Former Malaysia PM Mahathir Mohamad says he will pull out of Pakatan Plus, won’t accept minister mentor post

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he will quit Pakatan Plus but continue working with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Amanah, after Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) rejected the "Mahathir-Anwar" combination for prime minister. The ousted Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leader was responding to a question during a video interview with Sin Chew Daily on Tuesday (June 23)...

‘Limited food, no wages’: Domestic workers struggle amid quarantine in Hong Kong

When Gloria – not her real name – returned to Hong Kong from the Philippines late last month, she had to do a mandatory quarantine imposed by the government to combat the coronavirus pandemic. While her employer put her in a hotel, those 14 days were all but easy. “When my boss told me about doing...

Covid-19 may survive at low temperatures, Chinese expert says

The recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus at Beijing's Xinfadi wholesale farm-produce market could indicate the virus can survive at low temperatures, according to Professor Zhong Nanshan, one of the world's leading experts on respiratory diseases. The virus was found on cutting boards for imported salmon at the market in the city's Fengtai district, and since...

Malaysian couple use wedding day ‘savings’ to help others

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many couples have either postponed or opted for a scaled-down wedding ceremony. Among them were pharmacist P. Seevaratnam, 32, and his bride T. Thilageswary, 29, an engineer, whose “big day” was only held at their home in Ayer Itam and attended by some 20 family members. The couple did something noble with...

An extra special Father’s Day celebration for Malaysian family

Celebrating Fathers Day in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic has made many appreciate the precious time they can spend together with their loved ones with much joy and laughter. For entrepreneur and father of three Jeff Yong, this year's Fathers Day celebration was special as it was their first big family reunion in three months. "We...

Malaysia and Singapore border reopening will boost tourism sector: Malaysian minister

The country’s tourism sector is expected to get a much-needed boost when both Malaysia and Singapore open their borders, which have been closed for three months due to Covid-19 pandemic. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said that the tourism sector is one of the key sectors for economic growth in Malaysia. "States...

Malaysian actor angry at outrageous electricity bill

Actor Saharul Ridzwan is "not sure who to go after" at Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for his outrageous electricity bills. On June 17, Saharul posted a photo on Twitter showing his electricity charges from January to June. According to Harian Metro, the actor's monthly electricity bills rarely exceed RM400 (S$130), which calls into question the accuracy of June's...

US Burger Joint Five Guys To Open First M’sian Outlet In Genting

Did you hear? Five Guys is set to make its debut here in Malaysia and the first outlet will open in Resorts World Genting. myBurgerLab recently posted a snapshot of the huge red board with the words “FIVE GUYS COMING SOON!” No word yet on the opening date though. As you may know, the American fast-casual restaurant chain...

Indonesia reports 1,331 new coronavirus cases, its biggest daily rise

Indonesia reported 1,331 new coronavirus infections on Thursday (June 18), its biggest daily increase since the outbreak started locally, taking its total number of cases to 42,762. Health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said 63 more deaths were reported on Thursday, with total fatalities now at 2,339, the highest coronavirus death toll in East Asia outside of...