https://www.scmp.com/rss/323293/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com The Star The Star A woman carrying a knife has been arrested after being tackled by the crowd during the Rain Rave Water Music Festival in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night. In a viral video, a man can be seen attempting to disarm the woman. Several others from the crowd, along with security personnel, then joined in to restrain her until the police arrived. She was seen being arrested shortly after. Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus reportedly confirmed the arrest of the 28-year-old woman for possession of a... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3352261/crowd-disarms-knife-wielding-woman-malaysia-water-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3352261/crowd-disarms-knife-wielding-woman-malaysia-water-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 May 2026 08:00:20 +0000 The Star The Star The three Malaysian elephants sent to Osaka in Japan from Zoo Taiping and Night Safari should be brought home, according to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup. Arthur made the call amid concerns that Japan’s climate is unsuitable for the elephants and that one of them, Kelat, has suffered an injury. Last Friday, a group of protesters gathered outside the ministry, urging the government to bring the elephants back. They cited welfare concerns following... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3351937/malaysia-seeks-return-elephants-japan-climate-welfare-concerns-grow?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3351937/malaysia-seeks-return-elephants-japan-climate-welfare-concerns-grow?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:08:16 +0000 The Star The Star Catalytic converter theft is rising across Malaysia amid strong demand for rare metals used in automotive emission systems. Most of these thefts were reported to have occurred in residential areas, public car parks and transit hubs. Vehicles left unattended, especially overnight, are among the most vulnerable. A senior manager at a car service centre said thieves were targeting catalytic converters, which are components beneath the car along the exhaust system, because they contain rare,... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3351649/pricier-gold-why-thieves-malaysia-want-your-cars-catalytic-converter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3351649/pricier-gold-why-thieves-malaysia-want-your-cars-catalytic-converter?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:36:43 +0000 The Star The Star It’s midnight. A call was made to Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department about a forest fire in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. Firefighters rushed to the scene only to discover there was no such blaze. The department gets a prank call every other day. Many of these calls are usually made about an hour before or after midnight. Its exasperated director general Nor Hisham Mohammad is now calling for a multiprong approach to deal with the problem. “There should be stricter enforcement, use of technological... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3351453/midnight-pranksters-fan-flames-frustration-malaysias-fire-services?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3351453/midnight-pranksters-fan-flames-frustration-malaysias-fire-services?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Apr 2026 04:18:12 +0000 The Star The Star For more than three years, the numbers on their screens told a convincing story. Steady gains, smooth withdrawals and returns of up to 5 per cent every fortnight. Encouraged by the early outcome, many doubled down, pumping in more of their hard-earned savings into a scheme they thought was the answer to luxury and a comfy retirement. Then, almost overnight, the kill switch was flicked and they lost it all to a scheme that swindled ­victims across the globe of close to 100 billion ringgit (US$25... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3351077/hundreds-left-broke-after-alleged-malaysian-scammer-vanishes-us25-billion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3351077/hundreds-left-broke-after-alleged-malaysian-scammer-vanishes-us25-billion?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:34:07 +0000 The Star The Star The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has affected every Asean nation, with a crisis looming, according to Malaysia’s Sultan Nazrin Shah. The Perak ruler said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East would directly affect the economies of countries in the region. “The surging prices of energy, fertilisers and transport are driving up food prices, increasing production and distribution costs, and fuelling inflation. The worst affected are countries with low energy reserves,” he said in his keynote... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3350823/malaysian-sultan-warns-asean-staring-economic-crisis-over-hormuz-closure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3350823/malaysian-sultan-warns-asean-staring-economic-crisis-over-hormuz-closure?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:15:07 +0000 The Star The Star He was your friendly neighbourhood uncle, polite and pleasant. He even brought fruits and vegetables from his orchard for people in the area. So, when the 71-year-old Malaysian man was arrested for shooting three people dead, it came as a shock for many in Taman Kota Jaya, Johor. Hamzah Kamat, who runs a restaurant in front of the food court where the incident took place, said the man used to go there, and sometimes even brought fruits from his orchard. “He is a nice uncle who never caused any... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3350800/neighbours-shocked-after-nice-uncle-arrested-malaysia-gunning-down-3?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3350800/neighbours-shocked-after-nice-uncle-arrested-malaysia-gunning-down-3?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:39:53 +0000 The Star The Star A single father has refused to accept any more donations from Malaysians following a viral video that appeared to show him having difficulty finding money to pay a mechanic after his motorcycle broke down in Kuala Lumpur. According to Sinar Harian, the man known as Dicky Yau was touched by the concern shown by social media users who had offered to extend financial help to him after seeing the situation he was in. “I would like to thank everyone who sent private messages to offer help. However, I... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3350607/struggling-single-dad-and-kind-bike-mechanic-inspire-malaysias-generosity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3350607/struggling-single-dad-and-kind-bike-mechanic-inspire-malaysias-generosity?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:53:30 +0000 The Star The Star Jewellery and cash worth hundreds of millions of ringgit were found in overfilled luggage bags stored in a luxury condominium in Kuala Lumpur during a raid linked to the 1Malaysia Develop­ment Bhd (1MDB) investigation, the High Court heard. The police had found 71 ­luggage bags, a plastic box and more than 200 boxes during the operation at Pavilion Residences on May 17, 2018. Former Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Amar Singh Ishar Singh testified that the sheer amount... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3350106/malaysian-police-recall-overflowing-cash-gems-1mdb-raid-najib-linked-condo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3350106/malaysian-police-recall-overflowing-cash-gems-1mdb-raid-najib-linked-condo?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:10:25 +0000 The Star The Star Melaka police are tracking a 36-year-old express bus driver after a video showing him driving with a woman seated on his lap near the Bemban Rest and Recreational area went viral in Malaysia. Jasin Superintendent Lee Robert said initial investigations found the incident occurred at about 7.30pm on Sunday at the entrance to the area. He described the driver’s actions as extremely dangerous, noting that such behaviour could impair vehicle control and cause serious distraction, posing a risk to... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3350020/malaysian-police-hunt-bus-driver-seen-woman-lap-viral-video?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3350020/malaysian-police-hunt-bus-driver-seen-woman-lap-viral-video?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:46:18 +0000 The Star The Star Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for an end to allegations of diesel being supplied to the Philippines, stating that the claim is untrue. Anwar said the recent shipment of diesel was not from national oil company Petronas but from a foreign commodity company, Vitol. “They [Vitol] have an agreement to transport oil and sell it to the Philippines. It is not us [Petronas] supplying it to the Philippines,” he said. “But we are not stopping it. We are giving passage. The oil belongs... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349983/malaysias-anwar-douses-row-over-diesel-supplied-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349983/malaysias-anwar-douses-row-over-diesel-supplied-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:50:21 +0000 The Star The Star There is no necessity to introduce the death penalty into the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving under the influence, according to Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Loke said existing laws were sufficient to prosecute serious offences and that offenders could still be charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, where applicable. “As far as the government is concerned, we have already stopped mandatory death penalties,” he told reporters on Monday after a road safety... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349865/malaysia-rejects-death-penalty-drink-drivers-proposes-victim-compensation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349865/malaysia-rejects-death-penalty-drink-drivers-proposes-victim-compensation?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:06:07 +0000 The Star The Star Malaysia is expected to experience a critical moment with regards to fuel supply by June, according to Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. He said the government is implementing measures to address the global fuel shortage amid the Middle East conflict, including exploring alternative raw materials. “June and July will be a very critical period in ensuring fuel supplies are available,” Akmal Nasrullah said after attending an event in Johor Bahru. “It will be equally important to ensure... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349778/minister-warns-malaysia-will-enter-critical-period-fuel-supply-june?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349778/minister-warns-malaysia-will-enter-critical-period-fuel-supply-june?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:40:09 +0000 The Star The Star Malaysian immigration officers have raided two massage parlours suspected of offering sexual services to clients, detaining 21 foreign workers and a local man believed to be the manager of the premises. The raids in Johor, which began at around 3pm on Thursday, targeted outlets that publicly advertised standard massage services from 80 ringgit (US$20) an hour. “The businesses were believed to be involved in immoral activities and employed foreigners without valid documents,” Johor immigration... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349727/malaysia-detains-masseuses-china-offering-extra-services?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349727/malaysia-detains-masseuses-china-offering-extra-services?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:08:18 +0000 The Star The Star Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia’s independent foreign policy stance, saying that while the nation prioritises maintaining strong ties with its neighbours, it remains firm in its refusal to overlook the causes of current regional instability. Responding to recent remarks by Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who stated that the republic would not negotiate for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Anwar said Malaysia’s diplomatic approach is guided... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349684/malaysias-anwar-singapores-hormuz-stance-thats-their-affair?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349684/malaysias-anwar-singapores-hormuz-stance-thats-their-affair?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:07:56 +0000 The Star The Star A daughter of Malaysia’s late finance minister Daim Zainuddin will be charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Tuesday. Lawyer Yu Ying Ying confirmed that Asnida Daim, who is in her 60s, will be charged under Section 36(2) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. That section relates to the offence of failing to comply with a written notice from the MACC to declare assets. Court records indicate the case will be mentioned before Judge Rosli Ahmad at 9am. In a separate... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349190/malaysia-daims-daughter-be-charged-kuala-lumpur-court-amid-corruption-probe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349190/malaysia-daims-daughter-be-charged-kuala-lumpur-court-amid-corruption-probe?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:12:00 +0000 The Star The Star Former Malaysian transport minister Ling Liong Sik died on Saturday. He was 82. Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) president Wee Ka Siong confirmed the news to Bernama when contacted on Saturday. “We received the sad news of Tun Dr Ling’s passing today. Further details will be announced from time to time,” he said. Ling’s death was also conveyed in a message sent to the trustees of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, where he served as chancellor. In a statement to The Star on Saturday, Wee said the... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349030/malaysia-mourns-death-former-transport-minister-ling-liong-sik-82?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3349030/malaysia-mourns-death-former-transport-minister-ling-liong-sik-82?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 07:49:22 +0000 The Star The Star Fourteen Chinese nationals and a Malaysian man have been detained by the immigration department for various offences in Kuala Lumpur. In the first case, three Chinese nationals were detained for using fake passes as supporting documents to obtain entry visas to the United States. Immigration director general Zakaria Shaaban said the arrests were made following intelligence gathering and an enforcement operation conducted on Wednesday. “A team from the enforcement division detained one man and... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3348931/3-chinese-nationals-arrested-malaysia-over-fake-us-visa-passes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3348931/3-chinese-nationals-arrested-malaysia-over-fake-us-visa-passes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:48:22 +0000 The Star The Star Singaporeans are not flocking to Malaysia’s Johor just for groceries these days – fuel is the “obsession” for the moment. Petrol prices have spiked sharply in the city state due to the Middle East conflict, with RON95 at almost three times the price in Malaysia at S$3.41 (US$2.64) per litre. Singapore vehicles are only allowed to pump the unsubsidised RON97 fuel in Malaysia, which is being retailed in Johor Bahru at 5.15 ringgit (US$1.27) per litre. A Singaporean who wanted to be known only as... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3348497/fuelling-new-obsession-drawing-singaporeans-malaysias-johor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3348497/fuelling-new-obsession-drawing-singaporeans-malaysias-johor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:42:52 +0000 The Star The Star A former babysitter has been sentenced to one year in jail and fined 15,000 ringgit (US$3,800) by a court in Malaysia for negligence resulting in a toddler’s death. Judge N. Kanageswari on Monday also ordered Khairunnisa Ahmad Damamhuri, 41, to serve an additional four months if she fails to pay the fine, and to complete 48 hours of community service within six months of her release. She was also placed on a one-year good behaviour bond of 5,000 ringgit without collateral. Khairunnisa was... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3348354/malaysia-jails-ex-babysitter-1-year-over-toddlers-death?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3348354/malaysia-jails-ex-babysitter-1-year-over-toddlers-death?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:49:58 +0000 The Star The Star From a law lecture hall to Barbie and later the glitzy ballroom of Bridgerton, Malaysian-born actor Yong Zheng Xi is quietly carving out a place for himself on the international stage. He appeared in the period drama as Lord Barnaby, a role that marks another milestone in a journey shaped as much by persistence as by talent. Yong, 32, began as a singer but it was only after moving to London to pursue a law degree that his career trajectory shifted. “When I came to London to pursue my... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3348272/malaysias-yong-zheng-xi-95-hard-work-behind-his-bridgerton-fame?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3348272/malaysias-yong-zheng-xi-95-hard-work-behind-his-bridgerton-fame?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 02:36:30 +0000 The Star The Star “Sabah is not a commodity” to solve issues faced by other countries, a politician from the Malaysian state said on Friday. Azrul Ibrahim of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Youth said Sabah is part of a sovereign nation and its position within the federation cannot be questioned by any party. “Attempts to link Sabah to current oil and gas issues as an excuse to revive outdated claims are unwarranted and are meant to divert the internal crisis suffered by certain parties,” he said in a statement on... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3348212/malaysian-politicians-slam-philippine-senator-sabah-not-commodity-ease-oil-woes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3348212/malaysian-politicians-slam-philippine-senator-sabah-not-commodity-ease-oil-woes?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 01:00:20 +0000 The Star The Star A man and woman caught engaging in a sexual act at the Batu Gantung Chinese Cemetery in Penang, Malaysia, have each been jailed for a year. M. Jegathesan, 58, and Halila Abu Bakar, 37, pleaded guilty to committing the offence when the charges were read to them at the Magistrates’ Court in George Town at about 8.30am on Thursday. Magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi sentenced both of them to 12 months’ imprisonment under Section 377D of the Penal Code for gross indecency in a public place. In... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3347976/couple-sentenced-1-year-prison-having-sex-malaysian-cemetery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3347976/couple-sentenced-1-year-prison-having-sex-malaysian-cemetery?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:10:08 +0000 The Star The Star A father of seven is in jitters as loans taken from illegal moneylenders in Malaysia by his ex-wife led to loan sharks knowing details of his entire family. “What’s most concerning is that they have information on all my children, including my six-month-old baby,” said the man who only wished to be known as Tang, 33. He believes that his 28-year-old former wife had debts of about 130,000 ringgit (US$32,871) with loan sharks. The couple, who divorced seven years ago, have five children. “Four of... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3347800/malaysian-father-7-fear-loan-sharks-threaten-family-over-ex-wifes-debt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3347800/malaysian-father-7-fear-loan-sharks-threaten-family-over-ex-wifes-debt?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:55:07 +0000 The Star The Star The man and woman who allegedly engaged in an indecent act at a Malaysian cemetery in Penang have been arrested and remanded for three days until Thursday. Penang police chief Commissioner Azizee Ismail said the couple, in their 30s and 50s, were picked up on Monday night. “We detained the couple in the George Town area. Initial checks found that they are not husband and wife,” he told the media on Tuesday before the couple was produced in court for a remand order. Azizee said the case is being... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3347650/couple-rebuked-over-sexy-time-malaysian-cemetery-you-two-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3347650/couple-rebuked-over-sexy-time-malaysian-cemetery-you-two-again?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 02:07:43 +0000 The Star The Star Malaysia’s fuel subsidy bill has surged more than fourfold in under a week due to the sharp spike in global oil prices triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran. The national monthly RON95 petrol and diesel subsidies have risen from 700 million ringgit to 3.2 billion ringgit (US$177.4 million to US$810.9 million), Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Sunday in an explainer video shared on social media. The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3347520/malaysias-fuel-subsidy-bill-jumps-us811-million-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3347520/malaysias-fuel-subsidy-bill-jumps-us811-million-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:45:47 +0000 The Star The Star Flights are cancelled, schedules are in chaos and scores of European tourists are still waiting to go home, three weeks after the United States and Israeli attack on Iran. Some of them, like retiree John Williams, 61, and his wife Gillian, 60, from the United Kingdom, are making good use of their “extended” time in Malaysia. “We’re sort of stranded, but frankly we are in no hurry. We are spending a few days in Penang and will explore other ways to get home later,” Williams said. “We saw that... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3347253/some-tourists-malaysia-make-most-mideast-flight-mess-others-scramble-get-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3347253/some-tourists-malaysia-make-most-mideast-flight-mess-others-scramble-get-home?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:36:07 +0000 The Star The Star Malaysian police in Melaka are tracking a 22-year-old man after a video showing him attacking his pregnant wife outside a karaoke centre in Kota Shahbandar went viral on social media. State police chief Deputy Commissioner Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said a report on the incident was lodged by the victim’s mother at 1.17am on Monday. He said preliminary investigations showed that the 20-year-old victim was attacked by her husband in front of a family karaoke centre in Kota Shahbandar at about 4am on... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346950/malaysian-police-hunt-man-who-punched-pregnant-wife-rammed-her-motorbike?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346950/malaysian-police-hunt-man-who-punched-pregnant-wife-rammed-her-motorbike?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 01:27:02 +0000 The Star The Star Not only was he punched repeatedly by a peer, a Malaysian student at a secondary school in Kuching, Sarawak, was caned and forced to write a note admitting his mistake, China Press reported. Angered at how the case was handled, the boy’s mother shared the incident on social media and lodged a police report. The incident took place last Thursday when another student allegedly grabbed her son’s leg and caused him to fall. The victim’s mother said the aggressor then sat on top of her son before... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346867/malaysian-mother-furious-after-school-punishes-bullied-son-caning-weeding?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346867/malaysian-mother-furious-after-school-punishes-bullied-son-caning-weeding?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:30:12 +0000 The Star The Star A Malaysian woman has accused her husband of choking, slapping and threatening her with a knife in an alleged case of domestic violence after she asked him to buy ayam gepuk (pounded fried chicken). Cheras Assistant Commissioner Mohd Rosdi Daud said police received a report from a 33-year-old housewife about the incident at a flat in Sri Sabah, Cheras, last Wednesday. “In the incident at 3.30pm, the victim had asked her husband to buy her ayam gepuk as she was craving for it,” he said in a... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346814/malaysian-man-allegedly-chokes-threatens-wife-knife-over-fried-chicken-craving?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346814/malaysian-man-allegedly-chokes-threatens-wife-knife-over-fried-chicken-craving?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:48:25 +0000 The Star The Star Malaysia cannot get involved in what is happening in the Middle East, especially not via military intervention, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said. He said that as a free country, Malaysia could voice its objections towards war and violence – but not by sending in troops. Dialogue and engagement should be the means to resolve any form of disputes, he said. “We do not agree when any country is attacked and colonised. We do not want any country to interfere in our national affairs,” he said on... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346699/malaysia-will-not-intervene-militarily-middle-east-anwar-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346699/malaysia-will-not-intervene-militarily-middle-east-anwar-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:37:12 +0000 The Star The Star Businessman Albert Tei has released a photo purportedly showing a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer brandishing a firearm to back his claims that he had a gun pointed at him during a raid on his home last November. Speaking to reporters at the court complex in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, Tei said the photo was sent to him on Monday via an unknown number. “I admit, the photo is not very clear but I believe it was taken from an MACC officer’s body camera,” he said. “What is the... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346465/malaysian-businessman-releases-photo-armed-officer-prove-he-was-held-gunpoint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346465/malaysian-businessman-releases-photo-armed-officer-prove-he-was-held-gunpoint?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:03:53 +0000 The Star The Star The administrator of a Facebook account has been jailed 10 months and fined 50,000 ringgit (US$12,700) by the Sessions Court in Miri, Sarawak, over a post deemed insulting to Islam. The Malaysian Comm­unications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said John Mule anak Alai, 48, was convicted under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities. “MCMC takes seriously any form of misuse of digital platforms that insults religion, incites hatred,... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346298/malaysian-man-jailed-10-months-fined-us12700-over-facebook-post-insulting-islam?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3346298/malaysian-man-jailed-10-months-fined-us12700-over-facebook-post-insulting-islam?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:48:52 +0000 The Star The Star Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday that his government would do whatever it took to keep RON95 petrol at 1.99 ringgit (50 US cents) per litre – even as the US-Israel war on Iran pushed global crude prices past US$100 a barrel. “We will do our best to ensure the price of RON95 remains at 1.99 ringgit so that the rakyat (common people) are not burdened,” he said at the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s monthly assembly in Kuala Lumpur. The pledge comes as the Middle... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3345932/malaysia-vows-hold-petrol-prices-oil-nears-us100-barrel-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3345932/malaysia-vows-hold-petrol-prices-oil-nears-us100-barrel-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:34:00 +0000 The Star The Star A Malaysian mother who allowed her underage son to drive her car, which later got into an accident claiming three lives, was fined 1,500 ringgit (US$379) by the Magistrate’s Court in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan state. Magistrate Nurul Azuin Mohd Talhah also ordered 40-year-old Nur Farahidayah A Rahman to be jailed for three months in the event she was unable to pay the fine. “After considering the guilty plea by the accused, mitigating factors and submissions by parties and the aggravating... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3345696/malaysian-mother-fined-us379-after-underage-sons-car-crash-claims-3-lives?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3345696/malaysian-mother-fined-us379-after-underage-sons-car-crash-claims-3-lives?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 07:06:15 +0000 The Star The Star With the escalating tensions in the Middle East, there have been flight cancellations, closures of several airports and an increasing fear of flying abroad. Malaysia’s tourism industry, however, is confident the country’s diversified visitor base will help cushion any potential impact on the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. The conflict has disrupted thousands of flights, prompting travellers to adopt a “wait-and-see” approach, said Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Nigel... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3345643/us-israel-war-iran-will-malaysias-tourism-thrive-amid-mideast-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3345643/us-israel-war-iran-will-malaysias-tourism-thrive-amid-mideast-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:30:09 +0000 The Star The Star Penang’s youngest executive councillor Fahmi Zainol has been charged at the Magistrate’s Court in the Malaysian state with voluntarily causing hurt to his wife. The 35-year-old, who is the Pantai Jerejak assemblyman, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before Magistrate Chia Huey Ting. Based on the charge sheet, he is charged with purposely causing injury to his wife, Nur Hidayah Abd Jabar, 35, at a house in Bayan Lepas at around 10pm on Sunday. The charge was framed under... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344841/malaysian-politician-fahmi-zainol-charged-hurting-wife-domestic-dispute?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344841/malaysian-politician-fahmi-zainol-charged-hurting-wife-domestic-dispute?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:36:28 +0000 The Star The Star Malaysia’s Communications Ministry has ordered an investigation and immediate action following a social media post showing the desecration of the Koran. Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government strongly condemned the act, describing it as disrespectful, insulting to Islam and a challenge to the sensitivities of Malaysia’s multiracial society. He said enforcement action had been directed under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. “The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344564/malaysian-police-arrest-student-desecrating-koran-viral-social-media-post?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344564/malaysian-police-arrest-student-desecrating-koran-viral-social-media-post?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:50:30 +0000 The Star The Star A Malaysian resort offering pangolin soup and meat for an “exquisite” experience for tourists is going to pay dearly after authorities swooped in on their illegal activities. In an integrated crackdown dubbed “Ops Khazanah” on Monday, Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) officials, together with the police, raided a resort in Semporna district after getting information that the operators were storing and serving the protected species. “During the raid, a live pangolin as well as several pots... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344503/malaysian-resort-owners-face-huge-fines-jail-over-exotic-pangolin-menu-tourists?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344503/malaysian-resort-owners-face-huge-fines-jail-over-exotic-pangolin-menu-tourists?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:30:19 +0000 The Star The Star The 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sabah early Monday morning is the strongest to hit Malaysia in over a decade. Malaysian Meteorological Depart­ment Director General Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that based on the department’s records, the previous strongest earthquake in the country occurred on June 5, 2015, in Ranau, Sabah. The 6.0-magnitude temblor in Ranau claimed 18 lives and is still regarded as one of the most notable earthquakes in the country’s history. According to... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344426/sabah-quake-strongest-hit-malaysia-11-years-tremors-felt-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344426/sabah-quake-strongest-hit-malaysia-11-years-tremors-felt-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:35:27 +0000 The Star The Star As Malaysians flock to Ramadan bazaars and breaking fast gatherings, the health ministry is reminding the public to observe tuberculosis (TB) precautions, especially in crowded and enclosed spaces. In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry said a total of 596 new TB cases were reported nationwide during the sixth epidemiological week. The statement said the latest detections brought the cumulative number of tuberculosis cases to 3,161 across Malaysia. “Crowded, enclosed and poorly... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344216/malaysias-tuberculosis-cases-rise-above-3000-health-ministry-flags-risks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344216/malaysias-tuberculosis-cases-rise-above-3000-health-ministry-flags-risks?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 11:04:12 +0000 The Star The Star The 18-year ordeal of Norida Akmal Ayob, 45, has cast a spotlight on a silent crisis: an unknown number of Malaysian women remain stranded in “dire straits” across Indonesia, unable to afford the journey home. According to Kosmo, many of these women share a similar ­trajectory – falling into financial ruin after marrying local men in Lombok and finding themselves trapped by the high costs of returning home. “Money remains the main ­factor, as earning is difficult. My children and I were at the... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344061/silent-crisis-facing-malaysian-women-stranded-indonesia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3344061/silent-crisis-facing-malaysian-women-stranded-indonesia?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Feb 2026 02:25:07 +0000 The Star The Star More people in China are choosing to stay away from their villages and families during Lunar New Year, according to Chinese national and businessman Xue Gang, 44. “Our parents do not mind, and even my parents are currently travelling around China. “Maybe next year I will bring them to Penang to witness the celebrations here,” he said. Xue, who was in Malaysia’s Penang state with his wife, daughter and friends, said festive performances were no longer common to enjoy back home. “If we want to... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343996/chinese-tourists-escaping-cold-flock-malaysia-lunar-new-year-festivities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343996/chinese-tourists-escaping-cold-flock-malaysia-lunar-new-year-festivities?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:00:03 +0000 The Star The Star A witness to the tragic incident where a family of five were killed in a house in Cherating Damai, Malaysia’s Pahang state, has said that he heard an argument before the alleged murders unfolded. Kuantan Assistant Commissioner Ashari Abu Samah said initial statements from the witness, who is the suspect’s youngest brother, indicated that he heard the incident at about 7am while he was in his bedroom. “When the witness came out of the room and looked towards the kitchen, he found his mother... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343953/malaysian-suspects-brother-recounts-final-moments-family-5-killed-kuantan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343953/malaysian-suspects-brother-recounts-final-moments-family-5-killed-kuantan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Feb 2026 01:48:26 +0000 The Star The Star The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has filed a court order to forfeit overseas assets belonging to Prince Turki Abdullah Al Saud. The application to forfeit assets was filed under Sections 56(1), 59 and 61(2) of the Anti-Money-Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act. Around US$115.3 million held in several Swiss bank accounts is subject to the forfeiture order, including funds in JP Morgan (Suisse) and UBS Switzerland. MACC chief commissioner... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343621/malaysia-seeks-seize-saudi-princes-overseas-assets-worth-us115-million?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343621/malaysia-seeks-seize-saudi-princes-overseas-assets-worth-us115-million?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Feb 2026 07:44:20 +0000 The Star The Star The posh, three-storey house in Malaysia’s capital of Kuala Lumpur was occupied by foreign prostitutes who provide their services for fees of up to 3,500 ringgit (US$900). The “romps”, which were either a 45-minute or 90-minute session, were offered by a syndicate that supplied women from countries such as China and Japan. The syndicate had been operating from the detached house in the upscale residential area of Desa Pahlawan for about six months. However, their illicit activities came to an... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343559/malaysian-police-smash-sex-ring-charging-us900-session-posh-kl-area?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343559/malaysian-police-smash-sex-ring-charging-us900-session-posh-kl-area?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 03:37:05 +0000 The Star The Star Jealousy has been identified as the main motive behind the brutal murder of a woman found dismembered in Indah Permai, Malaysia’s Sabah state, following the arrest of two suspects. The suspects, a father and his son, were held to facilitate investigations just hours after body parts were found in several dump sites in Indah Permai near Kota Kinabalu on Thursday. The main suspect, a 70-year-old, was first arrested in the city at around 5pm while his son, in his 20s, was caught about 11pm from a... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343402/father-son-arrested-malaysia-after-womans-dismembered-remains-found-landfills?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343402/father-son-arrested-malaysia-after-womans-dismembered-remains-found-landfills?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 03:36:09 +0000 The Star The Star A stricter control measure is being enforced on Chinese nationals to curb any abuse of the visa-free facility under the Malaysia-China mutual visa exemption agreement, according to Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Saifuddin explained that while Chinese nationals are permitted visa-free entry for up to 30 days per visit, they are subject to a cumulative stay limit of 90 days within any 180-day window. “The provisions under this agreement do not grant continuous 90-day visa-free... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343261/malaysia-enforces-stricter-controls-china-visa-free-entry-curb-abuse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343261/malaysia-enforces-stricter-controls-china-visa-free-entry-curb-abuse?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:24:47 +0000 The Star The Star Some public and private sector employees need a change of attitude if Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) is to succeed, according to Tiong King Sing. The tourism, arts and culture minister said he has received numerous complaints from both foreign and domestic tourists about the rudeness they faced when making inquiries. “Some officers think they have a lot of power. But when people don’t understand certain issues, we must explain,” Tiong said when launching the Mesra Malaysia campaign in KL Sentral... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343248/malaysian-minister-slams-rude-staff-hindering-tourism-do-you-know-who-i-am?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343248/malaysian-minister-slams-rude-staff-hindering-tourism-do-you-know-who-i-am?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 01:51:27 +0000 The Star The Star Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAHB) has been asked to explore ways to ensure goods and food sold at airports are priced reasonably, according to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing. Tiong added his ministry had received complaints from the public over the steep prices of items such as chocolates, food and alcohol at the airport shops compared with the prices outside. “Visitors at the airport have mentioned that items sold at duty-free shops are expensive and that it is cheaper to... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343147/malaysian-airports-face-complaints-over-expensive-food-and-goods?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343147/malaysian-airports-face-complaints-over-expensive-food-and-goods?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Feb 2026 04:25:55 +0000