Musa Aman appointed new Sabah Governor

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Sabah Chief Minister Tun Musa Aman has been appointed the 11th Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah. The appointment takes effect on Jan 1, 2025. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, presented him with the instrument of appointment in a ceremony at Balairung Kecil, Istana Negara here on Tuesday (Dec 17). Musa, 73, was appointed...

TikTok user apologises to King and PM on his video

PETALING JAYA: A TikTok user who criticised His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for patronising a famous asam pedas eatery in Johor Bahru has apologised. The TikToker said he had made a mistake about the halal status of the restaurant and said he was sorry for the...

Dr Mahathir accuses three of his Cabinet of lying about Batu Puteh

PUTRAJAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) has accused three of his Cabinet ministers of lying about the decision to withdraw the application for review and interpretation of Pulau Batu Puteh. The former Prime Minister said he felt ashamed to have had such ministers in his Cabinet. "The leaked Cabinet meeting minutes show that the statements made by...

PM: Fitch Ratings’ affirmation a recognition of Malaysia’s economic progress

KUALA LUMPUR: Fitch Ratings' latest affirmation on Malaysia's sovereign credit rating underscores its economic progress as envisioned under the MADANI Economy framework, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “This is in particular to the MADANI government's commitment to implement significant legislative and institutional reforms that have resulted in better policy clarity and effective economic management,”...

Employees and MSMEs will suffer with insurance premium hikes, says MEF

PETALING JAYA: A proposed surge in insurance premiums could severely impact businesses, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), says the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF). Its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said any cost increase could greatly strain working capital, hinder cash flows, and discourage crucial investments in digitalisation, tech adoption and operational expansions. "Such...

Suspension of 80:20 foreign worker employment ratio extended, says ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) has announced that the suspension of the 80:20 employment ratio requirement for the manufacturing sector will continue until the Multi-Tiered Levy Mechanism (MTLM) is fully implemented. The 80:20 policy refers to the employment condition that mandates a ratio of 80% local workers and 20% foreign workers in...

MetMalaysia issues thunderstorm warnings for eight states.

PETALING JAYA: Several Malaysian states, including Selangor, Johor and Sabah, are forecast for thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds, according to the Malaysia Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). The weather warning was issued on Monday, Dec 16 and is effective until 6pm. Based on the warning, adverse weather conditions are expected in Perak (Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar and Batang...

QuickCheck: Has Malaysia ever had a white Christmas?

IN OUR country known for its tropical climate, the idea of a white Christmas might seem like a distant dream. Yet, Malaysia has witnessed snowfall, albeit in unusual circumstances, that has left many curious about this rare phenomenon. So, is it true that Malaysia has ever experienced a white Christmas? Verdict: FALSE Malaysia, celebrated for its warm, tropical climate, has...

IMF credits Malaysia’s economic reforms, calls for further action to strengthen resilience

KUALA LUMPUR: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Malaysia’s economic reforms, notably the introduction of the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2023 and the successful implementation of electricity and diesel subsidy reforms. In a statement today, the global organisation also emphasised the need to accelerate these reforms to create a more inclusive and...

Floods expected to hit 37 villages in Kuala Krai from Tuesday, warns DID

KOTA BARU: Floods are expected to hit nearly 37 villages near Sungai Kelantan, Sungai Nal, Sungai Pahi, Sungai Lebir, Sungai Durian, Sungai Pergau, Sungai Salor and Sungai Tebing in Kuala Krai from Tuesday (Dec 17) to Wednesday. The Irrigation and Drainage Department issued the warning following the alert-level continuous rain forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department...