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Articles by Kirtinee Ramesh
Lynas-JS Link RM1b partnership to create up to 700 jobs in Kuantan
A RM1 billion agreement between Lynas Rare Earths and JS Link to establish a permanent magnet plant in Kuantan is expected to generate up to 700 jobs and bolster Malaysia's downstream REE sector.
Health Ministry seizes 697 units of unapproved Retatrutide worth RM341,000
He said patients requiring such treatment could apply for approval through the ministry’s existing special drug approval mechanism.
Budget 2027: RM935 million tourism allocation must raise incomes and create jobs - Expert
Budget 2027 allocates RM935 million for tourism and culture, up from about RM700 million allocated for tourism-specific activities under Budget 2026.
Why your next Bali getaway should feature ancient water purification and sunrise views
A getaway to Ubud can be as relaxed or adventurous as visitors choose: a quiet morning surrounded by greenery, an afternoon exploring local markets, a sunrise over Mount Batur or an encounter with Bali’s spiritual traditions.
Malaysian Indians urged to reduce sweets, sugary drinks during Deepavali
CAP urges Malaysian Indians to cut sugar intake by 80% during Deepavali celebrations amid concerns over rising diabetes rates and unhealthy eating habits
MCMC receives 5,341 complaints over online bullying, harassment since 2023
MCMC received 5,341 complaints involving online bullying and harassment from January 2023 to Oct 15 this year, as Malaysia strengthens online safety measures and safeguards against AI-generated deepfakes.
Over 828,000 pieces of online gambling content removed since 2022 - Fahmi
Malaysia has removed 828,438 pieces of online gambling content and blocked 7,411 gambling websites since 2022, as authorities intensify enforcement and prevention efforts.
Over 14,700 pornographic, child abuse materials removed from online platforms since 2022
Malaysia removed 14,706 pornographic and child sexual abuse materials since 2022 and blocked 5,170 pornographic websites, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.
Entertainment duty cuts will not relax controls on foreign performers - Fahmi
Malaysia will maintain strict scrutiny of foreign artists’ performances despite entertainment duty reductions, with applications assessed for security, public order, cultural values and local sensitivities.
Creative industry contributes RM130.7 billion to GDP, supports 763,100 jobs - Fahmi
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil says Malaysia's creative industry contributed 6.8% to GDP in 2024, with films, animation and exports driving growth.
King’s consent needed to terminate AKPS chief’s tenure - IGP
Any move to shorten or terminate AKPS chief Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain’s tenure requires legal advice from the AGC and royal consent, says IGP Mohd Khalid Ismail.
Shuhaily’s service matter yet to be finalised - Home Ministry
The Home Ministry said the service matter involving AKPS director-general Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain remains unresolved, adding that it will be handled according to established procedures.
Anwar pays tribute to APMM officer killed during border enforcement operation
Anwar Ibrahim has vowed stern action against migrant smuggling syndicates and their accomplices after an APMM officer was killed during an operation off Kuala Perlis.
71.8% of major govt hospitals meet emergency waiting time target - Dzulkefly
Malaysia's Health Ministry is expanding measures to ease emergency department congestion, with 71.8% of major government hospitals meeting waiting time targets.
Health Services Commission will not set salaries or create posts - Dzulkefly
The proposed Health Services Commission will handle appointments and promotions but not salaries or new posts, which remain under JPA and the Finance Ministry.
Govt to expand refugee registration to UNHCR cardholders outside detention depots
Malaysia's refugee registration exercise will move beyond detention depots to include UNHCR cardholders outside the facilities, says Ahmad Zahid.
Malaysia must measure anti-drug success by recovery, not arrests and seizures - Researcher
Arrests are not enough: Researcher calls for a rethink of drug policy Winning the drug war means fewer repeat offenders, not more arrests PETALING JAYA : Malaysia must measure its anti-drug efforts by whether users recover, stay off drugs and avoid repeat offences , rather than relying on arrest and…
Fewer positive drug tests do not mean Malaysia’s drug problem is easing, researcher warns
Malaysia’s drug problem may be harder to detect despite drop in positive tests Malaysia’s drug problem may be harder to detect despite drop in positive tests PETALING JAYA : Malaysia’s drug problem may be becoming harder to detect despite a 2.6% drop in positive urine tests last year, with emerging…
Even professionals can be fooled by investment scams, economist warns
Online scams cost Malaysia almost RM3b in 2025 Nearly RM3b lost to scams: Economist calls for stronger safeguards PETALING JAYA : Selangor lost nearly RM1 billion via online scams last year, with its large population and widespread adoption of digital banking among the possible factors behind the ma…
Anwar orders immediate aid for two journalists injured in Perak crash
Anwar Ibrahim has directed officers to assist two journalists injured in a lorry collision while travelling to cover an event in Bagan Datuk, with one remaining hospitalised.
Express bus ticket sales to shift to licensed terminal portals from Nov 1 - Loke
Govt to redirect express bus ticket sales from OTAs to licensed terminals Govt to redirect express bus ticket sales from OTAs to licensed terminals KUALA LUMPUR : Express bus ticket sales will be channelled through online portals operated by licensed bus terminals from Nov 1, with the government aim...
Open payment system for Klang Valley public transport delayed after failed tender - Loke
Rapid Bus open payment system expected within 15 months of project start Govt backs wider cashless payment options for public transport KUALA LUMPUR : The implementation of an open payment system for public transport in the Klang Valley has been delayed after the first tender was not awarded, requir...
A familiar face in a busy airport: How KLIA helps passengers with autism
How KLIA’s Butterfly Effect is changing the travel experience for passengers with autism AMID the sounds of constant movement, rolling luggage cases, trolley wheels, hurried footsteps and boarding announcements at the KL International Airport (KLIA), there is a small space designed for those who need the world to slow down.
Stop waiting for pothole complaints before repairs, expert tells authorities
Budget 2027: Faster pothole repairs needed to protect motorists PETALING JAYA: The funding under Budget 2027 for better and safer roads to ease the strain on motorists is a welcome move, said Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua.
Budget 2027: DUI drivers should compensate victims, says road safety expert
Govt urged to help DUI crash victims get compensation faster PETALING JAYA: Drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs should be legally obliged to pay their victims, with courts given the power to set the amount based on medical costs, lost income, rehabilitation expenses and other losses, said an academic, in welcoming the government’s move under Budget 2027.
State education directors to decide school operations based on daily haze readings
Haze: Schools may switch to home-based learning based on API readings PETALING JAYA: The operating status of schools nationwide will be determined daily based on haze readings, with state education directors authorised to decide whether schools continue operating as usual or switch to home-based teaching and learning (BDR-PdPR).
Education Ministry to maximise nearly RM69b Budget 2027 allocation
PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry (MOE) will maximise its nearly RM69 billion allocation under Budget 2027 to strengthen student and teacher welfare, as well as fund school maintenance and the construction of new schools.
Malaysia develops sovereign AI cloud to keep national data under local control
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is developing a sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) cloud to ensure citizens’ data and the country’s strategic information remain under national control, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to advancing AI while safeguarding national interests, data security and sovereignty. Meanwhile, Malaysia has attained Tier 1 recognition for its readiness to transition to post-quantum cryptography.
Budget 2027: Govt mobilises agencies, universities to build Malay-language AI data
PETALING JAYA: The government will mobilise ministries, agencies and educational institutions to contribute accurate, annotated digital language data to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) to strengthen the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology rooted in Malaysia’s national identity. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said building a robust digital ecosystem was crucial to enabling Malaysia to develop its own AI technology while preserving its national identity.
Budget 2027: Govt raises conservation allocation to RM270m, sets aside RM65m for rangers
PETALING JAYA: The government will increase the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) allocation to RM270 million to support state-level conservation efforts and promote community-based economic activities and ecotourism. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the increased allocation would help states protect the country’s natural heritage while encouraging sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
Budget 2027: Govt to offer 100,000 more free AI subscriptions, including ChatGPT
PETALING JAYA: The government will provide an additional 100,000 free artificial intelligence (AI) subscriptions, expanding access to new applications including ChatGPT, following strong public response to the existing initiative. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative would be expanded to give more Malaysians, particularly young people, access to AI technology.
Budget 2027: RM6 billion for R&D, AI adoption and skills development
PETALING JAYA: The government will allocate RM6 billion across ministries to strengthen research, development and commercialisation, alongside initiatives to expand AI adoption among businesses and develop skilled talent. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said AI Malaysia Bhd would receive nearly RM15 million to strengthen the safe and ethical AI ecosystem, in line with the target of producing 200,000 skilled AI workers.
Budget 2027: Cinema tickets, local theatre shows in Federal Territories exempted from entertainment duty
PETALING JAYA: Cinema tickets and local theatre performances in the Federal Territories will be fully exempted from entertainment duty from 2027, with the government urging state administrations to adopt similar measures to support local creative talents. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government had allocated more than RM130 million to support the local film, music and creative content industries.
Budget 2027: RM15m conservation fund to protect Malayan tigers, Bornean elephants and orangutans
PETALING JAYA: The government will channel RM15 million collected through the palm oil industry cess towards environmental conservation, with priority given to protecting endangered wildlife such as the Malayan tiger, Bornean elephant and orangutan. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative was part of broader efforts to protect Malaysia’s natural heritage and marine ecosystems.
Azalina welcomes proposed Law Reform Commission, expanded bankruptcy relief
Azalina also welcomed three initiatives to strengthen the Second Chance Policy, following efforts that have helped more than 250,000 Malaysians exit bankruptcy since 2023. PETALING JAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has welcomed the government’s commitment to study the establishment of a Malaysian Law Reform Commission, alongside measures to expand bankruptcy relief and strengthen institutional reforms under Budget 2027.
Budget 2027: Prasarana to invest RM3.4b to improve rail services
PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd will invest more than RM3.4 billion to comprehensively rehabilitate its rail services, as the government steps up efforts to address train breakdowns and service disruptions affecting commuters. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Prasarana and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) had been tasked with taking immediate measures to ensure smoother and more reliable train services.
Budget 2027: Commercial vehicles to be fitted with mandatory telematics systems
PETALING JAYA: Commercial vehicles will be required to install telematics systems to monitor speed, location and risky driving behaviour, as the government steps up efforts to improve road safety. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the systems would also be linked to alcohol detection devices to ensure drivers were screened before beginning their journeys. Voluntary implementation will continue until 2027, while the government develops a driver database to strengthen enforcement.
Budget 2027: My50 continues, MyKomuter50 to benefit 40,000 commuters
PETALING JAYA: The government will introduce the MyKomuter50 pass to benefit 40,000 KTM Komuter users, allowing them to save an average of up to RM160 monthly, said Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat today. He said the existing My50 unlimited travel pass would also be continued, benefiting 300,000 users of Prasarana’s bus and rail services in the Klang Valley.
Budget 2027: DBKL to build 22km of covered pedestrian walkways – Anwar
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will build 22km of covered pedestrian walkways linking major landmarks, including the National Mosque, Dataran Merdeka and Central Market, under Budget 2027. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the covered walkways will also connect residential areas to business premises, schools, clinics and public transport stations to improve accessibility and pedestrian convenience.
Budget 2027: Drunk, drug-impaired drivers may have to compensate victims – Anwar
PETALING JAYA: The government will amend the Road Transport Act to require drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs to compensate victims, following a series of fatal road accidents involving impaired motorists. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said four people, including a married couple and their young child, were killed in a crash on the East Coast Expressway 1 (LPT1) in Temerloh on the eve of National Day.
Budget 2027: RM50m allocated for MADANI Community initiative
PETALING JAYA: The government will allocate RM50 million under Budget 2027 for the MADANI Community initiative, focusing on supporting residents of urban People’s Housing Programme (PPR) communities through skills training, business support and improved facilities.
Budget 2027: RM3.3b allocated to upgrade rural infrastructure
PETALING JAYA: The government will allocate RM3.3 billion under Budget 2027 to strengthen basic rural infrastructure, including village roads, street lighting, community facilities, clean water and electricity supply, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. Of the total, RM2.3 billion will be allocated for rural road projects, up from RM1.3 billion in 2022, as the government continues to improve connectivity and access for rural communities.
Budget 2027: First-time buyers get full stamp duty exemption for homes up to RM500,000
PETALING JAYA: First-time homebuyers purchasing homes priced up to RM500,000 will enjoy full stamp duty exemptions on loan agreements and transfer instruments under Budget 2027, said Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Presenting Budget 2027, Anwar said the exemption would also be extended to homes priced up to RM750,000, with full exemption on the first RM500,000 and a 50% exemption on the remaining amount.
Govt to extend 4G coverage to all Orang Asli villages next year
PETALING JAYA: The government will focus on extending 4G coverage to all Orang Asli villages next year, alongside efforts to improve internet connectivity along 7,000km of roads and 1,700km of railway lines, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. Anwar said the JENDELA project, backed by RM5 billion in investment, had provided Wi-Fi coverage at all public university campuses and 4G coverage at all FELDA settlements.
Sabah, Sarawak to receive record RM34.9 billion in Budget 2027 – Anwar
PETALING JAYA: The Federal Government will maintain record allocations for Sabah and Sarawak in 2027, with Sabah receiving RM18.7 billion and Sarawak RM16.2 billion, as efforts continue to fulfil its commitments under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said MA63 must be viewed as part of the national pledge and a shared national responsibility, with efforts continuing to address longstanding issues involving the two states.
Health Ministry to gain stronger powers to shut unsafe food premises
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry will have stronger powers to shut down food premises serving food containing harmful substances and publicise information about dangerous food products without waiting for a court order under proposed amendments to the Food Act 1983. The Food (Amendment) Bill 2026, tabled by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, was passed by the Dewan Rakyat during the current sitting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament.
Prioritise climate adaptation, prevention measures: Academic
PETALING JAYA: Budget 2027 should prioritise climate adaptation and prevention measures rather than focusing solely on responding to climate-related disasters, said National University of Singapore Southeast Asian Studies Department lecturer Dr Serina Rahman. She said this includes reforestation, protecting water retention areas and strengthening drainage systems.
Auku legislation to be systematically phased out
PETALING JAYA: The government will phase out the 1971 Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku), with a new higher education framework to replace and to grant students more freedom, standardise campus rules and prepare graduates for an AI-driven workforce Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the repeal would be carried out in a planned and phased manner to avoid a legal vacuum that could disrupt the governance and operations of public universities.
Schools to close when API exceeds 180 from Friday – Education Ministry
PETALING JAYA: Schools and other educational institutions under the Education Ministry (MOE) in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 180 will be closed from Friday (Oct 9) to protect students and education personnel from health risks posed by the haze. Education director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said institutions in areas recording API readings above 150 continuously for three consecutive days would also be closed from Monday (Oct 12).
Anwar speaks with Prabowo over worsening haze, agrees on need for cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has spoken directly with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto over the worsening haze, with both leaders agreeing on the need for cooperation to address the situation. Anwar said Malaysia had, over the past several weeks, expressed its readiness to provide any assistance necessary as the haze continued to affect public health.
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