Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday said he has presented documents to the king on his “strong and convincing” parliamentary support to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. He said he had the support of over 120 lawmakers in the 222-strong parliament.

The power struggle comes as Malaysia, already grappling with an economy battered by the novel coronavirus, faces a renewed surge in infections.

Anwar met with the king on Tuesday morning after saying last month that he had the backing of a majority of lawmakers to form a new government.

The king plays a largely ceremonial role but he can appoint a prime minister who in his view is likely to command a majority. The king can also dissolve parliament and trigger elections on the prime minister’s advice.

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In March, the king appointed Muhyiddin as the prime minister after the unexpected resignation of Mahathir Mohamad, saying he believed Muhyiddin commanded majority support in parliament.

Should Anwar succeed in securing the post, it would mean Malaysia would have its third prime minister this year.

But scepticism over Anwar’s challenge remains as no major party has offered a clear declaration of support.

Muhyiddin, whose seven-month-old administration has survived on a razor-thin parliamentary majority, had earlier dismissed Anwar’s claims as a “mere allegation” and told him to prove his majority through a constitutional process.

Leaders in Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional coalition issued a statement on Monday declaring full support for Muhyiddin.

(with inputs)

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday said he has presented documents to the king on his “strong and convincing” parliamentary support to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday said he has presented documents to the king on his “strong and convincing” parliamentary support to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. He said he had the support of over 120 lawmakers in the 222-strong parliament. The power struggle comes as Malaysia, already grappling with an economy battered by the novel coronavirus, faces a renewed surge in infections. Anwar met with the king on Tuesday morning after saying last month that he had the backing of a majority of lawmakers to form a new government. The king plays a largely ceremonial role but he can appoint a prime minister who in his view is likely to command a majority. The king can also dissolve parliament and trigger elections on the prime minister’s advice. × In March, the king appointed Muhyiddin as the prime minister after the unexpected resignation of Mahathir Mohamad, saying he believed Muhyiddin commanded majority support in parliament. Should Anwar succeed in securing the post, it would mean Malaysia would have its third prime minister this year. But scepticism over Anwar’s challenge remains as no major party has offered a clear declaration of support. Muhyiddin, whose seven-month-old administration has survived on a razor-thin parliamentary majority, had earlier dismissed Anwar’s claims as a “mere allegation” and told him to prove his majority through a constitutional process. Leaders in Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional coalition issued a statement on Monday declaring full support for Muhyiddin. (with inputs)

Malaysia's Anwar submits documents to king to show support to form new government

A major power struggle is unfolding in Malaysia. Anwar Ibrahim met with the King in a push to become Prime Minister. But Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is fighting back the challenge to his government. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Malaysia's political turmoil: Anwar Ibrahim meets King in a push to become Prime Minister

Malaysia’s opposition leader Ibrahim Anwar met the Southeast Asian nation’s king on Tuesday morning.

Malaysia’s Ibrahim Anwar meets king in challenge for leadership

Recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Malaysia has people worried. The health concerns are now taking a toll on local businesses in the country. Watch the report to know more.

Local businesses in Malaysia take the hit due to COVID-19 pandemic

Malaysian authorities have detained nearly 60 Chinese nationals for trespassing into the&nbsp;Southeast Asian country`s waters.

Along with these Chinese nationals, six Chinese registered fishing vessels were also seized by the maritime authorities. The&nbsp;Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) informed the local media that the trespassers&nbsp;were detained in off the shore of the southern state of Johor.

The mission was conducted on Friday.

"Further checks found that all the vessels registered in Qinhuangdoa, China, were manned by six captains and 54 crew who are Chinese nationals aged between 31 and 60 years," MMEA regional director Mohd Zulfadli Nayan said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-three-vessels-to-south-china-sea-in-anti-submarine-exercise-334183">Also read:&nbsp;Japan sends three vessels to South China Sea in anti-submarine exercise</a>

As per the initial investigations, the vessels were bound for&nbsp;Mauritania and had to make an unexpected stop in the country due to probable technical malfunctioning of the vessels.

The mission was carried out after earlier this year a Chinese research ship had surveyed the Malaysian water for almost a month. This was China's try to surveying&nbsp;Malaysia`s exclusive economic zone, amid a standoff with a Malaysian oil exploration vessel near disputed waters.&nbsp;

China's trespassing in the Malasian waters has increased to nearly 90 such incidents between 2016 and 2019. This has come at a point when the US and China are fighting to claim portions of the South China sea.

Malaysian authorities have detained nearly 60 Chinese nationals for trespassing into the Southeast Asian country`s waters. Along with these Chinese nationals, six Chinese registered fishing vessels were also seized by the maritime authorities.

Malaysian authorities have detained nearly 60 Chinese nationals for trespassing into the Southeast Asian country`s waters. Along with these Chinese nationals, six Chinese registered fishing vessels were also seized by the maritime authorities. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) informed the local media that the trespassers were detained in off the shore of the southern state of Johor. The mission was conducted on Friday. "Further checks found that all the vessels registered in Qinhuangdoa, China, were manned by six captains and 54 crew who are Chinese nationals aged between 31 and 60 years," MMEA regional director Mohd Zulfadli Nayan said in a statement. Also read: Japan sends three vessels to South China Sea in anti-submarine exercise As per the initial investigations, the vessels were bound for Mauritania and had to make an unexpected stop in the country due to probable technical malfunctioning of the vessels. The mission was carried out after earlier this year a Chinese research ship had surveyed the Malaysian water for almost a month. This was China's try to surveying Malaysia`s exclusive economic zone, amid a standoff with a Malaysian oil exploration vessel near disputed waters. China's trespassing in the Malasian waters has increased to nearly 90 such incidents between 2016 and 2019. This has come at a point when the US and China are fighting to claim portions of the South China sea.

Malaysia captures 60 Chinese nationals and 6 vessels for trespassing

&nbsp;India is investigating imports of copper tubes and pipes from Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, to determine whether producers in these countries were receiving unfair subsidies, the government said.

The investigation by India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies, the investigative arm of the commerce ministry, could result in these imports facing countervailing duties.

The probe covers imports shipped between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.

"The Authority has also received the import data of customs of the subject goods during the past four years which indicate increased imports mainly from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam collectively account for more than 90% of total imports of subject goods," the circular said.

In a statement to Reuters, the Vietnamese foreign ministry said Vietnam strictly adhered to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

"Trade issues between Vietnam and India should be considered objectively, fairly and transparently in accordance with WTO rules, and bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that the two countries both joined," the ministry's spokeswoman said in the statement.

Calls to two Vietnam-based companies named in the Indian investigation were not answered.

India is investigating imports of copper tubes and pipes from Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, to determine whether producers in these countries were receiving unfair subsidies, the government said.

India is investigating imports of copper tubes and pipes from Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, to determine whether producers in these countries were receiving unfair subsidies, the government said. The investigation by India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies, the investigative arm of the commerce ministry, could result in these imports facing countervailing duties. The probe covers imports shipped between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. "The Authority has also received the import data of customs of the subject goods during the past four years which indicate increased imports mainly from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam collectively account for more than 90% of total imports of subject goods," the circular said. In a statement to Reuters, the Vietnamese foreign ministry said Vietnam strictly adhered to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. "Trade issues between Vietnam and India should be considered objectively, fairly and transparently in accordance with WTO rules, and bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that the two countries both joined," the ministry's spokeswoman said in the statement. Calls to two Vietnam-based companies named in the Indian investigation were not answered.

India opens dumping probe on Malaysia, Vietnam, Thai copper tube, pipe imports

Malaysia's embattled leader faces state elections Saturday that are his biggest political test since taking office, with analysts saying he desperately needs a win to strengthen his tenuous hold on power.

A defeat for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's allies in Sabah state on Borneo will erode support among his seven-month-old government's coalition partners, increasing pressure for snap national polls, observers warn.

Adding to his problems, the election comes just days after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim launched a bid to topple his administration, claiming he had mustered enough support from MPs to take over.

Malaysia has been gripped by political turmoil since the collapse in February of a reformist government, which was headed by Mahathir Mohamad and included Anwar, amid bitter infighting.&nbsp;

Muhyiddin seized power without an election and leads a coalition backed by a scandal-plagued party, but his administration has only a wafer-thin majority in parliament and critics say it is illegitimate.&nbsp;

The Sabah elections were called after a Muhyiddin ally launched a bid to take over the opposition-controlled local government. But rather than cede power, the chief minister dissolved the state assembly.

About 1.1 million people are eligible to vote for 73 assembly seats in the state on the northeastern tip of jungle-clad Borneo island, which is home to a dizzying array of indigenous groups. &nbsp;

Loose coalitions are backing the government and the opposition, but analysts say the vote is too close to call. Results are expected late Saturday.

The outcome will not directly affect the balance of power at the national level, but it is a key test of Muhyiddin's popularity.

Despite taking power without a democratic vote, he has won praise for his government's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and received a 69 percent approval rating in a recent survey.

"He needs a win to show... that the high popularity he enjoys can be translated into votes on the ground," Ibrahim Suffian, head of independent polling firm Merdeka Center, told AFP.&nbsp;

"If he loses badly, then the government could potentially collapse."

Muhyiddin has faced pressure from his allies to call a general election soon to secure a stronger mandate, but some observers believe he wants to delay as long as possible.&nbsp;

That, however, may become difficult if he fares badly in Sabah.

Anwar's power play has added to pressure on Muhyiddin but does not appear to have gained traction for now.

He has refused to reveal the number of MPs backing him while the king, who appoints the country's premier, has postponed an appointment to see him due to ill health.

Malaysia's embattled leader faces state elections Saturday that are his biggest political test since taking office, with analysts saying he desperately needs a win to strengthen his tenuous hold on power.

Malaysia's embattled leader faces state elections Saturday that are his biggest political test since taking office, with analysts saying he desperately needs a win to strengthen his tenuous hold on power. A defeat for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's allies in Sabah state on Borneo will erode support among his seven-month-old government's coalition partners, increasing pressure for snap national polls, observers warn. Adding to his problems, the election comes just days after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim launched a bid to topple his administration, claiming he had mustered enough support from MPs to take over. Malaysia has been gripped by political turmoil since the collapse in February of a reformist government, which was headed by Mahathir Mohamad and included Anwar, amid bitter infighting. Muhyiddin seized power without an election and leads a coalition backed by a scandal-plagued party, but his administration has only a wafer-thin majority in parliament and critics say it is illegitimate. The Sabah elections were called after a Muhyiddin ally launched a bid to take over the opposition-controlled local government. But rather than cede power, the chief minister dissolved the state assembly. About 1.1 million people are eligible to vote for 73 assembly seats in the state on the northeastern tip of jungle-clad Borneo island, which is home to a dizzying array of indigenous groups. Loose coalitions are backing the government and the opposition, but analysts say the vote is too close to call. Results are expected late Saturday. The outcome will not directly affect the balance of power at the national level, but it is a key test of Muhyiddin's popularity. Despite taking power without a democratic vote, he has won praise for his government's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and received a 69 percent approval rating in a recent survey. "He needs a win to show... that the high popularity he enjoys can be translated into votes on the ground," Ibrahim Suffian, head of independent polling firm Merdeka Center, told AFP. "If he loses badly, then the government could potentially collapse." Muhyiddin has faced pressure from his allies to call a general election soon to secure a stronger mandate, but some observers believe he wants to delay as long as possible. That, however, may become difficult if he fares badly in Sabah. Anwar's power play has added to pressure on Muhyiddin but does not appear to have gained traction for now. He has refused to reveal the number of MPs backing him while the king, who appoints the country's premier, has postponed an appointment to see him due to ill health.

Malaysian PM faces major test in state polls

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says he has the majority in parliament and he can topple the government. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about the latest political crisis in Malaysia.

Gravitas: Opposition claims majority in Malaysia

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday he has secured a 'formidable' majority from lawmakers to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and form a new government, heralding a fresh bout of political drama in the Southeast Asian country.

The power struggle comes at a difficult time for the multi-ethnic nation, as its export driven economy has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic. The Malaysian ringgit and stocks fell after Anwar's comments.

Anwar now has to convince Malaysia's king, Sultan Abdullah, that he has the numbers to form a government, but as yet no major political party has come out in his support.

The king could instead choose to call for elections on Muhyiddin's advice to end months of political volatility.

Muhyiddin, whose seven-month-old coalition has survived on a razor-thin majority, dismissed Anwar's claims as a "mere allegation", telling him to prove his majority through a constitutional process.

"Until proven otherwise, the Perikatan Nasional government remains steadfast and I am the rightful prime minister," Muhyiddin said in a statement referring to his ruling coalition.

Muhyiddin also unveiled an additional economic stimulus package worth 10 billion ringgit ($2.41 billion).

The six major political parties supporting Muhyiddin dismissed Anwar's claim as "cheap publicity" and said in a joint statement that they were firmly behind Muhyiddin, who emerged as leader after the resignation of the previous prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad.

If Anwar finally succeeds in winning power it would mark the culmination of a 22-year long struggle, during which he spent almost 10 years in jail.

"We have a strong, formidable majority. I'm not talking about four, five, six (seats), I'm talking about much more than that," Anwar told reporters. "With these numbers, Muhyiddin has fallen as PM."

Anwar said he commanded support from close to two-thirds of the legislature's 222 lawmakers, without giving actual numbers or disclosing who had pledged support.

He also said he has the support of some lawmakers from Muhyiddin's coalition and that he was open to working with the premier.

Mahathir, whose past feud with Anwar charted the course of Malaysian politics over the past 20 years, said he will "wait to see if this is another episode of making claims that cannot be substantiated," the Edge newspaper reported.

NEXT STEPS

Anwar's next step would be to meet with the king, Sultan Abdullah. The king plays a largely ceremonial role in Malaysia but he could appoint a prime minister who in his view is likely to command a majority in parliament. He could also dissolve parliament and trigger elections on the premier's advice.

Anwar and the palace said he was scheduled to meet with the king on Tuesday but it had to be cancelled as the king was unwell and had to be taken to a hospital.

Analysts said elections were more likely to end the political uncertainty.

"If Anwar has the numbers, snap polls will be very likely," said Adib Zalkapli, director at political consultancy BowerGroupAsia.

Muhyiddin came to power in March after securing a majority with the support of UMNO, which was defeated in the 2018 election. His opponents have accused him of grabbing power by shifting alliances instead of earning it at the ballot box.

Anwar, 73, has had a tumultuous political career. At first a rising star of Malaysian politics and UMNO, he was jailed for sodomy and corruption after being fired as deputy prime minister by Mahathir in 1998.

He was again jailed on sodomy charges in 2015, when Najib Razak was prime minister.

Anwar has described all the charges brought against him as a plot to destroy his political career. He was granted a royal pardon in 2018, as part of the deal with Mahathir for him to succeed the premiership, after the two had forged an alliance to defeat Najib in the 2018 election.

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday he has secured a 'formidable' majority from lawmakers to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and form a new government, heralding a fresh bout of political drama in the Southeast Asian country.

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday he has secured a 'formidable' majority from lawmakers to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and form a new government, heralding a fresh bout of political drama in the Southeast Asian country. The power struggle comes at a difficult time for the multi-ethnic nation, as its export driven economy has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic. The Malaysian ringgit and stocks fell after Anwar's comments. Anwar now has to convince Malaysia's king, Sultan Abdullah, that he has the numbers to form a government, but as yet no major political party has come out in his support. The king could instead choose to call for elections on Muhyiddin's advice to end months of political volatility. Muhyiddin, whose seven-month-old coalition has survived on a razor-thin majority, dismissed Anwar's claims as a "mere allegation", telling him to prove his majority through a constitutional process. "Until proven otherwise, the Perikatan Nasional government remains steadfast and I am the rightful prime minister," Muhyiddin said in a statement referring to his ruling coalition. Muhyiddin also unveiled an additional economic stimulus package worth 10 billion ringgit ($2.41 billion). The six major political parties supporting Muhyiddin dismissed Anwar's claim as "cheap publicity" and said in a joint statement that they were firmly behind Muhyiddin, who emerged as leader after the resignation of the previous prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad. If Anwar finally succeeds in winning power it would mark the culmination of a 22-year long struggle, during which he spent almost 10 years in jail. "We have a strong, formidable majority. I'm not talking about four, five, six (seats), I'm talking about much more than that," Anwar told reporters. "With these numbers, Muhyiddin has fallen as PM." Anwar said he commanded support from close to two-thirds of the legislature's 222 lawmakers, without giving actual numbers or disclosing who had pledged support. He also said he has the support of some lawmakers from Muhyiddin's coalition and that he was open to working with the premier. Mahathir, whose past feud with Anwar charted the course of Malaysian politics over the past 20 years, said he will "wait to see if this is another episode of making claims that cannot be substantiated," the Edge newspaper reported. NEXT STEPS Anwar's next step would be to meet with the king, Sultan Abdullah. The king plays a largely ceremonial role in Malaysia but he could appoint a prime minister who in his view is likely to command a majority in parliament. He could also dissolve parliament and trigger elections on the premier's advice. Anwar and the palace said he was scheduled to meet with the king on Tuesday but it had to be cancelled as the king was unwell and had to be taken to a hospital. Analysts said elections were more likely to end the political uncertainty. "If Anwar has the numbers, snap polls will be very likely," said Adib Zalkapli, director at political consultancy BowerGroupAsia. Muhyiddin came to power in March after securing a majority with the support of UMNO, which was defeated in the 2018 election. His opponents have accused him of grabbing power by shifting alliances instead of earning it at the ballot box. Anwar, 73, has had a tumultuous political career. At first a rising star of Malaysian politics and UMNO, he was jailed for sodomy and corruption after being fired as deputy prime minister by Mahathir in 1998. He was again jailed on sodomy charges in 2015, when Najib Razak was prime minister. Anwar has described all the charges brought against him as a plot to destroy his political career. He was granted a royal pardon in 2018, as part of the deal with Mahathir for him to succeed the premiership, after the two had forged an alliance to defeat Najib in the 2018 election.

Malaysia opposition leader Anwar claims 'formidable' majority to form new govt

Activist Maryam Lee is highly controversial figure in Malaysia after she refused to wear Hijab or the head scarf being a Muslim. She is very vocal about her decision to stop wearing the Hijab & criticizes what she sees as institutional patriarchy in Islam.

Malaysia: Activist Maryam Lee raises voice against Hijab even after being a Muslim

Volunteers in Malaysia's Tioman Island round up every weekend to gather plastic wastes from the beaches. But rather than burn or bury the trash, it is being recycled into plastic pellets so that it can be used to make a range of products from auto parts to home appliances and furniture.

Ocean-bound plastic waste recycled into furniture, goods in Malaysia

Every weekend, volunteers gather on Malaysia's resort island of Tioman to gather ocean-bound plastic that can eventually be transformed into pellets and made into a range of products including auto parts, home appliances and furniture, with help from a recycling plant.

Malaysian recycler transforms ocean-bound plastic waste into furniture, goods

Animals reclaimed their nature-mandated spaces this pandemic. Soon, they are going to take over your Instagram feed!

A monkey shooting videos and clicking selfies is not some goof up. It actually happened! A monkey in Malaysia recently invaded a human house. The creature, then picked up a phone and took it out for an adventure.

The monkey stared at the phone camera, and also attempted to eat it. Then the primate got bored, so it trashed the phone, and disappeared.

Take a look:

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Something yang korang takkan jumpa setiap abad. Semalam pagi tido bangun bangun tengahari phone hilang. Cari cari satu rumah geledah sana sini semua takde then last last jumpa casing phone je tinggal bawah katil tapi phonenya takde. Sambung bawah. <a href="https://t.co/0x54giujnY">pic.twitter.com/0x54giujnY</a>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305115289269362688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Later, the phone owner found his cellphone idling away in the backyard. When he went through its media, he found the unexpected. &nbsp;

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Santai bos <a href="https://t.co/NEyFvVWIho">pic.twitter.com/NEyFvVWIho</a>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305117475466481665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Pokok tu ha dia panjat <a href="https://t.co/ORvQrDf4A0">pic.twitter.com/ORvQrDf4A0</a>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305402977570570240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The monkey had documented its day out!

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Yawnn <a href="https://t.co/1uC36vxQZh">pic.twitter.com/1uC36vxQZh</a>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305946500346724352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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And at the same, he left some bite marks on the phone.

The overwhelmed owner, took to Twitter to express his amusement, where he also swore to have washed his phone 7 times.

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Cutie <a href="https://t.co/iLm1UALx60">pic.twitter.com/iLm1UALx60</a>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305946579417722880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Now this monkey and the man are trending, and may have joined the trending selfie club!

Here's the parting gift:

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The suspect <a href="https://t.co/7uofsddkKL">pic.twitter.com/7uofsddkKL</a>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305116626925232128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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WATCH| 
&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Animals reclaimed their nature-mandated spaces this pandemic. Soon, they are going to take over your Instagram feed! A monkey shooting videos and clicking selfies is not some goof up.

Animals reclaimed their nature-mandated spaces this pandemic. Soon, they are going to take over your Instagram feed! A monkey shooting videos and clicking selfies is not some goof up. It actually happened! A monkey in Malaysia recently invaded a human house. The creature, then picked up a phone and took it out for an adventure. The monkey stared at the phone camera, and also attempted to eat it. Then the primate got bored, so it trashed the phone, and disappeared. Take a look: Something yang korang takkan jumpa setiap abad. Semalam pagi tido bangun bangun tengahari phone hilang. Cari cari satu rumah geledah sana sini semua takde then last last jumpa casing phone je tinggal bawah katil tapi phonenya takde. Sambung bawah. pic.twitter.com/0x54giujnY — z (@Zackrydz) September 13, 2020 × Later, the phone owner found his cellphone idling away in the backyard. When he went through its media, he found the unexpected. Santai bos pic.twitter.com/NEyFvVWIho — z (@Zackrydz) September 13, 2020 × Pokok tu ha dia panjat pic.twitter.com/ORvQrDf4A0 — z (@Zackrydz) September 14, 2020 × The monkey had documented its day out! Yawnn pic.twitter.com/1uC36vxQZh — z (@Zackrydz) September 15, 2020 × And at the same, he left some bite marks on the phone. The overwhelmed owner, took to Twitter to express his amusement, where he also swore to have washed his phone 7 times. Cutie pic.twitter.com/iLm1UALx60 — z (@Zackrydz) September 15, 2020 × Now this monkey and the man are trending, and may have joined the trending selfie club! Here's the parting gift: The suspect pic.twitter.com/7uofsddkKL — z (@Zackrydz) September 13, 2020 × WATCH| ×

Malaysia: A monkey stole a smartphone to click hilarious selfies

Hero with a backpack: Malaysian man's mission to rid beaches of glass

A recent survey has revealed that three out of four people will be willing to take the vaccine for coronavirus, if it is rolled out this year.

On behalf of World Economic Forum, Ipsos MORI conducted a survey&nbsp;of nearly 20,000 adults from 27 countries.&nbsp;

As per the results compiled, around 74 per cent people said that&nbsp;they would get a vaccine for COVID-19 if it were available saying “if a vaccine for COVID-19 were available, I would get it”. However, 59 per cent people said they had no hope that the vaccination will be rolled out by the end of this year.

Out of people who said they would not want to get their hopes high for the vaccination, 56 per cent said they would be scared about the side effects of the vaccination, and 29 per cent said they are not sure if the vaccine will be effective.

Out of 74 per cent who agreed to use the vaccine,&nbsp;only 37 per cent strongly agree while 37 per cent somewhat agree.

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The number of people who agreed to using the vaccine is significantly more than those who doubt the effectiveness of it. Countries such as China (97 per cent), Brazil (88 per cent), Australia (88 per cent), and India (87 per cent) are the main countries where people showed more confidence in the vaccine.

However, residents of countries such as&nbsp;Russia (54 per cent), Poland (56 per cent), Hungary (56 per cent), and France (59 per cent) said that they would not use the vaccine even if it is available.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/widespread-covid-19-vaccinations-not-expected-until-mid-2021-who-325216">Also read|&nbsp;Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO</a>

Globally, on an average, 56 per cent people said they would not use the vaccine, fearing the side effects of it. Out of the 56 per cent,&nbsp;70 per cent were from Spain, 68 per cent&nbsp;in Sweden,&nbsp;41 per cent in Argentina and 40 per cent in Saudi Arabia.

Further, 29 per cent people said they are not sure the vaccine will be effective and the&nbsp;third most common reason is the perception of not being enough at risk from COVID-19, cited by 19 per cent globally, with majority of these people being in India.

China tops the list of countries where the citizens believe that the vaccine will be available this year, with 87 per cent showing a positive attitude, followed by 75 per cent in&nbsp;Saudi Arabia and 74 per cent in India. However, residents of&nbsp;Germany, Belgium, Japan, and Poland have less or no hope about the vaccine being ready this year.

The survey was&nbsp;conducted by Ipsos between July 24 and August 7, 2020 on its Global Advisor online survey platform among a total of 19,519 adults, aged 18-74 in United States, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey, and aged 16-74 in 22 other countries.

A recent survey has revealed that three out of four people will be willing to take the vaccine for coronavirus, if it is rolled out this year. On behalf of World Economic Forum, Ipsos MORI conducted a survey of nearly 20,000 adults from 27 countries.

A recent survey has revealed that three out of four people will be willing to take the vaccine for coronavirus, if it is rolled out this year. On behalf of World Economic Forum, Ipsos MORI conducted a survey of nearly 20,000 adults from 27 countries. As per the results compiled, around 74 per cent people said that they would get a vaccine for COVID-19 if it were available saying “if a vaccine for COVID-19 were available, I would get it”. However, 59 per cent people said they had no hope that the vaccination will be rolled out by the end of this year. Out of people who said they would not want to get their hopes high for the vaccination, 56 per cent said they would be scared about the side effects of the vaccination, and 29 per cent said they are not sure if the vaccine will be effective. Out of 74 per cent who agreed to use the vaccine, only 37 per cent strongly agree while 37 per cent somewhat agree. × The number of people who agreed to using the vaccine is significantly more than those who doubt the effectiveness of it. Countries such as China (97 per cent), Brazil (88 per cent), Australia (88 per cent), and India (87 per cent) are the main countries where people showed more confidence in the vaccine. However, residents of countries such as Russia (54 per cent), Poland (56 per cent), Hungary (56 per cent), and France (59 per cent) said that they would not use the vaccine even if it is available. Also read| Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO Globally, on an average, 56 per cent people said they would not use the vaccine, fearing the side effects of it. Out of the 56 per cent, 70 per cent were from Spain, 68 per cent in Sweden, 41 per cent in Argentina and 40 per cent in Saudi Arabia. Further, 29 per cent people said they are not sure the vaccine will be effective and the third most common reason is the perception of not being enough at risk from COVID-19, cited by 19 per cent globally, with majority of these people being in India. China tops the list of countries where the citizens believe that the vaccine will be available this year, with 87 per cent showing a positive attitude, followed by 75 per cent in Saudi Arabia and 74 per cent in India. However, residents of Germany, Belgium, Japan, and Poland have less or no hope about the vaccine being ready this year. The survey was conducted by Ipsos between July 24 and August 7, 2020 on its Global Advisor online survey platform among a total of 19,519 adults, aged 18-74 in United States, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey, and aged 16-74 in 22 other countries.

Three in four adults would get a COVID-19 vaccine, if available: Survey

After a new cluster of novel coronavirus was found in the country, Malaysia has decided to add the United States, United Kingdom and France to a 'no entry' list.

The Malaysian government has announced that all long-term immigration pass holders will temporarily not be allowed to enter the borders. The decision was taken after new cases were identified in the country, originating from&nbsp;the returnees and undocumented migrants.

As per reports by local media, all countries that have reported more than 150,000 coronavirus cases will be added to the ban list, for a little while. The ban will not be permanent, and is just a measure to contain the spread of novel coronavirus in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malaysia-bans-indians-from-entering-the-country-due-to-growing-number-of-covid-19-infections-324511">Also read:&nbsp;Malaysia bans Indians from entering the country due to growing number of COVID-19 infections</a>

The addition to the list came two days after the Malaysian government announced a similar ban on India,&nbsp;Indonesia and the Philippines.&nbsp;

As per the notification that came on Tuesday, all immigrants returning to the country from these countries will not be granted entry, starting from September 07.

"We will add more (countries) that are considered high risk," said Ismail Sabri,&nbsp;Minister of Defence of Malaysia.

The list also&nbsp;includes Brazil, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Russia and India's neighbour Bangladesh.

The ban includes all individuals with passes for&nbsp;permanent residents, expatriates, students and those on spouse visas and participants of Malaysia`s My Second Home programme.

Malaysia has, till Thursday, reported a total of&nbsp;9,374 COVID-19 cases and 128 deaths only.

After a new cluster of novel coronavirus was found in the country, Malaysia has decided to add the United States, United Kingdom and France to a 'no entry' list.

After a new cluster of novel coronavirus was found in the country, Malaysia has decided to add the United States, United Kingdom and France to a 'no entry' list. The Malaysian government has announced that all long-term immigration pass holders will temporarily not be allowed to enter the borders. The decision was taken after new cases were identified in the country, originating from the returnees and undocumented migrants. As per reports by local media, all countries that have reported more than 150,000 coronavirus cases will be added to the ban list, for a little while. The ban will not be permanent, and is just a measure to contain the spread of novel coronavirus in the country. Also read: Malaysia bans Indians from entering the country due to growing number of COVID-19 infections The addition to the list came two days after the Malaysian government announced a similar ban on India, Indonesia and the Philippines. As per the notification that came on Tuesday, all immigrants returning to the country from these countries will not be granted entry, starting from September 07. "We will add more (countries) that are considered high risk," said Ismail Sabri, Minister of Defence of Malaysia. The list also includes Brazil, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Russia and India's neighbour Bangladesh. The ban includes all individuals with passes for permanent residents, expatriates, students and those on spouse visas and participants of Malaysia`s My Second Home programme. Malaysia has, till Thursday, reported a total of 9,374 COVID-19 cases and 128 deaths only.

After banning Indians, Malaysia adds US, UK and France citizens to 'no entry' list

The Government of Malaysia will block Indians from entering the country starting Monday due to the high rate of increase in COVID-19 positive cases in India. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-cross-35-million-in-india-with-69921-new-cases-324418">Also read | COVID-19: Cases cross 3.5 million in India with 69,921 new cases</a> 
 
The ban will also simultaneously apply on citizens of Indonesia and the Philippines.

People with long-term passes, students, expatriates, permanent residents as well as family members of Malaysians will be highly affected by this decision.

All foreign tourists have been banned from entry since March.

Malaysia extended measures to curb the pandemic until the end of the year as the virus “is still actively spreading across the world," Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a speech on Friday.

Meanwhile, With 69,921 people testing positive for coronavirus infection, India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 3,691,166, while recoveries surged to 2,839,882 on Tuesday pushing the recovery rate to 76.94 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The death toll climbed to 65,288 with 819 new fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of Malaysia will block Indians from entering the country starting Monday due to the high rate of increase in COVID-19 positive cases in India. Also read | COVID-19: Cases cross 3.

The Government of Malaysia will block Indians from entering the country starting Monday due to the high rate of increase in COVID-19 positive cases in India. Also read | COVID-19: Cases cross 3.5 million in India with 69,921 new cases The ban will also simultaneously apply on citizens of Indonesia and the Philippines. People with long-term passes, students, expatriates, permanent residents as well as family members of Malaysians will be highly affected by this decision. All foreign tourists have been banned from entry since March. Malaysia extended measures to curb the pandemic until the end of the year as the virus “is still actively spreading across the world," Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a speech on Friday. Meanwhile, With 69,921 people testing positive for coronavirus infection, India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 3,691,166, while recoveries surged to 2,839,882 on Tuesday pushing the recovery rate to 76.94 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll climbed to 65,288 with 819 new fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia bans Indians from entering the country due to growing number of COVID-19 infections

Malaysia has deported a Bangladeshi worker who criticised the government`s treatment of migrants in a documentary made by broadcaster Al Jazeera, the country`s director general of immigration confirmed on Saturday.

Mohammad Rayhan Kabir was deported to Bangladesh late on Friday, Khairul Dzaimee Daud told Reuters. He did not respond to further queries on why Rayhan was deported.

Accompanied by immigration officers, he was seen waving and giving a thumbs up to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Friday night, state media outlet Bernama reported.

Malaysia arrested 25-year-old Rayhan and blacklisted him from entering the country last month, after Al Jazeera`s July 3 documentary on Malaysia`s treatment of undocumented foreign workers during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a backlash in the Southeast Asia nation.

At that time, Qatar-based Al Jazeera said it was disturbing Rayhan had been arrested "for choosing to speak up about some of the experiences of the voiceless and the vulnerable."

Rights groups have accused the government of suppressing media freedom after authorities questioned Al Jazeera`s journalists, raided their office, and opened into alleged sedition, defamation and violation of a communications law.

Malaysia arrested hundreds of undocumented foreigners, including children and Rohingya refugees, after the country imposed a lockdown to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.

Malaysian officials said the arrests were necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, which human rights activists have condemned as inhumane.

Activists have also voiced concerns that the nearly six-month-old administration of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is stifling dissent amid a series of clampdowns, an accusation the government has denied.

Malaysia has deported a Bangladeshi worker who criticised the government`s treatment of migrants in a documentary made by broadcaster Al Jazeera, the country`s director general of immigration confirmed on Saturday.

Malaysia has deported a Bangladeshi worker who criticised the government`s treatment of migrants in a documentary made by broadcaster Al Jazeera, the country`s director general of immigration confirmed on Saturday. Mohammad Rayhan Kabir was deported to Bangladesh late on Friday, Khairul Dzaimee Daud told Reuters. He did not respond to further queries on why Rayhan was deported. Accompanied by immigration officers, he was seen waving and giving a thumbs up to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Friday night, state media outlet Bernama reported. Malaysia arrested 25-year-old Rayhan and blacklisted him from entering the country last month, after Al Jazeera`s July 3 documentary on Malaysia`s treatment of undocumented foreign workers during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a backlash in the Southeast Asia nation. At that time, Qatar-based Al Jazeera said it was disturbing Rayhan had been arrested "for choosing to speak up about some of the experiences of the voiceless and the vulnerable." Rights groups have accused the government of suppressing media freedom after authorities questioned Al Jazeera`s journalists, raided their office, and opened into alleged sedition, defamation and violation of a communications law. Malaysia arrested hundreds of undocumented foreigners, including children and Rohingya refugees, after the country imposed a lockdown to contain the spread of the new coronavirus. Malaysian officials said the arrests were necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, which human rights activists have condemned as inhumane. Activists have also voiced concerns that the nearly six-month-old administration of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is stifling dissent amid a series of clampdowns, an accusation the government has denied.

Malaysia deports Bangladeshi man who criticised treatment of migrants in documentary

A mutation of the novel coronavirus increasingly common throughout Europe and recently detected in Malaysia may be more infectious but appears less deadly, according to a prominent infectious diseases doctor. 
&nbsp; 
Paul Tambyah, senior consultant at the National University of Singapore and president-elect of the US-based International Society of Infectious Diseases, said the D614G mutation has also been found in Singapore. 
&nbsp; 
The city-state's health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
&nbsp; 
Tambyah said there is evidence the proliferation of the mutation in Europe has coincided with a drop in death rates, suggesting it is less lethal. 
&nbsp; 
The mutation is not likely to impact the efficacy of a potential vaccine, despite warnings to the contrary from other health experts, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-new-strain-of-coronavirus-10-times-more-infectious-found-321114">Also read|&nbsp;Malaysia: New strain of coronavirus, 10 times more infectious found</a>

"Maybe that's a good thing to have a virus that is more infectious but less deadly," Tambyah told Reuters. 
&nbsp; 
Tambyah said most viruses tend to become less virulent as they mutate. 
&nbsp; 
"It is in the virus' interest to infect more people but not to kill them because a virus depends on the host for food and for shelter," he said. 
&nbsp; 
Scientists discovered the mutation as early as February and it has circulated in Europe and the Americas, the World Health Organization said. The WHO has also said there is no evidence the mutation has led to more severe disease. 
&nbsp; 
On Sunday, Malaysia's director-general of health Noor Hisham Abdullah urged greater public vigilance after authorities detected what they believe was the D614G mutation of the coronavirus in two recent clusters. 
&nbsp; 
Noor Hisham said the new strain detected was 10 times more infectious and that vaccines currently in development may not be effective against this mutation. 
&nbsp; 
But Tambyah said such mutations would not likely change the virus enough to make potential vaccines less effective. 
&nbsp; 
"The mutant affects the binding of the spike protein and not necessarily the recognition of the protein by the immune system, which would be primed by a vaccine," he said.

A mutation of the novel coronavirus increasingly common throughout Europe and recently detected in Malaysia may be more infectious but appears less deadly, according to a prominent infectious diseases doctor.

A mutation of the novel coronavirus increasingly common throughout Europe and recently detected in Malaysia may be more infectious but appears less deadly, according to a prominent infectious diseases doctor. Paul Tambyah, senior consultant at the National University of Singapore and president-elect of the US-based International Society of Infectious Diseases, said the D614G mutation has also been found in Singapore. The city-state's health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tambyah said there is evidence the proliferation of the mutation in Europe has coincided with a drop in death rates, suggesting it is less lethal. The mutation is not likely to impact the efficacy of a potential vaccine, despite warnings to the contrary from other health experts, he added. Also read| Malaysia: New strain of coronavirus, 10 times more infectious found "Maybe that's a good thing to have a virus that is more infectious but less deadly," Tambyah told Reuters. Tambyah said most viruses tend to become less virulent as they mutate. "It is in the virus' interest to infect more people but not to kill them because a virus depends on the host for food and for shelter," he said. Scientists discovered the mutation as early as February and it has circulated in Europe and the Americas, the World Health Organization said. The WHO has also said there is no evidence the mutation has led to more severe disease. On Sunday, Malaysia's director-general of health Noor Hisham Abdullah urged greater public vigilance after authorities detected what they believe was the D614G mutation of the coronavirus in two recent clusters. Noor Hisham said the new strain detected was 10 times more infectious and that vaccines currently in development may not be effective against this mutation. But Tambyah said such mutations would not likely change the virus enough to make potential vaccines less effective. "The mutant affects the binding of the spike protein and not necessarily the recognition of the protein by the immune system, which would be primed by a vaccine," he said.

Infectious COVID-19 mutation may be 'a good thing', says disease expert

While doctors and scientists are scrambling to find treatment and drugs that can save lives, Malaysia has identified a new strain of coronavirus. Watch report.

New coronavirus strains found in Malaysia: Mutation spotted in 3 cases from a cluster

A new strain of the novel coronavirus has been found in Malaysia that is said to be 10 times more infectious than COVD-19.&nbsp;

The mutation named D614G was found in as many as three of the 45 cases in a cluster that started after a restaurant owner returned from India and violated his 14-day home quarantine, according to Bloomberg. The man is sent to prison for five months and fined.&nbsp;

The same strain was also detected in another cluster in people coming back from the Philippines.

Also read&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malaysia-jails-indian-man-linked-to-fresh-coronavirus-outbreak-320192">Malaysia jails Indian man linked to fresh coronavirus outbreak</a>

Director-General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah said it could imply that present research on vaccines may be incomplete or ineffective against the strain.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-ex-pm-mahathir-admits-his-comments-on-kashmir-strained-india-malaysia-ties-318923">EXCLUSIVE: Ex-PM Mahathir admits his comments on Kashmir strained India-Malaysia ties</a>

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said no evidence suggests that the mutation could cause more severe disease.&nbsp;

A study published in Cell Press said the mutation is unlikely to affect the efficacy of vaccines currently under development.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Malaysia, which has earlier managed to control the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, is lately seeing a rise in the infections. On Saturday, the country recorded 26 new cases, the highest since July 28.

On Sunday, Malaysia confirmed 25 new infections.&nbsp;

A new strain of the novel coronavirus has been found in Malaysia that is said to be 10 times more infectious than COVD-19. The mutation named D614G was found in as many as three of the 45 cases in a cluster that started after a restaurant owner returned from India and violated his 14-day home quarantine, according to Bloomberg.

A new strain of the novel coronavirus has been found in Malaysia that is said to be 10 times more infectious than COVD-19. The mutation named D614G was found in as many as three of the 45 cases in a cluster that started after a restaurant owner returned from India and violated his 14-day home quarantine, according to Bloomberg. The man is sent to prison for five months and fined. The same strain was also detected in another cluster in people coming back from the Philippines. Also read | Malaysia jails Indian man linked to fresh coronavirus outbreak Director-General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah said it could imply that present research on vaccines may be incomplete or ineffective against the strain. Also read | EXCLUSIVE: Ex-PM Mahathir admits his comments on Kashmir strained India-Malaysia ties However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said no evidence suggests that the mutation could cause more severe disease. A study published in Cell Press said the mutation is unlikely to affect the efficacy of vaccines currently under development. Meanwhile, Malaysia, which has earlier managed to control the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, is lately seeing a rise in the infections. On Saturday, the country recorded 26 new cases, the highest since July 28. On Sunday, Malaysia confirmed 25 new infections.

Malaysia: New strain of coronavirus, 10 times more infectious found

The Malaysian coast guard shot dead a Vietnamese fisherman whose boat tried to ram a patrol vessel in the South China Sea, an official said Monday.

The incident took place inside Malaysian waters, where local fisherman have complained in the past about Vietnamese fishing boats that damage their nets.

Coast guard chief Zubil Mat Som told AFP that two Vietnamese fishing boats had entered Malaysian waters some 80 nautical miles from Tok Bali, off the northeastern state of Kelantan late Sunday.

"The coastguard crew had earlier fired warning shots in the air but after they rammed and threw a bottle of petrol, my men had no choice but to open fire in self defence," he said.

Zubil alleged the Vietnamese crew had thrown petrol and a tyre to try and set fire to the coast guard boat, which was damaged by the "aggressive ramming".

One Vietnamese fisherman suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead after he was brought to shore.

"We are saddened by this deadly incident. But I can guarantee... my men took this action to protect their lives and to protect our national sovereignty," Zubil added.

The Vietnamese boats with the remaining 20 crew members were towed to the coast guard jetty.

Parts of the South China Sea are subject to rival claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, while Beijing claims the entire waterway.

The rival claims to the sea, which straddles vital shipping lanes and covers rich fishing grounds, makes it a potential flashpoint for conflict.

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- where four claimants are members of -- are currently in talks for a code of conduct in the area.

While not a claimant, the United States has been sending freedom of navigation patrols in international waters, but China has slammed these as interference in regional affairs.

In February, Kuala Lumpur sought to secure a deal with Hanoi to end alleged intrusions into Malaysian waters by Vietnamese vessels.

The Malaysian coast guard shot dead a Vietnamese fisherman whose boat tried to ram a patrol vessel in the South China Sea, an official said Monday. The incident took place inside Malaysian waters, where local fisherman have complained in the past about Vietnamese fishing boats that damage their nets.

The Malaysian coast guard shot dead a Vietnamese fisherman whose boat tried to ram a patrol vessel in the South China Sea, an official said Monday. The incident took place inside Malaysian waters, where local fisherman have complained in the past about Vietnamese fishing boats that damage their nets. Coast guard chief Zubil Mat Som told AFP that two Vietnamese fishing boats had entered Malaysian waters some 80 nautical miles from Tok Bali, off the northeastern state of Kelantan late Sunday. "The coastguard crew had earlier fired warning shots in the air but after they rammed and threw a bottle of petrol, my men had no choice but to open fire in self defence," he said. Zubil alleged the Vietnamese crew had thrown petrol and a tyre to try and set fire to the coast guard boat, which was damaged by the "aggressive ramming". One Vietnamese fisherman suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead after he was brought to shore. "We are saddened by this deadly incident. But I can guarantee... my men took this action to protect their lives and to protect our national sovereignty," Zubil added. The Vietnamese boats with the remaining 20 crew members were towed to the coast guard jetty. Parts of the South China Sea are subject to rival claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, while Beijing claims the entire waterway. The rival claims to the sea, which straddles vital shipping lanes and covers rich fishing grounds, makes it a potential flashpoint for conflict. China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- where four claimants are members of -- are currently in talks for a code of conduct in the area. While not a claimant, the United States has been sending freedom of navigation patrols in international waters, but China has slammed these as interference in regional affairs. In February, Kuala Lumpur sought to secure a deal with Hanoi to end alleged intrusions into Malaysian waters by Vietnamese vessels.

Malaysia coast guard kill Vietnamese fisherman in South China Sea clash

A Malaysian court jailed an Indian man for five months on Thursday for violating a home quarantine order, leading to dozens of new coronavirus infections, the Bernama state news agency reported.

The 57-year-old, who resides in Malaysia and owns a restaurant in the northern state of Kedah, pleaded guilty to four charges of violating a mandated 14-day home quarantine order upon his return from India in July.

He was also fined 12,000 ringgit ($2,864) by the Alor Setar Magistrate`s Court, which held a special hearing at a Kedah hospital where the accused was undergoing treatment, Bernama reported.

Authorities had earlier said the man, who initially tested negative for the coronavirus, had left his home during the quarantine period to visit his restaurant.

After a second test came back positive, dozens of people, including the man`s family members, restaurant workers and customers, were found to have been infected.

A total of 45 cases linked to the cluster have since been reported in at least three Malaysian states.

Malaysia has gradually lifted strict lockdown measures since May after successfully containing the spread of the pandemic, but has warned that curbs may be reimposed after more than a dozen new clusters emerged in recent weeks.

The Southeast Asian country has reported 9,129 infections, including 125 deaths.

Authorities reintroduced a requirement last month for people entering the country to undergo the mandatory two-week quarantine at hotels and government isolation centers, after hundreds of incoming travellers were found violating orders to self-isolate at home.

A Malaysian court jailed an Indian man for five months on Thursday for violating a home quarantine order, leading to dozens of new coronavirus infections, the Bernama state news agency reported.

A Malaysian court jailed an Indian man for five months on Thursday for violating a home quarantine order, leading to dozens of new coronavirus infections, the Bernama state news agency reported. The 57-year-old, who resides in Malaysia and owns a restaurant in the northern state of Kedah, pleaded guilty to four charges of violating a mandated 14-day home quarantine order upon his return from India in July. He was also fined 12,000 ringgit ($2,864) by the Alor Setar Magistrate`s Court, which held a special hearing at a Kedah hospital where the accused was undergoing treatment, Bernama reported. Authorities had earlier said the man, who initially tested negative for the coronavirus, had left his home during the quarantine period to visit his restaurant. After a second test came back positive, dozens of people, including the man`s family members, restaurant workers and customers, were found to have been infected. A total of 45 cases linked to the cluster have since been reported in at least three Malaysian states. Malaysia has gradually lifted strict lockdown measures since May after successfully containing the spread of the pandemic, but has warned that curbs may be reimposed after more than a dozen new clusters emerged in recent weeks. The Southeast Asian country has reported 9,129 infections, including 125 deaths. Authorities reintroduced a requirement last month for people entering the country to undergo the mandatory two-week quarantine at hotels and government isolation centers, after hundreds of incoming travellers were found violating orders to self-isolate at home.

Malaysia jails Indian man linked to fresh coronavirus outbreak

In a departure from past Malaysia has refrained from making any comments on Kashmir even as China and Turkey continuing with anti-India policy made remarks on the first anniversary of the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Under the leadership of former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir bin Mohamad, Kaula Lumpur had taken an anti-India stance, making remarks on Kashmir. Malaysia under Mahathir was among the 3 countries--Other two being Turkey and China to raise Kashmir at UNGA meet last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-former-pm-najib-razak-blames-god-for-abuse-of-power-316548">Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak blames God for abuse of power</a>

Under the new Malaysian govt led by PM Muhyiddin Yassin, both sides have been engaging with each other. India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar spoke to new Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein immediately after new govt took charge in Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;

Indian high commissioner to Malaysia Mridul Kumar has also met Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin many times. In fact, Indian high commissioner was the first envoy received by the Malaysian foreign minister on March 18, the day he took charge.&nbsp;

Both sides are strengthening commercial ties, with trade deficit reducing from $4.3 bn to $3.4 bn in 2019-20 compared to last year.&nbsp;

Increased rice and sugar, high-speed diesel import has taken place. Under India's mega repatriation plan the Vande Bharat mission--Vande Bharat Mission, 42 flights have taken from Malaysia bringing back 7000 Indian from Mid March till now.

New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur have also been cooperating under the current COVID pandemic with India allowing the export of HCQ and paracetamol to Malaysia.

In a departure from past Malaysia has refrained from making any comments on Kashmir even as China and Turkey continuing with anti-India policy made remarks on the first anniversary of the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a departure from past Malaysia has refrained from making any comments on Kashmir even as China and Turkey continuing with anti-India policy made remarks on the first anniversary of the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Under the leadership of former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir bin Mohamad, Kaula Lumpur had taken an anti-India stance, making remarks on Kashmir. Malaysia under Mahathir was among the 3 countries--Other two being Turkey and China to raise Kashmir at UNGA meet last year. Also read | Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak blames God for abuse of power Under the new Malaysian govt led by PM Muhyiddin Yassin, both sides have been engaging with each other. India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar spoke to new Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein immediately after new govt took charge in Kuala Lumpur. Indian high commissioner to Malaysia Mridul Kumar has also met Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin many times. In fact, Indian high commissioner was the first envoy received by the Malaysian foreign minister on March 18, the day he took charge. Both sides are strengthening commercial ties, with trade deficit reducing from $4.3 bn to $3.4 bn in 2019-20 compared to last year. Increased rice and sugar, high-speed diesel import has taken place. Under India's mega repatriation plan the Vande Bharat mission--Vande Bharat Mission, 42 flights have taken from Malaysia bringing back 7000 Indian from Mid March till now. New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur have also been cooperating under the current COVID pandemic with India allowing the export of HCQ and paracetamol to Malaysia.

In a departure from past, Malaysia refrains from commenting on Kashmir as ties improve

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad admitted in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma that the relations between Malaysia and India deteriorated because of his comments on Kashmir.&nbsp;

"Well, it did because of my remarks on Kashmir. But, other than that the relationship was very good, even under my leadership," Mahathir said when asked whether the relations between both countries were hit.&nbsp;

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"It is not about supporting Pakistan, it is about the people of Kashmir...": Former Malaysian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/chedetofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chedetofficial</a> talks to <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> on his controversial remarks on Jammu and Kashmir<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MahathirMohamadOnWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahathirMohamadOnWION</a> <a href="https://t.co/juoGkmyyu2">pic.twitter.com/juoGkmyyu2</a>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

The former&nbsp; Malaysian prime minister added&nbsp;that traditionally the relations with India have "been very good".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/would-like-to-send-zakir-naik-to-some-country-where-he-will-be-safe-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318916">Would like to send Zakir Naik to some country where he will be safe, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

"As you know we have a lot of people of Indian origin here in Malaysia and they still have connections in India."

However, the ex-PM said "some minor glitches" affected the relations, but, "very quickly we overcome such strains in our relationship".

He also hinted towards&nbsp;good relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his former counterpart was one of the earlier PMs who called him up when he won his second term.&nbsp;

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"In many ways he has done well internationally but then of course we need to understand India better under Modi because he is different from previous prime ministers," says <a href="https://twitter.com/chedetofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chedetofficial</a> on India's role at the world stage under PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MahathirMohamadOnWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahathirMohamadOnWION</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> <a href="https://t.co/xsNGVGee7y">pic.twitter.com/xsNGVGee7y</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1291751451824230401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Apparently, we had met a long time ago, although I had forgotten and he was able to show a picture of us together from a long time ago, before he became the prime minister," Mahathir said.

"Well, we always want to maintain good relations, whoever may be the prime minister of India, it’s not something that we should take into consideration. Whoever is the prime minister we will develop good relations with the prime minister."

On his comments on Kashmir, he said he was speaking on events all over the world where some wrongs have been committed.&nbsp;

"It is not about supporting Pakistan, it is about the people of Kashmir," he added.&nbsp;

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad admitted in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma that the relations between Malaysia and India deteriorated because of his comments on Kashmir.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad admitted in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma that the relations between Malaysia and India deteriorated because of his comments on Kashmir. "Well, it did because of my remarks on Kashmir. But, other than that the relationship was very good, even under my leadership," Mahathir said when asked whether the relations between both countries were hit. "It is not about supporting Pakistan, it is about the people of Kashmir...": Former Malaysian PM @chedetofficial talks to @palkisu on his controversial remarks on Jammu and Kashmir#MahathirMohamadOnWION pic.twitter.com/juoGkmyyu2 — WION (@WIONews) August 7, 2020 × Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION The former Malaysian prime minister added that traditionally the relations with India have "been very good". Also read | Would like to send Zakir Naik to some country where he will be safe, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION "As you know we have a lot of people of Indian origin here in Malaysia and they still have connections in India." However, the ex-PM said "some minor glitches" affected the relations, but, "very quickly we overcome such strains in our relationship". He also hinted towards good relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his former counterpart was one of the earlier PMs who called him up when he won his second term. "In many ways he has done well internationally but then of course we need to understand India better under Modi because he is different from previous prime ministers," says @chedetofficial on India's role at the world stage under PM @narendramodi#MahathirMohamadOnWION @palkisu pic.twitter.com/xsNGVGee7y — WION (@WIONews) August 7, 2020 × "Apparently, we had met a long time ago, although I had forgotten and he was able to show a picture of us together from a long time ago, before he became the prime minister," Mahathir said. "Well, we always want to maintain good relations, whoever may be the prime minister of India, it’s not something that we should take into consideration. Whoever is the prime minister we will develop good relations with the prime minister." On his comments on Kashmir, he said he was speaking on events all over the world where some wrongs have been committed. "It is not about supporting Pakistan, it is about the people of Kashmir," he added.

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-PM Mahathir admits his comments on Kashmir strained India-Malaysia ties

Lim Guan Eng, Malaysia' ex-finance minister, has been charged with a corruption charge regarding the $1.5 billion construction project.

The leader of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has pleaded not guilty to soliciting bribe from a businessman in exchange for being appointed for the project.&nbsp;

His allies have come out in support and have alleged this case to be a politically motivated move.

The case centres on a 6.3 billion ringgit ($1.5 billion) project to build an undersea tunnel in the northern state of Penang, which Lim led as chief minister from 2008 to 2018.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-departure-from-past-malaysia-refrains-from-commenting-on-kashmir-as-ties-improve-318693">Also read:&nbsp;In a departure from past, Malaysia refrains from commenting on Kashmir as ties improve</a>

The allegations claim that the amount was&nbsp;a cut of profits the company would have gained from the work it performed on the project.&nbsp;

While the leader was let out on bail on Friday morning, he faces the danger of a 20-year prison sentence, if proven guilty for the corruption charge.&nbsp;&nbsp;He will also face two more corruption charges next week, according to the anti-graft agency.

This i&nbsp; not the first time the 59-year-old leader has had to face the jury for such an allegation. Few years ago, too, Lim Guan Eng was faced with similar corruption charges. However, those were dropped in 2018.

Lim is not the first leader to come under the microscope for such allegations. Many leaders from his party are being challenged for their actions, in the present and past, for the last few months now. Lim, however, is the highest-profile figure to face a criminal probe in recent months.

Lim Guan Eng, Malaysia' ex-finance minister, has been charged with a corruption charge regarding the $1.5 billion construction project. The leader of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has pleaded not guilty to soliciting bribe from a businessman in exchange for being appointed for the project.

Lim Guan Eng, Malaysia' ex-finance minister, has been charged with a corruption charge regarding the $1.5 billion construction project. The leader of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has pleaded not guilty to soliciting bribe from a businessman in exchange for being appointed for the project. His allies have come out in support and have alleged this case to be a politically motivated move. The case centres on a 6.3 billion ringgit ($1.5 billion) project to build an undersea tunnel in the northern state of Penang, which Lim led as chief minister from 2008 to 2018. Also read: In a departure from past, Malaysia refrains from commenting on Kashmir as ties improve The allegations claim that the amount was a cut of profits the company would have gained from the work it performed on the project. While the leader was let out on bail on Friday morning, he faces the danger of a 20-year prison sentence, if proven guilty for the corruption charge. He will also face two more corruption charges next week, according to the anti-graft agency. This i not the first time the 59-year-old leader has had to face the jury for such an allegation. Few years ago, too, Lim Guan Eng was faced with similar corruption charges. However, those were dropped in 2018. Lim is not the first leader to come under the microscope for such allegations. Many leaders from his party are being challenged for their actions, in the present and past, for the last few months now. Lim, however, is the highest-profile figure to face a criminal probe in recent months.

Malaysian ex-finance minister faces corruption charge; issued bail

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad speaking exclusively to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma as part of Global Leadership Series said that that going to war with China is not an option because it is a very powerful country.

"We tried to find other ways of solving our strained relations with China. It cannot be compared to India as they have a different system and viewpoints. While India is more liberal and willing to accept criticism, China is not," Mahathir said in an exclusive conversation with WION.

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"Our relationship with India and China is not quite the same. With India we feel that you are more liberal, more willing to accept criticisms. But, with China, they don't. They have a different system and viewpoints," says <a href="https://twitter.com/chedetofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chedetofficial</a> on standing up for Muslims of China <a href="https://t.co/6xpFV0l3ge">pic.twitter.com/6xpFV0l3ge</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1291747173097496577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"There are ways of doing things. It’s not always through confrontation," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Cannot go to war with China on South China Sea: Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

When questioned about what he has done for the Muslims of China, Mahathir said: "We tried to talk to the Chinese. But their response was not good. But I think the Chinese are becoming more and more conscious of the need for them to be a little bit more liberal towards the Muslims in China."

"China has offered to work with any country in terms of developing a vaccine and medicine for this pandemic. They are very cooperative, even with Malaysia and I think, China's attitude is far better than some countries which even consider that if they do find a vaccine, it is only for them," Mahathir said regarding China coronavirus response.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahathir-mohamad-forms-new-independent-party-as-malaysias-power-struggle-intensifies-318852" hreflang="en">Mahathir Mohamad forms new 'independent' party as Malaysia’s power struggle intensifies</a>

Mahathir said he does not support an international investigation against Beijing regarding the origin of COVID-19.

"I don't think it is the time for finger-pointing. What we need to do is to try and resolve this as a problem for the whole world. Pointing fingers at China doesn't help at all. In fact, China has shown how they can handle this pandemic much better than the United States of America for example," he said.

On China's neo-colonialism comment made a few years ago, Mahathir said: "the Malay states, the small Malay states of Malaysia have had relations with China for nearly 2,000 years and that they survived at all is a miracle because if China would have been like the Europeans we would have been colonised by China by now. But China has maintained the relation to the point where even though they call themselves the Middle Kingdom, the biggest country in the world, we survived despite their obvious size and power.

"China is not as bad as the Europeans. The Europeans came here in 1509, two years later they colonised us. China has known us for longer than that and they have not colonised us," he said, adding,"today, we have a problem with China making claims in the South China Sea but we cannot go to war with China, we have to find other solutions to the problem."

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad speaking exclusively to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma as part of Global Leadership Series said that that going to war with China is not an option because it is a very powerful country.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad speaking exclusively to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma as part of Global Leadership Series said that that going to war with China is not an option because it is a very powerful country. "We tried to find other ways of solving our strained relations with China. It cannot be compared to India as they have a different system and viewpoints. While India is more liberal and willing to accept criticism, China is not," Mahathir said in an exclusive conversation with WION. "Our relationship with India and China is not quite the same. With India we feel that you are more liberal, more willing to accept criticisms. But, with China, they don't. They have a different system and viewpoints," says @chedetofficial on standing up for Muslims of China pic.twitter.com/6xpFV0l3ge — WION (@WIONews) August 7, 2020 × "There are ways of doing things. It’s not always through confrontation," he added. Also Read: Cannot go to war with China on South China Sea: Mahathir Mohamad to WION When questioned about what he has done for the Muslims of China, Mahathir said: "We tried to talk to the Chinese. But their response was not good. But I think the Chinese are becoming more and more conscious of the need for them to be a little bit more liberal towards the Muslims in China." "China has offered to work with any country in terms of developing a vaccine and medicine for this pandemic. They are very cooperative, even with Malaysia and I think, China's attitude is far better than some countries which even consider that if they do find a vaccine, it is only for them," Mahathir said regarding China coronavirus response. Also read: Mahathir Mohamad forms new 'independent' party as Malaysia’s power struggle intensifies Mahathir said he does not support an international investigation against Beijing regarding the origin of COVID-19. "I don't think it is the time for finger-pointing. What we need to do is to try and resolve this as a problem for the whole world. Pointing fingers at China doesn't help at all. In fact, China has shown how they can handle this pandemic much better than the United States of America for example," he said. On China's neo-colonialism comment made a few years ago, Mahathir said: "the Malay states, the small Malay states of Malaysia have had relations with China for nearly 2,000 years and that they survived at all is a miracle because if China would have been like the Europeans we would have been colonised by China by now. But China has maintained the relation to the point where even though they call themselves the Middle Kingdom, the biggest country in the world, we survived despite their obvious size and power. "China is not as bad as the Europeans. The Europeans came here in 1509, two years later they colonised us. China has known us for longer than that and they have not colonised us," he said, adding,"today, we have a problem with China making claims in the South China Sea but we cannot go to war with China, we have to find other solutions to the problem."

China conscious about becoming liberal towards Muslims in the country, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION

At 95, Mahathir Mohamad was expelled from his own party. He is still eyeing a comeback. The Former PM of Malaysia gave an exclusive interview to WION's Palki Sharma. It airs on Friday at 8 PM IST. Ahead of the broadcast, here is a report about one of the world's most controversial leaders.

Gravitas: Exclusive: Mahathir Mohamad on WION | Friday at 8 pm IST

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad launched a new political party to contest elections against rivals who seized power from him in March.

Although the party has yet to be registered and has also not been given an official name, Mahathir said for now the party would be referred to as Bebas (independent).

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Perjuangan kami berasas semangat, bukan duit. Asas perjuangan kami masih dengan menghapus rasuah dan kleptokrasi. <a href="https://t.co/xeepMXHqBt">pic.twitter.com/xeepMXHqBt</a>
— Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/chedetofficial/status/1291664561238446082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A local&nbsp;newspaper called 'The Star Malaysia' reported citing the sources as saying&nbsp;it will be registered as Parti Bersatu Rakyat Malaysia, a similar sounding name to his former party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), which expelled him in May. 
 
In a&nbsp;press conference,&nbsp;Mahathir said&nbsp;the new Malay-centric party would not align itself with either of the country’s major political blocs – Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional or the opposition Pakatan Harapan alliance.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-ex-finance-minister-faces-corruption-charge-issued-bail-318758" hreflang="en">Malaysian ex-finance minister faces corruption charge; issued bail</a>

According to sources, the announcement was entirely due to the decision by the High Court earlier in the day on the application by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and three others to strike out a suit by Mahathir and four other people. 
 
The High Court had accepted Muhyiddin's application to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Mahathir and four others over the revocation of their party membership. 
 
On July 23, Mahathir had said that if the court decision was not in his favour, he would form a new party, 'The Star' newspaper reported. 
 
Mahathir had founded the PPBM in 2016 with Muhyiddin after the two fell out with then Prime Minister Najib Razak. 
 
Mahathir and Muhyiddin became PPBM`s chairman and president, respectively. PPBM later joined other opposition parties to form the Pakatan Harapan coalition and went on to win the general elections in 2018. 
 
Mahathir became the Prime Minister for the second time with Muhyiddin serving as the Home Minister. He resigned as the Prime Minister in February. 
 
Muhyiddin led PPBM to leave Pakatan Harapan, causing the coalition's majority in the lower house of parliament to collapse. He then joined hands with parties that were defeated in the 2018 elections. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on March 1.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad launched a new political party to contest elections against rivals who seized power from him in March. Although the party has yet to be registered and has also not been given an official name, Mahathir said for now the party would be referred to as Bebas (independent).

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad launched a new political party to contest elections against rivals who seized power from him in March. Although the party has yet to be registered and has also not been given an official name, Mahathir said for now the party would be referred to as Bebas (independent). Perjuangan kami berasas semangat, bukan duit. Asas perjuangan kami masih dengan menghapus rasuah dan kleptokrasi. pic.twitter.com/xeepMXHqBt — Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) August 7, 2020 × A local newspaper called 'The Star Malaysia' reported citing the sources as saying it will be registered as Parti Bersatu Rakyat Malaysia, a similar sounding name to his former party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), which expelled him in May. In a press conference, Mahathir said the new Malay-centric party would not align itself with either of the country’s major political blocs – Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional or the opposition Pakatan Harapan alliance. Also read: Malaysian ex-finance minister faces corruption charge; issued bail According to sources, the announcement was entirely due to the decision by the High Court earlier in the day on the application by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and three others to strike out a suit by Mahathir and four other people. The High Court had accepted Muhyiddin's application to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Mahathir and four others over the revocation of their party membership. On July 23, Mahathir had said that if the court decision was not in his favour, he would form a new party, 'The Star' newspaper reported. Mahathir had founded the PPBM in 2016 with Muhyiddin after the two fell out with then Prime Minister Najib Razak. Mahathir and Muhyiddin became PPBM`s chairman and president, respectively. PPBM later joined other opposition parties to form the Pakatan Harapan coalition and went on to win the general elections in 2018. Mahathir became the Prime Minister for the second time with Muhyiddin serving as the Home Minister. He resigned as the Prime Minister in February. Muhyiddin led PPBM to leave Pakatan Harapan, causing the coalition's majority in the lower house of parliament to collapse. He then joined hands with parties that were defeated in the 2018 elections. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on March 1.

Mahathir Mohamad forms new 'independent' party as Malaysia’s power struggle intensifies

Durian, which is banned in many public places in Asia due to its rank smell&nbsp;is a big hit in China.&nbsp;

Durian-flavoured foods include pizza, butter, salad dressing and milk; KFC has even added "durian&nbsp;exploding chicken nuggets" to its menu.

Many compare eating&nbsp;stinky&nbsp;durian for the first time to eating a&nbsp;pudding next to an open sewer because no one can cut open the fruit without nauseating.

According to food writer Richard Sterling it ''smells like onions fried in turpentine, garnished with a gym sock''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-traditional-ramzan-markets-go-digital-amid-pandemic-300158">Malaysia's traditional Ramzan markets go digital amid pandemic</a>

"The&nbsp;durian&nbsp;growers and the industry is gearing up in terms of developing new flavours and marketing strategies," said Dzaeman Dzulkifli, executive director at the Tropical Rainforest Conservation &amp; Research Centre (TRCRC).

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"It becomes a global commodity. With the technology to freeze-dry or package it well, and get it transferred to China immediately with the freshness still there."

Durian is predominantly grown in&nbsp;south-east Asia. It is called the ''king of fruits'' by its&nbsp;die-hard fans.

There were reports that the soaring Chinese demand for the stinky&nbsp;durian&nbsp;fruit before the pandemic was turning into the next big threat to Malaysia's depleted rainforest, as per&nbsp;conservation experts.

The demand of durian in Malaysia fell during the pandemic because of the lockdown due to which&nbsp;traditional roadside durian stalls were&nbsp;forced to close down.

The movement curbs&nbsp;forced thousands of street hawkers and vendors to embrace digital platforms, mirroring a shift in neighbouring Indonesia, where roadside businesses enjoy a sizeable online presence.

However, when vendors tried to embrace this idea of selling the cut-up fruit online, they did not find any transportation because of the fruit's smell.

As a result, they came up with another solution&nbsp;in the form of air-tight packaging.&nbsp;The plan worked and soon&nbsp;online sales led to a big spike in demand

While online sales of the fruit have declined in Malaysia, durian lovers are gradually returning to outdoor stalls since lockdown restrictions were eased at the start of May.

But, consumers have come to see the advantages of having the fruit delivered to their doorstep. It's a luxury some never had before: to flinch at the stench in private, while enjoying the delicacy. 
&nbsp;

Durian, which is banned in many public places in Asia due to its rank smell is a big hit in China. Durian-flavoured foods include pizza, butter, salad dressing and milk; KFC has even added "durian exploding chicken nuggets" to its menu.

Durian, which is banned in many public places in Asia due to its rank smell is a big hit in China. Durian-flavoured foods include pizza, butter, salad dressing and milk; KFC has even added "durian exploding chicken nuggets" to its menu. Many compare eating stinky durian for the first time to eating a pudding next to an open sewer because no one can cut open the fruit without nauseating. According to food writer Richard Sterling it ''smells like onions fried in turpentine, garnished with a gym sock''. Also read: Malaysia's traditional Ramzan markets go digital amid pandemic "The durian growers and the industry is gearing up in terms of developing new flavours and marketing strategies," said Dzaeman Dzulkifli, executive director at the Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRCRC). × "It becomes a global commodity. With the technology to freeze-dry or package it well, and get it transferred to China immediately with the freshness still there." Durian is predominantly grown in south-east Asia. It is called the ''king of fruits'' by its die-hard fans. There were reports that the soaring Chinese demand for the stinky durian fruit before the pandemic was turning into the next big threat to Malaysia's depleted rainforest, as per conservation experts. The demand of durian in Malaysia fell during the pandemic because of the lockdown due to which traditional roadside durian stalls were forced to close down. The movement curbs forced thousands of street hawkers and vendors to embrace digital platforms, mirroring a shift in neighbouring Indonesia, where roadside businesses enjoy a sizeable online presence. However, when vendors tried to embrace this idea of selling the cut-up fruit online, they did not find any transportation because of the fruit's smell. As a result, they came up with another solution in the form of air-tight packaging. The plan worked and soon online sales led to a big spike in demand While online sales of the fruit have declined in Malaysia, durian lovers are gradually returning to outdoor stalls since lockdown restrictions were eased at the start of May. But, consumers have come to see the advantages of having the fruit delivered to their doorstep. It's a luxury some never had before: to flinch at the stench in private, while enjoying the delicacy.

Why stinky durian fruit is a big hit in China

China denied Thursday it was harbouring a fugitive financier wanted over the massive 1MDB corruption scandal, after Malaysian police said he was hiding in Macau.

Low, popularly known as&nbsp;Jho&nbsp;Low, has been charged in Malaysia and the United States over allegations that he orchestrated the theft of $4.5 billion from state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), co-founded by former prime minister Najib Razak.&nbsp;Low&nbsp;has consistently denied wrongdoing.

The money was used to buy everything from a super yacht to art in a scam that also involved former Malaysian premier Najib Razak, who was convicted in his first 1MDB-linked trial this week.

Malaysia's national police chief Abdul Hamid Bador was reported by newspaper Utusan Malaysia as saying&nbsp;Low&nbsp;was hiding in Macau and that attempts to extradite him had failed as Chinese authorities "appeared insincere" in their efforts to cooperate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-former-pm-najib-razak-found-guilty-on-a-charge-of-abuse-of-power-316416">Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak found guilty on a charge of abuse of power</a>

Chinese authorities rejected the accusations as "groundless and unacceptable", saying that police had investigated all possible leads but were unable to trace&nbsp;Low.

"The position of the Chinese government on combating crime is consistent and clear-cut," the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur said in a statement. "China does not and will never shelter foreign&nbsp;criminals."

The embassy added that China would continue to give support and assistance to Malaysia in its investigations.

A spokesman for&nbsp;Low&nbsp;did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. He previously said&nbsp;Low&nbsp;had been offered asylum in an unidentified country.

At least six countries have opened money laundering and graft investigations into 1MDB, co-founded by ex-premier Najib in 2009.

On Tuesday Najib was sentenced to 12 years' jail and nearly $50 million in fines for illegally receiving $10 million from a former 1MDB unit.

China denied Thursday it was harbouring a fugitive financier wanted over the massive 1MDB corruption scandal, after Malaysian police said he was hiding in Macau.

China denied Thursday it was harbouring a fugitive financier wanted over the massive 1MDB corruption scandal, after Malaysian police said he was hiding in Macau. Low, popularly known as Jho Low, has been charged in Malaysia and the United States over allegations that he orchestrated the theft of $4.5 billion from state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), co-founded by former prime minister Najib Razak. Low has consistently denied wrongdoing. The money was used to buy everything from a super yacht to art in a scam that also involved former Malaysian premier Najib Razak, who was convicted in his first 1MDB-linked trial this week. Malaysia's national police chief Abdul Hamid Bador was reported by newspaper Utusan Malaysia as saying Low was hiding in Macau and that attempts to extradite him had failed as Chinese authorities "appeared insincere" in their efforts to cooperate. Also read: Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak found guilty on a charge of abuse of power Chinese authorities rejected the accusations as "groundless and unacceptable", saying that police had investigated all possible leads but were unable to trace Low. "The position of the Chinese government on combating crime is consistent and clear-cut," the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur said in a statement. "China does not and will never shelter foreign criminals." The embassy added that China would continue to give support and assistance to Malaysia in its investigations. A spokesman for Low did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. He previously said Low had been offered asylum in an unidentified country. At least six countries have opened money laundering and graft investigations into 1MDB, co-founded by ex-premier Najib in 2009. On Tuesday Najib was sentenced to 12 years' jail and nearly $50 million in fines for illegally receiving $10 million from a former 1MDB unit.

China denies harbouring alleged 1MDB mastermind Jho Low

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