By Danial Dzulkifly KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Malaysia will expand its “pro-health” tax regime, which currently applies only to sugar, to include tobacco, vape or e-cigarettes, and alcohol products to curb non-communicable diseases and promote healthier living.  Speaking in Parliament during...

By Danial Dzulkifly KUALA LUMPUR, July 31— Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said large corporations, especially those earning billions of ringgit in profits, should provide their workers with living wages. When tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat today,...

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — The government will intensify efforts to implement a comprehensive green economy agenda under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with a wide range of initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and accelerating the nation’s transition to low-carbon development.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — The former managing director of an oil and gas company pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to a charge of abusing her position to appoint her husband to the company without approval.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — The government will continue enhancing the public transport system and road network nationwide under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) via a range of initiatives, including new infrastructure projects, upgrading existing routes, and providing public travel subsidies.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Malaysia’s official reserve assets amounted to US$120.61 billion (nearly RM513 billion) as of June, while other foreign currency assets stood at US$1.21 billion, according to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — The implementation of fiscal consolidation measures is expected to reduce the fiscal deficit to below three per cent and ensure that the debt level does not exceed 60 per cent of the country’s estimated gross domestic product (GDP).

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — The Health Ministry (MOH) has made it mandatory for contract medical officers appointed to permanent positions to select at least one placement option in Sabah or Sarawak through the e-Placement 2.0 system, to address the uneven distribution of healthcare personnel between Peninsular Malaysia and the Borneo states.

PUTRAJAYA, July 31 — Malaysia’s ageing trend continues, with 12 states now categorised as ageing, according to the Current Population Estimates Malaysia 2025 released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) today.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which aims to drive sustainable growth based on value creation across all sectors, involves RM611 billion in investments to ensure the success of the five-year plan, with RM430 billion being the government’s development allocation.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — The government has assured enhanced Orang Asli rights through amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Malaysia will continue to progress as a developed nation based on its definition and values, embracing a free market system, becoming a top global investment destination, and leading the regional market by 2040.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Malaysia has called on all nations to urgently recognise the State of Palestine and support its full membership in the United Nations (UN), stressing at a landmark UN meeting on Palestine that such recognition is vital to safeguarding the two-state solution.

By Danial Dzulkifly KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government has significantly reduced its new borrowings, bringing it down to RM76.8 billion last year from RM99.4 billion in 2023, as part of efforts to ensure sound fiscal governance. Speaking at the...

By Danial Dzulkifly KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government has significantly reduced its new borrowings, bringing it down to RM76.8 billion last year from RM99.4 billion in 2023, as part of efforts to ensure sound fiscal governance. Speaking at the...

By Danial Dzulkifly KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he will announce the tariff rate set by the United States tomorrow, following a phone call with United States President Donald Trump earlier today. Anwar hinted at a potentially lower rate, saying...

SYDNEY, July 31 — Australia’s parliament today passed a law to cut student loans by 20 per cent, wiping more than A$16 billion (RM43.9 billion) in debt for three million people, and fulfilling a key election promise to help mitigate the rising cost of living.

COPENHAGEN, July 31 — Damage to European forests from increased logging, wildfires, drought and pests is reducing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, putting European Union emissions targets at risk, scientists warned yesterday.

OTTAWA, July 31 — Canada plans to recognise the State of Palestine at a meeting of the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced yesterday, ratcheting up pressure on Israel as starvation spreads in Gaza.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Malaysia has called for urgent reform of global institutions, particularly the United Nations, proposing three concrete measures, including the institutionalisation of regular dialogue between the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the UN Security Council.