B Berita Desk

Berita Desk delivers breaking news, politics, business, sports and lifestyle coverage from Malaysia and Southeast Asia — trusted, timely and independent.

RK
World Desk

Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh tracks geopolitics, trade and ASEAN-level diplomacy.

994 articles published

Kelantan MB lauds BN-PN coalition as model for Peninsular politics

Kelantan Chief Minister Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud has praised the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional alliance in Negri Sembilan, describing their electoral success as evidence that placing collective interests above individual ego generates formidable political power.

· · 3 min read

BN and PN Coalition to Persist in Melaka, Confirms Zahid

Barisan Nasional chairman Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reaffirmed that the ongoing political understanding between BN and Perikatan Nasional will continue in Melaka, signalling stability in the state's ruling coalition.

· · 3 min read

Zahid: Cabinet expands Tabung Haji RCI scope to cover PH and PN eras

Malaysia's cabinet has authorised an expansion of the Royal Commission of Inquiry examining Tabung Haji to include the governance periods under both Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional administrations, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced.

· · 3 min read

MACC launches formal investigation into Tabung Haji RCI findings

Malaysia's anti-corruption agency has initiated a formal investigation into findings from the Tabung Haji Royal Commission of Inquiry, sending investigators to TH headquarters in a significant escalation of scrutiny over the troubled pilgrim fund manager.

· · 3 min read

Israeli Arab-Jewish Alliance Targets Youth Vote as Election Looms

A newly formed Arab-Jewish political alliance is pursuing young and disengaged voters in Israel's forthcoming October election, seeking to reshape the electoral landscape. However, opposition observers question whether this strategy could inadvertently dilute the Arab minority's already limited political representation.

· · 3 min read

Fast-food Cook Faces Sexual Assault Charges Over Colleague

A cook working at a fast-food outlet in Tumpat has faced charges at Pasir Mas Sessions Court over alleged sexual assaults against a teenage colleague, raising concerns about workplace safety in the hospitality sector.

· · 3 min read

Grab Driver Faces Court over Staged Kidnapping Hoax

A 25-year-old part-time Grab driver is being charged in court for allegedly staging his own kidnapping and demanding RM30,000 in ransom from his parents to cover mounting loan shark debts.

· · 4 min read

MACC Reaffirms Commitment to Professionalism Amid Public Scrutiny

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman has pledged that the agency will uphold professionalism and transparency, even as it faces public criticism and negative perceptions about its investigation practices.

· · 3 min read

Police dismantle major Forest City scam operation, arrest 335 suspects

Police have dismantled a sprawling fraud operation centred in Forest City, Johor Baru, leading to 335 arrests. The network ran elaborate cryptocurrency investment schemes and romance scams from residential properties targeting victims across international borders.

· · 4 min read

Aminuddin hits out at BN for 'copying' PH's Negri Sembilan initiatives

Negri Sembilan's opposition leader Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has accused Barisan Nasional of appropriating the Pakatan Harapan government's policy initiatives in its state election manifesto, alleging wholesale replication of previously implemented programmes.

· · 3 min read

BN Will Lead Under PN Alliance, Insists Mohamad Hasan

Barisan Nasional's deputy chairman has moved to reassure voters that his coalition will retain decision-making authority in its arrangement with Perikatan Nasional, despite the alliance involving PAS.

· · 3 min read

Malaysia's Formula 1 Ambitions: Anwar Eyes Return to World Stage

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted Malaysia's capacity to host world-class events, pointing to discussions about returning Formula 1 racing to Sepang International Circuit as evidence of the nation's infrastructure and organisational prowess.

· · 3 min read

No discussions on early general election, says Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed speculation surrounding an early general election, stating that the government has not held any discussions on the matter.

· · 3 min read

Malaysia to Persist in Tariff Negotiations with United States

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has committed Malaysia to ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding a recently imposed 10 per cent tariff, signalling the government's determination to resolve trade tensions through diplomatic channels.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia Opposes Israeli Actions, Not Jewish People, Anwar Clarifies

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has clarified Malaysia's foreign policy position, stating the nation opposes Israeli government actions and what he characterises as oppression, while making explicit that this stance does not extend to Jewish people generally.

· · 4 min read

BN-PN Alliance Won't Compromise Multiracial Commitment, Assures Asyraf

Umno's Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has assured Malaysians that Barisan Nasional's electoral understanding with Perikatan Nasional ahead of Negri Sembilan's election will not undermine the coalition's foundational commitment to representing and protecting all communities.

· · 3 min read

Zambry Tells Mahfuz to Direct Ministerial Aspirations to Anwar

Barisan Nasional's secretary-general has responded sharply to Amanah's vice-president, telling him to present his ministerial aspirations directly to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after the latter publicly called for BN ministers to step down.

· · 3 min read

No One Above the Law in Tabung Haji Probe, Declares Asyraf

UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has declared that the forthcoming Royal Commission of Inquiry report on Tabung Haji must hold all wrongdoers accountable, with no exemptions based on rank or affiliation.

· · 3 min read

Tabung Haji RCI Report Expected Within Days, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim signalled the Royal Commission of Inquiry report into Tabung Haji could be released today or by Wednesday, depending on whether Cabinet clearance is needed for publication.

· · 4 min read

MACC to Reveal KWAP-eFishery Investigation Update This Week

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is poised to release significant updates regarding its probe into the Employees Provident Fund's RM200 million investment in Indonesian aquaculture technology company eFishery.

· · 3 min read

Police dismantle RM27 million-a-day World Cup betting ring in Klang Valley crackdown

Police have shut down a major online gambling syndicate operating across the Klang Valley, generating approximately RM27 million daily through World Cup betting operations. The crackdown, involving raids on 19 premises, resulted in 161 arrests and exposed how criminals used legitimate front companies to launder illicit proceeds.

· · 4 min read

Orang Asli Express Hope After PM's Land Dispute Commitment

Indigenous Orang Asli residents of Kampung Sungai Cot have expressed renewed optimism after receiving direct assurances from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that his government will intervene in a protracted land dispute threatening their community.

· · 4 min read

Kelantan Police Station Chief Arrested in MACC Bribery Inquiry

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has detained a senior police officer in Kelantan's Kota Baru district following allegations of soliciting bribes. The case marks the latest in a series of corruption probes affecting law enforcement personnel in the state.

· · 3 min read

Zizie Izette faces verdict in RM2.8 million corruption case

Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad will receive a court ruling on three charges related to alleged abetting in a RM2.8 million corruption scheme. The verdict marks a significant moment in a high-profile Malaysian corruption case.

· · 4 min read

PH Youth Demands BN Cabinet Ministers Resign Over PN Alliance

Pakatan Harapan's youth coalition has called for the resignation of all Barisan Nasional ministers and deputy ministers, accusing the coalition of undermining the unity government by cooperating with Perikatan Nasional in recent state elections.

· · 4 min read

Three Arrested for Unlicensed Asian Palm Civet Cubs in Kelantan

Police arrested three men in Kelantan for possessing two Asian palm civet cubs without proper licensing. The seizure occurred at a roadblock as part of Operation Taring Wawasan, highlighting ongoing enforcement against wildlife trafficking.

· · 3 min read

Rohingya Woman, 19, Faces Murder Charge Over Infant's Death in Johor Hotel

A 19-year-old Rohingya woman appeared in Johor Baru magistrate's court charged with murder following the death of her newborn infant. She allegedly threw the baby from a hotel window, prompting questions about the circumstances and vulnerabilities faced by displaced communities.

· · 3 min read

Schools Must Act Transparently on Bullying, PM Anwar Warns

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned educational institutions against suppressing reports of bullying to maintain their public image, emphasising the critical need for immediate intervention to protect affected students.

· · 4 min read

Muhyiddin denies Bersatu's voluntary departure from PN coalition

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has publicly disputed Tan Sri Annuar Musa's characterization of Bersatu's departure from Perikatan Nasional, rejecting suggestions that the party voluntarily left the coalition regarding the Negri Sembilan election dispute.

· · 4 min read

Anwar calls for delay in Melaka DAP's state exit plan

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has appealed to Melaka's DAP representatives to hold off on their planned exit from the state government, emphasizing the need to maintain focus on development and public welfare initiatives.

· · 3 min read

King Receives MACC Chief Commissioner at Palace

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim granted an audience to MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman at Istana Negara, underscoring the palace's engagement with the country's anti-corruption agenda.

· · 3 min read

University Student Arrested in Cyberjaya Vice Raid

Police in Cyberjaya arrested a university student during a raid on an apartment suspected of operating as a vice den. The student was attempting to supplement her income during the semester break.

· · 3 min read

Perlis Chief Denies Party Exit Amid Leadership Reshuffle

Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah has quashed speculation about abandoning Bersatu following his removal from the party's Supreme Council, reaffirming his continued membership and state leadership role.

· · 4 min read

RCI into MACC Allegations to Follow Legal Framework, Says Azalina

The government will make any decision on establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry into alleged corporate mafia activities within the MACC only after completing thorough investigations and following proper legal procedures, according to Malaysian authorities.

· · 4 min read

Rohingya driver arrested in Kedah enforcement operation

Authorities in Kedah arrested a 32-year-old Rohingya man during a Road Transport Department enforcement drive after discovering he was operating a multi-purpose vehicle without proper licensing credentials.

· · 3 min read

Woman Fined RM500 for Assaulting Sultan of Perak

A woman in Ipoh has been sentenced to pay RM500 after admitting guilt to physically assaulting Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah during last year's National Day festivities in the state.

· · 3 min read

No Formal Pas-BN Alliance in Johor, Says Senior Umno Leader

A prominent Umno figure has dismissed claims of a structured Pas-BN coalition in Johor, attributing any apparent coordination to both parties' shared opposition to Pakatan Harapan rather than a binding political compact.

· · 3 min read

Anwar Declares End to Era of Plunder and Crony Politics

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled a decisive break with Malaysia's past, declaring that the culture of large-scale theft and politically-connected enrichment schemes is now defunct under his administration's governance framework.

· · 4 min read

MACC Denies Man in Viral Post is One of Its Officers

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has dismissed speculation that a man appearing in a viral social media post is employed by the agency, clarifying the identity confusion that sparked online discussion.

· · 3 min read

JD Vance Criticises UK Leadership, Backs Reform Under New Prime Minister

US Vice President JD Vance has criticised Britain's political establishment, arguing that its leadership has consistently fallen short of public expectations. He expressed confidence that the incoming prime minister will implement the comprehensive changes voters have demanded.

· · 4 min read

Putrajaya in Talks with Sarawak to Boost MA63 Special Grant

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has disclosed that the federal government is engaged in negotiations with Sarawak regarding an enhancement to the state's special grant provisions under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, signalling renewed focus on honouring constitutional commitments to the East Malaysian state.

· · 4 min read

British Woman Arrested in Pattaya Over Boyfriend's Death

Thai police arrested a 21-year-old British woman in Pattaya after her 34-year-old boyfriend died at their luxury rental home. The woman is accused of stabbing him during an incident where she was allegedly under the influence.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia's AI Governance Bill to Work Alongside Existing Laws, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed Malaysia is developing a dedicated AI Governance Bill designed to operate synergistically with existing cybersecurity and data protection frameworks, signalling the government's comprehensive approach to regulating artificial intelligence.

· · 4 min read

200 switchers boost Umno campaign in Johor as election nears

Approximately 200 members from multiple opposition parties, led by a former Bersatu politician, have switched their allegiance to Umno in Pontian, citing confidence in the party and Barisan Nasional's governance ahead of the Johor election.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia to Maintain Jho Low Stance Regardless of US Pardon Outcome

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that Malaysia will maintain its resolute position against fugitive businessman Jho Low regardless of whether the United States grants him a presidential pardon, signalling the country's unwavering commitment to pursuing accountability.

· · 4 min read

86 undocumented migrants detained in Klang shopping mall raid

Immigration authorities detained 86 undocumented migrants representing eight nationalities during a multi-agency enforcement operation at a Klang shopping mall, signalling intensified efforts to combat illegal immigration in peninsular Malaysia.

· · 3 min read

Report Illegal ATM Charges to Bank Negara, Says Fahmi

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has urged Malaysians to report instances where banks continue charging RM1 fees for withdrawals at their own ATM machines, saying Bank Negara Malaysia has banned the practice.

· · 3 min read

Hamzah Questions Azam Baki's Appointment to NFCC Advisory Role

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has challenged the government to justify its decision to appoint former MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki as an adviser to the National Financial Crime Prevention Centre, citing controversies surrounding his shareholdings.

· · 3 min read

Marina Alleges DAP Hypocrisy Over Najib Pardon Proposal

Former Skudai assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim has accused a DAP leader of supporting a royal pardon for ex-premier Najib Razak and house arrest instead of prison, claiming the party applies inconsistent standards.

· · 4 min read

MPs demand transparency over Azam Baki shareholding probe

Multiple members of parliament have urged authorities to publicly disclose findings from investigations into former MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki's shareholdings, citing concerns over transparency and institutional accountability.

· · 4 min read

Iraq arrests 47 officials in sweeping anti-corruption crackdown

Iraqi authorities have arrested 47 officials, including members of parliament, in a significant anti-corruption operation. The mass detention reflects ongoing efforts to address institutional graft that has plagued the oil-rich nation.

· · 4 min read

Iran Dismisses US Claims Over Use of Unfrozen Assets

Iran's top negotiator has rejected American claims that unfrozen Iranian assets would be spent on US agricultural goods, highlighting deepening disagreements between Tehran and Washington even as both sides pursue nuclear negotiations.

· · 3 min read

France and Italy to Lead Post-UNIFIL Coalition in Lebanon

France and Italy are establishing a multinational coalition to support Lebanon after the UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL concludes in December, seeking to prevent security instability in the strategic Middle Eastern nation.

· · 5 min read

Melaka Road Safety Crackdown Nets 60 Vehicles, Majority Motorcycles

Melaka's Road Transport Department seized 60 vehicles during a compliance operation, finding widespread violations including unlicensed drivers, expired road tax, and missing insurance. Most seizures involved motorcycles purchased informally by foreign workers.

· · 5 min read

Negeri Sembilan Royal Court To Formalise New Rembau Undang This Saturday

Negeri Sembilan's Yang Dipertuan Besar has given formal consent for a royal audience ceremony on Saturday to recognise Hassan Ab Hamid, 67, as the 22nd Undang of Luak Rembau, selected through customary Adat Perpatih procedures following the May 2024 death of his predecessor.

· · 4 min read

Iran Blocks IAEA Nuclear Inspections Pending US Agreement

Iran has refused to grant the International Atomic Energy Agency access to its nuclear facilities ahead of a final agreement with the United States, signalling hardline negotiating tactics in ongoing nuclear talks.

· · 4 min read

Mental Health Assessment Ordered for Terengganu Royal Insult Case

A Sessions Court in Sepang has mandated psychiatric assessment for a 37-year-old man who admitted to insulting and threatening the Terengganu royal family through online posts, raising questions about mental health interventions in criminal proceedings.

· · 4 min read

Fathers Must Expand Their Role Beyond Breadwinning, Says LPPKN

Malaysia's family development agency is calling for fathers to evolve beyond traditional breadwinner roles, emphasising their importance in children's emotional development and education in an increasingly complex modern society.

· · 4 min read

Police Dismantle Drug Ring in Perak; Three Arrested Including Minor

Authorities in Perak have broken up a drug trafficking network, arresting three individuals including a teenager. The operation involved the illegal distribution of ketamine and Erimin 5, controlled substances that pose significant public health risks across Malaysia.

· · 4 min read

Teenager detained in Ipoh drug operation; RM120k haul seized

Ipoh police have arrested three suspects, including a 17-year-old, following the dismantling of a local drug trafficking network. Officers recovered ketamine and Erimin 5 pills valued at RM120,050 from the Pengkalan Tiara area.

· · 4 min read

Netanyahu Completes Testimony in Corruption Trials

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has finished giving testimony in his ongoing corruption trials, marking a significant development in cases that have shadowed his political career for years.

· · 3 min read

Fire at Madrid's Torre Moeve Extinguished; No Deaths Reported

An explosion followed by fire struck Madrid's Torre Moeve, Spain's second-tallest building, on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities evacuated the structure and extinguished the blaze with no fatalities and only minor injuries reported.

· · 3 min read

FIFA Defends World Cup Hydration Breaks as Purely Sporting Decision

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended mandatory three-minute hydration breaks introduced at the World Cup, insisting they are driven purely by sporting considerations rather than commercial interests, despite criticism from players and coaches.

· · 4 min read

Police Crack Down on World Cup Gambling, Arrest 1,156

Malaysian authorities have intensified enforcement against underground gambling syndicates, arresting 1,156 people and conducting 868 coordinated raids across Kuala Lumpur as part of a broader campaign targeting World Cup-related betting operations.

· · 4 min read

King Confers BYDPA Scholarships on 14 Exceptional Scholars

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim has awarded the prestigious 2026 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Scholarships to 14 recipients at Istana Negara. Seven scholars will pursue PhD studies while seven undertake Master's research, with four studying abroad and ten at local universities.

· · 4 min read

Pakistan Defends Iran's Ballistic Missile Programme Amid US Ceasefire Deal

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly endorsed Iran's right to maintain ballistic missiles, asserting that missile capabilities were never part of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed on June 17. The statement came during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's official visit to Islamabad.

· · 5 min read

Workday faces California lawsuit over discrimination in AI hiring tools

A US federal judge has ruled that Workday must defend itself against claims its AI hiring software discriminates against job applicants with disabilities and violates California's anti-discrimination laws, in a landmark case that could reshape how AI recruitment tools are regulated.

· · 4 min read

Montreal Shooting Claims Three Lives, Including Police Officer

A shooting in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood on Monday claimed three lives, including a police officer responding to the scene. Two others were injured as authorities ruled out terrorism and confirmed the suspect acted alone.

· · 3 min read

Eiffel Tower, Louvre Close Early As France Battles Extreme Heatwave

Paris's iconic Eiffel Tower closed unusually early on Tuesday afternoon as France grapples with an intense heatwave. The Louvre Museum also adjusted its operating hours, reflecting growing concerns about visitor and staff safety during the extreme weather.

· · 4 min read