<p>Malaysia sent more than 1,000 Myanmar nationals back to their strife-torn homeland on Tuesday despite a court order to halt the deportation, a move rights groups said could endanger the deportees' lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 1,086 Myanmar citizens were sent back on three navy ships sent by Myanmar's military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, sparking weeks of protests from pro-democracy activists. Malaysia had initially said it would deport 1,200.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malaysia vowed not to deport Rohingya Muslims or refugees registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). But the agency has said at least six people registered with it were among the deportees. Refugee groups also say asylum seekers from the minority Chin, Kachin and non-Rohingya Muslim communities fleeing conflict and persecution at home are among those being deported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malaysia's Immigration Department director-general said the repatriated Myanmar citizens did not include Rohingya refugees or asylum-seekers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All of those returned had agreed to be sent back voluntarily without being forced by any party," Khairul Dzaimee Daud said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He did not respond to queries on why the repatriation was carried out despite the court-ordered halt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kuala Lumpur High Court had granted a stay until 10 am on Wednesday, when it was scheduled to hear an application by rights groups for a judicial review to suspend the deportation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just before the ruling, the migrants were sent by bus from across the country to the naval base at Lumut in western Malaysia where the Myanmar ships were docked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those deported had been detained for immigration offences. Malaysia does not formally recognise refugees, treating them as undocumented migrants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amnesty International, one of the groups, which requested the judicial review, called the decision to deport without a proper assessment of the returnees 'inhumane and devastating'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Using indirect means to push people back to face grave human rights violations is essentially constructive refoulement," Katrina Maliamauv, Amnesty Malaysia director, said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There are still huge, deeply concerning question marks over the status of those sent back today."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rights groups in their court filing said among the deportees were three people registered with the UNHCR and 17 minors, who have at least one parent in Malaysia.&nbsp;</p>


Malaysia sent more than 1,000 Myanmar nationals back to their strife-torn homeland on Tuesday despite a court order to halt the deportation, a move rights groups said could endanger the deportees' lives.

Malaysia sent more than 1,000 Myanmar nationals back to their strife-torn homeland on Tuesday despite a court order to halt the deportation, a move rights groups said could endanger the deportees' lives. The 1,086 Myanmar citizens were sent back on three navy ships sent by Myanmar's military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, sparking weeks of protests from pro-democracy activists. Malaysia had initially said it would deport 1,200. Malaysia vowed not to deport Rohingya Muslims or refugees registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). But the agency has said at least six people registered with it were among the deportees. Refugee groups also say asylum seekers from the minority Chin, Kachin and non-Rohingya Muslim communities fleeing conflict and persecution at home are among those being deported. Malaysia's Immigration Department director-general said the repatriated Myanmar citizens did not include Rohingya refugees or asylum-seekers. "All of those returned had agreed to be sent back voluntarily without being forced by any party," Khairul Dzaimee Daud said in a statement. He did not respond to queries on why the repatriation was carried out despite the court-ordered halt. The Kuala Lumpur High Court had granted a stay until 10 am on Wednesday, when it was scheduled to hear an application by rights groups for a judicial review to suspend the deportation. Just before the ruling, the migrants were sent by bus from across the country to the naval base at Lumut in western Malaysia where the Myanmar ships were docked. Those deported had been detained for immigration offences. Malaysia does not formally recognise refugees, treating them as undocumented migrants. Amnesty International, one of the groups, which requested the judicial review, called the decision to deport without a proper assessment of the returnees 'inhumane and devastating'. "Using indirect means to push people back to face grave human rights violations is essentially constructive refoulement," Katrina Maliamauv, Amnesty Malaysia director, said in a statement. "There are still huge, deeply concerning question marks over the status of those sent back today." The rights groups in their court filing said among the deportees were three people registered with the UNHCR and 17 minors, who have at least one parent in Malaysia.

Defying court order, Malaysia deports over 1,000 Myanmar refugees

<p>A multimillion-dollar sailing yacht that once belonged to French tycoon Bernard Tapie has sunk off the coast of Malaysia, an official confirmed Sunday, after it caught fire a few days ago.</p>

<p>Malaysia's coastguard said the 75-metre (246 foot) Phocea sank near the holiday island of Langkawi early Friday morning, a day after a blaze engulfed the four-masted yacht.</p>

<p>"We believed it sank Friday morning, at about five or six a.m.," senior coastguard official Mohamad Zawawi Abdullah told AFP.</p>

<p>"We managed to control the fire, but the damage to the hull caused by the fire may have caused the yacht to sink."</p>

<p>He added that government officials were investigating the cause of the fire, and that the agent in charge of the vessel had been informed of the sinking.</p>

<p>Seven crew members were saved from the vessel after rescuers were alerted to the fire on Thursday.</p>

<p>Built for French sailor Alain Colas in 1976, the yacht was owned by Tapie in the 1980s and 1990s.</p>

<p>It was later sold to a wealthy Lebanese woman for 36.5 million francs (7.5 million euros today), according to media reports.</p>

<p>Tapie is a former Socialist minister who rose from humble beginnings to build a sporting and media empire, but later faced a string of legal problems.</p>

<p>He made a fortune in the early part of his career by taking over failing companies, and flaunted his wealth. As well as the yacht, he bought a football club.</p>


A multimillion-dollar sailing yacht that once belonged to French tycoon Bernard Tapie has sunk off the coast of Malaysia, an official confirmed Sunday, after it caught fire a few days ago.

A multimillion-dollar sailing yacht that once belonged to French tycoon Bernard Tapie has sunk off the coast of Malaysia, an official confirmed Sunday, after it caught fire a few days ago. Malaysia's coastguard said the 75-metre (246 foot) Phocea sank near the holiday island of Langkawi early Friday morning, a day after a blaze engulfed the four-masted yacht. "We believed it sank Friday morning, at about five or six a.m.," senior coastguard official Mohamad Zawawi Abdullah told AFP. "We managed to control the fire, but the damage to the hull caused by the fire may have caused the yacht to sink." He added that government officials were investigating the cause of the fire, and that the agent in charge of the vessel had been informed of the sinking. Seven crew members were saved from the vessel after rescuers were alerted to the fire on Thursday. Built for French sailor Alain Colas in 1976, the yacht was owned by Tapie in the 1980s and 1990s. It was later sold to a wealthy Lebanese woman for 36.5 million francs (7.5 million euros today), according to media reports. Tapie is a former Socialist minister who rose from humble beginnings to build a sporting and media empire, but later faced a string of legal problems. He made a fortune in the early part of his career by taking over failing companies, and flaunted his wealth. As well as the yacht, he bought a football club.

Yacht once owned by French tycoon sinks off Malaysia

A Malaysian news site named Malaysiakini was fined $120,000 over readers’ comments that criticized the judiciary, raising concerns about worsening press freedom.

Malaysia: Malaysiakini hit with massive fine of $120,000 over reader comments

A Malaysian restaurant has started an in-car dining service for its motorist patrons as a way to serve meals amid a Covid-19 lockdown that is limiting people from going to eateries. The Southeast Asian nation is struggling with a resurgent wave of the coronavirus that has infected more than 200,000 people and killed hundreds in recent months. To curb the spread, officials came up with a lockdown with rules including banning people from eating at restaurants in mid-January, allowing only for takeaway and deliveries. Getting around this, a restaurant chain in the city of Cyberjaya just outside Kuala Lumpur came up with a plan to bring their menus and meals to waiting customers without having to leave their steering wheels.

Lockdown-weary Malaysians get appetite for drive-in dining

<p>Malaysia's top court ruled on Friday that a popular online news portal was guilty of contempt for publishing readers' comments that criticised the judiciary, a landmark case slammed by media groups as a clampdown on press freedom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Attorney General Idrus Harun filed the charges against Malaysiakini and its editor-in-chief Steven Gan over comments made by five readers on the portal last year that he said undermined public confidence in the judiciary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A seven-member panel in the federal court ruled 6-1 that Malaysiakini was liable for third-party comments but exonerated Gan. It fined Malaysiakini 500,000 ringgit (USD 123,685).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gan warned the ruling could restrict discussion of issues of public interest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will affect not just Malaysiakini. The decision will place an undue burden on media organisations, companies and millions of social media users... It has a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Malaysia," he told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an environment where we have a vibrant social media today, it is imperative we explain, we illuminate, we educate... Instead of trying to punish media organisations like Malaysiakini," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gan also said the hefty fine, more than double what prosecutors sought, was unfair and an attempt to perhaps not just punish us but to shut us down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prosecutors have said the portal should be held responsible for publishing the comments. But defence lawyers argued there was no intent of mischief, as the portal was unaware of the comments and had immediately removed them after it was notified by police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Center for Independent Journalism, a media watchdog, tweeted on Friday that it stands in solidarity with Malaysiakini and strongly condemns efforts by the state to intimidate and threaten media freedom and independence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amnesty International Malaysia said it was deeply alarmed by the unprecedented ruling.&nbsp;</p>


Malaysia's top court ruled on Friday that a popular online news portal was guilty of contempt for publishing readers' comments that criticised the judiciary, a landmark case slammed by media groups as a clampdown on press freedom.

Malaysia's top court ruled on Friday that a popular online news portal was guilty of contempt for publishing readers' comments that criticised the judiciary, a landmark case slammed by media groups as a clampdown on press freedom. Attorney General Idrus Harun filed the charges against Malaysiakini and its editor-in-chief Steven Gan over comments made by five readers on the portal last year that he said undermined public confidence in the judiciary. A seven-member panel in the federal court ruled 6-1 that Malaysiakini was liable for third-party comments but exonerated Gan. It fined Malaysiakini 500,000 ringgit (USD 123,685). Gan warned the ruling could restrict discussion of issues of public interest. It will affect not just Malaysiakini. The decision will place an undue burden on media organisations, companies and millions of social media users... It has a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Malaysia," he told reporters. In an environment where we have a vibrant social media today, it is imperative we explain, we illuminate, we educate... Instead of trying to punish media organisations like Malaysiakini," he said. Gan also said the hefty fine, more than double what prosecutors sought, was unfair and an attempt to perhaps not just punish us but to shut us down. Prosecutors have said the portal should be held responsible for publishing the comments. But defence lawyers argued there was no intent of mischief, as the portal was unaware of the comments and had immediately removed them after it was notified by police. Center for Independent Journalism, a media watchdog, tweeted on Friday that it stands in solidarity with Malaysiakini and strongly condemns efforts by the state to intimidate and threaten media freedom and independence. Amnesty International Malaysia said it was deeply alarmed by the unprecedented ruling.

Court finds news portal guilty of contempt over readers' comments in Malaysia

<p>A leading Malaysian new site was fined USD 120,000 on Friday over readers' comments criticising judiciary. This has sparked concerns about worsening press freedom in the country. There are fears that independent media outlets are under attack in Malaysia ever since a coalition seized power without election last year.</p>

<p>Malaysiakini, a popular portal that has made a name for itself by reporting on the misdeeds of the ruling elite, and its editor-in-chief Steven Gan, were accused of contempt of court in a case brought by the attorney general.</p>

<p>The case relates to five readers' comments on an article that criticised the judiciary. The authorities claim that this eroded public confidence in the courts.</p>

<p>A panel of judges at the country's top court ruled that Malaysiakini was guilty of contempt and ordered the site to pay a 500,000 ringgit ($120,000) fine by Wednesday. Prosecutors had sought a fine of 200,000 ringgit.</p>

<p>Gan -- who could have faced a jail term if convicted -- was cleared, but he criticised the decision as "uncalled for".</p>

<p>"The hefty fine against us is really an attempt not to just shut us up -- but to shut us down," he told reporters at the Federal Court in the administrative capital Putrajaya.</p>

<p>After this ruling, the news portal changed to black and white as sign of protest and launched a fundraising drive.</p>

<p>The site appeared on track to easily get enough -- by Friday afternoon, it had raised over 450,000 ringgit.</p>

<p>It has faced continual attacks since it was founded in 1999, ranging from police raids to criminal prosecutions, and has so far managed to survive every challenge.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Blatant violation'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Human Rights Watch's deputy Asia director, Phil Robertson, said the ruling was "a blatant violation of freedom of expression and media freedom, and should be quashed".</p>

<p>The US embassy in Kuala Lumpur said it was worried about the decision and "the impact it will have on press freedom in Malaysia" while British and Canadian envoys also expressed concern.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Judge Rohana Yusuf, delivering the verdict, said freedom of expression must remain "within the bounds permissible by law".</p>

<p>She said the comments on the site were "reprehensible" and involved "allegations of corruption which were unproven and untrue".</p>

<p>It was a split decision, with one of the seven judges dissenting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>(With AFP inputs)</strong></p>


A leading Malaysian new site was fined USD 120,000 on Friday over readers' comments criticising judiciary. This has sparked concerns about worsening press freedom in the country.

A leading Malaysian new site was fined USD 120,000 on Friday over readers' comments criticising judiciary. This has sparked concerns about worsening press freedom in the country. There are fears that independent media outlets are under attack in Malaysia ever since a coalition seized power without election last year. Malaysiakini, a popular portal that has made a name for itself by reporting on the misdeeds of the ruling elite, and its editor-in-chief Steven Gan, were accused of contempt of court in a case brought by the attorney general. The case relates to five readers' comments on an article that criticised the judiciary. The authorities claim that this eroded public confidence in the courts. A panel of judges at the country's top court ruled that Malaysiakini was guilty of contempt and ordered the site to pay a 500,000 ringgit ($120,000) fine by Wednesday. Prosecutors had sought a fine of 200,000 ringgit. Gan -- who could have faced a jail term if convicted -- was cleared, but he criticised the decision as "uncalled for". "The hefty fine against us is really an attempt not to just shut us up -- but to shut us down," he told reporters at the Federal Court in the administrative capital Putrajaya. After this ruling, the news portal changed to black and white as sign of protest and launched a fundraising drive. The site appeared on track to easily get enough -- by Friday afternoon, it had raised over 450,000 ringgit. It has faced continual attacks since it was founded in 1999, ranging from police raids to criminal prosecutions, and has so far managed to survive every challenge. 'Blatant violation' Human Rights Watch's deputy Asia director, Phil Robertson, said the ruling was "a blatant violation of freedom of expression and media freedom, and should be quashed". The US embassy in Kuala Lumpur said it was worried about the decision and "the impact it will have on press freedom in Malaysia" while British and Canadian envoys also expressed concern. Judge Rohana Yusuf, delivering the verdict, said freedom of expression must remain "within the bounds permissible by law". She said the comments on the site were "reprehensible" and involved "allegations of corruption which were unproven and untrue". It was a split decision, with one of the seven judges dissenting. (With AFP inputs)

Malaysian news site slapped heavy fine sparking press freedom concerns

<p>The founder of a controversial dating website "sugar daddy" has been arrested by Malaysian arrest under anti-prostitution laws, officials confirmed on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police said the 34-year-old founder of the website has been arrested, but did not name Darren Chan, whose social media profile describes him as the founder and CEO of Sugarbook, reports news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/despite-coup-malaysia-to-deport-1200-myanmar-migrants-next-week-364090">Despite coup, Malaysia to deport 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week</a></strong></p>

<p>The website claims itself as a platform "where romance meets finance" and targets to link up older men with younger women, with the male expected to give financial help to their female partner.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-rohingya-refugees-caught-arriving-in-malaysia-361601">Dozens of Rohingya refugees caught arriving in Malaysia</a></strong></p>

<p>However, a huge uproar erupted last week after statistics revealed that thousands of students were using the website to make money in the socially conservative country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local media has reported that the site had been banned and regulators had warned people to not use Sugarbook.</p>

<p>Still, the website can be accessed in Malaysia via some internet providers and can be downloaded on Android devices.</p>

<p>Following the action, Chan in a statement said: "our Malaysian government knows what's best for the people".</p>

<p>However, he also added that the site was taking measures to ensure that the ban does not get enforced in other nations.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The founder of a controversial dating website "sugar daddy" has been arrested by Malaysian arrest under anti-prostitution laws, officials confirmed on Thursday. Police said the 34-year-old founder of the website has been arrested, but did not name Darren Chan, whose social media profile describes him as the founder and CEO of Sugarbook, reports news agency AFP.

The founder of a controversial dating website "sugar daddy" has been arrested by Malaysian arrest under anti-prostitution laws, officials confirmed on Thursday. Police said the 34-year-old founder of the website has been arrested, but did not name Darren Chan, whose social media profile describes him as the founder and CEO of Sugarbook, reports news agency AFP. Also read | Despite coup, Malaysia to deport 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week The website claims itself as a platform "where romance meets finance" and targets to link up older men with younger women, with the male expected to give financial help to their female partner. Also read | Dozens of Rohingya refugees caught arriving in Malaysia However, a huge uproar erupted last week after statistics revealed that thousands of students were using the website to make money in the socially conservative country. Local media has reported that the site had been banned and regulators had warned people to not use Sugarbook. Still, the website can be accessed in Malaysia via some internet providers and can be downloaded on Android devices. Following the action, Chan in a statement said: "our Malaysian government knows what's best for the people". However, he also added that the site was taking measures to ensure that the ban does not get enforced in other nations.

Sugar daddy arrested? Malaysian Police arrest founder of controversial dating site

<p>Malaysia's government will repatriate 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week despite a military coup in their home country, but has assured that they will not include minority Muslim Rohingya refugees or those registered with the UN refugee agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the UN High Commissioner for Refugees voiced concern on Tuesday that there may be vulnerable women and children among the group. Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was detained as the military seized power on February 1, sparking protests in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malaysia's immigration chief, Khairul Dzaimee Daud, said in a statement late on Monday that the detainees will be deported February 23 on Myanmar navy ships.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said the 1,200 were held for offenses including not having valid travel documents, overstaying and violating their social visit passes.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>“There are no UNHCR cardholders or ethnic Rohingya involved in the repatriation. It is just part of a usual programme to deport immigrants in our detention depots," Khairul Dzaimee said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The department said Malaysia repatriated 37,038 migrants last year, including 3,322 from Myanmar. This was down from 59,114 in 2019, as many countries shut their borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-cops-file-new-charge-against-suu-kyi-to-extend-detention-indefinitely-364061">Myanmar cops file new charge against Suu Kyi to extend detention indefinitely</a></strong></p>

<p>The UNHCR said it has been barred from accessing Malaysia's immigration detention centers since August 2019 and was unable to verify who needs protection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We are concerned that there remains in detention in Malaysia a number of people, including vulnerable women and children, who may be in need of international protection but whose claims have not been verified and thus do not have the requisite UNHCR documentation," the UNHCR said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If found to be in need of international protection, these individuals should not be deported to a situation where their lives or freedoms may be at risk," it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-monks-march-seek-end-to-military-rule-364052"><strong>Myanmar monks march, seek end to military rule</strong></a></p>

<p>Malaysia is home to some 180,000 UN refugees and asylum seekers including more than 100,000 Rohingya and other Myanmar ethnic groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled from Myanmar since August 2017, when the military launched a clearance operation in response to attacks by a rebel group. The security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and the burning of thousands of homes.</p>


Malaysia's government will repatriate 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week despite a military coup in their home country, but has assured that they will not include minority Muslim Rohingya refugees or those registered with the UN refugee agency.

Malaysia's government will repatriate 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week despite a military coup in their home country, but has assured that they will not include minority Muslim Rohingya refugees or those registered with the UN refugee agency. But the UN High Commissioner for Refugees voiced concern on Tuesday that there may be vulnerable women and children among the group. Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was detained as the military seized power on February 1, sparking protests in the country. Malaysia's immigration chief, Khairul Dzaimee Daud, said in a statement late on Monday that the detainees will be deported February 23 on Myanmar navy ships. He said the 1,200 were held for offenses including not having valid travel documents, overstaying and violating their social visit passes. × “There are no UNHCR cardholders or ethnic Rohingya involved in the repatriation. It is just part of a usual programme to deport immigrants in our detention depots," Khairul Dzaimee said. The department said Malaysia repatriated 37,038 migrants last year, including 3,322 from Myanmar. This was down from 59,114 in 2019, as many countries shut their borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it added. Also Read: Myanmar cops file new charge against Suu Kyi to extend detention indefinitely The UNHCR said it has been barred from accessing Malaysia's immigration detention centers since August 2019 and was unable to verify who needs protection. We are concerned that there remains in detention in Malaysia a number of people, including vulnerable women and children, who may be in need of international protection but whose claims have not been verified and thus do not have the requisite UNHCR documentation," the UNHCR said. If found to be in need of international protection, these individuals should not be deported to a situation where their lives or freedoms may be at risk," it said. Also Read: Myanmar monks march, seek end to military rule Malaysia is home to some 180,000 UN refugees and asylum seekers including more than 100,000 Rohingya and other Myanmar ethnic groups. More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled from Myanmar since August 2017, when the military launched a clearance operation in response to attacks by a rebel group. The security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and the burning of thousands of homes.

Despite coup, Malaysia to deport 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week

Diners in Malaysia can now devour meals from inside their cars, after a restaurant opened a drive-in service for people who are longing to dine out.

Malaysian restaurant shifts gears to drive-in service amid virus measures

<p>Dozens of Rohingya, mostly women and children, were caught as they arrived by boat in Malaysia last month after fleeing a refugee camp in neighbouring Indonesia, police said Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Almost 400 members of the persecuted Muslim minority from Myanmar arrived by boat in Indonesia last year after perilous journeys, and just over 100 now remain at a camp there.</p>

<p>Many are believed to have enlisted traffickers to help them make the sea crossing, including women seeking to reunite with their husbands in the Southeast Asian country.</p>

<p>Relatively affluent, Muslim-majority Malaysia is the main destination for Rohingya fleeing misery in Bangladeshi refugee camps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police confirmed to AFP that a boat carrying 36 people -- 31 Rohingya and five Indonesians -- was intercepted as it landed on Malaysia's west coast on January 6.</p>

<p>"They entered Malaysia by boat from Tanjung Balai (on Indonesia's Sumatra island) and landed at a beach," said Abdul Rahim Jaafar, the director of internal security at the Royal Malaysia Police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Rohingya migrants numbered 17 women, seven men, five boys and two girls.</p>

<p>They were detained and 21 have been charged for entering Malaysia without valid documents, Abdul Rahim said. A further two people have been charged under anti-trafficking laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>News of the boat landing tallies with accounts from Rohingya at the camp in Indonesia, who told AFP this week that scores of women had been smuggled to Malaysia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While some were caught, others are believed to have successfully entered the country and reunited with their spouses, according to Rohingya and human rights groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Almost one million Rohingya live in sprawling camps in Bangladesh, many of which were set up after a bloody crackdown by Myanmar's military in 2017 drove them into the impoverished South Asian country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the years, many have sought to flee by boat to Malaysia, enduring harrowing, months-long sea journeys punctuated by illness and beatings.</p>

<p>More than 100,000 Rohingya live on the margins of society in Malaysia, registered as refugees but not allowed to work, forcing them into illegal construction and other low-paid jobs.&nbsp;</p>


Dozens of Rohingya, mostly women and children, were caught as they arrived by boat in Malaysia last month after fleeing a refugee camp in neighbouring Indonesia, police said Friday.

Dozens of Rohingya, mostly women and children, were caught as they arrived by boat in Malaysia last month after fleeing a refugee camp in neighbouring Indonesia, police said Friday. Almost 400 members of the persecuted Muslim minority from Myanmar arrived by boat in Indonesia last year after perilous journeys, and just over 100 now remain at a camp there. Many are believed to have enlisted traffickers to help them make the sea crossing, including women seeking to reunite with their husbands in the Southeast Asian country. Relatively affluent, Muslim-majority Malaysia is the main destination for Rohingya fleeing misery in Bangladeshi refugee camps. Police confirmed to AFP that a boat carrying 36 people -- 31 Rohingya and five Indonesians -- was intercepted as it landed on Malaysia's west coast on January 6. "They entered Malaysia by boat from Tanjung Balai (on Indonesia's Sumatra island) and landed at a beach," said Abdul Rahim Jaafar, the director of internal security at the Royal Malaysia Police. The Rohingya migrants numbered 17 women, seven men, five boys and two girls. They were detained and 21 have been charged for entering Malaysia without valid documents, Abdul Rahim said. A further two people have been charged under anti-trafficking laws. News of the boat landing tallies with accounts from Rohingya at the camp in Indonesia, who told AFP this week that scores of women had been smuggled to Malaysia. While some were caught, others are believed to have successfully entered the country and reunited with their spouses, according to Rohingya and human rights groups. Almost one million Rohingya live in sprawling camps in Bangladesh, many of which were set up after a bloody crackdown by Myanmar's military in 2017 drove them into the impoverished South Asian country. Over the years, many have sought to flee by boat to Malaysia, enduring harrowing, months-long sea journeys punctuated by illness and beatings. More than 100,000 Rohingya live on the margins of society in Malaysia, registered as refugees but not allowed to work, forcing them into illegal construction and other low-paid jobs.

Dozens of Rohingya refugees caught arriving in Malaysia

<p>Malaysia's king Tuesday declared a nationwide state of emergency to fight a surge in coronavirus cases that threatens to overwhelm the country's healthcare system.</p>

<p>Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah "is of the opinion that the Covid-19 outbreak in the country is at a very critical stage and that there was a need for the emergency," said a statement from the national palace.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flooding-in-malaysia-worsens-46000-displaced-355548">Flooding in Malaysia worsens, 46,000 displaced</a></strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had requested an emergency be declared in a meeting with the King on Monday, the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will last until August 1 but could be lifted earlier if the rate of new infections slows, it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-and-malaysia-scrap-high-speed-railway-after-delays-353732">Singapore and Malaysia scrap high speed railway after delays</a></strong></p>

<p>An emergency declaration allows for the suspension of parliament and political activities at a time when Muhyiddin's 10-month old government looks increasingly unstable, and is likely to spark criticism he is undermining democracy.</p>

<p>It came a day after Muhyiddin announced strict new curbs across more than half the country, including ordering people to stay at home for all but essential purposes and the closure of most businesses.</p>

<p>He warned the healthcare system was "at breaking point".</p>


Malaysia's king Tuesday declared a nationwide state of emergency to fight a surge in coronavirus cases that threatens to overwhelm the country's healthcare system.

Malaysia's king Tuesday declared a nationwide state of emergency to fight a surge in coronavirus cases that threatens to overwhelm the country's healthcare system. Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah "is of the opinion that the Covid-19 outbreak in the country is at a very critical stage and that there was a need for the emergency," said a statement from the national palace. Also read| Flooding in Malaysia worsens, 46,000 displaced Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had requested an emergency be declared in a meeting with the King on Monday, the statement said. It will last until August 1 but could be lifted earlier if the rate of new infections slows, it added. Also read| Singapore and Malaysia scrap high speed railway after delays An emergency declaration allows for the suspension of parliament and political activities at a time when Muhyiddin's 10-month old government looks increasingly unstable, and is likely to spark criticism he is undermining democracy. It came a day after Muhyiddin announced strict new curbs across more than half the country, including ordering people to stay at home for all but essential purposes and the closure of most businesses. He warned the healthcare system was "at breaking point".

Malaysian king declares state of emergency to fight virus

Malaysia’s king declared a state of emergency across the country to fight a coronavirus surge that is overwhelming hospitals. The emergency will last till August 1 or earlier depending on the gravity of the crisis.

Malaysia's king declares emergency to curb Coronavirus spread

<p>Worsening floods in several states in Malaysia have displaced some 46,000 people, with 12,487 families being sheltered in 426 flood relief centers, the Malaysian Department of Social Welfare said on Friday.</p>

<p>As of Friday afternoon, the states of Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perak and Johor have seen strong downpour with the east coast state of Pahang being the worst hit.</p>

<p>A total of 26,250 people have been evacuated and three rivers in the state have passed the danger level, according to the data released by the department.</p>

<p>The body of a 19-year-old woman who had fallen off a capsised boat was recovered, according to state news agency Bernama, bringing the death toll related to the floods to at least six.</p>

<p>Also, Malaysia's meteorological department has issued a warning that the bad weather and heavy rains are expected to continue till January 12.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will announce new measures next week to curb a surge in coronavirus cases, as the country reported its highest daily number of deaths linked to the epidemic.</p>

<p>The Southeast Asian nation has seen a spike in infections since September, with the number of daily reported cases climbing to record highs on two days this week.</p>

<p>The government has said it was considering imposing targetted lockdowns in some areas, though businesses warned that wider restrictions could further batter the economy.</p>

<p>Muhyiddin will announce new measures to tackle the virus surge on Monday, security minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob told reporters.</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs)</strong></em></p>


Worsening floods in several states in Malaysia have displaced some 46,000 people, with 12,487 families being sheltered in 426 flood relief centers, the Malaysian Department of Social Welfare said on Friday.

Worsening floods in several states in Malaysia have displaced some 46,000 people, with 12,487 families being sheltered in 426 flood relief centers, the Malaysian Department of Social Welfare said on Friday. As of Friday afternoon, the states of Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perak and Johor have seen strong downpour with the east coast state of Pahang being the worst hit. A total of 26,250 people have been evacuated and three rivers in the state have passed the danger level, according to the data released by the department. The body of a 19-year-old woman who had fallen off a capsised boat was recovered, according to state news agency Bernama, bringing the death toll related to the floods to at least six. Also, Malaysia's meteorological department has issued a warning that the bad weather and heavy rains are expected to continue till January 12. Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will announce new measures next week to curb a surge in coronavirus cases, as the country reported its highest daily number of deaths linked to the epidemic. The Southeast Asian nation has seen a spike in infections since September, with the number of daily reported cases climbing to record highs on two days this week. The government has said it was considering imposing targetted lockdowns in some areas, though businesses warned that wider restrictions could further batter the economy. Muhyiddin will announce new measures to tackle the virus surge on Monday, security minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob told reporters. (with inputs)

Flooding in Malaysia worsens, 46,000 displaced

Floods continue to swamp many parts of central Malaysia, after deep waters caused by heavy rains displaced nearly 50,000 people and killed at least six people.

Heavy rains cause havoc in Malaysia's East Coast

<p>Singapore and Malaysia have scrapped plans for a high-speed rail line after failing to agree on changes.</p>

<p>The 350-kilometre (217-mile) rail network was expected to cut travel time between Singapore and the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to 90 minutes from the four or more hours by car.</p>

<p>The neighbours have had fractious relations since Malaysia evicted Singapore from the Malaysian Federation in 1965, ending a brief and stormy union of the former British colonies.</p>

<p>Singapore and Malaysia signed a deal to build the bullet train line in 2016, but its fate was thrown into doubt after the election of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad two years later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mahathir said he wanted to scrap the project as part of an effort to review major infrastructure projects approved by his scandal-tainted predecessor in a bid to cut the country's debt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Construction was then suspended for two years at Malaysia's request, with plans to commence service in 2031.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The project was terminated after a final deadline on December 31, and after both governments failed to reach an agreement over changes proposed by Malaysia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both governments had conducted several discussions with regard to these changes and had not been able to reach an agreement.</p>

<p>Malaysia must compensate Singapore for costs already incurred by the city-state in accordance with the agreement, Singapore's Ministry of Transport said in a press release, without mentioning a figure.</p>

<p>Malaysia may have to pay as much as 500 million ringgit ($125.7 million) in compensation if the project is scrapped, former Prime Minister Mahathir previously said. He had estimated the railway would cost Malaysia around 110 billion ringgit ($27 billion) in 2018.&nbsp;</p>


Singapore and Malaysia have scrapped plans for a high-speed rail line after failing to agree on changes. The 350-kilometre (217-mile) rail network was expected to cut travel time between Singapore and the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to 90 minutes from the four or more hours by car.

Singapore and Malaysia have scrapped plans for a high-speed rail line after failing to agree on changes. The 350-kilometre (217-mile) rail network was expected to cut travel time between Singapore and the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to 90 minutes from the four or more hours by car. The neighbours have had fractious relations since Malaysia evicted Singapore from the Malaysian Federation in 1965, ending a brief and stormy union of the former British colonies. Singapore and Malaysia signed a deal to build the bullet train line in 2016, but its fate was thrown into doubt after the election of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad two years later. Mahathir said he wanted to scrap the project as part of an effort to review major infrastructure projects approved by his scandal-tainted predecessor in a bid to cut the country's debt. Construction was then suspended for two years at Malaysia's request, with plans to commence service in 2031. The project was terminated after a final deadline on December 31, and after both governments failed to reach an agreement over changes proposed by Malaysia. Both governments had conducted several discussions with regard to these changes and had not been able to reach an agreement. Malaysia must compensate Singapore for costs already incurred by the city-state in accordance with the agreement, Singapore's Ministry of Transport said in a press release, without mentioning a figure. Malaysia may have to pay as much as 500 million ringgit ($125.7 million) in compensation if the project is scrapped, former Prime Minister Mahathir previously said. He had estimated the railway would cost Malaysia around 110 billion ringgit ($27 billion) in 2018.

Singapore and Malaysia scrap high speed railway after delays

<p>If you thought it is a long drive to the wedding venues, you will be surprised to see what this couple decided to do for their wedding amid the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>A Malaysian ex-MP Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor decided to take the safest road and ditched the traditional wedding venue for his son's wedding.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/son-wins-lawsuit-against-parents-for-discarding-his-pornography-collection-351200" hreflang="en">Son wins lawsuit against parents for discarding his pornography collection</a></strong></p>

<p>The couple,&nbsp;Tengku Muhammed Hafiz Tengku Adnan and&nbsp;his bride Oceane Cyril Alagia decided to host a 'drive-thru' wedding to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>Scheduled on December 20 in Malaysia's&nbsp;Putrajaya, the Malaysian couple had invited nearly 10,000 guests. So, in order to comply with the COVID-19 restrictions set by the Malaysian government, the couple asked the guests not to step out of their vehicles.</p>

<p>"The drive-through concept was my father's idea. He wanted my wedding to be celebrated by all the people in Putrajaya as they are also my family as I grew up here," said&nbsp;Tengku Muhammed Hafiz.</p>

<p>The Malaysian politician along with his wife and the newly-wedded couple dressed up for the special day and stood at a designated point from where they waved and shared greetings with the guests who were seated in their cars.</p>

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<p>A stage was specially set up near the famous&nbsp;Palace of Justice where the couple was earlier seated to wave at their guests. However, the couple decided to ditch the distanced approach and stood by the road to greet the guests from a smaller distance.</p>

<p>The guests, after exchanging greetings with the hosts, drove to a tent which was set up nearby to get their already-packed food packets by rolling down their windows.</p>

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<p>Alhamdulillah acara akad nikah anakanda saya Tengku Muhammed Hafiz dan Oceane Alagia telah berjalan lancar pagi tadi....</p>
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/officialkunan/">Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/officialkunan/posts/4140180619344029">Saturday, December 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"In estimation, I am informed that there are more than 10,000 Drive Thru vehicles here since this morning," the minister said on a Facebook post. "Alhamdulillah, me and my family are very honored. Thank you all for understanding and adhering to all procedures made by drive-thru attendance without getting out of the vehicle. My family and I are very grateful and appreciate all your support. Thank you."</p>


If you thought it is a long drive to the wedding venues, you will be surprised to see what this couple decided to do for their wedding amid the coronavirus pandemic.

If you thought it is a long drive to the wedding venues, you will be surprised to see what this couple decided to do for their wedding amid the coronavirus pandemic. A Malaysian ex-MP Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor decided to take the safest road and ditched the traditional wedding venue for his son's wedding. Also read| Son wins lawsuit against parents for discarding his pornography collection The couple, Tengku Muhammed Hafiz Tengku Adnan and his bride Oceane Cyril Alagia decided to host a 'drive-thru' wedding to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus. Scheduled on December 20 in Malaysia's Putrajaya, the Malaysian couple had invited nearly 10,000 guests. So, in order to comply with the COVID-19 restrictions set by the Malaysian government, the couple asked the guests not to step out of their vehicles. "The drive-through concept was my father's idea. He wanted my wedding to be celebrated by all the people in Putrajaya as they are also my family as I grew up here," said Tengku Muhammed Hafiz. The Malaysian politician along with his wife and the newly-wedded couple dressed up for the special day and stood at a designated point from where they waved and shared greetings with the guests who were seated in their cars. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oceane Alagia (@oceanealagia) × A stage was specially set up near the famous Palace of Justice where the couple was earlier seated to wave at their guests. However, the couple decided to ditch the distanced approach and stood by the road to greet the guests from a smaller distance. The guests, after exchanging greetings with the hosts, drove to a tent which was set up nearby to get their already-packed food packets by rolling down their windows. Alhamdulillah acara akad nikah anakanda saya Tengku Muhammed Hafiz dan Oceane Alagia telah berjalan lancar pagi tadi.... Posted by Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor on Saturday, December 19, 2020 × "In estimation, I am informed that there are more than 10,000 Drive Thru vehicles here since this morning," the minister said on a Facebook post. "Alhamdulillah, me and my family are very honored. Thank you all for understanding and adhering to all procedures made by drive-thru attendance without getting out of the vehicle. My family and I are very grateful and appreciate all your support. Thank you."

Malaysian ex-MP hosts drive-thru wedding for son; 10,000 people participate

Malaysia's government on Wednesday declared a state of emergency to stop by-elections in two constituencies scheduled for next month, as the country grapples with a spike in coronavirus cases over the past few months.

Malaysia invokes emergency to stop by-elections as COVID-19 cases rise

<p>Malaysia`s government on Wednesday declared a state of emergency to stop by-elections in two constituencies scheduled for next month, as the country grapples with a spike in coronavirus cases over the past few months.</p>

<p>The Southeast Asian nation has seen a sharp jump in cases since September, with the total number of infections climbing above 86,000 and with 422 deaths as of Tuesday.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a statement the king had assented to the request to impose an emergency in the Bugaya constituency in Sabah on Borneo, the state that health authorities believe was the epicentre of the country`s third wave of infections, and the Gerik constituency in Perak state.</p>

<p>The government had declared a state of emergency in another constituency in Sabah last month, also to stop a scheduled by-election.</p>

<p>In October, King Al-Sultan Abdullah rejected an attempt by Muhyiddin to impose a nationwide state of emergency in response to rising coronavirus cases, with critics accusing the premier of attempting to block a potential showdown in parliament ahead of a crucial budget vote.</p>

<p>Muhyiddin on Tuesday succeeded in passing his 2021 budget with a two-vote majority in parliament.</p>


Malaysia`s government on Wednesday declared a state of emergency to stop by-elections in two constituencies scheduled for next month, as the country grapples with a spike in coronavirus cases over the past few months.

Malaysia`s government on Wednesday declared a state of emergency to stop by-elections in two constituencies scheduled for next month, as the country grapples with a spike in coronavirus cases over the past few months. The Southeast Asian nation has seen a sharp jump in cases since September, with the total number of infections climbing above 86,000 and with 422 deaths as of Tuesday. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a statement the king had assented to the request to impose an emergency in the Bugaya constituency in Sabah on Borneo, the state that health authorities believe was the epicentre of the country`s third wave of infections, and the Gerik constituency in Perak state. The government had declared a state of emergency in another constituency in Sabah last month, also to stop a scheduled by-election. In October, King Al-Sultan Abdullah rejected an attempt by Muhyiddin to impose a nationwide state of emergency in response to rising coronavirus cases, with critics accusing the premier of attempting to block a potential showdown in parliament ahead of a crucial budget vote. Muhyiddin on Tuesday succeeded in passing his 2021 budget with a two-vote majority in parliament.

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin may face another challenge on his leadership if the opposition seeks to block third and final vote to pass the government's 2021 budget.

Malaysia: Third & final vote to decide the fate of budget 2021

Malaysia's top glove corporation has terminated one of its employees for sharing pictures of its colleagues violating virus restrictions inside the factory. The incident which took place in September has resurfaced once again due to rising infection cases in the company

Malaysia's Top Glove currently a COVID-19 Cluster

<p>Malaysia's coast guard made its largest-ever seizure of Methamphetamine as it seized 2.12 tonnes of the drug. The value of the cache is USD 26.2 million. The drugs were disguised as tea in a shipment believed to have come from Myanmar.</p>

<p>Coastguard chief Zubil Mat Som said the drugs found on a boat in northern Penang state were worth around 105.9 ringgit ($26.2 million). A local suspected trafficker was arrested.</p>

<p>"It is the coastguard's record-breaking seizure in its 15-year history," he told AFP.</p>

<p>He said that it was likely that the drug was smuggled out from Myanmar's 'Golden Triangle'.</p>

<p>Mat Som said that the shipment may have meant to be sent to other countries where it would fetch more price than in Malaysia.</p>

<p>Zubil said on December 9 a coastguard vessel had noticed a recreational boat moving suspiciously off Penang island in broad daylight.</p>

<p>A chase ensued after a lone 26-year-old man aboard refused to stop. He subsequently jumped off the vessel and was arrested, the coastguard said in a statement.</p>

<p>Malaysian law provides for a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug traffickers.</p>

<p><strong>(With AFP inputs)</strong></p>


Malaysia's coast guard made its largest-ever seizure of Methamphetamine as it seized 2.12 tonnes of the drug. The value of the cache is USD 26.2 million. The drugs were disguised as tea in a shipment believed to have come from Myanmar.

Malaysia's coast guard made its largest-ever seizure of Methamphetamine as it seized 2.12 tonnes of the drug. The value of the cache is USD 26.2 million. The drugs were disguised as tea in a shipment believed to have come from Myanmar. Coastguard chief Zubil Mat Som said the drugs found on a boat in northern Penang state were worth around 105.9 ringgit ($26.2 million). A local suspected trafficker was arrested. "It is the coastguard's record-breaking seizure in its 15-year history," he told AFP. He said that it was likely that the drug was smuggled out from Myanmar's 'Golden Triangle'. Mat Som said that the shipment may have meant to be sent to other countries where it would fetch more price than in Malaysia. Zubil said on December 9 a coastguard vessel had noticed a recreational boat moving suspiciously off Penang island in broad daylight. A chase ensued after a lone 26-year-old man aboard refused to stop. He subsequently jumped off the vessel and was arrested, the coastguard said in a statement. Malaysian law provides for a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug traffickers. (With AFP inputs)

Malaysian coast guard seizes 2 tonnes of meth worth $26 million

<p>A 24-year-old Chinese national has been extradited from Malaysia to the US to face charges for money laundering.</p>

<p>The justice department had alleged that he used a nationwide ring of individuals who smuggled at least 1,500 protected turtles out of the country valued at USD 2.5 million.</p>

<p>Kang Juntao of Hangzhou City in eastern China was charged in February 2019 with financing a number of individuals who smuggled at least 1,500 protected turtles out of the US valued at USD 2,250,000.</p>

<p>He was arrested on January 23 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on a request submitted by the US authorities for his provisional arrest with a view to extradition.</p>

<p>According to the indictment, from June 12, 2017, through December 3, 2018, Kang allegedly purchased turtles in the US and arranged for them to be smuggled to associates in Hong Kong. He sent money through US banks, including one in New Jersey, to pay for the turtles and their illegal shipments.</p>

<p>The turtles would then be sold on the Asian pet trade black market for thousands of dollars each, depending on their sex, colouring, and age.</p>

<p>The US, Malaysia, China and approximately 181 other countries are signatories to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).</p>

<p>CITES is an international treaty that restricts trade in species that may be threatened with extinction.</p>

<p>Kang allegedly trafficked in five turtle species protected by the treaty.</p>

<p>The indictment further alleges that Kang sent money through PayPal to the US to purchase turtles from sellers advertising on social media or reptile trade websites.</p>

<p>Kang paid and instructed these intermediaries to repackage the turtles in boxes with false labels for clandestine shipment to Hong Kong.</p>


A 24-year-old Chinese national has been extradited from Malaysia to the US to face charges for money laundering. The justice department had alleged that he used a nationwide ring of individuals who smuggled at least 1,500 protected turtles out of the country valued at USD 2.

A 24-year-old Chinese national has been extradited from Malaysia to the US to face charges for money laundering. The justice department had alleged that he used a nationwide ring of individuals who smuggled at least 1,500 protected turtles out of the country valued at USD 2.5 million. Kang Juntao of Hangzhou City in eastern China was charged in February 2019 with financing a number of individuals who smuggled at least 1,500 protected turtles out of the US valued at USD 2,250,000. He was arrested on January 23 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on a request submitted by the US authorities for his provisional arrest with a view to extradition. According to the indictment, from June 12, 2017, through December 3, 2018, Kang allegedly purchased turtles in the US and arranged for them to be smuggled to associates in Hong Kong. He sent money through US banks, including one in New Jersey, to pay for the turtles and their illegal shipments. The turtles would then be sold on the Asian pet trade black market for thousands of dollars each, depending on their sex, colouring, and age. The US, Malaysia, China and approximately 181 other countries are signatories to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is an international treaty that restricts trade in species that may be threatened with extinction. Kang allegedly trafficked in five turtle species protected by the treaty. The indictment further alleges that Kang sent money through PayPal to the US to purchase turtles from sellers advertising on social media or reptile trade websites. Kang paid and instructed these intermediaries to repackage the turtles in boxes with false labels for clandestine shipment to Hong Kong.

Chinese national extradited to US from Malaysia on money laundering charges

Malaysian pharmaceutical company Pharmaniaga has said it is planning to build the world's first halal vaccine facility by 2022.

Malaysia says halal issue won't affect Covid-19 vaccine roll-out

Malaysia has said that the issue of Halal will not effect the corona vaccine roll-out in the country, Malaysian councils for islamic affairs held a meeting to discuss whether the vaccines wil be administerd to the muslims as sixty percent of population are muslim in the country.

Malaysia: Halal is not an issue for coronavirus vaccine roll-out

Every morning, Malaysian aircraft pilot Azrin Mohamad Zawawi dons his white captain's uniform and hat before heading to work - not at the airport, but to the small noodle stall that he now runs in a suburb just outside the capital Kuala Lumpur.

Grounded Malaysian pilot dons uniform to sell food

<p>Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad waded into the controversy surrounding France and the Muslim world and made a bizarre assertion saying that Muslims had the right to be angry and to "kill millions of French people". In an apparent reference to the colonial times, Mohamad justified this 'right' by mentioning ''massacres of the past".</p>

<p>On Thursday, Mahathir Mohamad posted a series of 13 tweets from his personal Twitter handle and aired his opinions on issues ranging from women's clothing in western countries, West's adherence to their 'own religion', gender equality among other things and lashed out at French President Emmanuel Macron for not being "civilised" and for being "primitive" for targetting Muslims and Islam.</p>

<p>He started the first tweet with words 'RESPECT OTHERS' but said that he did not approve killing of the French teacher by the Chechen youth.</p>

<p>Mohamad's tweets have come on the day when an attacker killed at least three&nbsp;people including a woman who he beheaded in the French city of Nice. The incident is being treated as a "terrorist" attack. The day also saw a Saudi man getting arrested in Jeddah after he attacked a guard of the French embassy in the city in Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-knife-attack-live-update-government-raises-alert-to-attack-emergency-level-338782"><strong>Click here for latest updates on knife attack in France</strong></a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">12. Muslims have a right to be angry and to kill millions of French people for the massacres of the past.</p>
— Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/chedetofficial/status/1321765587530338304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>In his tweets, the former Malaysian PM has made no reference to Nice attack or the attack in Jeddah.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-man-arrested-in-jeddah-after-attacking-french-consulate-guard-338794">Saudi man arrested in Jeddah after attacking French consulate guard</a></strong></p>

<p>Beheading of Samuel Paty, the teacher who showed Prophet Mohammed cartoons in school has prompted Emmanuel Macron&nbsp; to promise a crackdown on Islamic extremism. But the move has inflamed tensions, with protests against France erupting in several Muslim countries, with some urging a boycott of French goods.</p>

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<p>Since Paty's killing, French officials have re-asserted the right to display the cartoons, and the images have been widely displayed at marches in solidarity with the killed teacher.</p>

<p>That has prompted anger in parts of the Muslim world, with some governments accusing Macron of pursuing an anti-Islam agenda.</p>


Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad waded into the controversy surrounding France and the Muslim world and made a bizarre assertion saying that Muslims had the right to be angry and to "kill millions of French people".

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad waded into the controversy surrounding France and the Muslim world and made a bizarre assertion saying that Muslims had the right to be angry and to "kill millions of French people". In an apparent reference to the colonial times, Mohamad justified this 'right' by mentioning ''massacres of the past". On Thursday, Mahathir Mohamad posted a series of 13 tweets from his personal Twitter handle and aired his opinions on issues ranging from women's clothing in western countries, West's adherence to their 'own religion', gender equality among other things and lashed out at French President Emmanuel Macron for not being "civilised" and for being "primitive" for targetting Muslims and Islam. He started the first tweet with words 'RESPECT OTHERS' but said that he did not approve killing of the French teacher by the Chechen youth. Mohamad's tweets have come on the day when an attacker killed at least three people including a woman who he beheaded in the French city of Nice. The incident is being treated as a "terrorist" attack. The day also saw a Saudi man getting arrested in Jeddah after he attacked a guard of the French embassy in the city in Saudi Arabia. Click here for latest updates on knife attack in France 12. Muslims have a right to be angry and to kill millions of French people for the massacres of the past. — Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) October 29, 2020 × In his tweets, the former Malaysian PM has made no reference to Nice attack or the attack in Jeddah. Also Read | Saudi man arrested in Jeddah after attacking French consulate guard Beheading of Samuel Paty, the teacher who showed Prophet Mohammed cartoons in school has prompted Emmanuel Macron to promise a crackdown on Islamic extremism. But the move has inflamed tensions, with protests against France erupting in several Muslim countries, with some urging a boycott of French goods. × Since Paty's killing, French officials have re-asserted the right to display the cartoons, and the images have been widely displayed at marches in solidarity with the killed teacher. That has prompted anger in parts of the Muslim world, with some governments accusing Macron of pursuing an anti-Islam agenda.

Muslims have right to be angry and kill millions of French people: Former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad

The largest party in Malaysia's ruling coalition declared its support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, providing some respite for the premier who has faced calls to resign after a failed bid to impose a state of emergency.

Malaysia's PM Muhyiddin gets reprieve from coalition's key ally

Malaysia's King Al-Sultan Abdullah rejected a request by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin for him to declare a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus crisis.

WION Dispatch: Malaysian King rejects PM Muhyiddin's plea to declare emergency

Doctors at a Malaysian hospital are using a special chamber to do virus tests, allowing staff to get safely collect COVID-19 swabs without being in the same airspace as their subjects.

Malaysian doctors test patients for Covid-19 in 'phone booth' chamber

Malaysia's King Al-Sultan Abdullah rejected on Sunday a request by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin for him to declare a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus crisis, saying that he did not see the need.

Malaysia's king rejects emergency rule in blow to PM Muhyiddin

<p>Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will ask the king to declare a state of emergency on Friday, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said, a move that opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim denounced as an attempt to cling to power.</p>

<p>The sources, who spoke on condition they not be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media, did not give the reason for the premier's request. The proposed emergency would include the suspension of parliament, which was scheduled to reconvene in November, one of the sources said.</p>

<p>Malaysia is seeing a resurgence in coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, Muhyiddin is facing a leadership challenge from Anwar, who said last month he had majority support in parliament to form a new government.</p>

<p>Responding to reports of the state of emergency, Anwar said in a statement on Friday: "We have a government which lacks legitimacy and which knows it would fail to demonstrate majority support in parliament and is using the COVID-19 crisis as an excuse to justify its abuse of power."</p>

<p>Under the constitution, the king can declare a state of emergency if he is satisfied there is a threat to national security, the economy, or public order. Malaysia last declared a national emergency in 1969 after civil unrest and race riots.</p>

<p>The sources did not disclose the full range of measures that Muhyiddin would seek to implement. State news agency Bernama said Muhyiddin was in a meeting with King Al-Sultan Abdullah.</p>

<p>Muhyiddin's office and the palace did not immediately respond to requests for comment.</p>

<p>Muhyiddin, who came to power in March with just a two-seat majority in parliament, has been under pressure since Anwar's declaration that he now has majority support in parliament to oust him.</p>

<p>The government is scheduled to propose the budget for 2021 on Nov. 6, and there have been questions over whether the premier would be able to muster a majority to push that through. The emergency rule could mean the budget is not put to a vote at that time.</p>


Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will ask the king to declare a state of emergency on Friday, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said, a move that opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim denounced as an attempt to cling to power.

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will ask the king to declare a state of emergency on Friday, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said, a move that opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim denounced as an attempt to cling to power. The sources, who spoke on condition they not be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media, did not give the reason for the premier's request. The proposed emergency would include the suspension of parliament, which was scheduled to reconvene in November, one of the sources said. Malaysia is seeing a resurgence in coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, Muhyiddin is facing a leadership challenge from Anwar, who said last month he had majority support in parliament to form a new government. Responding to reports of the state of emergency, Anwar said in a statement on Friday: "We have a government which lacks legitimacy and which knows it would fail to demonstrate majority support in parliament and is using the COVID-19 crisis as an excuse to justify its abuse of power." Under the constitution, the king can declare a state of emergency if he is satisfied there is a threat to national security, the economy, or public order. Malaysia last declared a national emergency in 1969 after civil unrest and race riots. The sources did not disclose the full range of measures that Muhyiddin would seek to implement. State news agency Bernama said Muhyiddin was in a meeting with King Al-Sultan Abdullah. Muhyiddin's office and the palace did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Muhyiddin, who came to power in March with just a two-seat majority in parliament, has been under pressure since Anwar's declaration that he now has majority support in parliament to oust him. The government is scheduled to propose the budget for 2021 on Nov. 6, and there have been questions over whether the premier would be able to muster a majority to push that through. The emergency rule could mean the budget is not put to a vote at that time.

Malaysian Prime Minister to ask king to declare state of emergency: Sources

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