 51 people nabbed in the raid on the party have been charged in court with various drug offences.

The Chinese man was charged with self-administering drugs, and at least thirty-four of those arrested were also charged with drug possession.

The raid on May 24 resulted in the seizure of drugs estimated to be worth RM103,070, including 1.15kg of liquid MDMA, 284g of powdered MDMA, 8.56g of ecstasy, and 11.61g of ketamine.

Nevertheless, Criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee said terms such as “gay party” were “unrelated to a drug possession and consumption investigation” and could risk prejudicing those arrested before any charges were filed. He spoke to the South China Morning Post on the raids.

Benjamin Loh, a lecturer in communication and media studies at Monash University Malaysia, told SCMP that linking LGBTQ gatherings with drugs, HIV or other vices was a familiar tactic used to stigmatise sexual minorities.

Malaysia does not recognise LGBTQ rights, and same-sex conduct remains criminalised under colonial-era provisions of the Penal Code, with penalties of up to 20 years in prison and whipping.

The raids remind us of a police raid on a private bungalow in Kelantan that led to the detention of more than 20 men in what Malaysian authorities have described as a “gay party”.

That was the first such case reported in the deeply conservative northern state.

The raid, which took place in June last but was only disclosed on Thursday, also uncovered hundreds of condoms and several boxes of HIV medication.

“Investigations found that there was no sexual activity on location during the raid, and that all the suspects were fully clothed,” according to Kelantan police chief Mohd Yusoff Mamat.was quoted as saying by the national newswire Bernama.

“However, the discovery of the condoms and HIV medication showed that preparations were in place if [sexual activity] were to happen.”

This article (Chinese man among 51 charged after Kuala Lumpur hotel drug raid) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

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