Latest news with #BERNAMA
Malaysian Reserve
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
PM Anwar: Malaysia invites Myanmar conflict groups for dialogue in Kuala Lumpur
SINGAPORE — Malaysia has taken the initiative to invite different groups in the Myanmar conflict for a dialogue in Kuala Lumpur in a bid to find a lasting solution to the ongoing crisis, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today. He said the invitation was extended to the groups last month. 'I've started…and I urge my counterparts to send their teams, officials and military personnel intelligence to continue to engage,' he said during a question-and-answer session following his Special Address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, here. When asked about the possibility of elections in Myanmar, Anwar said the immediate priority is to ensure peace, security, and the delivery of humanitarian aid. He noted that ASEAN leaders have continued to push for an extended ceasefire and the protection of all humanitarian aid workers. 'If the elections are fair and more inclusive and do not exclude parties, then of course, we are ready to accept, although (the process) may not be perfect,' he added. Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC), in March, announced that they will hold a general election either in December this year or January 2026 at the latest, according to international media reports. — BERNAMA
Barnama
11 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Fahmi Urges Malaysian Students In Japan To Embrace Disciplined Work Culture
GENERAL By Anas Abu Hassan TOKYO, May 31 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has encouraged Malaysian students in Japan to adopt the country's disciplined and efficient work culture upon returning home, to contribute to national development. He also urged them to explore work opportunities in Japan to gain valuable experience that could benefit Malaysia in the long run. 'Insya-Allah, Malaysia is in a good position now, economically and in its role as ASEAN Chair. 'I hope you'll take full advantage of your time here to seek out work experience, and then return to help build the nation,' he said during a dinner and engagement session with members of the Malaysian diaspora and student community here tonight. Fahmi is in Tokyo to attend the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting (APT-MM) 2025, held from May 30 to 31. The meeting aims to boost regional cooperation in telecommunications and information technology. Also present at the gathering were Deputy Head of Mission at the Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo Anwar Udzir and embassy staff. The session was attended by 38 participants, including 11 members of the Malaysian diaspora and 27 students from various universities in and around Tokyo. -- BERNAMA
Barnama
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Unauthorised Mujamalah Visa Offerings Are Haram, Against Islamic Teachings
From Nurliyana Farhah Ruslan MAKKAH, May 31 (BERNAMA) -- The irresponsible act of certain individuals or agents offering Mujamalah visas without valid authentication is haram (unlawful) from the Shariah perspective and contrary to Islamic teachings, said the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He stated that deceiving others for personal gain is a clear form of fraud and should not be taken lightly by society, especially by Muslims. bootstrap slideshow "Any party that attempts to defraud others has committed an act clearly prohibited by religion," he said at a press conference at the Tabung Haji (TH) Headquarters here today. Yesterday, the acting director of the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali, reminded the public to be more cautious when purchasing Hajj pilgrimage packages following Saudi Arabia's move to tighten the issuance of Mujamalah visas to Malaysian citizens. Mohd Na'im said that the offering of Mujamalah visas by unauthorised parties not only violates national laws but also leads to the illegal appropriation of others' rights. "This is a form of exploitation that takes advantage of some people's desire to perform Hajj or Umrah, ultimately leading them to be defrauded, and this act is oppression and carries a great sin in the eyes of religion," he said. Therefore, Mohd Na'im advised the public to be more careful and not to be easily swayed by sweet promises from individuals or agents who do not have official authorisation from the authorities. In the same vein, Mohd Na'im said the government welcomed Saudi Arabia's move to tighten controls at all borders and entry points to Masjidil Haram in an effort to curb the entry of individuals without valid Hajj visas.
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Over 4.4 tonnes of invasive fish removed from local waters since 2022
PEKAN: The Fisheries Department has removed over 4.4 tonnes of non-native fish species from Malaysian waters since 2022 through 17 operations targeting invasive fish. Its director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said the operations were aimed at eliminating aggressive, fast-breeding foreign species that threaten local biodiversity by competing for food and habitat. He said Malaysia is home to more than 449 native freshwater fish species, including the kelah, temoleh, sebarau and river catfish, which are ecologically and economically important. "However, invasive species such as peacock bass, African catfish, redtail catfish and the Amazon sailfin catfish or bandaraya fish, are now threatening the sustainability of our aquatic biodiversity," he told reporters after officiating the Invasive Fish Species Awareness programme and the "Moh! Tangkap Baung Ekor Merah" (Catch the Redtail Catfish) competition here today. Based on recent reports, the redtail catfish population is notably high in Sungai Pahang and is also present in Sungai Perak and Sungai Selangor, indicating the species' ability to adapt easily to local aquatic environments. He did not rule out the possibility that these invasive fish were initially brought in by aquaculture operators from neighbouring countries and later escaped into natural waterways during floods. Despite the ecological threat, Adnan said that the redtail catfish has commercial value due to its market price, which has encouraged some communities to catch and sell the fish as a source of income. "However, this should not lead to complacency. We need coordinated efforts to reduce the population of these invasive species, including raising public awareness about their threat to local ecosystems," he said. Among the initiatives taken is the organisation of invasive fish-catching competitions aimed at removing these species from national waters to reduce their population and ecological impact. During the event, the department also presented RM331,400 in Matching Grant Assistance under the Aquaculture Integration Development Programme to three main participants of the Rizqi Cluster, as well as RM66,000 in living allowance aid to 22 fishermen in the district. – BERNAMA
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sarawak governer urges vigilance on roads after deadly FRU crash
KUCHING: The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the public to take heed of the recent road tragedy that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers, urging greater vigilance and responsibility during festive travel. In a message marking the 2025 Gawai Dayak celebrations, he said such tragedies should serve as a wake-up call on the importance of adhering to safety measures and driving responsibly. "As we celebrate Gawai Dayak with joy, I urge all Sarawakians to be cautious and prioritise safety on the roads, especially when returning to their hometowns," he said today. With improved infrastructure, including the Pan Borneo Highway, easing travel across the region, Wan Junaidi warned against turning such routes into 'racing circuits', stressing that 'it is better to arrive late than never'. Turning to broader development, Wan Junaidi reaffirmed the state's commitment to narrowing the urban-rural divide, citing significant infrastructure upgrades under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). These include the rebuilding of more than 200 dilapidated schools and the construction of 16 bridges, along with the ongoing expansion of the Pan Borneo Highway and coastal road networks. "These efforts are not just about better connectivity, but also about improving quality of life in rural areas, from road access and clean water to telecommunications," he said. Wan Junaidi also highlighted the state's focus on education, noting various initiatives to boost literacy and academic achievement, including early intervention programmes and the establishment of community-based learning centres. He urged parents to prioritise their children's education, describing it as 'key to a brighter future'. Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Gawai Dayak, officially celebrated since 1965, Wan Junaidi said the festival is more than just a harvest celebration. He said it embodies unity, harmony and mutual respect among Sarawak's diverse communities, values that must be preserved and strengthened. — BERNAMA
