Stories from Kuala Lumpur · Malaysia

Hazana Nasr Berhad, in collaboration with Seronjaya Security, achieved a 100 million ringgit milestone in the national capital market. The achievement involves a digital product utilizing distributed ledger technology.

Hospital supplies now account for 74% of inpatient insurance costs in Malaysia, an increase from 70% in 2022. The World Bank noted that misaligned incentives are contributing to rising premiums.

The Madani 30 promotion offers a 30 percent fare discount on selected public transport services in Malaysia. The initiative aims to encourage the use of public transportation as a more economical and sustainable alternative.

A primary school student reportedly opened a school bag and pulled out a snake using their hands. The student's father stated he believed the bag contained books or other school supplies. The incident was captured in a video shared on TikTok.

A study published in the journal Cell Reports indicates that human scent variation may be linked to genetic makeup. Researchers examined an indigenous hunter-gatherer group in Malaysia and found they possess fewer mutations in genes responsible for scent. These individuals have retained ancient genes for smell that have been lost in other populations. Research indicates that ancient genes for scent are preserved among indigenous populations. Additionally, the group retains ancestral olfactory genes that are absent in other studied groups.

Health Minister Datuk Sri Dr. Zulkifli Ahmad announced plans to upgrade existing health facilities and hospitals nationwide to meet rising demand. Most public hospitals are currently operating at nearly 100% capacity. The proposed approach includes the expansion of facilities and the construction of new blocks. All hospitals and health clinics nationwide in Malaysia are prepared and have trained staff for early diagnosis and emergency treatment of monkeypox cases. RTM Nasional FM announced that AI briefings will be provided for more concise and refined information. These AI briefings aim to offer smarter, more accurate, and credible answers. Additionally, 81 KKM community centers will be established to promote primary health management initiatives. This is part of a broader effort to ensure readiness for potential health crises.

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Muhammad Nasir stated that domestic consumers in Malaysia using less than 600 kWh of electricity will not be affected by cost changes. This protection comes despite cost pressures resulting from the global supply crisis.

The Australian and Malaysian governments agreed last week to conduct military naval patrols to secure the Malacca Strait. Security concerns are increasing for countries surrounding the strait, which is one of the world's most congested waterways. In 2025, 104,000 ships passed through the strait. A logistics and food supply provider reported a noticeable increase in ship traffic through the strait over the last two months. These patrols aim to address security challenges facing vessels navigating the strait. The announcement follows concerns regarding the security environment in the surrounding waters.

The Malaysian government has established a high-level committee to ensure the coordination and acceleration of domestic fuel and petrochemical product supplies. The committee aims to address industry challenges, specifically regarding raw material supply uncertainties. A recent visit to a fertilizer plant was conducted to review these local industry challenges. The government continues to focus on fertilizer supplies to guarantee food security. The agency aims to expand production through a circular economy approach aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan. This strategy involves utilizing biomass, organic waste, and local by-products as fertilizer production inputs. The move is intended to reduce import dependency and minimize waste.

Researchers published findings in the journal Cell Reports regarding an indigenous hunter-gatherer group in Malaysia.