Latest news with #PUTRAJAYA
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
Home Ministry bans two books — ‘Chase Me' and ‘Ammar Zahrain' — for threatening public morality
PUTRAJAYA, July 29 — The Home Ministry has issued a prohibition order against two publications deemed potentially harmful to public morality, effective July 1 and 3, 2025, through the Federal Government Gazette. In a statement today, the ministry said the ban was issued under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 [Act 301], as a preventive measure to control the distribution of inappropriate content that poses a threat to society. The banned books are Chase Me by Tessa Bailey, gazetted under the Printing Presses and Publications (Control of Undesirable Publications) Order (No. 13) 2025, and Ammar Zahrain: The Obsessive Husband by Nssignature, gazetted under Order (No. 14) 2025, which takes effect on July 3, 2025. "The prohibition order serves as a mechanism of control and prevention before any threat or harm materialises. "At the same time, it ensures public protection and raises awareness about publications deemed undesirable and unsuitable for general readership," the statement read. The Home Ministry said that under subsection 7(1) of Act 301, the printing, importation, production, reproduction, publication, sale, issue, circulation, distribution, or possession of all banned publications is strictly prohibited in Malaysia. 'All parties are reminded that compliance with the Prohibition Order is mandatory, as any offence related to prohibited publications may result in legal action,' the ministry said. Further information on publications banned under Act 301 can be accessed via the official Home Ministry website at or through the Federal Legislation Portal. — Bernama
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Poisons Act amended: Expanded powers for police, broader enforcement scope
PUTRAJAYA, July 29 — The Dewan Rakyat passed the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025 yesterday, signalling the government's continued commitment to curbing the misuse of controlled substances through more robust and inclusive enforcement. In a joint statement today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Home Ministry (KDN) said the Bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement under the Poisons Act 1952, which governs the use, possession, and distribution of poisons and psychotropic substances in Malaysia. 'These amendments are intended to allow for faster, more comprehensive and responsive action in addressing threats to public health and national security,' the ministries said. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by 12 Members of Parliament from both the government and the opposition. Key provisions include expanding enforcement authority to all police officers regardless of rank, and to other officers appointed by the health minister — including those from other ministries or agencies — as needed. Under the current provisions, only three categories of officers have enforcement authority — Drug Enforcement Officers (pharmacists in the public service), police officers ranked Inspector and above, and senior Customs officers. 'However, in practice, patrol and inspection duties are usually carried out by lower-ranked officers such as constables and corporals. Therefore, expanding enforcement powers to all police personnel will improve operational efficiency and coverage,' read the statement. The Bill also addresses enforcement gaps in areas where authorised officers are not present. The health minister is now empowered to appoint other officers, under set terms and conditions, to assist in enforcement when needed. Additional focus has been placed on enhancing officer training, supervision, and coordination of control over listed poisons and prohibited substances, including those found in vape products, to ensure stronger safeguards for both public health and national safety. — Bernama
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
No charges for Dr Mahathir on Batu Puteh, Anwar says Cabinet made call, not AG
PUTRAJAYA, July 26 — No further action against former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the sovereignty issue of Pulau Batu Puteh did not override the Attorney-General's decision, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the decision was made by the Cabinet, despite the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) having recommended otherwise. 'The RCI had recommended that criminal investigations be initiated against Tun Mahathir for betraying the country and for follow-up action to be taken. 'So, I did not override the Attorney-General's decision; it was a Cabinet decision. Although the wrongdoing was a serious betrayal, considering the circumstances and situation, we proposed that it need not be taken further,' he told reporters after attending the 50th Prime Minister's Cup Debate Finals here today. Anwar was responding to Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan's motion to refer him to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee over his remarks on the RCI into the Pulau Batu Puteh issue. Previously, Anwar said the government has decided not to proceed with action against Dr Mahathir due to age-related considerations. The RCI on the Handling of Matters Related to the Sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge had recommended that criminal investigations be initiated against Dr Mahathir. That recommendation was among those included in the 217-page RCI report that was distributed to Members of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat. — Bernama
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘No application required': Ministry says just flash your MyKad to spend your RM100 Sara aid
PUTRAJAYA, 24 July — The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme provides cash assistance that can be used via MyKad to buy essential goods at selected stores across Malaysia, the Finance Ministry said today. Clarifying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement yesterday, the ministry said recipients simply need to present their MyKad to use the one-off RM100 each Malaysian adult will receive from August 31. The MyKad works as a cashless payment method at over 4,100 participating outlets, including major supermarkets such as Giant, Mydin and HeroMarket, as well as small neighbourhood shops. 'No application is required — just show your MyKad at the counter to use the Sara credit,' the ministry said in a social media update. The credit covers 14 categories of essential items, amounting to 90,000 products, such as rice, cooking oil, diapers, paracetamol, stationery and bath soap. Unused credit does not expire immediately and can be used until December 31, offering beneficiaries flexibility in managing their expenses. The Finance Ministry reiterated that every Malaysian aged 18 and above will receive a one-off aid. It then said the government will announce further details on SARA's implementation in the coming weeks.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
‘No application required': Ministry says just flash your MyKad to spend your RM100 Sara aid
PUTRAJAYA, 24 July — The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme provides cash assistance that can be used via MyKad to buy essential goods at selected stores across Malaysia, the Finance Ministry said today. Clarifying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement yesterday, the ministry said recipients simply need to present their MyKad to use the one-off RM100 each Malaysian adult will receive from August 31. The MyKad works as a cashless payment method at over 4,100 participating outlets, including major supermarkets such as Giant, Mydin and HeroMarket, as well as small neighbourhood shops. 'No application is required — just show your MyKad at the counter to use the Sara credit,' the ministry said in a social media update. The credit covers 14 categories of essential items, amounting to 90,000 products, such as rice, cooking oil, diapers, paracetamol, stationery and bath soap. Unused credit does not expire immediately and can be used until December 31, offering beneficiaries flexibility in managing their expenses. The Finance Ministry reiterated that every Malaysian aged 18 and above will receive a one-off aid. It then said the government will announce further details on SARA's implementation in the coming weeks.
