News

Malaysian motorists will soon be able to renew their driver's licences online through the MyJPJ mobile app, announced Transport Minister Anthony Loke. "To encourage the use of e-LMM, those who choose e-LMM to end their licences will enjoy a rebate of RM5," said Loke at a press conference at the Selangor headquarters of the Road Transport Department (RTD). According to Loke, renewals for both driver's licences and road tax through the MyJPJ app will be conducted in phases, with the initial phase open only to Malaysians starting February 1, 2024. "This rebate will be enjoyed throughout this year starting from February 1, 2024 until December 31, 2024," Loke added. The MyJPJ app, which already provides digital access to road tax details, will enable users to share their e-lice...

Kota Kinabalu has a new mayor leading the city government. Datuk Seri Sabin Samirah (pictured), 63, was appointed as the new mayor of the capital of Sabah, replacing Datuk Noorliza Awang Alip. Samirah is the seventh mayor of Kota Kinabalu since it gained city status 23 years ago in 2000. His most recent role was Director-General of the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre in the Prime Minister's Department, after completing his tenure as CEO of the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) from 2016 to 2021. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor presented the appointment letter to Samirah in an official ceremony. Also present were Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Assistant Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir, and State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safa...

A Malaysian fugitive wanted in Thailand for drug smuggling was arrested during a Thai-Lao joint operation last week. The 39-year-old Malaysian, an alleged drug dealer and key member of a drug syndicate had been in hiding in Laos, according to Thai police. Assistant National Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon said the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has been investigating the Malaysian man, a suspected drug trafficker who played a key role as procurer and coordinator in the drug trade in the Golden Triangle area since 2006. He said the man was arrested in Laos on Dec 29. “The suspect has been working with drug networks across Thailand, Malaysia, China, Singapore, and Laos. He also used Thailand for both money laundering and as a transit point for smuggling...

The powerful earthquake that hit central Japan on New Year's Day killed at least six people, as police and local authorities early on Tuesday reported cases of bodies being pulled from the rubble of collapsed buildings. The quake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck in the middle of the afternoon on Monday, destroying buildings, knocking out power to tens of thousands of homes and prompting residents in some coastal areas to flee to higher ground. It also triggered waves about one metre high along Japan's long western seaboard as well as in neighbouring South Korea. Army personnel were dispatched to help with rescue operations, while one local airport was shut down after the quake tore open cracks in the runway. An elderly man was pronounced dead after a building col...

AirAsia chief executive officer (CEO) Riad Asmat announced his resignation today. In his Instagram posting, Riad thanked AirAsia and the team “for their undying support given throughout the good as well as bad times,” and said it was “truly an honor to have been given the opportunity to work with each and everyone one of you throughout these years.” “As I take a bit of break and transition into possible advisory roles for this organisation, please take good care of yourselves and stay safe always. “I don’t really believe in goodbyes as it’s more of a ‘see you around’ thing for me. So ‘see you around’ guys,” Riad said in the posting, adding that he “loved every single bit of the journey with AirAsia with no regrets.” Riad was appointed as the CEO of AirAsia on Jan 10, 2018....

Malaysia has once again secured the top position in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI) for the 10th consecutive year, according to the Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC). “The 2023 rankings place Malaysia at the forefront, followed closely by Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the UAE,” it said in a statement. Citing the 2023/2024 edition of the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) report, HDC said Malaysia secured first place in Islamic finance, halal food, and media and recreation, coupled with a commendable second-place ranking in “modest fashion,” third spot in pharmaceuticals and fifth in tourism. Since the inception of the SGIE Report, Malaysia has consistently claimed the first position, showcasing the nation’s enduring commitment to the Islamic economy, ...

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today said that the investigation into a case involving former finance minister, Tun Daim Zainuddin, was based on information obtained from the Pandora Papers. It said that the investigation papers into the case were opened in February this year. The Pandora Papers is a leak of almost 12 million documents and files, exposing the world’s rich and influential people, who hide their wealth by using offshore services. It added that the investigation on Daim was carried out under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 4 (1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA). “However, based on the legal principle of ‘presumption of innocence’, a person being invest...

Indonesia will start imposing a tax on e-cigarettes from the start of 2024 on top of the existing excise levy as it steps up efforts to limit consumption. E-cigarettes will be taxed at 10% of the prevailing excise rate, according to a finance ministry regulation. In Indonesia, tobacco products are subject to two levies — at central and local government levels — of which 50% of the revenue is earmarked for public health services. The policy to make e-cigarettes less affordable in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy is in line with the World Health Organization’s recent warning of the dangers of vaping. The Indonesian government has told consumers that vapes and their substances are just as bad as conventional cigarettes. The use of vape in the country surged ten-fold in the decad...