Don't Politicise Tourism Product Meant for Labour Day Holiday, Says MOTAC
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) warned against turning the Labour Day holiday tourism programme into a political platform, emphasizing that the water‑festival event should remain a neutral, leisure‑focused offering. The statement came amid preparations for a series of water‑based attractions intended to encourage Malaysians to travel domestically and support local economies during the long weekend. MOTAC highlighted that domestic tourism is a key driver for stabilising the post‑pandemic economy, noting modest but encouraging visitor growth from Asian neighbours, Europe and a slight dip from the Middle East. Officials cited recent data showing increased arrivals from Euro‑zone countries and a gradual rebound in regional travel, while acknowledging the broader geopolitical tensions that could affect inbound flows. A senior MOTAC official stressed, “We must not turn programmes into political platforms; our priority is economic stability and citizen enjoyment.” The ministry also urged state governments to coordinate their own events, ensuring tourist traffic is distributed across the country rather than concentrated in Kuala Lumpur. The admonition carries weight for Malaysia’s tourism strategy: keeping promotional activities apolitical preserves investor confidence, sustains revenue streams, and reinforces the nation’s image as a stable, welcoming destination. Continued inter‑state collaboration and a focus on domestic experiences are likely to shape future tourism policies and marketing campaigns.
MyDigital ID Forms Backbone of Secure Digital Ecosystem, Says DPM
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted My Digital ID as the cornerstone of Malaysia’s emerging digital ecosystem, emphasizing its role in securely verifying identities online and enabling seamless access to public and private services. Adoption has surged past 11 million users, with login...
Indonesia Probes Rail, Taxi Operator After Commuter Train Crash Kills 15
Indonesia is probing a deadly commuter‑train collision that left 15 passengers dead and 91 injured. The crash, which involved roughly 100 riders, prompted immediate action from transport authorities and the green‑taxi operator whose vehicle was linked to the incident. Officials have...
Namewee's Bid to Drop Drug Charges Rejected
Malaysian rapper‑filmmaker Namewee’s request to have two criminal charges withdrawn was rejected by the Attorney General’s Chambers. He is accused of possessing methamphetamine and sildenafil after a police raid at a hotel on Jalan Conlay in Kuala Lumpur on Oct....
PM: Digital Transformation Must Benefit All, Not Just Urban Elites
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned that Malaysia’s ambitious digital‑transformation agenda must benefit every citizen, not only affluent urban centres. He framed the initiative as a national priority, emphasizing that new technologies such as AI, data‑centres and advanced manufacturing should be...
Milk Producer Warns of Price Hike Amid Supply Crunch
Malaysia’s leading dairy producer Farm Fresh Bahad warned it may raise bottled‑milk prices as global tensions surrounding the Iran‑linked conflict push plastic‑resin costs sharply higher. The price of the PET resin used for its 1‑litre and 2‑litre bottles has jumped from...
South Korea Police Seek to Detain BTS Agency Founder Bang
South Korean authorities have asked a court to issue a detention warrant for Bang I‑Huk, the chairman and founder of HYBE, the entertainment conglomerate behind BTS. The request stems from an investigation into alleged illegal stock‑trading practices surrounding HYBE’s 2022 initial...
Flash Floods Hit Various Parts of Klang Valley, Traffic Disrupted
Flash floods swept through several parts of the Klang Valley on Tuesday, overwhelming streets and bringing traffic to a standstill. Heavy rain combined with clogged drainage systems caused water to rise rapidly, submerging major arteries and forcing motorists onto detours. The...
April 20 | What Did Iran and China Say About Iran War over Past 24 Hours
The video compiles recent statements from Iranian officials and a Chinese spokesperson about the evolving conflict surrounding Iran, focusing on naval activity in the Gulf of Oman and diplomatic posturing over the past 24 hours. Iran announced that a commercial vessel...
Power Fault Caused Disruption to KLIA Terminal 1 BHS, Transport Ministry Confirms
The transport ministry confirmed that a power fault at the Bukit Raja substation caused a voltage dip at 4:54 p.m., forcing the baggage handling system (BHS) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s Terminal 1 to shut down. The incident halted baggage processing across...
Further Talks Expected in Pakistan as Iran Tightens Control of Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump announced that US representatives will meet Iranian officials in Pakistan next week to discuss a proposed peace deal, amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf. Trump described the offer as “very fair and reasonable” and warned that if...
Ex-Manager of Melaka Halal Hub Charged with Two Counts of Graft
A former administrative manager of the Malacca Halal Hub Sendirian Berhad (MHHSB), Erwan Abdul Aziz, appeared before the Sessions Court in Ayer Keroh and pleaded not guilty to two graft charges. Prosecutors allege he abused his public‑office position to secure fire‑insurance...
Israel's Netanyahu Says Talks to Focus on Hezbollah Disarmament, Lebanon Peace
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that forthcoming diplomatic talks will center on Hezbollah’s disarmament and a broader peace framework for Lebanon, a move prompted by a sharp escalation of violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Since March 2, 2026, the United Nations...
Middle East Tensions Highlight Need for Energy Security, Transition, Says Fadillah
The video features Malaysia’s energy minister, Fadillah, warning that recent Middle East turmoil has turned energy security from a theoretical concern into an immediate structural challenge for the nation. He stresses that while oil prices are temporarily high, the country...
April 28 Decision on Shamsul Iskandar's Bid to Transfer Graft Trial to High Court
The Kuala Lumpur High Court scheduled April 28 to decide whether five corruption charges against former senior political secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Muhammad Akin will be transferred from the Sessions Court to the High Court. Shamsul Iskandar filed the transfer...