Malaysia International Cocoa Fair to make historic debut in KK

The inaugural Malaysia International Cocoa Fair (MICF) will be held in Kota Kinabalu from May 24-27, offering over RM100,000 in prizes. Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin highlighted Sabah's growing importance in the cocoa industry and the event's role in showcasing it globally. Organized by the Malaysian Cocoa Board, MICF aims to promote the sector and foster collaboration. Chan encouraged local participation, citing Cocoa Kingdom, a local chocolate supplier to five-star hotels, as an example. The fair provides a platform for businesses and the public to explore Sabah's cocoa industry.

Penang police intensify hunt for suspects linked to slain gang leader after Bayan Lepas shootout

Penang police are pursuing accomplices of a gang leader killed in a shootout. The deceased had 34 prior criminal records and was suspected of armed robbery, house break-ins, and laundromat thefts. Police are investigating eight other individuals arrested in connection with the gang's activities. The gang leader was killed during a confrontation with police.

Ringgit slips as cautious sentiment outweighs softer US dollar

The Malaysian ringgit weakened against the US dollar despite the greenback's decline due to softer US economic data. Market sentiment remained cautious towards the ringgit. Softer US CPI and PPI figures fueled hopes of an earlier-than-expected Fed interest rate cut, impacting the US dollar. While a weaker dollar could benefit emerging market currencies like the ringgit by making US exports more competitive and attracting investors seeking better returns, the ringgit traded lower against major and ASEAN currencies.

Hospital penuh, pesakit meninggal dunia atas kerusi roda

A patient died in a wheelchair after a long wait for treatment at a hospital in West Java, Indonesia. The incident occurred at Cikarang Medika Hospital near Bekasi. The patient's son reported arriving at 9 pm local time, but the hospital claimed the emergency room was full. The patient was left in a wheelchair outside the ER and passed away after several hours. The incident, captured on video, sparked outrage online.

‘Funding terror’: India urges IMF to halt Pakistan's US$1b loan

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized the IMF's $1 billion loan to Pakistan, alleging it would fund terrorism. This follows recent military clashes between India and Pakistan and a prior attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India blames on Pakistan. Pakistan's foreign ministry dismissed Singh's comments as desperate, highlighting India's failed attempt to block the IMF loan. The IMF loan, part of a larger bailout package, helped Pakistan avoid default amidst economic and political turmoil.

Bursa Malaysia eases 1.27 points as market moves into consolidation mode

Bursa Malaysia closed slightly lower, mirroring regional trends, due to profit-taking and market consolidation. The FBM KLCI dipped 1.27 points to 1,571.75. Despite the decline, analysts remain optimistic about the market, citing an inflow of global funds into the region. Malaysia's Q1 2025 GDP growth of 4.4% fueled by domestic demand also contributes to positive sentiment, although caution persists, especially in cyclical sectors.

Lelaki bawa anjing ke kedai mamak diminta ke balai

Police in Segamat, Malaysia are seeking a pet owner who brought a poodle into a 24-hour halal restaurant on May 11, 2025. A video of the incident circulated on social media, prompting a police report. Restaurant staff confirmed the incident and stated they disposed of the affected furniture. Police are investigating the case alongside the Segamat Municipal Council under the Local Government Act 1970.

JPJ: Foreign driving licence conversions to cease on May 19 as Malaysia tightens road safety rules

Starting May 19th, foreign driving licenses will no longer be directly convertible to Malaysian licenses. Foreign nationals will need to obtain a Malaysian driving license through the same process as Malaysian citizens. This initiative by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) aims to improve road safety and service delivery. Exemptions apply to diplomats, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) participants, and Malaysians who obtained foreign licenses before their Malaysian one. Temporary residents (under 12 months) can use International Driving Permits or ASEAN driving licenses, depending on their country of origin.

Permohonan lesen memandu asing ditukar ke Lesen Memandu Malaysia dihentikan berkuatkuasa 19 Mei –

Kelantan sees alarming threefold rise in HFMD cases, surpassing 8,800; parents urged to take precautions

Kelantan, Malaysia, has seen a significant surge in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases, with 8,801 infections reported this year compared to 2,348 during the same period last year. Kota Bharu has the highest number of cases at 3,060. Twelve outbreaks remain active across several districts. Most cases affect children under six, with mild symptoms. Health officials urge preventative measures like handwashing and sanitization.

Budak 4 tahun maut lemas asap di PPR Krubong

A four-year-old boy died in a fire at a People's Housing Project (PPR) apartment in Krubong, Melaka. The incident, which occurred around 2:20 pm, is believed to have started when the child was playing with a lighter. The fire broke out on the sixth floor. Firefighters found the boy's body in a bedroom. The mother reported that her son had been playing with a lighter. The fire department is investigating the cause of death and the incident further.

Suhaimi accuses Nizam of hypocrisy, blames him for Sabah’s development failures

Sabah Umno leader Datuk Suhaimi Nasir criticized Assistant Minister Datuk Nizam Titingan for hypocrisy, accusing him of being complicit in the state's development issues he now criticizes. Suhaimi questioned Nizam's credibility given his long tenure in government, including roles related to finance, while Sabah faced challenges with timber revenue management and infrastructure. He highlighted Nizam's past association with current GRS leaders, including the Chief Minister, implying shared responsibility for past failures. Suhaimi also condemned Nizam's departure from Umno as an act of betrayal after the party supported his political career.

CVLB Sarawak warns e-hailing operators over illegal drivers without permits

The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak issued a warning to e-hailing operators allowing drivers without valid e-hailing vehicle permits (EVPs) to operate. Chairman Michael Kong identified Capto and MyRide as operating without the necessary Intermediate Business Licence. He stressed the EVP's importance for driver legitimacy, accountability, and insurance validity, emphasizing that operating without one exposes drivers and passengers to significant risks. CVLB Sarawak pledged to take enforcement action and collaborate with authorities to ensure compliance.

Sabah BN slams Jeffrey over ‘federal arrogance’ claim

Sabah BN Communications Director Nik Mohd Nadzri criticized Deputy Chief Minister Jeffrey Kitingan's claims of "federal arrogance," arguing that Sabah received RM6.7 billion in development allocation under the 2025 Budget. He questioned Kitingan's leadership and the state government's ability to deliver results, highlighting persistent issues with water, roads, and electricity despite substantial funding. Nadzri challenged Kitingan to stop blaming the federal government and focus on improving Sabah's infrastructure and development.

Messi returns to Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Chile, Colombia after injury layoff

Lionel Messi returns to Argentina's 28-man preliminary squad for the June World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. Messi missed the March fixtures due to a groin injury but has since recovered and scored six goals for Inter Miami. Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Lionel Scaloni also included Nicolas Dominguez, Valentin Barco, and Valentin Castellanos in the squad.

Kereta Ferrari terbakar selepas terbabas

A Ferrari caught fire after reportedly crashing into a wall on the Kuantan-Segamat road. No casualties were reported. The luxury car, driven by a Singaporean man traveling from Singapore to Kuantan via Segamat, Johor, is believed to have lost control before hitting the wall and catching fire.

Salleh: Struggle for Sabah’s rights belongs to all people, not just local parties

Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak stated that fighting for Sabah's rights isn't limited to local parties, but is the responsibility of all Sabahans. Speaking at the Umno Lahad Datu Division meeting, he emphasized that both local and national parties are platforms, and the key is leaders' sincerity and ability to advocate for Sabah. He cited examples of local parties working within national coalitions for greater federal influence and highlighted MA63's prominence at the federal level. Salleh concluded that Sabahans prioritize sincere and capable leaders who can deliver on promises over party origin.

Police uncover courier-assisted drug ring in Penang, seize RM2.1m in narcotics as suspect used juice boxes for MDMA distribution

Penang police busted a drug processing and distribution syndicate using courier services, seizing RM2.1 million worth of narcotics. A 41-year-old man was arrested, and various drugs, including MDMA, ketamine, and ecstasy, were confiscated from his condominium unit along with processing equipment. The suspect repackaged the drugs into juice boxes and instant beverage sachets for distribution via courier services. The operation followed three weeks of surveillance, revealing the suspect's lavish lifestyle funded by drug trafficking since late last year. A luxury car, cash, and gold jewellery were also seized.

Honda e:N1 EV – CKD in Malaysia planned, but gov’t tax incentives need to be extended beyond 2027

Honda Malaysia is confident it will sell its allocated volume of the fully-imported Honda e:N1 EV before tax exemptions expire on December 31. Priced at RM149,900, the China-built B-segment SUV marks the start of Honda's EV journey in Malaysia, with three more models planned in the next three years. While acknowledging the eventual shift to local assembly (CKD), Honda's COO Sarly Adle Sarkum urged the government to extend tax incentives for CKD EVs beyond 2027 to at least 2032 or 2037 to encourage investment and support the national target of 15% EV market share by 2030.

Isteri disuruh duduk dalam but kereta demi 3 pelancong asing

In Phuket, Thailand, a hatchback driver sparked outrage after making his wife sit in the car's trunk to accommodate three foreign tourists. The incident, captured on video and shared on social media, drew criticism from local taxi drivers who accused the driver of operating an illegal taxi service. Netizens also questioned the driver's treatment of his wife and urged the Phuket Land Transport Office to take disciplinary action.