Nation

Transparency, accountability must be mandatory, says Anwar in tabling Govt Procurement Bill

KUALA LUMPUR: With Malaysia's dark history with corruption and past transgressions, transparency and accountability is no longer optional but a mandatory demand, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stressing that the culture of awarding contracts through direct negotiations will no longer continue.

Singapore

Mini Labubu dolls to be available on Lazada in S’pore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam on Friday (Aug 29)

SINGAPORE: Labubu fans in Singapore keen to get their hands on the miniature versions of the wildly popular ugly-cute dolls can soon buy them on Lazada from 10am on Friday (Aug 29).

Nation

Government Procurement Bill reinforces checks and balances, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister has dismissed allegations by some parties that the proposed Government Procurement Bill 2025 will give excessive discretionary powers to the Finance Minister.

Sabah & Sarawak

Sabah Day needs unique identity and focus, says Jeffrey Kitingan

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Day, which is celebrated together with National Day on Aug 31, should have a concept and identity of its own, says Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

Nation

Rent-seeking, interference in procurement criminalised under Govt Procurement Bill, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Rent-seeking, sub-contracting and interference in procurement exercises will be criminalised under the Government Procurement Bill, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Entertainment

Siti Nurhaliza surprises passengers with performance on flight to Indonesia, praised for flying economy

The 46-year-old also invited four fans onboard to perform one of her hits for a chance to win a 'mystery prize'.

Sabah & Sarawak

Sabah has no plans to ban vape for now, taking steps to tighten controls, curb misuse, says state minister

KOTA KINABALU: While Sabah has no plans to ban vape for now, the state is taking a proactive step by tightening controls and curbing its misuse through Operation Selamat Lungs (Ops PaPa).

South Korea

South Korea to ban phones in class in elementary, middle and high schools from March 2026

SEOUL: Starting in March 2026, South Korean students are banned from using phones during class, under a new law that passed the National Assembly on Wednesday (Aug 27).

Nation

PM to deliver National Day address at MAEPS on Saturday

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to deliver the National Day 2025 address on Saturday (Aug 30) at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).

Nation

MP calls for tougher penalties for disrespecting Jalur Gemilang

KUALA LUMPUR: With a recent spike in viral cases of upside-down Jalur Gemilang, an opposition MP has suggested the government amend Malaysia's Constitution to allow criminal charges against anyone who disrespects the national flag.

Thailand

Thai woman jailed for 43 years for lese-majeste freed after royal pardon

BANGKOK: A Thai woman who received one of the kingdom's longest ever royal insult sentences was freed from prison on Wednesday (Aug 27) under a mass pardon marking the king's birthday.

Nation

Over 60% of commercial vehicle operators failed JPJ safety audit, says DG

PUTRAJAYA: More than 60% of the 500 commercial vehicle companies audited under the Special Operation on Safety Audit System Guidelines (Ops Khas JISA) failed to meet safety standards, mainly due to improper installation of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) said on Wednesday (Aug 27).

World

Thailand grants some Myanmar refugees right to legal work

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand will give legal employment rights to thousands of Myanmar refugees now living in camps along the border between the two countries, the government said on Wednesday, a move that won the praise of the United Nations' refugee agency.

Nation

Two Thai nationals killed, four hurt in Pontian house fire

PONTIAN: A fire that broke out in a house here killed two people and left four others injured.

Asia & Oceania

Singapore to hold food festival in September

Head to Singapore next month to experience its vibrant food festival.

Singapore

Environment agency explains why water in Yishun Canal turned green (update)

SINGAPORE: The green water that had pooled in a canal in Yishun Close was caused by the discharge of wash water contaminated with water-based ink, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Wednesday (Aug 27).

Nation

MACC nabs ex-CEO of foundation, NGO chairman over RM2.1mil in false claims

PUTRAJAYA: A former chief executive officer of a banking institution-owned foundation and the chairman of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) have been remanded for five days until Aug 31 for allegedly being involved in false claims amounting to over RM2.1mil.

Forex

Asian currencies fall as dollar rebounds; stocks mixed ahead of Nvidia results

ASIAN currencies fell on Wednesday as the U.S. dollar recovered after declining in the previous session, though concerns persisted over Federal Reserve's independence, while regional equities traded mixed ahead of key Nvidia earnings.

Philippines

Cockfighting enthusiasts case: 401 human skeletal remains found in Taal Lake says Justice Dept

MANILA: A total of 401 "human skeletal remains" were recovered from Taal Lake as authorities continue the search for the missing sabungeros, or cockfighting aficionados, a Department of Justice (DOJ) official said.

Vietnam

Cheap imports threaten sustainability of Vietnam's livestock industry

HANOI: The domestic meat market is facing mounting pressure as imports surge, with cheaper products increasingly dominating supermarket shelves. Experts warn the trend could undermine local farmers and threaten the long-term sustainability of the livestock sector if no strategic measures are taken.