Youth at 16? Johor govt plots early start to build next-gen leaders, says committee chair

The Johor government is considering lowering the minimum age for youth to 16 to encourage early involvement in community associations and environmental awareness. This initiative aims to prepare teenagers for life after school and ensure the continuity of youth organizations. A consultation with relevant agencies will be held soon. While the national youth age limit will be lowered to 30 next year, Johor will review this change separately. This announcement was made during the National Youth Day 2025 celebration in Johor.

DPM Fadillah calls for Asean member states to strengthen energy cooperation 

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof emphasized the need for stronger ASEAN energy cooperation for shared prosperity. He highlighted existing cross-border partnerships like the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore power integration project, where Laos supplies renewable energy to Singapore via Thailand and Malaysia. Fadillah noted how ASEAN nations support each other during supply disruptions, citing Malaysia's discussions with Thailand to supply gas after a recent pipeline explosion. He stressed Malaysia's commitment to the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the ASEAN Power Grid for a sustainable energy ecosystem.

Kaamatan and public speaking

The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant, a key event in Sabah's Kaamatan festival, is more than a beauty contest. It's a cultural tribute to Huminodun, embodying selflessness and resilience. Modern contestants are now expected to possess strong public speaking skills, including confident articulation, cultural understanding, and non-verbal communication. 51 finalists will compete on May 31st before a large audience. A former judge notes that contestants often struggle with confident expression, highlighting the importance of these evolving expectations.

Johor belum sedia turun had umur belia kepada 30 tahun

The Johor state government is not ready to lower the youth age limit from 40 to 30, as will be implemented at the federal level starting January 1, 2024. Johor's Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, and Cooperatives Committee chairman, Mohd. Hairi Mad Shah, stated they will thoroughly review the implementation. The state government's current focus is empowering youth from the age of 16, including fostering a spirit of association after they leave school and collaborating with youth councils in each district to strengthen youth development.

Russia, Ukraine exchange 1,000 prisoners each in historic swap, largest in conflict’s history

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 303 prisoners of war (POWs) each, concluding a three-day exchange. This completes a 1,000-for-1,000 POW swap agreed upon in Istanbul on May 16. The exchange took place between May 23 and 25, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.

Malaysia, Laos jalin kerjasama strategik perdagangan rel, laut

Malaysia and Laos have strengthened bilateral ties by partnering to enhance cross-border trade via rail and sea transport. A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was exchanged between Penang Port Sdn. Bhd. (PPSB) and Thanaleng Dry Port (TDP) in Putrajaya, witnessed by both countries' Prime Ministers. The collaboration aims to solidify Malaysia's role as a regional logistics hub, promoting multimodal integration, reducing transit times and logistics costs, and boosting regional economic growth. It's part of the larger Pan-Asia Rail Network initiative, integrating the China-Laos Railway to create a strategic trade route from southern China to Malaysia's west coast.

ACEM Sabah elects new committee, calls for industry reforms

The Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) Sabah Branch held its AGM on May 24, electing a new executive committee. Outgoing Chairman Datuk Ir. Chin Shu Ying highlighted eight key challenges facing the profession, including fee undercutting, talent shortage, bureaucratic delays, increasing legal liability, lack of policy influence, slow technology adoption, sustainability concerns, and fragmentation. He urged unity and collaboration to address these issues and uphold professional standards.

Kiulu Interfaith Harmony Committee proposed

Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai proposed a Kiulu Interfaith Harmony Committee to strengthen religious unity. The committee would comprise leaders from various faiths, including Islam, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, and Sidang Injil Borneo. It aims to maintain religious tolerance and cooperation, serving as a platform for dialogue. Joniston also suggested a Kiulu Harmony Festival to promote shared values and unity, emphasizing the peaceful coexistence in Kiulu as part of its identity.

Projek mega Grid Tenaga ASEAN, kejayaan signifikan ASEAN tahun ini – Anwar

Projek mega Grid Tenaga kejayaan signifikan ASEAN tahun ini

The ASEAN Power Grid project, connecting Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, and Singapore via undersea cables, is hailed as ASEAN's most significant achievement this year. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized this during a joint press conference with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The project moves beyond rhetoric with tangible program implementation, aligning with national energy transition policies. Three documents were exchanged, including an MoU between Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Vietnam Electricity, focusing on ASEAN Power Grid collaboration and strategic capacity building.

ASEAN beri gambaran setuju terima Timor-Leste anggota tetap

ASEAN All-Stars diharap bawa semangat ASEAN menentang Manchester United – Anwar.

Perjanjian PM Defence-DASAL beri peluang Malaysia hasilkan dron di medan tempur

In all-Malaysian final, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun stun Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in Malaysia Masters

Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun upset world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik to win the Malaysia Masters 2025 men's doubles title. The fifth-seeded pair won 21-12, 15-21, 21-16 in a 50-minute thriller, becoming the first Malaysian pair to win the title since 2013. They dominated the first set but Aaron-Wooi Yik fought back to take the second. Wei Chong-Kai Wun regained control in the decider, sealing victory with a powerful smash. This is their third win against Aaron-Wooi Yik and their second title of the year, following their Indonesia Masters victory in January.

My botanical affair: Falling in love again at Kew Gardens

A botany enthusiast recounts their second visit to Kew Gardens, a place they'd long admired. The visit, imbued with nostalgia, allowed for reflection on the garden's beauty and its role in the history of the oil palm. The author, now retired, found a deeper appreciation for the plants, seeing not just beauty but also divine design and the connection between science and spirituality.

Warga emas terlantar tetap perlu pergi bank

A 96-year-old woman in Oaxaca, Mexico, suffering from chronic illnesses, was forced to visit a BBVA bank branch for identity verification despite her frail condition. This was necessary to correct a biometric registration error that prevented her from receiving her pension for six months. Her family provided all necessary documentation, including power of attorney, but the bank insisted on her physical presence. The family filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission.

ASEAN All-Stars diharap bawa semangat serantau lawan MU Rabu ini – Anwar

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hopes the ASEAN All-Stars will embody the ASEAN spirit when they face Manchester United in a friendly match on Wednesday. Anwar confirmed he's been invited to attend the game. Manchester United, 13-time English Premier League champions, return to Malaysia after 16 years for this post-season tour. The match against the ASEAN All-Stars is scheduled for May 28th at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. Five Malaysian players are included in the All-Stars squad, coached by former Vietnam coach Kim Sang Sik.

Latihan fasa pertama Harimau Malaya berjalan lancar

Malaysia's national football team coach, Peter Cklamovski, is pleased with the first phase of training in Johor Bahru and is ready for the second phase, focusing on formations and tactics. He aims to establish a playing style and identity that resonates with fans. Players returned from a four-week break after the Malaysia League in good physical condition. New additions, Rodrigo Holgado and Gabriel Palmero, are being assessed, while Endrik Dos Santos is sidelined due to fitness. Goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed is in good shape. Four goalkeepers will continue training for the upcoming friendly against Cape Verde.

A second shot at life — Terengganu’s island jobs offer hope for parolees

Terengganu prison authorities are encouraging resort island employers to hire inmates on parole through the Corporate Smart Internship for Parolees (CSI Parol) program. Over 700 inmates have participated in the program statewide, with around 500 securing employment. Currently, 32 inmates work on Redang Island and five on Perhentian Island. The program aims to provide job opportunities and reintegrate inmates into society, with positive feedback from employers regarding their performance and conduct.

ASEAN setuju Timor Leste jadi ahli penuh, segera penuhi instrumen undang-undang

ASEAN has agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as a full member, but the country needs to implement the necessary legal instruments. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that Timor-Leste still has many legal instruments to fulfill, primarily under the ASEAN Economic Council. While progress has been made, particularly under the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC), Timor-Leste needs to work hard to meet the remaining economic requirements. ASEAN is exploring options like providing a timeframe, potentially five years, for Timor-Leste to comply, aiming for membership this year. ASEAN acknowledges Timor-Leste's progress and member states' ongoing capacity-building assistance.