China to extend visa-free travel for Malaysians to 30 days

BEIJING: China is set to extend visa-free travel for Malaysian tourists from 15 to 30 days, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister, who is on his first official visit in China, made the announcement during a luncheon hosted by Chinese vice premier Ding Xuexiang in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of...

Ukraine and Russia announce major prisoner swap

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine and Russia announced their first exchange of prisoners of war in nearly four months on Friday, with 150 people freed after negotiations mediated by the United Arab Emirates. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said 75 Ukrainian prisoners had been returned from Russia. They included four civilians while the rest were members of the...

PM Anwar commemorates Malaysia’s ‘groundbreaking’ diplomatic journey with China

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reflected on a pivotal moment in Asian geopolitics, commemorating fifty years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. "On May 31, 1974, our two nations embarked on a groundbreaking journey by establishing diplomatic relations," said the Prime Minister. He said as the first non-socialist country in South-East Asia to establish such...

MACC chief, AG replaced during 1MDB probe, High Court hears

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court was told that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner and the Attorney General were replaced when the investigation into corruption involving 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) took place. MACC senior officer Nur Aida Ariffin, who is the investigating officer of the probe, testified that there was a change in the two...

Royal insults land two more in jail

Courts here handed jail terms to an activist musician and an opposition lawmaker for insulting the monarchy, their lawyers said, the latest individuals to fall foul of one of the world’s strictest lese-majeste laws. The law shielding Thailand’s powerful monarchy from criticism carries a penalty of up to 15 years in jail for each offence and...

No contract awarded to Asia Mobiliti Technologies for DRT project, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: No contract has been awarded to Asia Mobiliti Technologies in running the Selangor Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) project, says Fahmi Fadzil. The Communications Minister said the cabinet meeting on Wednesday (May 29) was informed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Asia Mobiliti had only provided "proof of concept." He said this in light of...

Worst injuries include spinal ones, possible paralysis: Thai doctors treating SQ321 passengers

BANGKOK (The Straits Times/ANN): It began with an emergency call on May 21 requesting Bangkok’s Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital to take in about 20 injured passengers from nearby Suvarnabhumi Airport. But every few minutes, the number would climb. Eventually, the private hospital would provide medical care for 104 patients who were on board Singapore Airlines’ turbulence-hit Flight SQ321...

Sze Fei-Izzuddin moved on but Pearly-Thinaah stumbled

PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani shrugged off their disappointing quarter-final exit at the Malaysian Masters last week by making a brisk start in the Singapore Open on Tuesday (May 28). World No. 14 Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who were beaten by eventual champions and world No. 4 Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen of Denmark...

Zii Jia concedes walkover to Ginting in Singapore Open

PETALING JAYA: Men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has conceded a walkover in the first round of the Singapore Open against Indonesia's Anthony Ginting on Wednesday (May 29) after sustaining hamstring injuries. World No. 9 Zii Jia, who captured the Thailand Open title two weeks ago, was struggling with cramps throughout the Malaysian Masters but pushed...

Apply for fleet cards to enjoy diesel subsidy, goods vehicle owners told

KUANTAN: Owners of goods vehicles have been reminded to apply for fleet cards immediately to enjoy subsidised diesel once the government implements the targeted diesel subsidies. Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh said around 90,000 fleet cards have been issued and currently 23 categories of goods vehicles qualify for the subsidy. "When the...