Malaysia

Malaysia leverages convention centres, local culture to drive business tourism

The country's diverse destinations and experiences are among the key drivers of Mice growth and international interest.

Nation

New E-commerce Bill expected to be finalised this year

BATU KAWAN: The government aims to finalise the drafting of a new e-commerce Bill this year, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

Squash

Egypt's Orfi to become youngest-ever women's world No 1

Sept ⁠19 (Reuters) - Egypt's Amina Orfi will become the youngest-ever women's ⁠world number one in squash when rankings are released ‌on Monday, capping a rise that has made the 19-year-old the leading figure in the sport just as it prepares for its Olympic debut in ​2028.

Nation

MACC strengthens ties with media through shooting programme

KAJANG: About 50 media practitioners took part in a shooting competition organised by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at the MACC Shooting Programme with the Media at the Malaysian Prison Academy here on Saturday (Sept 19).

Other Sports

Malaysia step out in style as Asian Games begin in spectacular fashion in Nagoya

NAGOYA: A burst of colour, pride and Malaysian spirit lit up the Paloma Mizuho Stadium as the national contingent made their grand entrance at the spectacular opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Saturday (Sept 19).

Nation

15-year-old killed after crashing motorcycle into cow

KULAI: A 15-year-old motorcyclist was killed after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a cow along Jalan Kulai-Kota Tinggi here.

Thailand

Thailand targets THB45 rail fare cap from Jan 2027

BANGKOK: Thailand is targeting Jan 1, 2027 for the introduction of a common-fare system across Bangkok's urban rail network, under which eligible passengers would pay no more than THB45 per journey and would not face repeated entry charges when transferring between lines.

Pakistan

Comment: Why Pakistan needs administrative restructuring

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's administrative map is carrying a population load it was never designed for. It is now a country of more than 240 million people.

Nation

Angling group claims second red-bellied piranha found in Sg Klau

KUANTAN: An angling group has claimed that a second red-bellied piranha has been found in Sungai Klau, raising concerns that more of the non-native fish may have been released into the river.

Sabah & Sarawak

Direct flights from China to KK play crucial role in the run-up to Visit Sabah Year 2027, says Jafry

KOTA KINABALU: Direct flights from China play a crucial role in Sabah's target of getting a larger slice of the China tourist market as the state prepares for Visit Sabah Year 2027, says Datuk Jafry Ariffin.

Nation

No action until official pardons board notification received on Najib, clarifies Saifuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry and the Prisons Department are awaiting official written notification regarding the Pardons Board's decision on Datuk Seri Najib Razak's conditional pardon before taking further action, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

AseanPlus News

Mongolia's Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs dismissed

ULAANBAATAR: On September 16, Prime Minister Nyam-OsorynUchral has dismissed Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs Sainbuyan Amarsaikhan (pic), citing concerns that the situation within the justice and internal affairs sector had deteriorated to a level that was undermining public trust and disrupting the normal operations of institutions responsible for the country's internal security.

China

Chinese scientists find first evidence of ancient nose-chopping punishment for cattle thieves

BEIJING: Stealing someone's cattle is a serious crime, and in many places, the thief would end up in jail. However, ancient Chinese justice could result in a truly horrific form of mutilation: the amputation of the nose.

Nation

Prisons Dept to issue SOPs for Najib’s house arrest soon, says AG

PETALING JAYA: The Prisons Department is expected to release the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Datuk Seri Najib Razak's house arrest soon.

Arts

New media festival Immersio rolls out ‘Pasar’ events across Kuala Lumpur

Immersio's 'Pasar' and satellite events bring regional digital and new media art to a wider audience across Kuala Lumpur this month

Bangladesh

Teen arrested over the killing of six-year-old boy in Bangladesh

DHAKA: Police arrested a teenager in connection with the murder of a six-year-old boy in Nandail upazila of Mymensingh on Thursday (Sept 17).

Nation

14 civil society groups demand full public disclosure of documents on Najib’s conditional pardon

PETALING JAYA: A group of civil society organisations has called for the immediate and full disclosure of all documents related to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's conditional pardon.

AseanPlus News

New Zealand reforms earthquake-prone building rules

WELLINGTON: New Zealand's parliament has unanimously passed legislation reforming the country's earthquake-prone building system, with a focus on buildings that pose the greatest risk to life.

Nation

Two to be called up over Simpang Pulai road rage incident

BATU GAJAH: Police will call up two suspects to record their statements over a road rage incident in which a man was allegedly threatened with a stick on Jalan Ipoh-Gopeng in Simpang Pulai.

Nation

Malaysia, Australia to deepen defence ties, boost military readiness

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Australia have agreed to deepen their defence ties, moving beyond cooperation towards closer and more strategic collaboration amid increasingly complex security challenges.