S’gor govt will stay vigilant against deviant teachings, exco man says after SIS court decision

KLANG: The Selangor government agrees with the stand taken by the state’s religious authorities that the Federal Court decision favouring Sisters in Islam (SIS) Forum Malaysia may create a conduit for others to disseminate unacceptable religious teachings among Muslims. State Islamic affairs and innovation committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah (pic) agreed with the Selangor Islamic...

Govt committed to reducing national deficit, says PM

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is committed to consistently reducing the country's fiscal deficit to ensure a more sustainable economy and to maintain investor confidence. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the fiscal deficit was at 5.5% when he assumed leadership in 2022. It was reduced to 4.1% in 2024,...

Refined sugar to stay tax-exempt, says Finance Ministry

PETALING JAYA: Refined sugar, commonly known as white sugar, will remain untaxed under the revised sales and service tax (SST) framework set to take effect from July 1, says the Finance Ministry. Addressing concerns raised by manufacturer MSM Malaysia Holdings Berhad, the ministry said the government's targeted taxation approach would ensure that essential goods including sugar,...

Govt reform agenda progressing consistently, not mere rhetoric, says PMO

KUALA LUMPUR: Claims that the "reformasi" agenda is not progressing are unfounded, as it is moving forward consistently, says Tunku Nashrul Abaidah. The senior press secretary to the Prime Minister said the reformasi agenda is not something to be implemented overnight or merely expressed in statements, but rather is being executed through structured actions. "Since the start...

Anwar stays mum on appointment of new IGP

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has declined to comment on the name of the new candidate for Inspector-General of Police (IGP), which is reportedly set to be presented to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. The Prime Minister appeared momentarily surprised when asked about the matter during a press conference Thursday (June 19). “Oh? The...

Saudi lets off 47 unauthorised M’sian pilgrims with warning, says Religious Affairs Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The 47 Malaysian pilgrims who violated haj permit regulations after being duped by a local agent were only given a warning by the Saudi Arabian government, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) said the pilgrims' release was due to the consistent discipline and good track...

Ensure the word ‘Islam’ not used arbitrarily to benefit any party, says Selangor Ruler

PETALING JAYA: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah says that the word "Islam" should not be used arbitrarily for the benefit and interests of any individual or organisation. In a post on the Selangor Royal Office offical Facebook page Thursday (June 19), His Royal Highness also expressed his agreement with the contents of a statement by...

Tok Mat to lead M’sian delegation at OIC foreign ministers meet in Istanbul

PUTRAJAYA: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will lead Malaysia's delegation to the 51st Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Istanbul, Turkiye, from June 21 to 22, 2025. Wisma Putra, in a statement Thursday (June 19), said that the meeting will involve the participation of foreign ministers and...

Singapore workers still parking wherever they please in JB

ALL Saiful Azri wanted was to see a doctor after waking up with a fever. However, what should have been a quick visit to the clinic turned into a frustrating search for parking along Jalan Garuda in Johor Baru. Saiful had opted to ride a motorcycle instead of taking his car, hoping it would make the trip...

E&E growth spurs call for stronger R&D

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has enjoyed strong investment growth in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector over the past four years, but more needs to be done to strengthen its research and development (R&D) capabilities – particularly in product innovation – to move up the value chain. Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) executive director Andrew Chan Yik...