Malaysia's electoral authority has rejected accusations of targeted monitoring against specific candidates ahead of the upcoming Sabah state polls. Election Commission secretary Datuk Khairul Idrus stated that surveillance teams operate under legal mandates to oversee all campaign activities equally, dismissing recent complaints from one candidate as unfounded.
The official encouraged anyone suspecting violations to lodge formal complaints rather than make public allegations. Enforcement personnel work under the Election Offences Act 1954 to advise all participants on legal compliance and maintain electoral integrity. Over 1.7 million voters will participate in the polls, with nearly 25,000 military and police personnel casting ballots...
Malaysia's national power company has disconnected electricity to flood-threatened neighborhoods in Kelantan as heavy rains continue battering the northeastern state. Tenaga Nasional Berhad announced that the precautionary measure affects Taman Bendahara and Pengkalan Chepa in Kota Bharu, along with Wakaf Aik in the Bachok district.
The utility provider warned that additional substations may lose service if rising waters threaten public safety. Officials urged residents to stay alert during severe weather and secure vital records in protected areas while expressing appreciation for cooperation during the outages.
Kelantan's chief minister has urged flood-affected residents to evacuate without delay when authorities issue relocation orders, warning that rising waters make rescue operations increasingly dangerous. Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud emphasized that protecting lives must take priority over the discomfort of temporary shelters during his visit to SK Tapang, where he distributed supplies to displaced families.
The menteri besar noted that emergency centers throughout the state have adequate facilities ready for evacuees, despite conditions falling short of home comforts. He acknowledged that annual flooding remains a persistent challenge for Kelantan, with state and federal governments maintaining coordinated response efforts to manage...
Thousands of Malaysian travelers have found themselves stuck in Hat Yai and the surrounding Thai regions after severe flooding blocked their return routes. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that approximately 4,000 nationals remain safe but stranded, with most seeking refuge in local hotels.
Muhammad Aliff Ikhwan Ahmad, 31, from Alor Setar in Kedah, described challenging conditions as guests struggled with limited provisions. The hotel distributed minimal rations, forcing occupants to split scarce meals among themselves. Power failures compounded their difficulties, while depleting mobile phone batteries prevented regular contact with relatives back home. He expressed hope that improving weather might allow their group to reach Bukit Kayu...
Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia developed a respiratory infection that affected her cardiac and pulmonary systems, according to medical board member Professor Dr FM Siddiqui. Physicians will monitor the opposition leader for twelve hours following her admission to Evercare Hospital from her Gulshan home. Standing Committee member and personal doctor Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain stated that the length of hospitalization remains undetermined pending further medical evaluation.
The BNP chairperson underwent multiple diagnostic procedures after arriving at the facility. Dr Al Mamun explained that critical examinations necessitated the hospital stay for the veteran politician who manages arthritis, diabetes, kidney dysfunction...
Nepal's diplomatic representative attended ceremonies launching the Bangladesh-Nepal International Rugby Series at Dhaka's National Stadium. Ambassador Ghanashyam Bhandari emphasized that athletic competitions strengthen bonds between populations from both nations while fostering enhanced cultural exchanges.
The visiting Nepalese squad captured both shortened-format contests during the tournament's first session. The competition continues across two days of scheduled matches between the countries' representative squads.
Thailand's new diplomatic representative to Bangladesh met with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam to explore enhanced cooperation between the nations. Ambassador Thitiporn Chirasawadi held discussions following her credential presentation to the Bangladeshi president.
Both officials examined possibilities for establishing an inaugural sea freight connection linking Ranong and Chittagong ports. Talks addressed potential negotiations toward a commercial agreement designed to expand trade volumes and attract capital flows between the countries.
Bangladesh agricultural officials called for reduced chemical dependency during a Dhaka policy forum organized by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, where experts warned that current farming methods threaten soil quality and public health while consuming three-quarters of the government's Tk24,000 crore agriculture subsidy. Foundation Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader said ecological approaches can maintain or boost production levels while Department of Agricultural Extension Director General SM Sohrab Uddin acknowledged that growers adopted excessive fertilizer applications to maximize harvests.
Keynote speaker Shaikh Tanveer Hossain calculated environmental and health damages from conventional practices at nearly 13 percent of national...
Bangladesh halted all natural gas extraction activities for two days following seismic warnings, with Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan directing state petroleum corporation Petrobangla to cease operations across eight drilling sites. Shamsunnahar, general manager for environment and safety at the operations directorate, said continuing extraction during elevated tremor risk posed dangers to specialized machinery and personnel.
Work stopped at seven locations spanning the Sylhet and Habiganj regions, affecting exploration wells and maintenance projects. Authorities plan to restart extraction activities following the precautionary shutdown window if no additional seismic activity occurs, protecting both expensive survey...
