Malaysia's new Budi95 fuel subsidy program, starting September 30th, allows unlimited refills for now, but stricter controls are coming to prevent abuse. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan stated that while frequent refilling is currently permitted, the government will monitor for unusual patterns and potential reselling of subsidized fuel using MyKad verification and data analysis. The program aims to curb leakages in the RON95 subsidy, estimated at nearly RM20 billion annually, with over 20% attributed to foreigners, businesses, and smuggling. Eligible Malaysians can purchase up to 300 liters of RON95 monthly at RM1.99 per liter.
A 61-year-old farmer in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, was sentenced to 27 years in prison and four whippings for raping his 11-year-old neighbor. The Sessions Court found him guilty on two charges under Section 376 (2) (e) of the Penal Code. The rapes occurred in Tambunan in March and July 2021. The sentences will run concurrently, starting from October 19, 2022, when his bail was revoked.
Fifteen scientists from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) have been recognized among the World's Top 2% Scientists for 2025 by Stanford University and Elsevier. Fourteen researchers were listed for 2024's Single Year Citation Impact, while six were listed for Career-Long Citation Impact, with some appearing on both lists. UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Hj Mansor celebrated the achievement as proof of UMS's global research standing and a catalyst for future collaborations locally, regionally in Borneo, and internationally.
Sabah's Christian and Taoist leaders expressed gratitude to the State Government for its continued financial support of non-Islamic religious bodies. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor presented allocations at a fellowship dinner, which were described as reflecting the government's commitment to harmony and unity in the state's diverse society. Rev. Datuk Ir. Jerry Dusing, President of the Sabah Council of Churches, said the assistance not only eases administrative costs but also strengthens efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous Sabah.
Twenty Sabahan trainees graduated from Petronas' Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC) three-year diploma program, ready to join the oil and gas sector and other industries. The graduation ceremony highlighted the success stories of graduates like Sindy Joyce Ambrose and Christine Violet Wilfred, who overcame personal and academic challenges. Sindy, the top graduate, balanced family responsibilities with her studies and encouraged young women to pursue careers in male-dominated fields. Christine, previously working in quality control, looks forward to new opportunities after graduation.
Kota Kinabalu police are searching for four 4x4 vehicles involved in an incident of criminal intimidation and mischief against three telecommunications workers. The suspects threw stones, hammers, and other objects at the victims' vehicle and attempted to ram them near the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque roundabout early Tuesday morning. The victims escaped unharmed. Police believe the incident may be connected to a cable theft case from September 19th and are actively tracing the vehicles, two black, one orange, and one white.
Sarawak police disposed of RM1.47 million worth of seized drugs and poisons. The disposal, overseen by state NCID chief ACP Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah, included various narcotics like methamphetamine, cannabis, and ecstasy, along with poisons and urine samples. The items, from 11,004 cases between 2017 and 2024, were incinerated at an accredited facility. The operation adhered to legal procedures, and the public is encouraged to report drug-related information to the NCID hotline.
Five major Malaysian telcos (CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, TM, and YTL) are collaborating to provide banks and online retailers with access to a Number Verification API. This API, part of the GSMA Open Gateway program, offers a more secure alternative to SMS one-time passwords by verifying user identity against real-time network data. This initiative aims to combat fraud and digital identity theft, enhancing digital trust and security for Malaysians while ensuring seamless online experiences.
AirAsia will launch a new direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, starting October 20, 2025. This route will enhance connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia, boosting tourism and economic opportunities in South Kalimantan. This addition brings AirAsia Malaysia's total destinations in Indonesia to 18 and its weekly flights between the two countries to 229. The airline aims to contribute to Indonesia's tourism growth and strengthen bilateral relations.
Two Sabah assemblymen, Datuk Dr. Yusof Yacob and Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, had their passports temporarily returned by the Kota Kinabalu Special Corruption Court for four months due to work-related travel. They are facing bribery charges related to mineral prospecting licenses, along with businessman Datuk Albert Tei Jiann Cheing. Despite the ongoing case, both assemblymen maintain their innocence and intend to run in the upcoming Sabah state election. Their next pre-trial case management is scheduled for October.
