AI

EU to crack down on AI deepfakes, illicit imagery and hacking with new team in Brussels

The European Union rolled out a new team on July 31 to rein in AI companies across the world, in one of the most aggressive regulations the high-tech sector has so far faced as fears rise over the risks the rapidly advancing technology poses to people, politics and prosperity.

Tennis

Tennis-Fritz outlasts compatriot Nakashima, set to face Jodar in Washington Open final

WASHINGTON DC, Aug 1 (Reuters) - American third ⁠seed Taylor Fritz overcame a second-set wobble to beat compatriot Brandon Nakashima 6-3 3-6 6-2 ⁠on Saturday and reach the Washington Open final.

Nation

Ismail Lasim sworn in as new Negri MB

KUALA PILAH: Juasseh assemblyman Datuk Ismail Lasim has been sworn in as the new Mentri Besar of Negri Sembilan. The veteran 67-year-old Umno politician who is also Kuala Pilah Umno chief was sworn in before the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir at Istana Besar Seri Menanti here.

Forex

Ringgit expected to trade between 4.07 and 4.09 against US dollar next week

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to trade between 4.07 and 4.09 against the US dollar next week, with market sentiment likely to be guided by a series of key United States (US) economic data releases and their implications for the Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook.

Singapore

Nine to be charged over alleged sexual exploitation of minors

SINGAPORE: Eight men and one woman have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the sexual exploitation of two minors, police said.

Indonesia

Mixed-marriage families urge priority in Indonesia's dual citizenship plan

JAKARTA: The government's proposal to grant dual citizenship only to adults with expertise needed by the state has drawn criticism from mixed-marriage advocates, who say it lacks clear eligibility criteria and unfairly overlooks children with stronger legal claims under Indonesia's citizenship law.

Consumer

Nescafé Malaysia launches two new ready-to-drink coffee flavours

KUALA LUMPUR: Nescafé Malaysia has introduced two new additions to its ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee range, Spanish Latte and Tiramisu Latte, as part of its "Treat Yourself to More" campaign targeting young consumers.

Thailand

Rescued wild elephant calf in critical condition after being found alone in Kanchanaburi

KANCHANABURI: A very young male wild elephant calf was found alone, weak and stranded on a riverbank in Sai Yok district, Kanchanaburi, after being separated from its herd.

World

Fires on more than 250,000 acres of Washington state prompt evacuations

Aug 1 (Reuters) - Wildfires across ⁠more than a quarter of a million acres in Washington state have prompted widespread evacuations and ⁠power outages in the Spokane area, state officials said on Saturday evening.

Badminton

Big boost as Kok Siang rejoins BAM as coach - replacing Nova?

PETALING JAYA: Teo Kok Siang has rejoined the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as one of its coaches.

Nation

Selangor DVS assures thorough, fair probe into Rocky’s death

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has assured that its investigation into the death of a dog during a stray dog-catching operation in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang, will be conducted thoroughly, fairly and without prejudice to any party.

Athletics

Athletics-Kerr caps 'great two weeks' with Commonwealth Games gold on home soil

Aug 2 (Reuters) - Scotland's Josh ⁠Kerr raced to victory in the men's mile at the ⁠Commonwealth Games in front of home fans in Glasgow, clocking ‌three minutes 54.12 seconds on Saturday.

Technology

QR codes make their way down wedding aisles

The technology, often associated with pandemic-era menus, is being used by more couples for ease, cost, expedience and sustainability.

Europe

Crimea's tourism industry collapsing because of drone attacks

Once a magnet for millions of Russian holidaymakers each year, Crimea's tourism industry has collapsed in recent months.

Nation

Saleswoman loses nearly RM300,000 to investment scam

KUALA TERENGGANU: A women's clothing saleswoman lost RM290,910 after falling victim to an investment scam syndicate.

Nation

Negri polls: Ismail Lasim front runner for MB post

KUALA PILAH: Juasseh assemblyman Datuk Ismail Lasim is the leading candidate to be named the new Mentri Besar of Negri Sembilan.

Sabah & Sarawak

Tawau festival preserves cultural heritage for future generations, says Hajiji

TAWAU: Beneath the colourful costumes and lively performances, 32 Sabah ethnic groups are bringing generations-old traditions to the stage in the hope that younger people will carry them forward.

Other Sports

Commonwealth Games: Malaysian lawn bowlers miss gold, will fight for bronze

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's lawn bowls campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games suffered a double blow on Saturday (Aug 1) as both the men's pairs and women's singles lost in their semi-finals

Nation

Barisan victory a mandate to serve rakyat with integrity, says Zambry

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional's victory in Negri Sembilan is not just a form of recognition but a mandate to serve the rakyat with integrity and sincerity, says its secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

Living

Crimea loses fuel, water and power, but not Russian tourists

Russian tourists are continuing to take their summer holidays in Crimea despite persistent Ukrainian drone attacks, a state of emergency, fuel shortages and power outages on the annexed Black Sea peninsula.