Stories from Malaysia

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.

The Malaysian Ministry of Health has recorded 41 cases of heat-related illnesses, including 35 cases of heat exhaustion. The source noted that the heat is personally felt by those outdoors during the morning and midday. The report was issued by RTM Nasional FM. Authorities conducted over 38,000 inspections nationwide since March. Authorities have detained 147 individuals in connection with these offenses. National and Public Living Minister Datuk [Name Not Provided] is involved in the oversight of these matters. The report also noted efforts to understand virus correlations to accelerate investigations and assess pandemic spread potential. Malaysia recorded 506 cases involving various illegal activities since the beginning of the month. Military personnel discovered 50 boxes of white tobacco, estimated to contain 50,000 cigarettes, during a search of two vehicles.