News@9: Today's top headlines - July 31, 2025 [WATCH]
Trump Asean visit
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirms US President Donald Trump will attend the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
Malaysia eyes AI
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government aims to make Malaysia a regional hub for digital innovation and "Made by Malaysia" technology by 2030.
New EPF pension
The government is considering a monthly pension scheme under the Employees Provident Fund to provide retirees with steady post‑retirement income.
Hoarder home cleared
Authorities in Johor Baru have removed 32 tonnes of rubbish from the home of a retired teacher after 30 years of hoarding junk, foul smells and pests.
That's all for News@9.

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The Sun
5 minutes ago
- The Sun
Sarawak infrastructure projects boosted under 13MP, says Works Minister
KUCHING: The recently tabled 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) places comprehensive emphasis on national infrastructure development, including in Sarawak. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the Works Ministry (KKR) carries a major responsibility in implementing infrastructure development, as without good roads, it would be difficult to deliver other services such as education, healthcare and safety. 'Roads are like the lifeblood of the body. Without them, development is hard to reach rural areas. For example, although school projects fall under the Ministry of Education, their implementation and monitoring are the responsibility of the Public Works Department (JKR). 'This is the kind of inter-agency cooperation that must continue for the benefit of the people,' he told a press conference after the handover ceremony of the completed Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Rantau Panjang here today. Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, said the project in the Sungai Batang Rajang area — involving the construction of a main road from Nanga Serau to Nanga Seranau and included under the 13MP — is still in its preliminary stages, and no implementation date has been set yet. 'The road is expected to span around 70 kilometres and benefit thousands of residents, including villages, longhouses, schools and clinics,' he said. As for the Sarawak Trans Borneo Highway project, Nanta said it comprises three phases starting from Tudan to Kuala Baram in the Miri division near the Malaysia-Brunei border checkpoint, ending in the Limbang division without entering Brunei. 'This project is a continuation of the Pan Borneo Highway and will have a major impact, especially on the economic development and connectivity of areas like Limbang, which is a key town in northern Sarawak,' he said. Earlier in his speech, Nanta said JKR would continue monitoring all aspects of post-handover maintenance to ensure the project functions properly and meets the required specifications. 'The successful completion and timely handover of two more projects today proves that the MADANI Government's aspirations are not just rhetoric but are realised through quality projects that are completed on schedule and bring added value to the community,' he said. - Bernama


The Sun
5 minutes ago
- The Sun
Thailand approves Malaysia, US, China as observers for GBC meeting
BANGKOK: Thailand has agreed to the inclusion of representatives from Malaysia—this year's ASEAN Chair—alongside the United States and China as observers at the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur next week. Acting Defence Minister General Natthapon Nakpanich welcomed the consensus on holding the extraordinary GBC meeting in Malaysia from August 4 to 7, expressing appreciation for the collaborative effort. 'It is my pleasure to confirm that Thailand accepts the proposal to include representatives from Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, US and China, who have been providing assistance since July 28, as observers to the GBC meeting,' he said in a statement. He added that the participation of observers from Malaysia, the United States, and China is scheduled to take place on August 7. Natthapon also expressed his sincere appreciation to all parties involved in making the preparations possible, particularly to the Malaysian side for its excellent coordination in arranging this important meeting. Last Thursday, Thailand's Defence Ministry proposed that the upcoming GBC meeting be held on neutral ground, suggesting Malaysia as the venue, and recommended that it run from Aug 4 to 7 to allow sufficient time for comprehensive discussions. Conflict at the Thai-Cambodian border began with a brief skirmish on May 28 and escalated into armed clashes on July 24. On Monday, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting hosted in Putrajaya by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN Chair. - Bernama


Malay Mail
35 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
13MP: RM2b flood mitigation works in Kuching to start early next year, says Fadillah
KUCHING, Aug 2 — A large-scale RM2 billion flood mitigation project in Kuching City is set to be tendered this year, with physical implementation expected to begin next year, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He said the project comprises three main components — the construction of a canal, a bridge, and a new barrage at Sungai Salak — aimed at controlling water overflow and preventing saltwater intrusion from the sea during high tides. 'Two initial packages of the project have already been approved under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), although they do not include the construction of the barrage. 'For the full project, now under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), it will involve all three packages including the barrage and is expected to be tendered this year. Physical implementation is anticipated to commence next year. 'This is the largest allocation under 13MP hoped for by Sarawak,' he said when speaking to reporters after officiating the opening of the HE Clinic Kuching branch here today. Fadillah explained that the barrage will be built at the end of Sungai Salak to prevent saltwater intrusion and to control high tides by closing the barrage gates when necessary. Commenting on the 13MP announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last Thursday, he said this is among the projects to be implemented under the plan. He also noted that several other infrastructure projects will continue under 13MP, such as the extension of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah, the Trans Borneo project in Sarawak, and the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road. 'There are also other infrastructure projects that will proceed under 13MP, including the Pan Borneo Highway extension in Sabah, the Trans Borneo project in Sarawak, and the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road, all of which have already been allocated funding. 'In addition, development in border areas between Malaysia and Indonesia, and Malaysia and Brunei, will also be prioritised, including upgrading Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes, road networks, and other supporting facilities,' he added. Fadillah, who is also Petra Jaya MP, said several other mitigation projects, such as erosion control in Sibu, Miri, and several coastal areas, have been identified, with details to be announced once next year's budget estimates are finalised. Meanwhile, various infrastructure and public facility projects involving flood mitigation and improved road accessibility are among the people-centric initiatives under 13MP for the 2026–2030 period. During the tabling in the Dewan Rakyat on July 31, Anwar stated that RM20 billion has been allocated to implement 103 Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects to reduce the risks and impacts of such disasters. Among the RTB projects to be implemented are those at Sungai Langat and Sungai Buloh in Selangor; Sungai Golok in Kelantan; Sungai Gemencheh in Negeri Sembilan; Sungai Baru in Melaka; the Johor and Muar River Basins in Johor; the Pahang River Basin; and Kuching City. — The Borneo Post