Articles by Ben Tan
Mother, daughter arrested after stray dog operation scuffle injures Muar council officer Original
MUAR, Nov 1 — Police have arrested a mother and daughter for allegedly obstructing and injuring a female Muar Municipal Council (MPM) enforcement officer during dog-catching operation in Bukit Pasir. The incident occurred at Taman Bintang Emas around 5.55am on Thursday, later triggering public outcry after photos of the injured officer lying on the pavement circulated widely on social media.
Mother, daughter arrested after stray dog operation scuffle injures Muar council officer
Malaysia journal brings you the latest news, opinions, headline, stories, trends & more in the country. Browse the site for up to date information on national, regional and world wide happenings from politics, business, economy, finance, sports, movies, lifestyle, travel, events, food and a lot more
Kluang council shuts down LED screens after obscene video appears in suspected hack
KLUANG, Oct 30 — The Kluang Municipal Council (MPK) will investigate an incident where its public message LED display system in several locations were hacked, resulting in displaying an obscene video last night. The municipal council said it has since lodged a police report to facilitate further investigation into the embarrassing incident. “A comprehensive investigation is being undertaken in collaboration with the screen's vendor to identify the main cause of the incident.
Johor DoE probes white effluent in Sungai Kim Kim, checks CCTV after pollution fears resurface
PASIR GUDANG, Oct 29 — The Department of Environment (DoE) is investigating Sungai Kim Kim here after receiving reports of a white cloudy effluent, triggering fears that pollution has returned. The effluent, spotted near the bypass road between Taman Pasir Putih and Kota Masai here, is suspected of causing a foul odour reported since yesterday that has affected various areas around Johor Bahru and Pasir Gudang.
Malaysian restaurant chain Hai Kah Lang spotted heading to Hangzhou, bucking trend of inbound Chinese F&B brands
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Malaysian restaurant chain Hai Kah Lang spotted heading to Hangzhou, bucking trend of inbound Chinese F&B brands
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — At a time when Chinese food and beverage brands such as Mixue, Chagee and Haidilao are expanding their presence in Malaysia, one homegrown seafood noodle chain is reportedly heading in the opposite direction. Hai Kah Lang, a Malaysian restaurant chain with roots in traditional Chinese cuisine, is reportedly expanding into China, with plans for an outlet at The Mixc shopping complex in Hangzhou.
Four men claim trial over Molotov cocktail attack on Rohingya settlement in Kulai
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 29 — Four men pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to charges of committing mischief by fire at a Rohingya settlement in Kulai two weeks ago. The accused, Yap Eze Hong, 31; Amirul Eizlan Musrinan, 28; Muhammad Khairul Abd Bahrin, 27; and Chan Jie Ming, 28, entered their pleas after the charges were read to them before Judge Datuk Che Wan Zaini Che Wan Ibrahim. They were accused of committing mischief by fire by setting ablaze a house belonging to P.
Malaysian restaurant chain Hai Kah Lang spotted heading to Hangzhou, bucking trend of inbound Chinese F&B brands
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 29 -- At a time when Chinese food and beverage brands such as Mixue, Chagee and Haidilao are expanding their presence in Malaysia, one homegrown seafood noodle chain is reportedly heading in the opposite direction. Hai Kah Lang, a Malaysian restaurant chain with roots in traditional Chinese cuisine, is reportedly expanding into China, with plans for an outlet at The Mixc shopping complex in Hangzhou.
Saifuddin: More stringent checks at KLIA to combat drug smuggling
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 28 — More stringent inspections are set to be implemented at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) following an increase in reported drug smuggling cases at the nation's primary gateway, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He stated that the inspections will be highly rigorous with checking passengers from head-to-toe and will extend to all luggage or bags being carried.
Malaysia to deploy latest body scanners at RTS Link border checkpoint
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 28 — Latest technology scanners will be deployed at the Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex in Bukit Chagar here once the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link starts operations early next year. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the implementation of this technology marks a first for Malaysia and serves as part of efforts to enhance security at the nation's entry points.
Not your average holiday money! Singapore-bound couple caught with nearly RM3m in cash at Johor checkpoint
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 28 — A couple was detained by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) after allegedly attempting to take nearly RM3 million in Malaysian and Singapore currency into Singapore without declaring the cash at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) here yesterday. Their attempt was thwarted when AKPS officers stopped their vehicle for inspection at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at 11.40am as they were heading towards Woodlands in Singapore.
Not your average holiday money! Singapore-bound couple caught with nearly RM3m in cash at Johor checkpoint
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct. 28 -- A couple was detained by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) after allegedly attempting to take nearly RM3 million in Malaysian and Singapore currency into Singapore without declaring the cash at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) here yesterday. Their attempt was thwarted when AKPS officers stopped their vehicle for inspection at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at 11.40am as they were heading towards Woodlands in Singapore.
Saifuddin: More stringent checks at KLIA to combat drug smuggling
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct. 28 -- More stringent inspections are set to be implemented at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) following an increase in reported drug smuggling cases at the nation's primary gateway, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He stated that the inspections will be highly rigorous with checking passengers from head-to-toe and will extend to all luggage or bags being carried.
Malaysia to deploy latest body scanners at RTS Link border checkpoint
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct. 28 -- Latest technology scanners will be deployed at the Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex in Bukit Chagar here once the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link starts operations early next year. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the implementation of this technology marks a first for Malaysia and serves as part of efforts to enhance security at the nation's entry points.
Johor man with six previous criminal and drug-related offences arrested over axe murder of 68-year-old Felda settler
KOTA TINGGI, Oct 27 — Police arrested a 41-year-old man suspected of hacking a settler to death with an axe at Felda Lok Heng Selatan last night. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the suspect was arrested by a joint team from the state contingent and district police at a palm oil plantation here at 10.26am today. “Police seized a motorcycle and an axe from the suspect. “Investigators believe that the axe was the murder weapon,” he said in a statement today.
Johor man with six previous criminal and drug-related offences arrested over axe murder of 68-year-old Felda settler
Johor man with six previous criminal and drug-related offences arrested over axe murder of 68-year-old Felda settler Tue, 27 October 2026 at 4:13 am GMT-4 KOTA TINGGI, Oct 27 — Police arrested a 41-year-old man suspected of hacking a settler to death with an axe at Felda Lok Heng Selatan last night. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the suspect was arrested by a joint team from the state contingent and district police at a palm oil plantation here at 10.26am today.
Felda settler hacked to death with axe in Johor rampage Original
KOTA TINGGI, Oct 27 — A Felda settler was hacked to death with an axe in an alleged violent rampage at Felda Lok Heng Selatan here last night. The incident is understood to have occurred at about 7.30pm after the male suspect allegedly ran amok near his residence. Armed with an axe, the suspect attacked the victim by the roadside. The incident drew the attention of other residents before the suspect fled on a motorcycle.
Felda settler hacked to death with axe in Johor rampage
Malaysia journal brings you the latest news, opinions, headline, stories, trends & more in the country. Browse the site for up to date information on national, regional and world wide happenings from politics, business, economy, finance, sports, movies, lifestyle, travel, events, food and a lot more
Experts say all high-risk groups vulnerable to haze, including those with medical conditions
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 24 -- While haze exposure poses health risks to the general population, high-risk groups such as children, older adults and pregnant women are more vulnerable to its effects. However, medical and health experts say no single group among those considered high-risk is necessarily more vulnerable than others, with susceptibility depending on factors such as age, underlying medical conditions and the duration and intensity of exposure.
Haze can irritate skin and eyes, not just lungs, experts warn
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 24 -- Haze pushed air quality to hazardous levels in parts of the country this year, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) peaking at 519 in six areas of Sarawak on September 1. Readings above 300 are classified as hazardous, while those recorded across parts of Peninsular Malaysia in October, including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan and Johor, mostly ranged from 101 to 210, within the unhealthy category.
Haze can irritate skin and eyes, not just lungs, experts warn
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — Haze pushed air quality to hazardous levels in parts of the country this year, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) peaking at 519 in six areas of Sarawak on September 1. Readings above 300 are classified as hazardous, while those recorded across parts of Peninsular Malaysia in October, including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan and Johor, mostly ranged from 101 to 210, within the unhealthy category.
Experts say all high-risk groups vulnerable to haze, including those with medical conditions Original
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — While haze exposure poses health risks to the general population, high-risk groups such as children, older adults and pregnant women are more vulnerable to its effects. However, medical and health experts say no single group among those considered high-risk is necessarily more vulnerable than others, with susceptibility depending on factors such as age, underlying medical conditions and the duration and intensity of exposure.
In haze-hit Johor, staying indoors is a luxury delivery riders cannot afford
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct. 20 -- For delivery riders in Johor, escaping the thick haze that has settled over the state is not as simple as staying indoors. Their livelihoods depend on being out on the road, even as the polluted air takes a toll on their health. As air quality reached very unhealthy levels in several parts of the state last week, riders reported sore throats, stinging eyes and other symptoms, leaving some to weigh the cost of fewer deliveries against the risks of prolonged exposure.
In haze-hit Johor, staying indoors is a luxury delivery riders cannot afford Original
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 20 — For delivery riders in Johor, escaping the thick haze that has settled over the state is not as simple as staying indoors. Their livelihoods depend on being out on the road, even as the polluted air takes a toll on their health. As air quality reached very unhealthy levels in several parts of the state last week, riders reported sore throats, stinging eyes and other symptoms, leaving some to weigh the cost of fewer deliveries against the risks of prolonged exposure.
In haze-hit Johor, staying indoors is a luxury delivery riders cannot afford
Malaysia journal brings you the latest news, opinions, headline, stories, trends & more in the country. Browse the site for up to date information on national, regional and world wide happenings from politics, business, economy, finance, sports, movies, lifestyle, travel, events, food and a lot more
Johor businessman says identity misused in fake Facebook account insulting King, Malays
SEGAMAT, Oct 20 — A businessman has claimed that a fake Facebook account, using his name and image, was used to post content insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay community. Segamat police chief Superintendent Mohd Jumazanzahir Chek Ismail said that the complainant, a local man, lodged a police report here the day before yesterday. “Police confirm having received a report regarding the misuse of his personal information to create a fake Facebook account.
Molotov cocktail attack on Kulai Rohingya settlement linked to provocative viral clip, police say
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 13 — Police believe an early morning arson attack targeting several homes at an ethnic Rohingya settlement in Kulai Besar was triggered by racially provocative videos circulating on social media. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad confirmed that Molotov cocktails were hurled at the settlement, likely sparking localised fires along the perimeter fences of several residences. “However, the fire was successfully extinguished and there were no injuries or other damage reported.
Johor student charged with the murder of Form Four classmate Irene Sofiya
BATU PAHAT, Oct 15 — A 16-year-old schoolboy was charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with the murder of his classmate, Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, whose body was discovered inside a secondary school hall in Yong Peng earlier this month. The accused, a Form Four student at the same school, nodded in understanding when the capital charge was read out to him before Magistrate Mustaqim Sukarno during a closed-door proceeding.
Two TNB contractors critically injured by electric shock as substation fire triggers Johor Bahru blackout (video)
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 16 — Two Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) contractors were critically injured after suffering electric shocks during maintenance work at the utility company's Kangkar Tebrau main intake substation here this evening. The incident triggered a fire and disrupted electricity supply in parts of Johor Bahru. TNB said the fire broke out at 6.03pm, interrupting power supply in several areas around Johor Jaya and its surrounding areas.
Splitting the AG's two hats: Azalina takes charge of talks with select committee
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has been tasked with engaging a Parliamentary Special Select Committee on constitutional amendments to separate the roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement after a decree by the Malay Rulers on the proposed amendments at the recent Conference of Rulers meeting, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said today.
Fahmi: No Malaysian palm oil companies involved in burning activities in Indonesia
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — There are no Malaysian plantation companies with palm oil concessions in Indonesia that were involved in forest fires linked to the regional haze issue, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. He said this was based on cross-reference checks conducted with local companies that maintain palm oil concessions in Indonesia.
PeKa B40 becomes PeKa Sihat in healthcare revamp as govt looks to ease clinic queues
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — The Health Ministry's PeKa B40 healthcare programme will be rebranded as PeKa Sihat, with changes aimed at making the initiative more effective and easing congestion at public health clinics, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said today. He said the Cabinet had agreed to the proposed amendments to the programme, which focuses on addressing non-communicable diseases.
Two TNB contractors critically injured by electric shock as substation fire triggers Johor Bahru blackout (VIDEO)
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 16 — Two Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) contractors were critically injured after suffering electric shocks during maintenance work at the utility company's Kangkar Tebrau main intake substation here this evening. The incident triggered a fire and disrupted electricity supply in parts of Johor Bahru. TNB said the fire broke out at 6.03pm, interrupting power supply in several areas around Johor Jaya and its surrounding areas.
Splitting the AG’s two hats: Azalina takes charge of talks with select committee
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has been tasked with engaging a Parliamentary Special Select Committee on constitutional amendments to separate the roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement after a decree by the Malay Rulers on the proposed amendments at the recent Conference of Rulers meeting, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said today.
Fahmi: No Malaysian palm oil companies involved in burning activities in Indonesia Original
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — There are no Malaysian plantation companies with palm oil concessions in Indonesia that were involved in forest fires linked to the regional haze issue, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. He said this was based on cross-reference checks conducted with local companies that maintain palm oil concessions in Indonesia.
PKR to contest nine Melaka seats, Pakatan to unveil full line-up on Oct 24 Original
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 16 — PKR will contest nine state seats under Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming Melaka state election on November 14, party secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh said. She said the names of PKR candidates, together with those from other PH component parties, would be officially announced by coalition chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 24.
PKR to contest nine Melaka seats, Pakatan to unveil full line-up on Oct 24
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct. 16 -- PKR will contest nine state seats under Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming Melaka state election on November 14, party secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh said. She said the names of PKR candidates, together with those from other PH component parties, would be officially announced by coalition chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 24.
Fahmi: No Malaysian palm oil companies involved in burning activities in Indonesia
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 16 -- There are no Malaysian plantation companies with palm oil concessions in Indonesia that were involved in forest fires linked to the regional haze issue, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. He said this was based on cross-reference checks conducted with local companies that maintain palm oil concessions in Indonesia.
Splitting the AG's two hats: Azalina takes charge of talks with select committee
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 16 -- Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has been tasked with engaging a Parliamentary Special Select Committee on constitutional amendments to separate the roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement after a decree by the Malay Rulers on the proposed amendments at the recent Conference of Rulers meeting, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said today.
Two TNB staff critically injured by electric shock as substation fire triggers Johor Bahru blackout (VIDEO)
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct. 16 -- Two Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) staff were critically injured after suffering electric shocks during maintenance work at the utility company's Kangkar Tebrau main intake substation here this evening. The incident triggered a fire and disrupted electricity supply in parts of Johor Bahru. TNB said the fire broke out at 6.03pm, interrupting power supply in several areas around Johor Jaya and its surrounding areas.
Defence lawyer denies family statements in Irene Sofiya case, warns against fabricated social media posts
BATU PAHAT, Oct 15 — The defence counsel representing the 16-year-old student charged with the murder of classmate Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal today disavowed any statements or apologies purporting to be from the boy's family. Lawyer Mohd Azlan Shah Mohd Allias stressed that the accused teenager's family has maintained complete silence throughout the investigation, never releasing statements or publishing posts across any digital channels.
Defence lawyer denies family statements in Irene Sofiya case, warns against fabricated social media posts
BATU PAHAT, Oct 15 — The defence counsel representing the 16-year-old student charged with the murder of classmate Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal today disavowed any statements or apologies purporting to be from the boy’s family. Lawyer Mohd Azlan Shah Mohd Allias stressed that the accused teenager’s family has maintained complete silence throughout the investigation, never releasing statements or publishing posts across any digital channels.
Defence lawyer denies family statements in Irene Sofiya case, warns against fabricated social media posts
BATU PAHAT, Oct 15 — The defence counsel representing the 16-year-old student charged with the murder of classmate Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal today disavowed any statements or apologies purporting to be from the boy's family. Lawyer Mohd Azlan Shah Mohd Allias stressed that the accused teenager's family has maintained complete silence throughout the investigation, never releasing statements or publishing posts across any digital channels.
Defence lawyer denies family statements in Irene Sofiya case, warns against fabricated social media posts
Malaysia journal brings you the latest news, opinions, headline, stories, trends & more in the country. Browse the site for up to date information on national, regional and world wide happenings from politics, business, economy, finance, sports, movies, lifestyle, travel, events, food and a lot more
Johor student charged with the murder of Form Four classmate Irene Sofiya Original
BATU PAHAT, Oct 15 — A 16-year-old schoolboy was charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with the murder of his classmate, Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, whose body was discovered inside a secondary school hall in Yong Peng earlier this month. The accused, a Form Four student at the same school, nodded in understanding when the capital charge was read out to him before Magistrate Mustaqim Sukarno during a closed-door proceeding.
Johor student charged with the murder of Form Four classmate Irene Sofiya
BATU PAHAT, Oct 15 — A 16-year-old schoolboy was charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with the murder of his classmate, Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, whose body was discovered inside a secondary school hall in Yong Peng earlier this month. The accused, a Form Four student at the same school, nodded in understanding when the capital charge was read out to him before Magistrate Mustaqim Sukarno during a closed-door proceeding.
Johor police deploy 13 district control centres statewide to assist in haze monitoring
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 13 — The Johor police contingent are assisting the state government in monitoring the haze through the activation of its 13 district control centres (DCC) across the state. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the activation of all DCCs aims to monitor and coordinate the haze situation in collaboration with the state government and its related agencies. He said the activation, which covers all 13 police districts in Johor, will enable continuous monitoring.
Molotov cocktail attack on Kulai Rohingya settlement linked to provocative viral clip, police say Original
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 13 — Police believe an early morning arson attack targeting several homes at an ethnic Rohingya settlement in Kulai Besar was triggered by racially provocative videos circulating on social media. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad confirmed that Molotov cocktails were hurled at the settlement, likely sparking localised fires along the perimeter fences of several residences. “However, the fire was successfully extinguished and there were no injuries or other damage reported.
Molotov cocktail attack on Kulai Rohingya settlement linked to provocative viral clip, police say
Malaysia journal brings you the latest news, opinions, headline, stories, trends & more in the country. Browse the site for up to date information on national, regional and world wide happenings from politics, business, economy, finance, sports, movies, lifestyle, travel, events, food and a lot more
Irene Sofiya murder: Johor police awaiting DPP decision before remand expires
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 13 — Johor police are awaiting further instructions from the state's Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) for the next course of action in the murder case of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said investigators have referred the investigation papers to the DPP last Friday and are currently waiting for instructions or a decision. “We have not yet received any instructions from the DPP's office yet as the case is still under review.
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