Stories from Malaysia

Protesters in Malaysia are demanding that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) be made directly accountable to Parliament. The demonstrations include prominent government lawmakers such as former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. The MACC currently holds wide-ranging powers to investigate, search, seize, and arrest suspects. Ramli has hinted at the potential formation of a new political party ahead of the next general election. The movement seeks a complete overhaul of the institution. Protesters seek to reform the MACC's wide-ranging powers regarding investigations, searches, seizures, and arrests. The demonstrators are also calling for a royal commission of inquiry to investigate alleged corporate mafia activities within enforcement agencies. This comes despite the announcement that a new MACC chief will take over from Abdul Bakki next month.

Malaysian cyclist Datuk Azizul Hasni won the Kirin gold event. He defeated world champion Harry Lev Resen of the Netherlands, who took second place. Trinidad and Tobago's Nikolas Powell finished in third place. This marks Hasni's second victory in the current World Cup series following an opening win in Australia last month.

Former Minister Datuk Sri Vandilla Yusuf announced a national policy to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) levels. The current average NRW rate is approximately 33.4%. The government aims to lower this figure to 28% through an integrated approach. The policy focuses on addressing major challenges within the national water sector. A special task force will be established to monitor the implementation of all water-related projects to ensure effective management. This initiative seeks to improve overall water resource management and sustainability.

Iskandar Ibn Al-Maharhum Sultan Ismail, the Sultan of Johor, has been appointed as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The appointment ceremony was witnessed by Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'azzam Shah of Kedah and Sultan Ismail Petra of Kelantan. This appointment follows the conclusion of the previous reign of Sultan Abu Bakar Riayatuddin al-Mu'azzam Shah.

Former economy minister Rafiz-e-Ramli has suggested the formation of a new political party ahead of the upcoming general election. The announcement comes amid ongoing protests regarding people's rights and government transparency. The move follows the appointment of former High Court Judge Abdul Halim Aman as the new Chief Commissioner of the Anti-Graft Agency.

The Musang King durian, also known as Mao Shan Wang, is being promoted as a delicacy in Malaysia. Orchard owner Frankie Tong in Karak Town is credited with cultivating this variety as a cash crop and promoting it widely. The fruit is popular, leading to various 'king' designations.

Malaysian authorities are intensifying operations against the smuggling of subsidized diesel, conducting surveillance at petrol stations. The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has stated it will not compromise with offenders involved in the hoarding of controlled goods. The Malaysian government is discussing a targeted mechanism for diesel subsidies, specifically focusing on users of diesel. Datuk Fami stated that the government is monitoring global crude oil price movements to determine future national fuel subsidy policies. The discussions are being prepared for presentation to the Cabinet. The specific pricing for Sabah and Sarawak has not yet been discussed. Applications for the SKDS diesel vehicle management system subsidy will open tomorrow at 9:00 AM. The current subsidy amount is set at 2.15 per liter.

Police in Selangor and Sungai Bulu have arrested eight individuals suspected of manipulating diesel supply chains for profit. The operation targeted three premises as part of an investigation into illegal supply tactics. Authorities are currently processing the detainees and seized evidence.

The Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) has allocated 10 million ringgit to train 2,000 participants through the VETRI MADANI program. The funds aim to support small traders and local businesses. This injection is part of a broader economic strategy involving various agencies including Bank Rakyat and Tekun Nasional. The measure seeks to mitigate the impact of rising costs on citizens. Malaysia will channel at least 15 billion ringgit into the market to protect micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from geopolitical conflict pressures in West Asia. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim announced the initiative to ensure local entrepreneurs remain competitive. The funding is part of a comprehensive support series for Labor Day.

Authorities in Malaysia have seized a shipment of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, marking an escalation in the regional drug crisis. The seizure follows recent reports of zombie drug shipments in the area. Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that has caused significant public health crises globally. Authorities seized 50 boxes containing an estimated 50,000 sticks of white tobacco during a search of an MPV and an SUV. The discovery was made during a search of a multi-purpose vehicle and a sports utility vehicle near a river. Several suspects escaped using a small boat.