Putrajaya considering nationwide vape ban, says Health Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya is considering a nationwide ban on the use and sale of e-cigarettes or vapes, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Dr Dzulkefly stated that a special committee from the Health Ministry will propose the ban to address the abuse of electronic cigarettes. "It will come in the form of a proposal...

Anwar: Govt reducing national debt

PM says nation must not burden future generations MUAR: The government is working to reduce the national debt and avoid unnecessary loans to spare future generations, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said that while borrowing for development was sometimes necessary, the country must not continue racking up debt irresponsibly. “Our debt is still high. If...

Ringgit strengthens broadly on cautious trade sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened marginally higher against the US dollar in early trade on Monday amid cautious sentiment, as traders awaited clarity on a possible extension of the trade truce between the United States (US) and China, said an analyst. At 8 am, the local note stood at 4.2110/2310 versus the greenback, compared with Friday’s...

Rubio says US officials in Malaysia to help in Cambodia-Thailand talks

WASHINGTON: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (pic) said State Department officials are in Malaysia to assist peace efforts as Cambodia and Thailand were scheduled to begin talks there on Monday in hopes for a ceasefire. President Donald Trump and Rubio were engaged with their counterparts for each country and were monitoring the situation very closely,...

CCTV at Mahathir’s granddaughter’s home records only 24 hours, say police

KUALA LUMPUR: The CCTV system at former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's granddaughter's home in Bukit Ledang records footage for only 24 hours, which might have allowed thieves to evade capture. Acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad said the break-in and theft of RM1.8mil worth of belongings might have...

Ceasefire in focus as Thai, Cambodian leaders gather in Putrajaya

PUTRAJAYA: Leaders from Thailand and Cambodia are expected to meet here at 3pm on Monday (July 28) for a high-level negotiation aimed at halting deadly border clashes that have erupted between the two Southeast Asian neighbours. The conflict, which flared up on July 25 near Cambodia’s northern border, has already claimed more than 20 lives on the...

Anwar reaffirms commitment to democracy, freedom of speech

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his consistent stand in upholding democratic principles, including freedom of speech and the right to express criticism in a civil and peaceful manner. He said that criticism and differing opinions should not be viewed through the lens of hostility, but instead be allowed to grow and...

Greece battles wildfires across country, evacuates villages

DROSOPIGI, Greece (Reuters) -Firefighters were battling wildfires near Athens and across Greece on Saturday as the Mediterranean country sweltered under the third heatwave of the summer, with some villages and settlements being evacuated. Explosions could be heard as huge clouds of smoke covered Drosopigi village 25 km north of Athens, where factories with flammable material are...

Misuse of tourism licences will lead to firm consequences, warns Tiong

KUALA LUMPUR: Firm action will be taken against the misuse of licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials, and travel agency approvals if found guilty, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. In a Facebook post Saturday (July 26), the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister responded to a viral video showing a clash between a diving instructor...

Trump says he is seeking a ceasefire between Thailand, Cambodia

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he was calling the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand to press for a ceasefire as fighting along the border continued into a third day. "The call with Cambodia has ended, but expect to call back regarding War stoppage and Ceasefire based on what Thailand has to say....