K KL Herald

Kuala Lumpur's trusted voice for news, politics and business.

RK
International Correspondent

Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh covers world for the publication.

999 articles published

Zahid Confirms BN-PN Coalition Will Persist in Melaka

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has confirmed that the working arrangement between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional will continue in Melaka, signalling stability in the eastern state's political landscape.

· · 3 min read

MACC flags potential arrests in MyIMMs hacking investigation

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has signalled that additional arrests are likely in its ongoing investigation into the hacking of the MyIMMs immigration system and unlawful processing of Temporary Employment Visit Pass applications.

· · 4 min read

Fast-food Cook Faces Sexual Assault Charges in Kelantan

A cook employed at a fast-food establishment in Kelantan has been formally charged with multiple counts of sexual assault against a 17-year-old colleague, with proceedings taking place at Pasir Mas Sessions Court.

· · 3 min read

BN-PN partnership poses no threat, Zahid reassures minority communities

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has sought to ease concerns among Malaysia's Chinese and Indian communities about closer political cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional, signalling that such collaboration would not undermine minority interests.

· · 4 min read

12 Remanded in Immigration System Hacking Probe

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has obtained remand orders for 12 people, including Immigration Department personnel and a police officer, suspected of hacking the immigration system to illegally process employment passes.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Pushes for Parliament to Debate Tabung Haji Inquiry Findings

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed his law minister to arrange a special Dewan Rakyat sitting to debate findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Tabung Haji, signalling parliament's intent to address the long-troubled pilgrimage fund.

· · 4 min read

Anwar: Legal Action Against Tabung Haji Must Follow Due Process

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that regardless of whether the cabinet chooses to publicly release the Royal Commission of Inquiry findings into Tabung Haji, all subsequent legal actions must strictly follow due process requirements.

· · 3 min read

I Wouldn't Give a Cent to Bersatu Without That Request, Court Hears

A company director testified in the High Court that he would have made no financial contribution to Bersatu whatsoever had he not been specifically requested by a politically connected businessman to contribute RM19.5 million linked to the Jana Wibawa initiative.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Urges Smarter, Tech-Enabled Islamic Messaging for Modern Era

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for Islamic preaching to harness technology and sound judgment, arguing that digital platforms are essential for delivering religious messaging to contemporary audiences across Malaysia and the region.

· · 4 min read

BN Will Lead Negri Sembilan, Not PN, Says Mohamad Hasan

Barisan Nasional's Mohamad Hasan has reassured voters that BN will retain full authority in Negri Sembilan despite its electoral understanding with Perikatan Nasional, dismissing claims PAS will wield backdoor influence.

· · 3 min read

Two Foreign Nationals Held Over Death of Young Child in Penang

Police have remanded two foreign nationals for seven days following the death of a 5-year-old boy in Gelugor, Penang. Both individuals are assisting authorities with their ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

· · 3 min read

No Early Election Talks, Says Deputy PM Zahid

Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has ruled out speculation of an early general election, stating that no discussions have taken place regarding advancing the poll date.

· · 3 min read

Zahid Calls for Formal Framework in PN-BN Coalition Discussions

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has signalled that any proposed alliance between Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional must proceed through official channels to carry legitimate weight in Malaysia's fractious political landscape.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia to Persist in Talks with US Over 10% Tariff, Says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that Malaysia will keep negotiating with the United States regarding a recently imposed 10 per cent tariff, indicating the government's commitment to resolving the trade dispute through sustained diplomatic engagement.

· · 3 min read

PAS Leader Insists BN-PN Electoral Pact Is Genuine Political Alliance

PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has firmly rejected suggestions that the electoral cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional in Negri Sembilan represents mere political theatre, asserting instead that the alliance reflects a genuine commitment to shared governance objectives.

· · 4 min read

BN-PN alliance will maintain inclusive principles, says Asyraf

Umno's secretary-general has reassured Malaysians that Barisan Nasional's cooperative arrangement with Perikatan Nasional in Negri Sembilan will not compromise the coalition's longstanding dedication to representing all communities across the nation.

· · 3 min read

Leong Jun Hao Shows Promise Yet Remains Below Elite Threshold

Badminton Association of Malaysia shuttler Leong Jun Hao has halted his recent decline, yet continues to struggle for the consistency and performance level required to establish himself among the sport's top-ranked men's singles competitors.

· · 3 min read

BN Leverages 'Johor Aura' to Sway Negri Sembilan Voters

Barisan Nasional is leveraging its strong performance in Johor to build momentum for the upcoming Negri Sembilan election, with the coalition highlighting governance successes in the neighbouring southern state.

· · 4 min read

Zahid replies to PM with pantun on 'roof and storm'

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has responded to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's unity-themed pantun with his own four-line Malay verse, continuing a poetic exchange between the two senior leaders.

· · 3 min read

Inter Miami Lands Brazil Star Casemiro Amid MLS Tampering Probe

Inter Miami confirmed the acquisition of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro on Wednesday, marking a significant roster boost for the MLS franchise. The league has launched a formal inquiry into alleged tampering by the club during the transfer negotiations.

· · 3 min read

Split Malay votes could cost BN-PN Negri Sembilan, warns Khairy

Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has cautioned that unless Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional coordinate effectively, a divided Malay electorate could prevent either coalition from securing victory in the upcoming Negri Sembilan state election.

· · 4 min read

Orang Asli Find Hope in PM's Land Dispute Pledge

Indigenous residents of Kampung Sungai Cot have expressed relief after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pledged direct government intervention to resolve their protracted land dispute, signalling renewed hope for the embattled community.

· · 4 min read

Resign if you want to attack unity partners, Anwar tells ministers

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has delivered a stark warning to his cabinet: those seeking to publicly criticise unity government partners during electoral campaigns must first tender their resignations. The directive underscores coalition tensions.

· · 4 min read

Anwar to Clarify KWAP's eFishery Deal in Parliament

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will tackle questions about Retirement Fund Incorporated's investment in eFishery during a parliamentary session tomorrow, addressing mounting scrutiny over the pension fund's controversial venture.

· · 3 min read

PH Youth Demands BN Cabinet Ministers Resign Over PN Alliance

Pakatan Harapan's youth coalition has demanded that all Barisan Nasional ministers and deputy ministers resign from cabinet, accusing BN of undermining the unity government through cooperation with Perikatan Nasional in state elections.

· · 3 min read

Trump Resurrects Debunked 2020 Election Fraud Claims in Latest Address

US President Donald Trump has revived long-discredited allegations of fraud and foreign interference from the 2020 presidential election, making claims about Chinese theft of voter data and Venezuelan manipulation of voting machines that have been repeatedly debunked.

· · 4 min read

Subang Jaya Woman Charged with Murder of Newborn Baby

A supermarket saleswoman has been charged in magistrate's court with the murder of her newborn baby in Subang Jaya. The case highlights serious issues surrounding maternal mental health and infant welfare in Malaysia.

· · 3 min read

Utah Man Arrested for Religiously Motivated Stabbing Attack

Police in Utah have arrested a man accused of stabbing a Muslim victim multiple times in what authorities describe as a religiously motivated attack. Court documents filed Tuesday detail the suspect's stated motive targeting the victim's faith.

· · 3 min read

Anwar Urges Melaka DAP to Reconsider Withdrawal Plan

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on the Melaka chapter of DAP to delay its planned exit from the state government, emphasizing that such a move could derail ongoing developmental initiatives and compromise public welfare.

· · 3 min read

Ex-Civil Servant Held Over RM300,000 False Claims Scheme

Police have detained a former civil servant suspected of submitting forged documents to fraudulently obtain approximately RM300,000 in government financial assistance. The case highlights growing concerns about internal government fraud.

· · 3 min read

King Receives MACC Chief Commissioner at Istana Negara

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim received MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman at Istana Negara, underlining the monarchy's engagement with institutional leadership on governance and anti-corruption matters.

· · 3 min read

Man arrested in Melaka over alleged abuse of 10 young boys

Police in Melaka have arrested a 36-year-old trader on suspicion of molesting 10 young boys and sodomising one victim between March and recent weeks. The case has sparked fresh concerns about child safety in the state.

· · 3 min read

At Least 27 Dead in Bangkok Bar Blaze

A devastating fire in a Bangkok bar claimed at least 27 lives late Sunday evening, according to Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The incident marks a major tragedy in the Thai capital.

· · 3 min read

Nga Reaffirms Resignation Stance Tied to Najib's Sentencing

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has clarified that his willingness to resign from cabinet was explicitly conditional on former Prime Minister Najib Razak being released without serving an appropriate sentence.

· · 3 min read

Federal Aid Distributed Equitably Across All States, PM Asserts

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that the Federal Government distributes development aid and funding equitably across all Malaysian states, regardless of political affiliation, including opposition-controlled Kelantan and Kedah.

· · 4 min read

Investigation into Jho Low Remains Open, Says MACC

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has clarified that its investigation into fugitive Low Taek Jho remains ongoing and has not been terminated, keeping pressure on the high-profile case.

· · 3 min read

MACC Clears Nik Nazmi in RM53m Elephant Transfer Allegation

Malaysia's anti-corruption body says it has discovered no evidence implicating former Natural Resources Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in allegations of a RM53 million bribe connected to transferring three elephants to Japan.

· · 3 min read

Pas backing for Umno in Johor is heartfelt, insists Hadi

Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has defended his party's decision to direct voter support toward Barisan Nasional candidates in Johor seats where Perikatan Nasional is not contesting, characterising the arrangement as genuine partnership.

· · 4 min read

Ex-KLK Worker Denies Charges Over Hidden Palm Oil Stock Records

A former Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad employee has pleaded not guilty in Ipoh Magistrate's Court to charges of concealing crude palm oil inventory records, an allegation that highlights internal compliance concerns within Malaysia's major plantation sector.

· · 3 min read

Arrest Made in Banting School Stabbing Incident

Police have apprehended a suspect following a stabbing incident at a secondary school in Banting. The arrest comes as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

· · 3 min read

Anwar to Meet Felda Leadership Over Ongoing Settler Grievances

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has scheduled a meeting with Felda management at his office to address persistent grievances affecting the agency's settler communities, signalling intensified focus on resolving rural welfare concerns.

· · 3 min read

Only King Can Revoke Azam Baki's NFCC Role, Says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated that only Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, possesses the constitutional authority to revoke Tan Sri Azam Baki's appointment to the National Financial Crime Centre advisory board.

· · 4 min read

Five Taiping Prison Guards Face Court Charges Over Inmate Death

Five warders from Taiping Prison in Perak will appear in court on charges stemming from an inmate assault investigation. The incident last January resulted in one death and several injuries, marking a significant development in Malaysia's prison accountability.

· · 4 min read

Marina alleges DAP hypocrisy over Najib pardon stance

Former Skudai assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim has accused the DAP of applying inconsistent principles regarding ex-PM Najib Razak, claiming a party leader privately backed a royal pardon and home detention arrangement.

· · 3 min read

DAP's Johor BN Support Claims Baseless, Says Ahmad Maslan

Johor Umno's second-highest ranking official has rejected Democratic Action Party assertions that Barisan Nasional's political standing in Johor is deteriorating, calling such claims without merit amid shifting political dynamics.

· · 3 min read

Top MACC Officer Chosen for Exclusive FBI National Academy Training

A senior Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officer has been selected to represent Malaysia at the 299th FBI National Academy training programme in the United States, reflecting international recognition of the country's anti-corruption capabilities.

· · 3 min read

French Far-Right Leader Bardella Faces Fake EU Job Allegations

A French corruption watchdog is pushing for an investigation into claims that far-right figure Jordan Bardella once held a fictional assistant position in the European Parliament. The allegations, which Bardella's party flatly denies, add fresh controversy to the ascendant political figure.

· · 4 min read

Thai Airways Employee Charged After Heroin Smuggling Attempt in Australia

Australian authorities have charged a Thai Airways employee with attempting to smuggle more than one kilogram of heroin into the country. Customs officials discovered the drug concealed in tote bags, marking another significant narcotics seizure at a major international airport.

· · 3 min read

PAS Youth Backs BN Strategy to Counter Harapan in Select Seats

PAS Youth has explained its decision to support Barisan Nasional candidates in certain constituencies as a calculated political strategy to prevent Pakatan Harapan from gaining ground where Perikatan Nasional is not fielding candidates.

· · 4 min read

Couple arrested in RM3.59mil Johor drug bust

Johor police have successfully dismantled a major drug operation in Kulai, arresting a married couple and confiscating narcotics worth RM3.59 million in a significant blow against organised drug trafficking in the state.

· · 4 min read

King Charles III Breaks New Ground with Personal Tax Disclosure

King Charles III has made history by becoming the first reigning British monarch to publicly disclose his personal tax payment, revealing he paid £12.9 million in the 2024-2025 tax year as part of efforts to improve royal financial transparency.

· · 5 min read

Japan Restructures Air Force to Establish Space Defence Capability

Japan has enacted legislation to reorganise its Air Self-Defence Force, formally adding space to its mandate and establishing a dedicated space operations group. The restructuring, effective by March 2027, aims to strengthen satellite surveillance and domain awareness amid regional security concerns.

· · 4 min read

Four Sisters Lose Appeal Over Ancestral Land Damage in Pedas

Four sisters have lost their legal challenge to recover damages for alleged trespass and unauthorised drainage works that they claimed eroded their ancestral property in Pedas. The Court of Appeal found insufficient evidence.

· · 4 min read

Alibaba challenges Pentagon blacklist in US lawsuit

Alibaba has sued the US Department of Defence in California over its inclusion on a blacklist of companies deemed to support China's military, challenging the designation as unconstitutional.

· · 4 min read

Filipino Basketball Coach and 10 Others Charged Over Players' Drowning Deaths

Philippine authorities have recommended charges against the former head coach of Ateneo de Manila University's men's basketball team and ten others for violating anti-hazing laws following the deaths of two players who drowned during a gruelling training session in Aurora province last June.

· · 5 min read

Thailand imposes alcohol ban during Bangkok and Pattaya local elections

Thailand's Election Commission has implemented a strict alcohol ban across Bangkok and Pattaya during local elections on June 27–28, prohibiting sale, distribution and service of all alcoholic beverages with penalties of up to six months' imprisonment and 10,000 baht fines.

· · 4 min read

Oman Pledges Free Passage Through Strait of Hormuz Under Iran-US Deal

Oman has thrown its weight behind the Iran-US memorandum of understanding, guaranteeing that future transit arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz will remain free from fees, underscoring the agreement's significance for regional stability and global energy security.

· · 4 min read

Cambodia's Top Court Upholds 14-Year Treason Sentences for Journalists

Cambodia's Supreme Court has upheld lengthy 14-year prison sentences against two journalists found guilty of treason. The conviction stems from their publication of a photograph captured in a restricted military area following cross-border tensions with Thailand.

· · 4 min read

Adani's Legal Team Pushes for Dismissal of US Criminal Charges

Gautam Adani's legal team has petitioned a US federal judge to formally dismiss criminal charges, following the Justice Department's decision to abandon prosecution of the Indian billionaire over alleged overseas bribery and investor deception.

· · 5 min read

MAIWP Opens Batu Zakat Centre to Streamline Aid Distribution

The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council has inaugurated a new Zakat Distribution Centre in Batu, aiming to enhance service efficiency and community outreach through multiple welfare initiatives and assistance schemes.

· · 4 min read

Fathers Must Embrace Expanded Roles in Family Life, Says LPPKN

Malaysia's National Population and Family Development Board urges fathers to take greater responsibility for children's emotional wellbeing and education, moving beyond traditional breadwinner roles to become agents of family stability.

· · 5 min read

Anthropic Launches Claude Tag to Deepen AI Integration in Slack Workspaces

Anthropic has introduced Claude Tag, a new feature allowing its Claude AI assistant to actively participate in Slack conversations, monitor channel activity, and automate coding tasks. The deployment reflects intensifying competition between AI firms to capture enterprise customers.

· · 4 min read

Bondi Beach Hero Denies Assault Charges Against Father

Ahmed al Ahmed, hailed as a hero for stopping the Bondi Beach mass shooting, has pleaded not guilty to assaulting his father. The 44-year-old fruit seller, who received over A$1 million in donations, faces common assault and domestic intimidation charges.

· · 3 min read

South Korea's Ruling Party Chief Quits Ahead of Leadership Contest

South Korea's ruling Democratic Party chairman Jung Chung-rae has resigned, signalling his intention to contest the party's August leadership election. His departure opens a three-way race involving senior figures loyal to President Lee Jae Myung.

· · 4 min read