NGO urges authorities to observe proper safeguards in investigations involving minors
PETALING JAYA: Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) urges the authorities to follow proper procedural safeguards in investigations involving minors, including access to legal counsel and meeting families for longer periods of time. According to Suaram, two 17-year-old children were arrested in Alor Setar and Langkawi and later brought to Kuala Lumpur to be detained. Suaram director and lawyer Shashi Devan, who is acting for the detainee from Alor Setar, said they had already been detained for 20 years. “If the prosecution decides to bring charges, there is a possibility that my client may be taken to Langkawi or Alor Setar to be charged,” she said. “They have been denied their constitutionally protected rights as well as protections under the Child Act," she said.
Source:The Star
March 06, 2026 20:59 UTC
Tax refunds to be credited in stages from second week of March, says LHDN
PUTRAJAYA: Tax refunds to eligible taxpayers will begin to be credited in stages starting from the second week of March 2026, according to a statement issued by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN). The LHDN said that the refund involves individual taxpayers who have submitted the Income Tax Return Form (BNCP) for the 2025 Year of Assessment, in line with the opening of e-Filing services that commenced on March 1. "In line with the IRB Client's Charter, tax refunds for BNCP submitted via e-Filing will be processed within a period of up to 30 working days, while for BNCP submitted manually, the processing period is up to 90 working days. In this regard, LHDN advises taxpayers to ensure that the bank account information reported to the board is accurate and up to date to ensure that refunds can be processed smoothly. "The IRB is committed to continuously improving the delivery of services to taxpayers and ensuring that tax matters are carried out efficiently and effectively," added the statement.
Source:The Star
March 06, 2026 20:29 UTC
Rafizi's former aide leaves it to lawyers to liaise with MACC
Earlier, the MACC urged Chai to contact investigators and return to Malaysia to assist in an ongoing investigation. The MACC instructed Chai to contact any of the five officers listed in its statement. To this, Chai said he had received two separate messages via WhatsApp on March 5 and 6 from numbers claiming to represent the MACC. Both messages had the same content with different officers’ names, and sought Chai to give statements at the MACC. “These messages represent the first time I have received any messages from any channel that claims to represent the MACC.
Source:The Star
March 06, 2026 19:01 UTC
Ex-rapper's party set to sweep Nepal election months after Gen Z-led protests
KATHMANDU, March 6 (Reuters) - A three-year-old party led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah looked set to sweep Nepal's general election on Friday, trouncing established rivals in a result analysts likened to a "tsunami". Thirty-five-year-old Shah and his Rastriya Swatantra Party were on course to win a majority in the 275-member lower house of parliament, leading in 100 of the 137 seats, the election commission said. NEPALI CONGRESS CONCEDES DEFEATTrends showed Oli's Communist Party of Nepal was leading in 10 seats and he was losing to Shah in his home constituency. The Nepali Congress, the country's oldest party, was leading in 10 seats and had won just one. "I voted for Rastriya Swatantra Party because Balen is there," said Deepak Adhikari, 33, after voting in Kathmandu on Thursday, referring to the youthful leader by his popular name.
Source:The Star
March 06, 2026 18:34 UTC
Iceland plans now or never referendum on EU negotiations
COPENHAGEN, March 6 (Reuters) - Iceland will hold a referendum on August 29 on resuming European Union membership negotiations, the government said on Friday. Repeated threatsby U.S. President Donald Trump toannex Greenland, located between Iceland and the United States, also made the question of EU membership more pressing for the Nordic country, home to almost 400,000 people. If voters back the resumption of talks, the final terms of EU membership will require approval in a second referendum. A SIGNIFICANT DECISION, EU OFFICIAL SAYSThe Icelandic people must now make "a significant decision", EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said in a statement. "In a world of competing spheres of influence, EU membership offers an anchor into a bloc grounded in values, prosperity and security."
Source:The Star
March 06, 2026 17:54 UTC
Ronaldo heads to Spain for rehab after injury in Saudi league
Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo will travel to Spain for rehabilitation after sustaining a hamstring injury. - REUTERS PICLONDON: Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo will travel to Spain for rehabilitation after sustaining a hamstring injury, Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Nassr's coach Jorge Jesus said on Friday. The 41-year-old, who has netted 21 goals in 22 games this season in the SPL, was injured in a 3-1 win over Al-Fayha on Saturday. "After examining Ronaldo's injury, it became clear that he needs a period of rest and treatment, so we decided to send him to Spain," Jesus told a press conference. "The medical staff diagnosed Ronaldo's condition and confirmed that he is unable to take part in tomorrow's match or the following one (against Al-Khaleej)."
Source:New Strait Times
March 06, 2026 17:42 UTC
Ex-CDO claims trial to abusing position to benefit relatives
SANDAKAN: A community development officer claimed trial to two charges of abusing his position to recommend two relatives as recipients of Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya houses in 2022. Herman Idris, 52, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read before Special Corruption Court judge Elsie Primus at the Sandakan Sessions Court on Friday (Mar 6). At the time, Herman was serving as the community development officer (CDO) for the Elopura area. Earlier, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission prosecuting officer Dzulkarnain Rousan Hasbi requested bail of RM15,000 with one local surety for each charge pending trial. Judge Elsie allowed bail of RM15,000 with a deposit of RM6,000 and one local surety, and fixed April 2 for case management.
Source:The Star
March 06, 2026 17:19 UTC
Anwar holds phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, discusses regional developments
KUALA LUMPUR (March 7): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss regional developments in the Middle East. According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, during the call Anwar expressed condolences to the government and people of Iran over the death of its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Iranian citizens killed by US and Israeli attacks. For his part, Araghchi thanked Malaysia for its message of condolence and its stance condemning the US and Israeli military aggression against Iran and the killing of the country’s leader and Iranian citizens. Araghchi further noted that Iran harbours no hostility towards the countries along the Persian Gulf and remains committed to a policy of good neighbourliness and friendship with them. He added that it is regrettable that the territory of Muslim countries in the region has been exploited during the holy month of Ramadan by US aggressors to launch attacks against a Muslim country and kill Muslims.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 06, 2026 17:06 UTC
2025 the biggest year for Johor with FDIs coming in through JS-SEZ
KUALA LUMPUR (March 7): 2025 was the best year for Johor in terms of foreign direct investments (FDIs), bolstered by the successful launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Because we [Malaysia and Singapore] enabled that opportunity to make the addressable market much bigger and we allowed both countries to work together. "And they [Singapore and Johor] found ways to reduce bureaucracy. Johor recorded total investments of RM110 billion last year, the highest ever in Malaysia’s history. The JS-SEZ is a cross-border economic zone aimed at strengthening economic ties and enhancing connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 06, 2026 16:56 UTC
Consistent and common policies strengthen Asean markets, attract investments — Amir Hamzah
KUALA LUMPUR (March 7): Consistent policies and common mechanisms across Asean can help create a more connected market, making the bloc more attractive to capital and providing a base of stability for the region’s future progress. Amir Hamzah said Asean comprises diverse countries with a population of 700 million, offering significant growth potential. By identifying common ground and focusing on non-controversial areas, he said the bloc can strengthen inter-regional cooperation. Amir Hamzah said one of Asean's main challenges is keeping pace with the rapid technological change. Amir Hamzah emphasised that the younger generation must be given greater opportunities to engage and contribute, with technology serving as a powerful leveller.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 06, 2026 16:51 UTC
Malaysia conveys sympathy, support to UAE over tensions in Middle East
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim conveyed Malaysia's sincere sympathy and support to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has been affected by Iran's response to the attacks carried out by Israel in collaboration with the United States. He brought up the matter during a telephone discussion with UAE president Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and both leaders also exchanged views on recent developments in the Middle East, with particular regard to the regional security situation following the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. "We expressed mutual hope that all parties will prioritise peaceful dialogue and take care to avoid any actions that could compromise regional stability and global security. "Additionally, I expressed appreciation for the UAE government's ongoing commitment to safeguarding the safety and welfare of approximately 10,000 Malaysians currently residing in the UAE.," he said in a Facebook post today. He also expressed hope that the month of Ramadan would foster greater unity within the ummah and pave the way toward enduring peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Source:New Strait Times
March 06, 2026 16:39 UTC
Tax refunds to be credited in stages from second week of March — IRB
PUTRAJAYA (March 7): Tax refunds to eligible taxpayers will begin to be credited in stages starting from the second week of March 2026, according to a statement issued by the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). The IRB said that the refund involves individual taxpayers who have submitted the Income Tax Return Form (BNCP) for the 2025 Year of Assessment, in line with the opening of e-Filing services that commenced on March 1. "In line with the IRB Client’s Charter, tax refunds for BNCP submitted via e-Filing will be processed within a period of up to 30 working days, while for BNCP submitted manually, the processing period is up to 90 working days. In this regard, the IRB advises taxpayers to ensure that the bank account information reported to the board is accurate and up to date to ensure that refunds can be processed smoothly. "The IRB is committed to continuously improving the delivery of services to taxpayers and ensuring that tax matters are carried out efficiently and effectively," added the statement.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 06, 2026 16:31 UTC
Six escape unhurt as fallen trees crush cars in Ipoh
IPOH: Six people escaped unhurt after vehicles they were travelling in were crushed by fallen trees in Taman Bersatu near Simpang Pulai Friday (March 6). Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the department received a distress call at 4.43pm. "The incident involved two fallen trees that crushed three cars with all the occupants rescued by members of the public. Heavy rain and strong winds hit Ipoh for nearly an hour from around 4pm, damaging tents at a Ramadan bazaar at Sentra Mall. Meanwhile, the Kinta District Civil Defence Force (APM) operations control centre said it had received reports of around 19 fallen trees across the district, and the number is still rising.
Source:The Star
March 06, 2026 15:54 UTC
Gathering over Penang temple will not proceed, say cops
BUKIT MERTAJAM: A planned gathering concerning a temple near a hospital in Penang will not proceed following discussions between the police, organisers and the temple management. He advised the public not to attend or take part in any assembly at the location or elsewhere, warning that such actions could provoke tensions and disrupt public order. Comm Azizee said the hospital area is an important healthcare facility for the local community and any activity that could disrupt peace in the area should be avoided. He added that police will continue monitoring the situation, particularly in the Bukit Mertajam area, to ensure it remains peaceful and under control. Azizee also advised the public to comply with regulations and police traffic instructions during a religious procession involving the temple scheduled tomorrow, and to safeguard public property.
Source:The Star
March 06, 2026 15:51 UTC
Johor's RM110bil record expected to generate over 24,000 jobs, say MB
JOHOR BARU: Johor's record of attracting RM110bil in investments last year is expected to generate some 24,584 job opportunities for locals here, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. The Mentri Besar said that this investment achievement was not just a new record, but showcases the transformation of the state's economic stature, which was mature and competitive. Onn Hafiz said that the state government was committed to ensure each investment approved in the state would bring about real benefit to Johoreans. "This is to ensure Johor's economic growth is supported by a development ecosystem which is efficient and competitive," he added. Onn Hafiz hoped that this achievement would spur everyone to continue to work hard to ensure Johor's economic development really bring about prosperity to all Bangsa Johor.
Source:The Star
March 06, 2026 14:54 UTC