Over RM348mil allocated for for social safety net in 2025 budget, says Johor exco

JOHOR BARU: A total of RM348.13mil has been allocated to the Johor Women, Family, and Community Development Committee as part of the state's Social Safety Net initiatives under the Johor Budget 2025. Committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail said the comprehensive allocation seeks to address various needs of vulnerable groups, focusing on financial assistance, child welfare, support for...

Transport Ministry to study proposal for senior citizen licence renewal assessments, says Loke

SEPANG: The Transport Ministry will review a proposal requiring senior citizens aged 65 and above to undergo competency and health assessments before renewing their Malaysian Driving Licence. Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry welcomed the suggestion but noted that further evaluation is necessary before any decision is made. "We need to study the proposal report first. We...

Contractor uncontactable after home owner in Singapore pays S$150,000 for Novena penthouse renovation

SINGAPORE: A 46-year-old owner of a Novena penthouse paid more than S$152,000 to renovate his home, but over a year later, work remains unfinished while the contractor is nowhere to be found. Today, the more than 3,000 sq ft penthouse unit remains in a mess, with construction material piled up in the rooms and wires dangling...

Thai police seek Interpol warrant for tycoon over alleged scam

BANGKOK (AFP): Thai police are seeking an Interpol arrest warrant for a tycoon they believe has fled to China following an alleged $200 million investment scam, the force told local media on Monday. Boon Vanasin, 86, the former chairman of Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG) is believed to have fled the country in September, Bangkok police deputy...

Datuk Vida responds to asset seizure controversy

PETALING JAYA: Following the uproar over the seizure of items from her residence on Monday (Nov 25), controversial entrepreneur Datuk Vida (pic) has spoken out about the issue. According mStar.com.my, Vida, whose real name is Datuk Seri Hasmiza Othman, 53, stated that she will fully cooperate regarding the matter that has become a hot topic of...

Ringgit opens higher against greenback as DXY retreats

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened marginally higher against the US dollar on Monday due to a decline in the US Dollar Index (DXY) following its recent two-year high, according to an analyst. At 8 am, the local currency stood at 4.4650/4765 against the US dollar, compared with Friday’s close at 4.4660/4710. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist...

Pro-Palestinian NGOs sue Dutch govt over Israel support

The Hague (AFP) - Pro-Palestinian groups took the Dutch state to court Friday, urging a halt to arms exports to Israel and accusing the government of failing to prevent what they termed a genocide in Gaza. The NGOs argued that Israel is breaking international law in Gaza and the West Bank, invoking, amongst others, the 1948...

DJ Dave, entertainment scene pays tribute to legendary composer Ahmad Nawab

KUALA LUMPUR: Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Veteran chairman, Datuk DJ Dave, has described the passing of Tan Sri Ahmad Khan Nawab Khan, otherwise known as Ahmad Nawab as a great loss of an irreplaceable gem of the music industry who had the uncanny ability to write songs that complement the capability and character of the singer. The...

Teacher feared drowned while fishing in Sungai Pahang

KUANTAN: A 53-year-old teacher is feared to have drowned while fishing in Sungai Pahang near the Chenor jetty in Maran, here, on Sunday evening. Maran District Malaysian Civil Defence Force (MCDF) officer Captain Mohd Nor Azhar Yusof said the victim, Murdani Ab Rahman, was fishing on a raft with a friend when he attempted to retrieve...

FBM KLCI rises as reporting period in full swing

KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI bounced higher on Monday as announcements of corporate results are expected to pick up in the final week of the reporting period. The main index rose 4.09 points to 1,593.87, fuelled by a rise in plantation stocks. Malacca Securities Research said it anticipates positive trading activity in the gold and oil and...