Global interconnectedness under strain amid rising geopolitical tensions, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Global interconnectedness is under strain due to rising uncertainties, eroding the predictability, reliability and stability of existing global trade and economic systems, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at the Energy Asia 2025 on Monday (June 16), he said geopolitical tensions, retaliatory tariffs and disrupted supply chains have shaken the foundations of...

Group: Global plant treaty may hurt M’sian farmers

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s potential move to join a global treaty on plant varieties may criminalise traditional practices like seed saving and sharing, driving up costs and increasing farmers dependence on large seed companies, it was revealed. Federation of Vegetable Farmers Associations secretary Tan Chee Keong said many local farmers still use their own seeds as part of...

Malaysia’s food security at risk

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s food security goals are falling short, with data showing the country remains heavily dependent on imports for key produce like beef, mutton, cabbage and chilli. Latest data from the 2024 Agriculture Census Interim Report showed that the self-sufficiency level (SSL) for cattle and buffalo meat stood at just 15.9% in 2023, far below...

Call to teach four more Sabah ethnic languages in schools gains traction

KOTA KINABALU: A proposal to expand the teaching of the Kadazandusun language in schools to include four other major ethnic languages in Sabah has been submitted to the Federal Government. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the proposal came following engagements with various ethnic associations and teachers who called for broader representation of...

Sandakan gallery to spotlight American explorers, boost Sabah’s heritage tourism

SANDAKAN: Historical tourism in Sandakan is set to receive a major boost with the planned establishment of the Martin and Osa Johnson Gallery at the vacant PWD 2002 Building, located near the iconic Agnes Keith House. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the new gallery would enrich the town’s heritage offerings...

Heavy price of education

PETALING JAYA: Constant pressure to succeed and outdo their peers, and concerns whether their degrees will land them suitable jobs are causing many university students to suffer from stress and burnout. Some of them also cited financial constraints, particularly those in private institutions having to take out loans for tertiary education. Compared to the days of their...

Asean energy officials convene in Kuching for policy talks

KUCHING: Senior energy officials from Asean will discuss energy policies in a three-day regional meeting starting here on Monday (June 16). The 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) is hosted by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry in conjunction with Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship this year. The ministry's secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli said...

GRS grassroots want straight fight with Barisan in Sabah polls, claims Armizan

KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) grassroots members want a straight fight against Barisan Nasional in the upcoming state election, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said this was the sentiment of members, who want the coalitions to go head-to-head without relying on vote-sharing strategies or alliances. "Many GRS members and...

Penang MMEA detains tuna fishing vessel for anchoring illegally

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a commercial fishing vessel that anchored without permission in the country's waters. Its director Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the vessel was detained at 7pm on Friday (June 13) by a maritime patrol team about 10 nautical miles northwest of Muka Head after...