M Malay Today

Today's top Malaysian news, sport and lifestyle.

RK
World Desk

Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh tracks geopolitics, trade and ASEAN-level diplomacy.

1240 articles published

Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister, Pledging to 'Rewire' Britain

Andy Burnham, the Manchester-based politician nicknamed 'King of the North', has assumed the role of UK Prime Minister, succeeding a turbulent decade of leadership changes. He vows to fundamentally restructure British governance to address cost-of-living pressures and underperforming public services.

· · 3 min read

PH Youth Demands BN Cabinet Members Step Down Over PN Alliance

Pakatan Harapan's youth coalition has intensified political tensions by calling for the resignation of all Barisan Nasional ministers and deputy ministers, alleging they have undermined the unity government's foundational principles through collaborative efforts with Perikatan Nasional.

· · 3 min read

New York Mayor Considers Netanyahu Arrest Move at UN Summit

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has indicated he is weighing options to potentially arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an upcoming UN summit, a stance that has drawn immediate criticism from Netanyahu's representatives.

· · 3 min read

BN and PN forge stability pact for Negri Sembilan election

Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional have announced a political understanding for the Negri Sembilan state election, with officials stating the arrangement aims to ensure lasting political stability in the state.

· · 3 min read

Umno heavyweights back Barisan Nasional slate at Tampin nomination filing

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and treasurer Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor attended the nomination filing ceremony at Dewan Perdana Tampin, demonstrating unified backing for Barisan Nasional candidates contesting the Negri Sembilan state election.

· · 3 min read

Orang Asli Find Hope in PM's Land Rights Commitment

Orang Asli communities in Selangor have expressed cautious optimism after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim personally pledged to intervene in their ongoing land disputes, marking a potential turning point in indigenous land rights advocacy.

· · 4 min read

PM to take up Orang Asli land dispute with Pahang authorities

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to engage Pahang's state government over a longstanding land dispute affecting the Orang Asli settlement of Kampung Sungai Cot in Maran, signalling federal intervention in indigenous land rights.

· · 3 min read

PM Anwar mourns passing of renowned Islamic scholar John Esposito

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed deep sorrow following the death of Professor John L. Esposito, widely regarded as one of the world's most influential scholars specialising in Islamic studies and global Muslim communities.

· · 3 min read

New KWAN Law Tightens Oversight After RM5 Billion 2021 Withdrawal

Parliament has enacted stricter controls on the Kumpulan Wang Amanah Negara (KWAN) sovereign wealth fund following a RM5 billion withdrawal in 2021. Future withdrawals now require explicit Dewan Rakyat resolution, closing regulatory gaps exposed by the earlier transaction.

· · 4 min read

Former Civil Servant Held Over RM300,000 False Claims Scam

Police have arrested a former civil servant accused of submitting falsified documents to fraudulently claim approximately RM300,000 in financial assistance, marking another case in Malaysia's ongoing battle against internal government fraud.

· · 3 min read

Four Detained Over Cyberbullying Case Targeting Sabah Teenager

Authorities in Sabah have apprehended four suspects in relation to a cyberbullying and intimidation case targeting a teenage girl in Membakut. The arrests underscore growing concerns about online harassment among Malaysian youth.

· · 3 min read

Tun Dr Mahathir Shares Wisdom on Living Well at 101

Tun Dr Mahathir has offered guidance on health and wellness following his 101st birthday celebrations, emphasizing disciplined eating habits and lifestyle choices that have contributed to his remarkable longevity.

· · 3 min read

Nga Stands by Resignation Pledge Over Najib's Sentence

Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming has reaffirmed his willingness to resign from cabinet should former prime minister Najib Razak be released without completing a sentence proportionate to his convictions.

· · 4 min read

Investigation into Jho Low Remains Ongoing, Says MACC

Malaysia's anti-corruption watchdog has reiterated that its investigation into fugitive businessman Jho Low continues unabated, countering suggestions that the case has been shelved or abandoned.

· · 4 min read

MACC Clears Nik Nazmi in RM53m Elephant Transfer Allegation

Malaysia's anti-corruption watchdog has found no evidence linking former Natural Resources Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to allegations surrounding a RM53 million bribe in connection with elephant transfers to a Japanese facility.

· · 3 min read

TV Actress Released on Bail Following Drug Test at Raid Site

A television actress known for her role in a police drama has been released on police bail after allegedly testing positive for controlled substances during an enforcement operation at an unlicensed nightspot on Jalan Raja Chulan.

· · 4 min read

MACC's Elephant Transfer Probe Limited to Documentary Review

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the Taiping Municipal Council's transfer of three elephants to Tennoji Zoo in Japan, with the initial phase confined to reviewing official documentation and records.

· · 4 min read

Three Arrested in RM20 Million Rice Trade Financing Scam

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested three individuals, including two rice industry directors, over allegations of submitting false documents to secure approximately RM20 million in fraudulent trade working capital financing.

· · 4 min read

Police Dismantle World Cup Betting Operation in Kuala Lumpur Raid

Malaysian police have arrested 34 individuals following a dawn raid on an illegal betting call centre operating from a commercial venue in Kuala Lumpur's Taman Wahyu area, dismantling what authorities describe as an unlicensed entertainment establishment.

· · 3 min read

MACC Clarifies Identity of Man in Viral Social Media Post

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has distanced itself from claims that an individual featured in a viral social media post is employed by the anti-graft agency, issuing a formal denial to address widespread online speculation.

· · 3 min read

Anwar urges Johor voters to give PH a chance

Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made a direct appeal to Johor voters, asking them to support the coalition's bid to take control of the state and address longstanding governance challenges.

· · 3 min read

Umno gains 200 defectors as Johor election looms

Approximately 200 members from multiple political parties, including a former Bersatu leader, have switched allegiance to Umno in Pontian ahead of the Johor election, citing confidence in the party and Barisan Nasional.

· · 3 min read

PAS-BN cooperation talk 'unfounded', says Perikatan chief

Perikatan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has rejected speculation about potential cooperation between PAS and Barisan Nasional during the Johor election campaign, calling such reports baseless.

· · 3 min read

Bersatu accuses own members of undermining PN's Johor campaign

Bersatu's leadership has criticised party members who have defected to support opposition candidates in the Johor state election, characterising their actions as deliberate sabotage of the Perikatan Nasional coalition's campaign efforts.

· · 3 min read

Anwar: No State Left Behind in Malaysia's Development Push

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed suggestions that any state has been overlooked in the government's national development agenda, emphasizing Johor's prominent role in the country's economic expansion strategy.

· · 4 min read

DAP's Liew Urges Johor Voters to Avoid Najib-Era Policies

DAP Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong has cautioned Johor voters against backing a return to governance approaches associated with former PM Najib Razak, emphasising the need for Malaysia to advance rather than retreat to previous practices.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia Will Pursue Jho Low Regardless of US Pardon, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has declared that Malaysia will maintain its pursuit of fugitive businessman Jho Low regardless of whether he receives a US presidential pardon, underscoring the government's determination to recover assets linked to the 1MDB scandal.

· · 4 min read

DAP's Non-Malay Support Eroding, Warns Former PM Ismail Sabri

Former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri has warned that the Democratic Action Party can no longer rely on its traditional non-Malay voter base, suggesting a weakening grip on a constituency long considered fundamental to its electoral viability.

· · 3 min read

Only Agong Can Revoke Azam Baki's NFCC Post, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has clarified that only the King, Sultan Ibrahim, possesses the constitutional power to revoke Tan Sri Azam Baki's appointment to the National Financial Crime Centre advisory board.

· · 4 min read

Senior MACC Officer Selected for Prestigious FBI Training Programme

A senior MACC officer has been selected to represent Malaysia at the FBI National Academy's 299th training session, underscoring the country's commitment to strengthening anti-corruption capabilities through international law enforcement partnerships.

· · 3 min read

Five New Members Join MACC Advisory Board for 2026-2029 Term

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has appointed five individuals to its Anti-Corruption Advisory Board and Special Committee on Corruption for the next three-year term, aimed at enhancing institutional governance and anti-graft efforts.

· · 3 min read

Onn Hafiz Defends PAS Strategy to Back BN in Non-Contested Seats

Johor's Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghani affirmed that political parties retain autonomy in crafting election strategies, defending PAS's recent directive urging members to support BN in constituencies where Perikatan Nasional is not fielding candidates.

· · 4 min read

Two Students Killed in Fiery DUKE Expressway Crash

Two Malaysian university students died after their BMW crashed and caught fire on the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway near Jalan Kuching early Thursday morning, while a Singaporean passenger survived with minor injuries.

· · 4 min read

Pope Leo XIV Warns AI Cannot Be Morally Neutral, Calls for Clear Accountability

Pope Leo XIV has cautioned that artificial intelligence systems cannot be treated as morally neutral, arguing that design choices and data selections inherently reflect particular visions of humanity. He has called for transparent accountability across all stages of AI development and deployment.

· · 5 min read

France and Italy to Launch Post-UNIFIL Coalition for Lebanon

France and Italy have pledged to establish a multinational coalition to stabilize Lebanon following the departure of United Nations peacekeepers in December, aiming to prevent regional escalation and shore up Lebanese institutions.

· · 3 min read

Iran Blocks IAEA Access to Nuclear Sites Pending US Agreement

Iran has rejected International Atomic Energy Agency inspections at its nuclear sites, insisting that access questions will only be resolved through a final agreement with the United States following recent peace negotiations.

· · 4 min read

Clarke Concedes Scotland's World Cup Dream Over After Brazil Collapse

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has effectively conceded his team's World Cup campaign is over following a 3-0 defeat to Brazil. Despite mathematically retaining hopes of progressing as a third-placed team, Clarke believes defensive lapses proved decisive against the South American powerhouse.

· · 3 min read

Three ICC Judges Challenge Trump Administration's Sanctions in US Court

Three International Criminal Court judges have filed a lawsuit against President Trump's administration, challenging the constitutionality and legality of sanctions imposed against them, marking an escalation in tensions between the US and the international tribunal.

· · 4 min read

PERKESO Achieves Over 96% Claims Processing Compliance Rate

PERKESO has achieved over 96% compliance in processing claims and benefit payments, with the LINDUNG Kerjaya scheme reaching 99.68%. The organisation has implemented stricter service standards and digital infrastructure upgrades.

· · 4 min read

Fire Breaks Out at Torre Moeve, Spain's Second-Tallest Building

Madrid's Torre Moeve, Spain's second-tallest skyscraper, caught fire Tuesday after an explosion in technical areas. The building was safely evacuated with minimal casualties and the blaze was quickly extinguished by emergency responders.

· · 3 min read

Police Smash Major Cannabis Ring at KLIA with 650kg Haul and 38 Arrests

Malaysian authorities have intercepted over 650kg of cannabis buds at KLIA since January this year, leading to the arrest of 38 suspects—including foreign nationals—in a coordinated crackdown on international drug trafficking networks operating through the airport.

· · 4 min read

Zara Qairina's Handwriting at Adolescent Stage, Court Told

Expert testimony presented to the Coroner's Court in Kota Kinabalu described the late Zara Qairina Mahathir's handwriting as exhibiting characteristics typical of adolescent development, with volatile and inconsistent patterns throughout.

· · 3 min read

SPAN Investigates Fatal Water Tower Accident at Saujana 1

Malaysia's water authority SPAN is investigating a fatal accident at Saujana 1 water tower in Kuala Selangor that claimed the life of a Universiti Putra Malaysia student on industrial training. Drowning has been confirmed as the cause.

· · 4 min read

How Britain Will Choose Its Next Prime Minister After Starmer's Exit

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, triggering a leadership contest before parliament reconvenes in September. The departure marks Britain's seventh prime minister in ten years, signalling continued political instability.

· · 4 min read

How Britain's Monarch Appoints a New Prime Minister

King Charles III holds one of the monarchy's last personal prerogatives: appointing Britain's prime minister. The process involves formal constitutional conventions and the requirement that any appointee command confidence in Parliament.

· · 4 min read

Orphan Student's TVET Dream Takes Flight with MARA Support

An 18-year-old orphan from Perak has secured a place in MARA's technical vocational programme after impressing the agency's chairman. Her story highlights growing pathways for disadvantaged students in Malaysia's skills-based economy.

· · 5 min read

Prince Mateen bids farewell to departing US ambassador

Brunei's Prince Abdul Mateen has received outgoing US Ambassador Caryn McClelland at a farewell audience, highlighting the strengthening of bilateral relations across defence, education, trade and people-to-people exchanges during her tenure.

· · 3 min read

Cerundolo Captures Queen's Club Crown in Epic Battle with Paul

Francisco Cerundolo has won the Queen's Club championship, defeating Tommy Paul 6-7(4) 6-4 6-3 in a marathon final lasting over three hours. The Argentine secured his first ATP 500 title, becoming the inaugural winner from his country at this prestigious pre-Wimbledon event.

· · 4 min read

Iran Prioritises Ceasefire and Sanctions Relief in US Talks

Iran's Foreign Ministry says upcoming negotiations with the United States in Switzerland will centre on implementing a memorandum addressing ceasefire across all fronts, lifting oil sanctions, and releasing frozen Iranian assets.

· · 4 min read

Iran and US Begin Historic Negotiations in Switzerland

High-level delegations from Iran and the United States have completed their initial negotiation session in Switzerland, with Qatar and Pakistan mediating discussions on implementing a recently signed interim agreement.

· · 4 min read

Woman and accomplice remanded in alleged ransom fraud scheme

Police have remanded a woman and accomplice for 14 days in connection with an alleged staged kidnapping designed to extort RM18,000 in ransom. The pair are suspected of fabricating the abduction to defraud a family member.

· · 3 min read

Police Lock Down Storm-Ravaged Bercham Areas To Deter Looters

Police have cordoned off five affected zones in Bercham, Ipoh, following a destructive storm that damaged more than 200 residences. Movement restrictions are in place to prevent theft and burglaries during the recovery period.

· · 4 min read

Woman in Her 20s Arrested Over Alleged Kidnapping Hoax

Kuala Lumpur police have arrested a woman in her 20s following an investigation into an alleged kidnapping that officers concluded was fabricated. The Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department chief confirmed the arrest after discovering contradictions in the victim's statement.

· · 3 min read

HAWANA Remains Essential Platform for Malaysia's Media Fraternity

Malaysia's National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) continues as a vital gathering for the media industry to reflect on achievements, address challenges and navigate an evolving digital landscape, with around 1,000 practitioners attending this year's Penang summit.

· · 4 min read

Cambodia urges Thailand to accelerate border demarcation efforts

Cambodian PM Hun Manet has pressed Thailand to appoint a Joint Boundary Commission chief and resume long-pending border demarcation work, signalling Phnom Penh's commitment to resolving disputes through legal channels rather than confrontation.

· · 5 min read

Robbery Ruled Out in Korean National's Murder in Nueva Ecija

Philippine police have dismissed robbery as the motive in the killing of a Korean national discovered dead in an abandoned vehicle in Nueva Ecija. The victim's valuables, including a luxury watch and cash, remained untaken.

· · 4 min read

Morocco Coach Insists Hakimi Remains Focused Amid Rape Allegation Trial

Morocco's national team coach has expressed confidence in Achraf Hakimi's mental resilience as the Paris Saint-Germain defender navigates serious legal allegations. The PSG player faces a rape accusation stemming from a 2023 incident involving a woman in the Paris region, claims he categorically rejects.

· · 3 min read

Moutet's Queen's Windfall Wiped Out by Profanity Fine

French tennis player Corentin Moutet has been fined $40,000 for swearing repeatedly during a post-match BBC interview at Queen's Club, effectively erasing his $43,000 second-round prize money. The ATP cited unsportsmanlike conduct, though Moutet has appealed.

· · 4 min read

HAWANA 2026 Grand Finale Celebrates Media Integrity in Penang

Malaysia's National Journalists' Day grand finale takes place in Penang today, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiating the event. Around 1,000 media practitioners and international delegations will gather to celebrate media integrity and journalism excellence.

· · 5 min read

Oil edges higher as doubts cloud US-Iran peace prospects

Oil prices climbed Friday following the collapse of US-Iran peace negotiations in Switzerland, with geopolitical tensions threatening to derail a fragile accord that could flood markets with Middle Eastern crude.

· · 4 min read

Achraf Hakimi Ordered to Stand Trial on Rape Charge

A French appeals court has confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial on rape charges. The Moroccan international faces serious allegations that could have major implications for his football career.

· · 3 min read

Thai Man Imprisoned for 18 Months Over Royal Comment in Facebook Group

A Thai court has sentenced a 43-year-old man to 18 months in prison for posting a comment deemed critical of the monarchy in a Facebook group. The conviction reflects Thailand's strict lese-majeste law and ongoing judicial action against alleged royal defamation.

· · 4 min read

Teacher Among Four Detained in Besut Drug Operation

Authorities in Terengganu have detained four individuals, including an educator, following coordinated operations targeting a residential property allegedly used for drug distribution and consumption.

· · 4 min read

India's High Court Upholds Telegram Ban Over Exam Fraud Concerns

India's Delhi High Court has rejected Telegram's legal challenge against a temporary ban imposed by the government to combat alleged exam fraud. The ban, effective until June 22, affects the platform's 150 million Indian users ahead of a crucial medical entrance examination.

· · 4 min read

Jeremy Clarkson Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, Reveals on TV

Television personality Jeremy Clarkson has disclosed a prostate cancer diagnosis, revealing the news while discussing farm operations. The 66-year-old underwent surgery to remove affected tissue and faces an uncertain recovery timeline.

· · 3 min read

US and India Make Headway on Long-Stalled Trade Deal

India and the United States have announced substantial progress in negotiations towards a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, with top officials set to accelerate discussions in coming weeks.

· · 4 min read

Maal Hijrah 1448H Celebrations Unite Ummah Around Leadership and Renewal

Malaysia marked Maal Hijrah 1448H with nationwide celebrations highlighting spiritual renewal and ummah unity. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Religious Affairs Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan attended events honouring outstanding Muslim leaders and scholars.

· · 4 min read

Australia Must Embrace 'Monocultural' Identity, Says Hanson

Australian hard-right populist Pauline Hanson has called for a monocultural society, rejecting multiculturalism and blaming immigration for the nation's housing crisis. Her One Nation party has gained ground in polls.

· · 4 min read

Journalists Must Master AI Skills to Thrive, Says Broadcasting Chief Ashwad

Malaysia's Broadcasting Director-General Ashwad Ismail has urged journalists to develop artificial intelligence competencies to remain competitive. He warns that while robots won't replace reporting, media professionals who fail to harness AI tools risk being outpaced by colleagues who do.

· · 4 min read

Thailand Launches Major Crackdown on Illegal Forex Investment Syndicate

Thailand's Department of Special Investigation has launched a sweeping operation against an illegal forex investment network, conducting raids across 24 locations and freezing 77 bank accounts. The crackdown uncovered THB65 million in cash and has potential links to politicians and entertainment figures.

· · 5 min read

IIUM Rector Osman Bakar Honoured as National Tokoh Maal Hijrah 2026

The rector of International Islamic University Malaysia has been recognized as this year's National Tokoh Maal Hijrah, an honour bestowed at the national-level Maal Hijrah 1448H celebration in recognition of outstanding service to Islam and society.

· · 4 min read

Penang Shuts Down 177 Food Outlets Over Hygiene Failures

Penang's Health Department has temporarily closed 177 food premises for hygiene breaches discovered during inspections of over 4,000 establishments between January and April, with pest control deficiencies accounting for nearly 70 per cent of violations.

· · 4 min read

India Temporarily Blocks Telegram Amid Medical Exam Fraud Probe

India has temporarily blocked Telegram, citing its use in attempting to defraud candidates for a national medical entrance examination. The action follows previous allegations of leaked question papers that resulted in millions of test results being invalidated.

· · 3 min read

SJKT Rajaji To Get New RM8 Million Building in Penang

Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Rajaji in George Town will move to a new RM8 million building in Farlim, Bandar Baru Ayer Itam. The Education Ministry has approved the relocation project, expected to complete within 18 months.

· · 5 min read

Spanish Striker Rafa Mir Sentenced to 8½ Years for Sexual Assault

Spanish striker Rafa Mir has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison following his conviction for sexual assault and assault causing injury. The ruling adds to mounting pressure on Spanish sports institutions to address misconduct allegations.

· · 3 min read

Trump Marks 80th Birthday With UFC Fights on White House Lawn

President Trump celebrated his 80th birthday by hosting a UFC event on the White House South Lawn, featuring a nearly 100-foot tall arena with seven cage matches and drawing both high-profile attendees and public controversy.

· · 2 min read

Two women detained in Brunei vice activity crackdown

Brunei's police force has arrested two local women during weekend raids in the Brunei-Muara District on suspicion of involvement in vice activities. Both suspects were taken in for questioning.

· · 1 min read

How Online Romance Scams Lure Victims With Fake Love Stories

Romance scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake identities and build emotional connections before requesting money. Global losses have reached billions.

· · 2 min read

Florida sues TikTok for violating child safety law

Florida has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, claiming the platform violates state law by permitting underage children to open accounts and exposing them to inappropriate content. The case centers on compliance with a 2025 law banning social media accounts for users under 14.

· · 1 min read