A Malaysian court has freed a former executive of a government subsidiary accused of abusing power in a contract award case. Judge Datuk Mohd Nasir Nordin ruled that prosecutors had failed to establish sufficient evidence against Mazlan Mahadi, following the testimony of 14 witnesses since March 2024. The 54-year-old faced allegations of recommending his relative's firm for a 1.7 million ringgit technology project while serving as business development director.
Testimony revealed that Amazon Web Services originally suggested the contractor selection, which undermined corruption charges. Mazlan could have received 20 years imprisonment and substantial fines under anti-corruption statutes if convicted. The March 2020 contract involved...
Malaysian workers forced to obtain Singapore driving permits for employment will qualify for domestic fuel subsidies despite lacking local licenses. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the cabinet approved benefits for citizens who commute from Johor and must convert credentials under Singaporean regulations prohibiting dual permits. The Road Transport Department will build registration portals within two weeks for affected bus operators, truckers and port drivers who surrendered Malaysian documentation.
Singapore refuses to share personal information with Malaysian authorities because of privacy protections that prevent automatic verification systems. Officials estimate between 200,000 and 250,000 people cross the border daily for...
Malaysia's subsidy verification platform for RON95 gasoline contains robust protections against digital attacks, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said. Officials examined security vulnerabilities before deploying the Budi Madani RON95 system following Prime Minister directives on safeguarding electronic government services. The minister addressed reporters after opening the Cyber Digital Services exhibition at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
Authorities plan to release the Digital Trust and Data Security Strategy before December, outlining protective measures through 2030. CyberSecurity Malaysia and the National Digital Department collaborated on the blueprint designed to strengthen public confidence in online...
Malaysia will launch its Supply Chain Intelligent Management System in December 2025 to monitor eight critical industries for vulnerabilities and disruptions. Investment Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the platform maps pharmaceutical, medical device, protective equipment, electronics, automotive and agricultural sectors to strengthen economic security amid global trade tensions. The government developed the tracking system after pandemic shortages exposed weaknesses in domestic production networks.
Officials announced 100 million ringgit through MIDF's Global Market Access Accelerator to prepare 50 small and midsize firms for overseas expansion with financing and consulting services. Malaysia holds the 2025 ASEAN...
Sabah officials celebrated Kinabatangan's designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, marking the state's second such recognition after the Crocker Range in 2014. The 413,866-hectare reserve extends 560 kilometers along the Kinabatangan River and provides habitat for 315 bird species, 127 mammals and more than 1,000 plant varieties. The area shelters endangered animals such as orangutans, Bornean elephants, proboscis monkeys and sun bears while protecting the critically threatened Sungai dialect.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the status will draw international interest for research, education and nature tourism partnerships. The Sabah Biodiversity Centre coordinated the two-year nomination with government departments...
Transport Minister Anthony Loke defended his position on child safety seats after facing online criticism for discussing the Bukit Kajang toll plaza fatality. The minister suggested proper restraints might have saved the 12-month-old victim who was thrown from a vehicle during Saturday's collision caused by suspected brake failure. Social media users condemned his remarks about the child's lack of safety equipment during the four-vehicle accident.
Loke accepted public backlash but maintained his responsibility to promote child protection measures. The ministry will expand campaigns encouraging parents to secure young passengers properly. Police arrested the 42-year-old truck driver on charges of causing death through reckless...
Johor authorities plan enhanced surveillance at border petrol stations to stop foreign drivers from exploiting Malaysia's fuel subsidy program. Officials banned vehicles with non-Malaysian plates from purchasing subsidized RON95 gasoline, requiring them to buy premium RON97 instead. Station operators must verify registration before dispensing discounted fuel at 1.99 ringgit per liter under the Budi95 system, which started operations.
The ministry established a public reporting platform for suspected subsidy violations and created backup manual procedures if digital verification fails. Transport operators receive assistance registering for commercial vehicle fuel benefits through October 7 at regional offices. Eligible citizens may...
Police detained nine suspects between the ages of 17 and 21 following a mob assault on a driver near Puchong's Batu 13 Toll Plaza early Sunday. Officers conducted raids across Puchong and Shah Alam that resulted in the arrests and seizure of three motorcycles linked to the attack. The victim filed a report after approximately 20 motorcyclists surrounded his Perodua Myvi at 4 a.m. and physically attacked him through the window.
Authorities continue searching for additional participants captured in viral footage showing the assault on the 52-year-old security guard. Investigators have not determined what prompted the violent encounter. The suspects appeared before magistrates for remand proceedings under charges of property damage and...
The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research has launched an investigation into brake failure as the suspected cause of a deadly Kajang toll plaza crash. Authorities are examining whether a mechanical malfunction or other elements contributed to the Saturday morning collision that killed a one-year-old and injured seven people.
The lorry driver reported jumping from the vehicle after the brakes stopped responding during the 10.50 am incident involving multiple vehicles. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed the lorry held valid permits and passed national inspection, though brake systems apparently failed before impact.
Research from 2022 shows only 32 percent of commercial vehicle operators follow road transport safety...
