Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been barred from holding a religious speech at the Melaka state of Malaysia. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: 7 states within Malaysia ban Zakir Naik's religious speeches

Malaysia's former prime minister, Najib Razak, on Monday faces the biggest of five trials linked to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-files-charges-against-17-current-ex-goldman-execs-over-1mdb-241669">a multi-billion-dollar scam at state fund 1MDB</a>, although lawyers are seeking a delay to allow time for the completion of a previous trial.

Najib, who lost a general election last year, has been hit with 42 criminal charges of graft and money laundering at 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and other state entities.

1MDB, founded by Najib in 2009, is being investigated in at least six countries, and the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-department-of-justice-investigates-deutsche-bank-over-1mdb-connection-report-234843"> US&nbsp;Department of Justice</a> says about $4.5 billion was misappropriated from the fund.

In his second trial at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, Najib will have to fight 21 charges of money laundering and four of abuse of power for receiving illegal transfers of about 2.3 billion ringgit ($550.8 million) between 2011 and 2014.

He has pleaded not guilty and says the charges are politically motivated.

On Friday, prosecutors handed to the defence thousands of pages of documents related to the case, government lawyer Ahmad Akram Gharib told Reuters.

"Under the rules, a trial can only begin at least two weeks after all the related documents are handed over," he said, adding that about 60 witnesses were expected to be called in the second case.

The first trial, which began in April and revolves around former 1MDB unit SRC International, was adjourned on Aug. 14 after Najib contracted an eye infection, halting the cross-examination of the prosecution's final witness.

That case is also expected to resume on Monday, and lawyers from both sides hope the second trial can be delayed to allow prosecutors to wrap up the first.

"The accused can only be at one place at a time," Najib's lawyer, Harvinderjit Singh, said. "We are hoping the judge will allow us some leeway in this matter."

After the shock election loss, Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor were barred from leaving Malaysia and their luxurious lifestyle came under scrutiny, with the discovery of nearly $300 million worth of goods and cash at properties linked to him.

Rosmah, known for her designer handbags and jewellery, has also been charged with corruption. She has pleaded not guilty.

Najib's lawyers say he had no knowledge of the transfers into his accounts and was misled by Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho and SRC's former chief executive, Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, who are both at large.

Low, who faces charges in the United States and Malaysia over his alleged central role in the 1MDB case, has consistently denied wrongdoing. A spokesman for Low did not respond to a request for comment.

Nik Faisal, who has never publicly commented on the matter, could not be reached for comment.

Malaysia's former prime minister, Najib Razak, on Monday faces the biggest of five trials linked to a multi-billion-dollar scam at state fund 1MDB, although lawyers are seeking a delay to allow time for the completion of a previous trial.

Malaysia's former prime minister, Najib Razak, on Monday faces the biggest of five trials linked to a multi-billion-dollar scam at state fund 1MDB, although lawyers are seeking a delay to allow time for the completion of a previous trial. Najib, who lost a general election last year, has been hit with 42 criminal charges of graft and money laundering at 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and other state entities. 1MDB, founded by Najib in 2009, is being investigated in at least six countries, and the US Department of Justice says about $4.5 billion was misappropriated from the fund. In his second trial at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, Najib will have to fight 21 charges of money laundering and four of abuse of power for receiving illegal transfers of about 2.3 billion ringgit ($550.8 million) between 2011 and 2014. He has pleaded not guilty and says the charges are politically motivated. On Friday, prosecutors handed to the defence thousands of pages of documents related to the case, government lawyer Ahmad Akram Gharib told Reuters. "Under the rules, a trial can only begin at least two weeks after all the related documents are handed over," he said, adding that about 60 witnesses were expected to be called in the second case. The first trial, which began in April and revolves around former 1MDB unit SRC International, was adjourned on Aug. 14 after Najib contracted an eye infection, halting the cross-examination of the prosecution's final witness. That case is also expected to resume on Monday, and lawyers from both sides hope the second trial can be delayed to allow prosecutors to wrap up the first. "The accused can only be at one place at a time," Najib's lawyer, Harvinderjit Singh, said. "We are hoping the judge will allow us some leeway in this matter." After the shock election loss, Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor were barred from leaving Malaysia and their luxurious lifestyle came under scrutiny, with the discovery of nearly $300 million worth of goods and cash at properties linked to him. Rosmah, known for her designer handbags and jewellery, has also been charged with corruption. She has pleaded not guilty. Najib's lawyers say he had no knowledge of the transfers into his accounts and was misled by Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho and SRC's former chief executive, Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, who are both at large. Low, who faces charges in the United States and Malaysia over his alleged central role in the 1MDB case, has consistently denied wrongdoing. A spokesman for Low did not respond to a request for comment. Nik Faisal, who has never publicly commented on the matter, could not be reached for comment.

Malaysia set to begin biggest 1MDB trial involving ex-PM Najib Razak

Malaysian authorities have initiated an investigation against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-preacher-zakir-naik-not-to-return-to-india-soon-2289">controversial preacher Zakir Naik </a>over his intent to provoke a peace breach while making alleged and sensitive remarks on the Hindus and Chinese residing in the Muslim-majority nation.

"We have opened an investigation paper based on a report made in Gombak. Around 115 reports have been lodged on the matter so far," said Federal CID director Huzir Mohamed was quoted as saying by The Strait Times during a press conference last Thursday at the Selangor police headquarters here.

Zakir had asked the Malaysian Chinese to "go back" first, as they were the "old guests" of the country, during a religious talk titled "Executive Talk Bersama Dr Zakir Naik" in Kota Baru, Kelantan, in response to calls for his deportation.

His speech at the same venue was also condemned by many parties after he compared the Hindus in Malaysia to the Muslims in India, saying that the Hindus here enjoyed more than 100 per cent rights in Malaysia compared to Muslims in India.

In the wake of Naik`s remarks, the Malaysian Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has further decided to issue statements that Naik will no longer be allowed to stay in Malaysia.

"We have expressed our position which is that action must be taken and that Zakir Naik should no longer be allowed to remain in Malaysia," said Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran in a joint statement cited by Al Jazeera.

"The Prime Minister has taken note of our concerns. We leave it to him to consider the position and to decide soonest possible what will be done to deal with the problem," the statement read.

Naik had earlier also alleged that the Hindus in Malaysia are more loyal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi than Mahathir Mohamad.

Naik, who was granted permanent residency in Malaysia by the previous government, has been living in the country for the last three years.

He is facing charges of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India.

He is also facing probe both in India and Bangladesh in connection with the terror attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka in July 2016.

The two suspects in the terror attack had claimed that they were inspired by Naik's radical preaching.

India said it has made a formal request to Malaysia and will continue to pursue his extradition.

However, Mohamad had recently said that his country has the right not to extradite Naik, for similar reasons that Australia had turned down his country's request to extradite Sirul Azhar Umar in 2015.&nbsp;

He also said that Naik believes that he would not be accorded justice in India.

Muslims make up about 60 per cent of its 32 million people. The rest are mostly ethnic Chinese and Indians, most of whom are Hindus.

Malaysian authorities have initiated an investigation against controversial preacher Zakir Naik over his intent to provoke a peace breach while making alleged and sensitive remarks on the Hindus and Chinese residing in the Muslim-majority nation.

Malaysian authorities have initiated an investigation against controversial preacher Zakir Naik over his intent to provoke a peace breach while making alleged and sensitive remarks on the Hindus and Chinese residing in the Muslim-majority nation. "We have opened an investigation paper based on a report made in Gombak. Around 115 reports have been lodged on the matter so far," said Federal CID director Huzir Mohamed was quoted as saying by The Strait Times during a press conference last Thursday at the Selangor police headquarters here. Zakir had asked the Malaysian Chinese to "go back" first, as they were the "old guests" of the country, during a religious talk titled "Executive Talk Bersama Dr Zakir Naik" in Kota Baru, Kelantan, in response to calls for his deportation. His speech at the same venue was also condemned by many parties after he compared the Hindus in Malaysia to the Muslims in India, saying that the Hindus here enjoyed more than 100 per cent rights in Malaysia compared to Muslims in India. In the wake of Naik`s remarks, the Malaysian Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has further decided to issue statements that Naik will no longer be allowed to stay in Malaysia. "We have expressed our position which is that action must be taken and that Zakir Naik should no longer be allowed to remain in Malaysia," said Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran in a joint statement cited by Al Jazeera. "The Prime Minister has taken note of our concerns. We leave it to him to consider the position and to decide soonest possible what will be done to deal with the problem," the statement read. Naik had earlier also alleged that the Hindus in Malaysia are more loyal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi than Mahathir Mohamad. Naik, who was granted permanent residency in Malaysia by the previous government, has been living in the country for the last three years. He is facing charges of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India. He is also facing probe both in India and Bangladesh in connection with the terror attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka in July 2016. The two suspects in the terror attack had claimed that they were inspired by Naik's radical preaching. India said it has made a formal request to Malaysia and will continue to pursue his extradition. However, Mohamad had recently said that his country has the right not to extradite Naik, for similar reasons that Australia had turned down his country's request to extradite Sirul Azhar Umar in 2015. He also said that Naik believes that he would not be accorded justice in India. Muslims make up about 60 per cent of its 32 million people. The rest are mostly ethnic Chinese and Indians, most of whom are Hindus.

Malaysia probes Zakir Naik over inflammatory speeches

The family of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/body-found-in-malaysia-is-of-missing-teen-nora-quoirin-police-242813">Irish girl whose naked body was found </a>near a Malaysian jungle stream will not demand a criminal investigation into the incident, their lawyer said on Wednesday, leaving it up to the police to decide the next course of action.

Police on Tuesday found the body of Nora Anne Quoirin, 15, who suffered learning difficulties, 10 days after she went missing from a rainforest resort in Seremban, about 70 km (44 miles) south of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.

Results of an autopsy are expected later in the day, police said.

"They won’t press for anything because in this country, even in most countries, it has to be done by the police rather than you pressing for anything," lawyer Sankara N. Nair told Reuters.

"They have to go on evidence. The family is totally distraught. Totally overwhelmed."

The family had initially suspected a criminal angle to Nora`s disappearance, saying she had special needs and never before left her family voluntarily, according to a statement issued on their behalf by the Lucie Blackman Trust, a British victims` aid group.

Nora`s mother is from Belfast while her father is French.

France`s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Tuesday night that the country`s authorities were ready to investigate the circumstances of her death.

Malaysia’s deputy police chief, Mazlan Mansor, said on Tuesday an initial investigation revealed no evidence of criminal behaviour but police would look at all possibilities.

The family of an Irish girl whose naked body was found near a Malaysian jungle stream will not demand a criminal investigation into the incident, their lawyer said on Wednesday, leaving it up to the police to decide the next course of action.

The family of an Irish girl whose naked body was found near a Malaysian jungle stream will not demand a criminal investigation into the incident, their lawyer said on Wednesday, leaving it up to the police to decide the next course of action. Police on Tuesday found the body of Nora Anne Quoirin, 15, who suffered learning difficulties, 10 days after she went missing from a rainforest resort in Seremban, about 70 km (44 miles) south of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Results of an autopsy are expected later in the day, police said. "They won’t press for anything because in this country, even in most countries, it has to be done by the police rather than you pressing for anything," lawyer Sankara N. Nair told Reuters. "They have to go on evidence. The family is totally distraught. Totally overwhelmed." The family had initially suspected a criminal angle to Nora`s disappearance, saying she had special needs and never before left her family voluntarily, according to a statement issued on their behalf by the Lucie Blackman Trust, a British victims` aid group. Nora`s mother is from Belfast while her father is French. France`s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Tuesday night that the country`s authorities were ready to investigate the circumstances of her death. Malaysia’s deputy police chief, Mazlan Mansor, said on Tuesday an initial investigation revealed no evidence of criminal behaviour but police would look at all possibilities.

Family of Irish teen found dead in Malaysia won't seek criminal probe: Lawyer

In signs of brewing trouble for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malaysia-has-right-not-to-extradite-zakir-naik-to-india-pm-mahathir-mohamad-226149"> Zakir Naik</a>, Malaysia's human resources minister M Kulasegaran has called for action against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/money-laundering-case-court-orders-zakir-naik-to-appear-before-it-on-july-31-228846">controversial preacher</a>, blaming him for creating fissure in the country's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.

"Naik is an outsider who is a fugitive and has little knowledge of the Malaysian history, therefore, he should not be given such privilege to run down Malaysians, what more question their loyalty to the country," Kulasegaran said in a statement cited by a Malaysian daily Malaysiakini.

"His actions do not reflect one deserving of permanent resident status and this will be brought up in the next cabinet meeting," the minister added.

In the letter issued on Tuesday, Kulasegaran also raised questioned if Zakir was attempting to create a fissure in Malaysia's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society so as to continue enjoying immunity and privileges by obtaining the support of the Muslim community.

Race and religion are sensitive issues in Malaysia, where Muslims make up about 60 per cent of its 32 million people. The rest are mostly ethnic Chinese and Indians, most of whom are Hindus.

The move comes after Zakir had recently alleged that the Hindus in Malaysia are more loyal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi than Mahathir Mohamad.

"Is Naik also leveraging the current polemics related to race and religion in the country for his biased survival and benefit via the taxpayers` money?" Kulasegaran was quoted as saying.

"Malaysia is a unique country that enjoyed relative peace and harmony as compared to many Islamic countries due to the great balancing act of its leaders since independence. The country`s supreme laws are secular and able to ensure the common good for all," the minister said in the letter.

"Should Malaysians be split over a man called Zakir Naik?" asked Kulasegaran, a parliamentarian from Ipoh Barat, a federal constituency in Perak, Malaysia.

The minister further urged his countrymen to remain united and safeguard the peace and stability of the nation by exposing Zakir's strategy of using religious and racial sentiments in a tolerant and harmonious country.

"It's time for the fugitive foreigner to leave Malaysia and to face charges of terrorism and money laundering charges in India," said Kulasegaran.

"This further seems to co-relate the Umno/PAS tactics that destabilise the Pakatan Harapan coalition government through ethno-religious sentiments," he added.

Naik&nbsp;has&nbsp;denied the allegations made by Kulasegaran and others in Malaysia.

Naik is facing charges of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India. He is also facing probe both in India and Bangladesh in connection with the terror attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka on July 2016.

The two suspects in the terror attack had claimed that they were inspired by Naik`s radical preaching.India said it has made a formal request to Malaysia and will continue to pursue his extradition.

Recently, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had said that his country has the right not to extradite Naik, for similar reasons that Australia had turned down his country`s request to extradite Sirul Azhar Umar in 2015. He also said that Naik believes that he would not be accorded justice in India.

(With inputs from agencies)

In signs of brewing trouble for Zakir Naik, Malaysia's human resources minister M Kulasegaran has called for action against the controversial preacher, blaming him for creating fissure in the country's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.

In signs of brewing trouble for Zakir Naik, Malaysia's human resources minister M Kulasegaran has called for action against the controversial preacher, blaming him for creating fissure in the country's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. "Naik is an outsider who is a fugitive and has little knowledge of the Malaysian history, therefore, he should not be given such privilege to run down Malaysians, what more question their loyalty to the country," Kulasegaran said in a statement cited by a Malaysian daily Malaysiakini. "His actions do not reflect one deserving of permanent resident status and this will be brought up in the next cabinet meeting," the minister added. In the letter issued on Tuesday, Kulasegaran also raised questioned if Zakir was attempting to create a fissure in Malaysia's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society so as to continue enjoying immunity and privileges by obtaining the support of the Muslim community. Race and religion are sensitive issues in Malaysia, where Muslims make up about 60 per cent of its 32 million people. The rest are mostly ethnic Chinese and Indians, most of whom are Hindus. The move comes after Zakir had recently alleged that the Hindus in Malaysia are more loyal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi than Mahathir Mohamad. "Is Naik also leveraging the current polemics related to race and religion in the country for his biased survival and benefit via the taxpayers` money?" Kulasegaran was quoted as saying. "Malaysia is a unique country that enjoyed relative peace and harmony as compared to many Islamic countries due to the great balancing act of its leaders since independence. The country`s supreme laws are secular and able to ensure the common good for all," the minister said in the letter. "Should Malaysians be split over a man called Zakir Naik?" asked Kulasegaran, a parliamentarian from Ipoh Barat, a federal constituency in Perak, Malaysia. The minister further urged his countrymen to remain united and safeguard the peace and stability of the nation by exposing Zakir's strategy of using religious and racial sentiments in a tolerant and harmonious country. "It's time for the fugitive foreigner to leave Malaysia and to face charges of terrorism and money laundering charges in India," said Kulasegaran. "This further seems to co-relate the Umno/PAS tactics that destabilise the Pakatan Harapan coalition government through ethno-religious sentiments," he added. Naik has denied the allegations made by Kulasegaran and others in Malaysia. Naik is facing charges of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India. He is also facing probe both in India and Bangladesh in connection with the terror attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka on July 2016. The two suspects in the terror attack had claimed that they were inspired by Naik`s radical preaching.India said it has made a formal request to Malaysia and will continue to pursue his extradition. Recently, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had said that his country has the right not to extradite Naik, for similar reasons that Australia had turned down his country`s request to extradite Sirul Azhar Umar in 2015. He also said that Naik believes that he would not be accorded justice in India. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysian minister demands action against Zakir Naik for inflammatory speeches

In a move against controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, three ministers of the Malaysia Cabinet has sought action against him asking for his expulsion from the country.

WION Fineprint: Will Malaysia act against Zakir Naik?

The family of a missing Irish teen in Malaysia announced a $12,000 reward for help to find missing Irish teen. Malaysian Police said investigators from Ireland, France, and United Kingdom are in Malaysia to assist with the search operation. Watch this video to know more.

Malaysia: Missing Irish teen's family announces $12,000 reward

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/body-found-in-hunt-for-franco-irish-teen-in-malaysia-242760">body found in Malaysia</a> on Tuesday is of Franco-Irish teen Nora Quoirin, who went missing 10 days ago, police said.

"The family has confirmed it is the body of Nora," Mohamad Mat Yusop, police chief of Negeri Sembilan state, told AFP.

Nora Quoirin, 15, went missing on August 4, a day after checking into the resort with her London-based family.

They suspected she was abducted but Malaysian police classified it as a missing person case.

More than 350 people were deployed to hunt through dense jungle next to the Dusun Resort, not far from Kuala Lumpur, backed by helicopters, drones, sniffer dogs and divers.

The body found in Malaysia on Tuesday is of Franco-Irish teen Nora Quoirin, who went missing 10 days ago, police said. "The family has confirmed it is the body of Nora," Mohamad Mat Yusop, police chief of Negeri Sembilan state, told AFP.

The body found in Malaysia on Tuesday is of Franco-Irish teen Nora Quoirin, who went missing 10 days ago, police said. "The family has confirmed it is the body of Nora," Mohamad Mat Yusop, police chief of Negeri Sembilan state, told AFP. Nora Quoirin, 15, went missing on August 4, a day after checking into the resort with her London-based family. They suspected she was abducted but Malaysian police classified it as a missing person case. More than 350 people were deployed to hunt through dense jungle next to the Dusun Resort, not far from Kuala Lumpur, backed by helicopters, drones, sniffer dogs and divers.

Body found in Malaysia is of missing teen Nora Quoirin: Police

A 15-year-old girl went missing in Malaysian Jungle. Malaysian police said on August 5 they have stepped up efforts to find a 15-year-old UK girl who went missing from a resort near Kuala Lumpur on the weekend

Fineprint: Search for Missing UK teen enters Day 9

A hunt for a Franco-Irish teen who disappeared from a Malaysian resort stretched into a second week Sunday, with hundreds of people scouring the jungle despite it being a major Muslim holiday.

Nora Quoirin, a 15-year-old with learning difficulties, disappeared on August 4, a day after checking into the resort with her London-based family.

They believe she was abducted, but police have classified it as a missing person case.&nbsp;

Even as millions celebrated the Eid al-Adha festival in the Muslim-majority country, a search team almost 300 strong trekked through the dense jungle near the resort<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-king-of-malaysia-divorces-ex-miss-moscow-by-triple-talaq-238265"> in southwest Malaysia</a> in an increasingly desperate hunt.

The search team includes helicopters, sniffer dogs and drones, but no trace of the teenager has been found so far.&nbsp;

Officials narrowed the search area over the weekend as they believe that the teen cannot have strayed far from the resort, and have also been playing a recording of her mother's voice through megaphones.

On Sunday police launched a new hotline number for the public to report any information about her.&nbsp;

The schoolgirl went missing from the 12-acre (five-hectare) Dusun Resort, which lies near a forest reserve not far from Kuala Lumpur, in the foothills of a mountain range.

Her family says it would be extremely unusual for the reserved youngster to have wandered off on her own.

While officially treating it as a missing person case, police say they have not ruled out other possibilities.

An open window was found in the cottage where the family was staying at the resort.&nbsp;

Police have questioned several people, are examining fingerprints found on a window, and looking into reports that villagers heard a truck early on the morning that the girl disappeared.&nbsp;

A hunt for a Franco-Irish teen who disappeared from a Malaysian resort stretched into a second week Sunday, with hundreds of people scouring the jungle despite it being a major Muslim holiday.

A hunt for a Franco-Irish teen who disappeared from a Malaysian resort stretched into a second week Sunday, with hundreds of people scouring the jungle despite it being a major Muslim holiday. Nora Quoirin, a 15-year-old with learning difficulties, disappeared on August 4, a day after checking into the resort with her London-based family. They believe she was abducted, but police have classified it as a missing person case. Even as millions celebrated the Eid al-Adha festival in the Muslim-majority country, a search team almost 300 strong trekked through the dense jungle near the resort in southwest Malaysia in an increasingly desperate hunt. The search team includes helicopters, sniffer dogs and drones, but no trace of the teenager has been found so far. Officials narrowed the search area over the weekend as they believe that the teen cannot have strayed far from the resort, and have also been playing a recording of her mother's voice through megaphones. On Sunday police launched a new hotline number for the public to report any information about her. The schoolgirl went missing from the 12-acre (five-hectare) Dusun Resort, which lies near a forest reserve not far from Kuala Lumpur, in the foothills of a mountain range. Her family says it would be extremely unusual for the reserved youngster to have wandered off on her own. While officially treating it as a missing person case, police say they have not ruled out other possibilities. An open window was found in the cottage where the family was staying at the resort. Police have questioned several people, are examining fingerprints found on a window, and looking into reports that villagers heard a truck early on the morning that the girl disappeared.

Hundreds search in Malaysia for missing teen despite the major holiday

Police hope the voice recording of Quoirin's parents and her siblings will help locate the teenager in the dense forest reserve near the hotel where she was reported missing on Sunday. Police also said they have expanded the search area. More than 200 people are sweeping the area, assisted by canine units, police said, with a checkpoint also set up on the road to the resort.

'Nora darling, I know you are there', search for missing Irish teen continues after nearly a week

Malaysia filed criminal charges Friday against 17 current and former directors of three Goldman Sachs subsidiaries, piling further pressure on the Wall Street titan over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal.

Billions of dollars were looted from the country's sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad in a globe-spanning fraud, which<a href="allegedly involved ex-leader Najib Razak"> allegedly involved ex-leader Najib Razak</a> and his inner circle.

Goldman's role has been under scrutiny as it helped arrange a series of bond issues worth $6.5 billion for the investment vehicle.

Attorney-General Tommy Thomas announced the latest charges in a statement.

"Custodial sentences and criminal fines will be sought against the accused... given the severity of the scheme to defraud and fraudulent misappropriation of billions in bond proceeds," he said.

The statement listed the names of the 17 accused, who were directors of Goldman's subsidiaries between May 2012 and March 2013, Thomas said.

In December, Malaysia filed charges against the three subsidiaries -Goldman Sachs International, Goldman Sachs (Asia), and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/goldman-sachs-profit-beats-expectations-on-equity-trading-lending-236453">Goldman Sachs</a> (Singapore) &nbsp;and two ex-employees.&nbsp;

They were accused of giving false statements leading to the misappropriation of funds to the bond issues.

Goldman vowed to fight these charges, saying the former Malaysian government and 1MDB lied to the bank.

Friday's charges were brought under laws which provide that "any person who... was a director, a chief executive, an officer or a representative of a body corporate or was purporting to act in such capacity" at the time of an offence is also deemed to have committed that offence, the attorney general's statement said

Malaysia filed criminal charges Friday against 17 current and former directors of three Goldman Sachs subsidiaries, piling further pressure on the Wall Street titan over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal.

Malaysia filed criminal charges Friday against 17 current and former directors of three Goldman Sachs subsidiaries, piling further pressure on the Wall Street titan over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal. Billions of dollars were looted from the country's sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad in a globe-spanning fraud, which allegedly involved ex-leader Najib Razak and his inner circle. Goldman's role has been under scrutiny as it helped arrange a series of bond issues worth $6.5 billion for the investment vehicle. Attorney-General Tommy Thomas announced the latest charges in a statement. "Custodial sentences and criminal fines will be sought against the accused... given the severity of the scheme to defraud and fraudulent misappropriation of billions in bond proceeds," he said. The statement listed the names of the 17 accused, who were directors of Goldman's subsidiaries between May 2012 and March 2013, Thomas said. In December, Malaysia filed charges against the three subsidiaries -Goldman Sachs International, Goldman Sachs (Asia), and Goldman Sachs (Singapore) and two ex-employees. They were accused of giving false statements leading to the misappropriation of funds to the bond issues. Goldman vowed to fight these charges, saying the former Malaysian government and 1MDB lied to the bank. Friday's charges were brought under laws which provide that "any person who... was a director, a chief executive, an officer or a representative of a body corporate or was purporting to act in such capacity" at the time of an offence is also deemed to have committed that offence, the attorney general's statement said

Malaysia files charges against 17 current, ex-Goldman execs over 1MDB

Asian countries turning back wealthy world's waste

The second Malaysian-born giant panda finally has a name - Yi Yi; meaning friendship. The 19 month-old female panda cub's name was announced at a ceremony on Thursday (August 1) at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre in Kuala Lumpur, with China's Ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian in attendance.

Malaysia names giant panda "Yi Yi", or "Friendship", in nod to China

Malaysia will review its labour laws to cut an "over dependence" on foreign labour and address other issues, its prime minister said on Thursday, amid simmering discontent against overseas workers who make up 46 per cent of the labour force.

In the first quarter of the year, Southeast Asia`s third biggest economy had a labour force of 15.5 million. More than 7 million of them were foreigners, from countries such as Bangladesh, with many working in the construction and hotel industries.

Labour force refers to employed or unemployed people between the age of 16 and 64. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-malaysia-restart-massive-belt-and-road-project-after-hiccups-238327">Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad</a> told a gathering of international trade chambers that generating more skilled jobs, raising salaries and wages, enhancing "management of migrant workers" and improving labour market conditions were some of his government`s top labour reform priorities.

"These reforms are crucial, not only in developing human capital to support our future economic growth but also in addressing job mismatches which contribute to graduate underemployment, unemployment, and slow wage growth as well as over-dependence on foreign labour," he said.

The prime minister said his government was also working on increasing the female labour force participation rate to 59 percent by next year. In the first quarter, the figure was 55.7 percent. 
&nbsp;

Malaysia will review its labour laws to cut an "over dependence" on foreign labour and address other issues, its prime minister said on Thursday, amid simmering discontent against overseas workers who make up 46 per cent of the labour force.

Malaysia will review its labour laws to cut an "over dependence" on foreign labour and address other issues, its prime minister said on Thursday, amid simmering discontent against overseas workers who make up 46 per cent of the labour force. In the first quarter of the year, Southeast Asia`s third biggest economy had a labour force of 15.5 million. More than 7 million of them were foreigners, from countries such as Bangladesh, with many working in the construction and hotel industries. Labour force refers to employed or unemployed people between the age of 16 and 64. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told a gathering of international trade chambers that generating more skilled jobs, raising salaries and wages, enhancing "management of migrant workers" and improving labour market conditions were some of his government`s top labour reform priorities. "These reforms are crucial, not only in developing human capital to support our future economic growth but also in addressing job mismatches which contribute to graduate underemployment, unemployment, and slow wage growth as well as over-dependence on foreign labour," he said. The prime minister said his government was also working on increasing the female labour force participation rate to 59 percent by next year. In the first quarter, the figure was 55.7 percent.

Malaysia to reform labour laws to cut 'over-dependence' on foreigners: PM

Malaysia's Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and a consortium led by Japan's JXTG Holdings Inc are among the companies interested in buying a stake in India's Bina oil refinery, a source close to the matter said.

The Bina plant in central India, capable of processing 156,000 barrels per day (BPD) of crude oil, is operated by Bharat Oman Refineries Ltd (BORL), a 50-50 joint venture between Oman Oil Co and state-run Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL).

"There are a new set of companies who have approached BPCL for a stake in its Bina refinery," said the source, who asked not to be named as the discussions are private.

BPCL plans to double the capacity of the refinery in the next five years and build a petrochemical complex that would require an investment of about 500 billion rupees ($7.24 billion), the source said.

Bharat Petroleum did not respond to a request for comment. Petronas and JXTG were not immediately reachable for comment.

Malaysia's Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and a consortium led by Japan's JXTG Holdings Inc are among the companies interested in buying a stake in India's Bina oil refinery, a source close to the matter said.

Malaysia's Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and a consortium led by Japan's JXTG Holdings Inc are among the companies interested in buying a stake in India's Bina oil refinery, a source close to the matter said. The Bina plant in central India, capable of processing 156,000 barrels per day (BPD) of crude oil, is operated by Bharat Oman Refineries Ltd (BORL), a 50-50 joint venture between Oman Oil Co and state-run Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL). "There are a new set of companies who have approached BPCL for a stake in its Bina refinery," said the source, who asked not to be named as the discussions are private. BPCL plans to double the capacity of the refinery in the next five years and build a petrochemical complex that would require an investment of about 500 billion rupees ($7.24 billion), the source said. Bharat Petroleum did not respond to a request for comment. Petronas and JXTG were not immediately reachable for comment.

Malaysia and Japan likely to buy stakes in India's Bina oil refinery

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mass-protests-protect-hong-kongs-legal-autonomy-from-china-for-now-228567">China</a> and Malaysia resumed construction on a massive "Belt and Road" train project in northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-king-of-malaysia-divorces-ex-miss-moscow-by-triple-talaq-238265">Malaysia</a> on Thursday, after a year-long suspension and following a rare agreement to cut its cost by nearly a third to about $11 billion.

The project was initially cancelled by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who came to power after a shock election victory in May last year, as he followed through a pledge to renegotiate or cancel "unfair" Chinese mega-projects approved by his predecessor, Najib Razak.

But in April, the close trade partners agreed to proceed with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) for 44 billion ringgit ($10.7 billion), reducing it from 65.5 billion ringgit.

The 640 km line (398 miles), with China Communications Construction Co Ltd as the lead contractor, will connect Port Klang on the Straits of Malacca with the city of Kota Bharu in northeast peninsular Malaysia.

The agreement to resume work on the project had immediately boosted confidence in Malaysia among foreign investors, China's ambassador to Malaysia said at a ceremony in the coastal district of Dungun.

Flanked by cranes and trucks parked near a partly completed section of a tunnel, Ambassador Bai Tian spoke of "a great wave" of potential Chinese investors coming to Malaysia for field studies, and he expected many of them to decide to invest.

China is debt-heavy Malaysia's biggest trade partner and the countries have close cultural ties too.

Ambassador Bai said the completion of the ECRL, expected by December 2026, could more than double the number of Chinese tourists coming in to Malaysia from 3 million last year.

Malaysia Rail Link, the project's local partner, said in a statement that up to 70 per cent of the workers will be local and that domestic contractors will get 40 per cent of the civil works.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been praised for its potential to speed up economic development in many developing countries but criticised for potentially saddling many of them with unsustainable debt.

Malaysia's Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng told Reuters on Monday that Beijing had offered them more BRI infrastructure investments and that Kuala Lumpur would consider them "if the pricing is right".

Malaysia is already identifying new joint investment opportunities with China along the ECRL corridor, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said at the Dungun event.

China and Malaysia resumed construction on a massive "Belt and Road" train project in northern Malaysia on Thursday, after a year-long suspension and following a rare agreement to cut its cost by nearly a third to about $11 billion.

China and Malaysia resumed construction on a massive "Belt and Road" train project in northern Malaysia on Thursday, after a year-long suspension and following a rare agreement to cut its cost by nearly a third to about $11 billion. The project was initially cancelled by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who came to power after a shock election victory in May last year, as he followed through a pledge to renegotiate or cancel "unfair" Chinese mega-projects approved by his predecessor, Najib Razak. But in April, the close trade partners agreed to proceed with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) for 44 billion ringgit ($10.7 billion), reducing it from 65.5 billion ringgit. The 640 km line (398 miles), with China Communications Construction Co Ltd as the lead contractor, will connect Port Klang on the Straits of Malacca with the city of Kota Bharu in northeast peninsular Malaysia. The agreement to resume work on the project had immediately boosted confidence in Malaysia among foreign investors, China's ambassador to Malaysia said at a ceremony in the coastal district of Dungun. Flanked by cranes and trucks parked near a partly completed section of a tunnel, Ambassador Bai Tian spoke of "a great wave" of potential Chinese investors coming to Malaysia for field studies, and he expected many of them to decide to invest. China is debt-heavy Malaysia's biggest trade partner and the countries have close cultural ties too. Ambassador Bai said the completion of the ECRL, expected by December 2026, could more than double the number of Chinese tourists coming in to Malaysia from 3 million last year. Malaysia Rail Link, the project's local partner, said in a statement that up to 70 per cent of the workers will be local and that domestic contractors will get 40 per cent of the civil works. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been praised for its potential to speed up economic development in many developing countries but criticised for potentially saddling many of them with unsustainable debt. Malaysia's Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng told Reuters on Monday that Beijing had offered them more BRI infrastructure investments and that Kuala Lumpur would consider them "if the pricing is right". Malaysia is already identifying new joint investment opportunities with China along the ECRL corridor, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said at the Dungun event.

China, Malaysia restart massive 'Belt and Road' project after hiccups

Malaysia's former king has divorced a Russian ex-beauty queen just months after news of their wedding emerged and he abdicated in a first for the country, his lawyer said.&nbsp;

The former Miss Moscow, however, says she is still married to Sultan Muhammad V, and has continued to post pictures of the couple on social media.

The sultan stepped aside as Malaysia's monarch in January after just two years on the throne when reports of the marriage surfaced last year while he was officially on medical leave.

His abdication was the first by a monarch in the Muslim-majority country's history.&nbsp;

The sultan "has irrevocably divorced Ms Rihana Oxana Gorbatenko on 22 June 2019 by three talaqs in accordance with Syariah laws", said a statement from his Singapore-based lawyer, Koh Tien Hua.&nbsp;

"Triple talaq" is the practice which sees a Muslim man end his marriage by saying "talaq" ("you are divorced") in Arabic three times.

An Islamic court in the northeastern Malaysian state of Kelantan, where Muhammad is still the sultan, had issued a divorce certificate, the lawyer said earlier this week.

But the former beauty queen denied knowing about the separation, telling news portal Malaysiakini: "I have never heard of any divorce statements made directly to me".

She has continued to post pictures on Instagram with the sultan and of a son she gave birth to in May.

Lawyer Koh told Singapore's Straits Times newspaper there was "no objective evidence as yet as to the biological father of the child".

After Muhammad's abdication, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah -- a keen athlete who holds a string of positions on sporting bodies -- was chosen as Malaysia's new king during a special meeting of the country's Islamic royalty.

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a unique arrangement where the national throne changes hands every five years between the Islamic royal rulers of the country's nine states.

Malaysia's former king has divorced a Russian ex-beauty queen just months after news of their wedding emerged and he abdicated in a first for the country, his lawyer said.

Malaysia's former king has divorced a Russian ex-beauty queen just months after news of their wedding emerged and he abdicated in a first for the country, his lawyer said. The former Miss Moscow, however, says she is still married to Sultan Muhammad V, and has continued to post pictures of the couple on social media. The sultan stepped aside as Malaysia's monarch in January after just two years on the throne when reports of the marriage surfaced last year while he was officially on medical leave. His abdication was the first by a monarch in the Muslim-majority country's history. The sultan "has irrevocably divorced Ms Rihana Oxana Gorbatenko on 22 June 2019 by three talaqs in accordance with Syariah laws", said a statement from his Singapore-based lawyer, Koh Tien Hua. "Triple talaq" is the practice which sees a Muslim man end his marriage by saying "talaq" ("you are divorced") in Arabic three times. An Islamic court in the northeastern Malaysian state of Kelantan, where Muhammad is still the sultan, had issued a divorce certificate, the lawyer said earlier this week. But the former beauty queen denied knowing about the separation, telling news portal Malaysiakini: "I have never heard of any divorce statements made directly to me". She has continued to post pictures on Instagram with the sultan and of a son she gave birth to in May. Lawyer Koh told Singapore's Straits Times newspaper there was "no objective evidence as yet as to the biological father of the child". After Muhammad's abdication, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah -- a keen athlete who holds a string of positions on sporting bodies -- was chosen as Malaysia's new king during a special meeting of the country's Islamic royalty. Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a unique arrangement where the national throne changes hands every five years between the Islamic royal rulers of the country's nine states.

Former king of Malaysia divorces ex-Miss Moscow by triple talaq

Onion prices in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-hasina-accuses-myanmar-of-defying-promise-over-repatriation-of-rohingyas-225839">Bangladesh</a> have doubled over the past two weeks after floods ravaged the crop and as imports from top supplier India became expensive after New Delhi withdrew incentives for overseas sales, industry officials told Reuters.

Onions are used as the base for traditional dishes across Asia such as biryani in Pakistan and India, belacan in Malaysia and fish curry in Bangladesh.

Prices in Bangladesh doubled to 50 takas ($0.59) per kg because of floods and traders say they could rise further ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha festival in August when demand usually goes up for the vegetable.

"The upward trend due to supply shortage could continue over the next few months," said Dhaka-based trader Hazi Shahid, adding the country has to raise imports from India to calm prices.

Severe flooding has killed at least 61 people, displaced nearly 800,000 and inundated thousands of homes across one-third of Bangladesh, government officials said on Tuesday, after two weeks of heavy monsoon rains.&nbsp;

The price rise has become a headache for the government of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which may plan sales of subsidised onions through the state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).

"The price hike is like a nightmare for me. If prices of onions don`t come down soon, we`ll start selling in the open markets through the TCB," Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said. Indian suppliers have fallen after New Delhi discouraged exports.

India withdrew 10 per cent export incentives on onion in June after the prices of the bulb jumped 47 per cent in a month in the local market due to dwindling supplies.&nbsp;

As the subsidy has been withdrawn, Indian exporters have to charge more for overseas sales, said Ajit Shah, president of the Mumbai-based Onion Exporters` Association.

Even in India supplies are limited and the planting of summer-sown crops has been delayed in some areas due to low rainfall, Shah said.

India`s monsoon rains to date have been 19per cent below average since the season began on June 1, according to the India Meteorological Department.

India exported 2.2 million tonnes of fresh onions in the 2018/19 fiscal year ended on March 30.

During the same time, Bangladesh imported 578,111 tonnes of onions from India, according to data compiled by India`s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

Onion prices in Bangladesh are unlikely to come down unless prices fall in India with a bumper production, said an exporter based in Kolkata, adding, however, that the "Indian crop is not looking great due to uneven distribution of monsoon rains." 
&nbsp;

Onion prices in Bangladesh have doubled over the past two weeks after floods ravaged the crop and as imports from top supplier India became expensive after New Delhi withdrew incentives for overseas sales, industry officials told Reuters.

Onion prices in Bangladesh have doubled over the past two weeks after floods ravaged the crop and as imports from top supplier India became expensive after New Delhi withdrew incentives for overseas sales, industry officials told Reuters. Onions are used as the base for traditional dishes across Asia such as biryani in Pakistan and India, belacan in Malaysia and fish curry in Bangladesh. Prices in Bangladesh doubled to 50 takas ($0.59) per kg because of floods and traders say they could rise further ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha festival in August when demand usually goes up for the vegetable. "The upward trend due to supply shortage could continue over the next few months," said Dhaka-based trader Hazi Shahid, adding the country has to raise imports from India to calm prices. Severe flooding has killed at least 61 people, displaced nearly 800,000 and inundated thousands of homes across one-third of Bangladesh, government officials said on Tuesday, after two weeks of heavy monsoon rains. The price rise has become a headache for the government of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which may plan sales of subsidised onions through the state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). "The price hike is like a nightmare for me. If prices of onions don`t come down soon, we`ll start selling in the open markets through the TCB," Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said. Indian suppliers have fallen after New Delhi discouraged exports. India withdrew 10 per cent export incentives on onion in June after the prices of the bulb jumped 47 per cent in a month in the local market due to dwindling supplies. As the subsidy has been withdrawn, Indian exporters have to charge more for overseas sales, said Ajit Shah, president of the Mumbai-based Onion Exporters` Association. Even in India supplies are limited and the planting of summer-sown crops has been delayed in some areas due to low rainfall, Shah said. India`s monsoon rains to date have been 19per cent below average since the season began on June 1, according to the India Meteorological Department. India exported 2.2 million tonnes of fresh onions in the 2018/19 fiscal year ended on March 30. During the same time, Bangladesh imported 578,111 tonnes of onions from India, according to data compiled by India`s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. Onion prices in Bangladesh are unlikely to come down unless prices fall in India with a bumper production, said an exporter based in Kolkata, adding, however, that the "Indian crop is not looking great due to uneven distribution of monsoon rains."

Onion prices surge in Bangladesh on floods, lower Indian supply

Big US companies are accelerating efforts to move more of their supply chains from China to neighbouring countries in light of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-plans-to-divert-40-million-in-aid-to-venezuelas-opposition-236654">Trump administration</a> tariffs.

Companies in sectors such as technology, clothing and footwear are exporting more goods from emerging giants including Vietnam and Malaysia, data show.

At the same time, the shift has exposed the murkiness of trade export rules, putting a premium on lawyers expert in the minutiae of US customs rules.

"We have a lot of questions from our members," said Sage Chandler, vice president of international trade at the Consumer Technology Association. "Companies are trying to find ways to avoid having to pay 25 per cent."&nbsp;

Some companies may be pushing the envelope a little too much, violating US rules against "transhipments," the routing of China-made goods through other countries to evade tariffs, legal experts say.

The speeding shift from China&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">President Donald Trump</a> since last year has slapped 25 per cent duties on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports and threatened additional levies on all other Chinese items coming to the United States though the two sides agreed last month to hold their fire for now.

Trump's trade measures have led some multinationals to fortify their North American operations and others to transfer some manufacturing capacity from China to any number of countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philipines, Bangladesh, India and Ethiopia.

Exports of computers and electronics from Vietnam to the United States have risen 71.6 per cent in the first five months of 2019 compared with the year-ago period, according to government data.&nbsp;

The pattern has also held for other machines and equipment, with exports from Vietnam rising 54.4 per cent over that period.

Even before Trump targeted China on trade, US companies had been reducing their dependence on China because of increasing production costs and elevated transport expenses compared with other Asian countries.

But the trade war has sped up those moves.

Ralph Lauren has "accelerated the diversification of our supply chain to mitigate the long-term impact of any potential tariff outcomes," said a spokesperson for the clothing company, adding that tariffs have so far not hit the company's goods.

Xcel Brands, which owns Isaac Mizrahi, Judith Ripka and other fashion houses, will cease manufacturing in China in 2020, a big shift from two years ago when the country was the source of 100 per cent of its merchandise.&nbsp;

The company has moved clothes-making operations to Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh, and is exploring adding capacity in Central America, Mexico and Canada.

This retooling, which was in the works before the tariffs, could boost profit margins, said Xcel chief executive Robert D'Loren. The trade war with China "accelerated our sourcing diversification efforts," he said.&nbsp;

A decade ago, more than 90 per cent of US footwear was made in China. But today, the figure is 69 per cent, said Matt Priest, president of Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America.

Problem solved

Yet shifting production outside of China to other Asian centres is not necessarily a panacea.&nbsp;

Many of these countries lack the roads, airports and other vital infrastructure of the world's second-biggest economy. And there is no guarantee that the emerging manufacturing venues will be safe from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-tariffs-must-be-lifted-to-reach-a-deal-to-end-trade-war-232996">US tariffs</a> down the road.

Companies can also run afoul of US law if goods are made in China and then sent to an intermediate destination to dodge US tariffs.

"I have noticed an upswing in the number of tariff evasion cases that have been made public and also in the number of inquiries my firm has received," said Jeff Newman, a Boston attorney.

A June Wall Street Journal report showed that billions of dollars of Chinese-made goods were being rerouted in this manner through Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines.

US customers officials did not respond to request for comment.

Retail giants such as Walmart and Target say significantly reducing their reliance on Chinese-made goods is unrealistic because of the demand for low prices.

That means retailers are more likely to stop producing goods with very low-profit margins than to incur additional costs by moving production out of China, according to Priest of the footwear distributors association.&nbsp;

He points to flip flops, which earn returns of only around six or seven per cent.

"It won't be worth moving to Vietnam for six or seven per cent-margin shoes," Priest said.&nbsp;

"That shoe is not worth it."

Big US companies are accelerating efforts to move more of their supply chains from China to neighbouring countries in light of Trump administration tariffs. Companies in sectors such as technology, clothing and footwear are exporting more goods from emerging giants including Vietnam and Malaysia, data show.

Big US companies are accelerating efforts to move more of their supply chains from China to neighbouring countries in light of Trump administration tariffs. Companies in sectors such as technology, clothing and footwear are exporting more goods from emerging giants including Vietnam and Malaysia, data show. At the same time, the shift has exposed the murkiness of trade export rules, putting a premium on lawyers expert in the minutiae of US customs rules. "We have a lot of questions from our members," said Sage Chandler, vice president of international trade at the Consumer Technology Association. "Companies are trying to find ways to avoid having to pay 25 per cent." Some companies may be pushing the envelope a little too much, violating US rules against "transhipments," the routing of China-made goods through other countries to evade tariffs, legal experts say. The speeding shift from China President Donald Trump since last year has slapped 25 per cent duties on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports and threatened additional levies on all other Chinese items coming to the United States though the two sides agreed last month to hold their fire for now. Trump's trade measures have led some multinationals to fortify their North American operations and others to transfer some manufacturing capacity from China to any number of countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philipines, Bangladesh, India and Ethiopia. Exports of computers and electronics from Vietnam to the United States have risen 71.6 per cent in the first five months of 2019 compared with the year-ago period, according to government data. The pattern has also held for other machines and equipment, with exports from Vietnam rising 54.4 per cent over that period. Even before Trump targeted China on trade, US companies had been reducing their dependence on China because of increasing production costs and elevated transport expenses compared with other Asian countries. But the trade war has sped up those moves. Ralph Lauren has "accelerated the diversification of our supply chain to mitigate the long-term impact of any potential tariff outcomes," said a spokesperson for the clothing company, adding that tariffs have so far not hit the company's goods. Xcel Brands, which owns Isaac Mizrahi, Judith Ripka and other fashion houses, will cease manufacturing in China in 2020, a big shift from two years ago when the country was the source of 100 per cent of its merchandise. The company has moved clothes-making operations to Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh, and is exploring adding capacity in Central America, Mexico and Canada. This retooling, which was in the works before the tariffs, could boost profit margins, said Xcel chief executive Robert D'Loren. The trade war with China "accelerated our sourcing diversification efforts," he said. A decade ago, more than 90 per cent of US footwear was made in China. But today, the figure is 69 per cent, said Matt Priest, president of Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America. Problem solved Yet shifting production outside of China to other Asian centres is not necessarily a panacea. Many of these countries lack the roads, airports and other vital infrastructure of the world's second-biggest economy. And there is no guarantee that the emerging manufacturing venues will be safe from US tariffs down the road. Companies can also run afoul of US law if goods are made in China and then sent to an intermediate destination to dodge US tariffs. "I have noticed an upswing in the number of tariff evasion cases that have been made public and also in the number of inquiries my firm has received," said Jeff Newman, a Boston attorney. A June Wall Street Journal report showed that billions of dollars of Chinese-made goods were being rerouted in this manner through Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. US customers officials did not respond to request for comment. Retail giants such as Walmart and Target say significantly reducing their reliance on Chinese-made goods is unrealistic because of the demand for low prices. That means retailers are more likely to stop producing goods with very low-profit margins than to incur additional costs by moving production out of China, according to Priest of the footwear distributors association. He points to flip flops, which earn returns of only around six or seven per cent. "It won't be worth moving to Vietnam for six or seven per cent-margin shoes," Priest said. "That shoe is not worth it."

US importers find ways to adapt to, skirt Donald Trump's tariffs

A hijab-wearing, diminutive Malaysian wrestler known as "Phoenix" cuts an unusual figure in the ring, a female Muslim fighter taking on hulking opponents in a male-dominated world.

Dressed in flame-patterned trousers, a black and orange hijab and top, Nor Diana uses sophisticated moves to throw and pin down her larger rivals in front of hundreds of cheering spectators.&nbsp;

Standing just 155 centimetres (five foot, one inch) tall and weighing 43 kilograms (six stone, 10 pounds), her speed and agility make her a match for almost any opponent.

And far from being criticised by conservatives for throwing herself into <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wrestler-babita-phogat-to-get-married-to-vivek-suhag-shares-photo-224858&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiavcyJpbvjAhWO4nMBHeMXACwQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0O5yVvqmqn7F1LTH1YTGjh">wrestling</a>, the 19-year-old has become a hit on social media and spurred the interest of other headscarf-wearing women.

"Even though I am Muslim, and I wear the hijab, nothing can stop me from doing what I love," she said in the ring after winning a recent fight.

She takes part in local outfit Malaysia Pro Wrestling (MyPW), which has similarities with hugely popular World Wrestling Entertainment from the United States.&nbsp;

Like WWE, the Malaysian version is as much theatre as sport, as participants compete against one another with matches ending in a pre-determined outcome.&nbsp;

Nor Diana, a pseudonym as she prefers not to reveal her true identity, seems an unlikely <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/bajrang-punia-first-indian-wrestler-to-fight-at-new-yorks-iconic-madison-square-213876&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiavcyJpbvjAhWO4nMBHeMXACwQFjACegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1EJpP0vLpradme08_eWgXn">wrestler </a>- outside the ring, she is shy and soft-spoken, and her day job is working in a hospital.

But when she puts on her wrestling gear, she transforms into the fearsome Phoenix.

"As Phoenix, I'm a totally different person. She may be small, but she can do things that people can't imagine," Nor Diana told AFP at a wrestling gym in Puchong, outside Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;

"When she's in the ring, she's fast and always wants to win," she explained.

Growing popularity 
 
Nor Diana first started training as a wrestler in late 2015, following her teenage dream of becoming a fighter and made her debut a few months later.

More than 60 per cent of Malaysia's 32 million people are ethnic Malay Muslims and, while the form of Islam followed is generally moderate and tolerant, society can still be conservative.

Many Muslim women in the country wear the traditional headscarf and loose-fitting clothing in line with Islamic requirements for females to dress modestly.

"In the beginning, it was always hard for me, because a lot of people said I can't wrestle because I'm a Muslim and I wear the hijab," she said.&nbsp;

But she has soldiered on, with her family’s full support, and enjoyed her greatest success so far in early July, defeating four men to be crowned Malaysian wrestling champion.

Initially, she competed wearing a mask, to reduce the chances people would recognise her. But after losing a match last year she removed it and has been competing without one ever since.

She remembered being fearful about the reaction - but her popularity has only increased since, with thousands now following her on social media, helping to boost wrestling's profile in Malaysia.

While it is growing in popularity, wrestling remains relatively small in the Southeast Asian country. There are about 30 fighters and matches take place every two to three months in front of a few hundred supporters.

Nor Diana is one of just two women wrestlers.&nbsp;

"As soon as she became popular, we received a lot of messages from fellow hijabis who inquired about joining wrestling as well," &nbsp;Ayez Shaukat Fonseka, her coach and fellow fighter, told AFP.

"She kind of broke the barrier and just proved to them that if she can do it, they can do it too,"&nbsp;Fonseka said.

A hijab-wearing, diminutive Malaysian wrestler known as "Phoenix" cuts an unusual figure in the ring, a female Muslim fighter taking on hulking opponents in a male-dominated world.

A hijab-wearing, diminutive Malaysian wrestler known as "Phoenix" cuts an unusual figure in the ring, a female Muslim fighter taking on hulking opponents in a male-dominated world. Dressed in flame-patterned trousers, a black and orange hijab and top, Nor Diana uses sophisticated moves to throw and pin down her larger rivals in front of hundreds of cheering spectators. Standing just 155 centimetres (five foot, one inch) tall and weighing 43 kilograms (six stone, 10 pounds), her speed and agility make her a match for almost any opponent. And far from being criticised by conservatives for throwing herself into wrestling, the 19-year-old has become a hit on social media and spurred the interest of other headscarf-wearing women. "Even though I am Muslim, and I wear the hijab, nothing can stop me from doing what I love," she said in the ring after winning a recent fight. She takes part in local outfit Malaysia Pro Wrestling (MyPW), which has similarities with hugely popular World Wrestling Entertainment from the United States. Like WWE, the Malaysian version is as much theatre as sport, as participants compete against one another with matches ending in a pre-determined outcome. Nor Diana, a pseudonym as she prefers not to reveal her true identity, seems an unlikely wrestler - outside the ring, she is shy and soft-spoken, and her day job is working in a hospital. But when she puts on her wrestling gear, she transforms into the fearsome Phoenix. "As Phoenix, I'm a totally different person. She may be small, but she can do things that people can't imagine," Nor Diana told AFP at a wrestling gym in Puchong, outside Kuala Lumpur. "When she's in the ring, she's fast and always wants to win," she explained. Growing popularity Nor Diana first started training as a wrestler in late 2015, following her teenage dream of becoming a fighter and made her debut a few months later. More than 60 per cent of Malaysia's 32 million people are ethnic Malay Muslims and, while the form of Islam followed is generally moderate and tolerant, society can still be conservative. Many Muslim women in the country wear the traditional headscarf and loose-fitting clothing in line with Islamic requirements for females to dress modestly. "In the beginning, it was always hard for me, because a lot of people said I can't wrestle because I'm a Muslim and I wear the hijab," she said. But she has soldiered on, with her family’s full support, and enjoyed her greatest success so far in early July, defeating four men to be crowned Malaysian wrestling champion. Initially, she competed wearing a mask, to reduce the chances people would recognise her. But after losing a match last year she removed it and has been competing without one ever since. She remembered being fearful about the reaction - but her popularity has only increased since, with thousands now following her on social media, helping to boost wrestling's profile in Malaysia. While it is growing in popularity, wrestling remains relatively small in the Southeast Asian country. There are about 30 fighters and matches take place every two to three months in front of a few hundred supporters. Nor Diana is one of just two women wrestlers. "As soon as she became popular, we received a lot of messages from fellow hijabis who inquired about joining wrestling as well," Ayez Shaukat Fonseka, her coach and fellow fighter, told AFP. "She kind of broke the barrier and just proved to them that if she can do it, they can do it too," Fonseka said.

Malaysia's hijab-wearing wrestler Nor 'Phoenix' Diana breaking barriers

The US Department of Justice opened an investigation into whether Deutsche Bank, Germany's embattled biggest lender, violated foreign financial laws in its work for 1MDB, American media reported Wednesday.

The department is looking into whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/deutsche-bank-to-cut-18000-jobs-in-74-billion-euro-overhaul-233820">Deutsche Bank</a> broke foreign corruption or anti-money laundering laws through its work for 1MDB, which included helping the Malaysian fundraise $1.2 billion in 2014 as concern's about its management and financials had begun to circulate, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Billions of dollars were looted from the investment vehicle between 2009 and 2014 and spent on everything from yachts to expensive artwork, in a fraud allegedly involving disgraced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-najib-razaks-corruption-trial-means-for-malaysia-and-the-region-207838">Malaysian ex-premier Najib Razak</a> and his cronies.&nbsp;

The investigation into Deutsche Bank has been helped by former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner, who pled guilty to his involvement in the 1MDB scandal, the Journal reported.

Prosecutors are looking into the role of Leissner's former colleague Tan Boon-Kee, who also worked as Deutsche Bank's Asia Pacific head of banking for financial institution clients, the newspaper said.

Tan left Deutsche Bank last year after it was discovered she had been in contact with Jho Low, the Malaysian financier who allegedly played a central role in the fraud, according to the Journal.

Deutsche Bank has "cooperated fully" with the investigation, it said in a statement and claims it was misled by 1MDB.

"1MDB made 'material misrepresentations and omissions to Deutsche Bank officials' in connection with 1MDB's transactions with the bank," the statement said, citing Justice Department documents.

Deutsche Bank is already in trouble in the US, after top Senate Democrats in June asked the Federal Reserve to scrutinize the lender over allegedly suspicious transactions tied to President Donald Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Democratic lawmakers suspected the bank staff of deliberately suppressing warnings of suspicious activities.

The bank also announced Sunday it would make 18,000 job cuts by 2022 about one-fifth of its workforce as it seeks to escape years of turmoil and return to sustained profits.

The new round of job cuts comes on top of some 6,000 already carried out over the past year.&nbsp;

The restructuring could be the last chance for Deutsche Bank after much-hyped merger talks with Frankfurt rival Commerzbank fell through earlier this year. 
&nbsp;

The US Department of Justice opened an investigation into whether Deutsche Bank, Germany's embattled biggest lender, violated foreign financial laws in its work for 1MDB, American media reported Wednesday.

The US Department of Justice opened an investigation into whether Deutsche Bank, Germany's embattled biggest lender, violated foreign financial laws in its work for 1MDB, American media reported Wednesday. The department is looking into whether Deutsche Bank broke foreign corruption or anti-money laundering laws through its work for 1MDB, which included helping the Malaysian fundraise $1.2 billion in 2014 as concern's about its management and financials had begun to circulate, The Wall Street Journal reported. Billions of dollars were looted from the investment vehicle between 2009 and 2014 and spent on everything from yachts to expensive artwork, in a fraud allegedly involving disgraced Malaysian ex-premier Najib Razak and his cronies. The investigation into Deutsche Bank has been helped by former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner, who pled guilty to his involvement in the 1MDB scandal, the Journal reported. Prosecutors are looking into the role of Leissner's former colleague Tan Boon-Kee, who also worked as Deutsche Bank's Asia Pacific head of banking for financial institution clients, the newspaper said. Tan left Deutsche Bank last year after it was discovered she had been in contact with Jho Low, the Malaysian financier who allegedly played a central role in the fraud, according to the Journal. Deutsche Bank has "cooperated fully" with the investigation, it said in a statement and claims it was misled by 1MDB. "1MDB made 'material misrepresentations and omissions to Deutsche Bank officials' in connection with 1MDB's transactions with the bank," the statement said, citing Justice Department documents. Deutsche Bank is already in trouble in the US, after top Senate Democrats in June asked the Federal Reserve to scrutinize the lender over allegedly suspicious transactions tied to President Donald Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Democratic lawmakers suspected the bank staff of deliberately suppressing warnings of suspicious activities. The bank also announced Sunday it would make 18,000 job cuts by 2022 about one-fifth of its workforce as it seeks to escape years of turmoil and return to sustained profits. The new round of job cuts comes on top of some 6,000 already carried out over the past year. The restructuring could be the last chance for Deutsche Bank after much-hyped merger talks with Frankfurt rival Commerzbank fell through earlier this year.

US Justice department investigating Deutsche Bank over 1MDB connection: Report

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-calls-to-end-internet-blackout-in-myanmars-two-states-231612">Myanmar's Rakhine state</a>, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-police-kill-three-suspected-rohingya-traffickers-rescue-15-refugees-230535">Rohingya Muslims</a>, appears open for business despite a crackdown.

Each year thousands of Rohingya and stateless Bangladeshis try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia by sea.

But boatloads commonly wash up on the shores of Myanmar or Thailand, especially in the treacherous conditions brought by the monsoon season.

Sixty-three "Muslims" were found early Sunday and taken to a nearby police outpost, district administrator Soe Aung told AFP from northern Rakhine's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/systemic-failure-of-un-ahead-of-myanmar-military-crackdown-review-228223">Maungdaw</a> township.

"We found four men on the boat and the rest nearby. In total there were 63 people," he said by phone, adding it was not yet clear if they were Bangladeshi or Rohingya.

Myanmar officials do not recognise the Rohingya as an ethnic group and refer to them as Bengalis or Muslims from Rakhine state.

Authorities tried to close down the multi-million dollar people smuggling route in 2015 after the discovery of mass graves in southern Thailand.

But many still spend their life savings to embark on the risky sea voyages.

Rohingya remaining in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-stops-84-rohingyas-from-perilous-sea-journey-219586">Myanmar also fall prey to human smugglers</a>.

Many have been confined to camps for years, are denied citizenship and lack access to work, healthcare, and schools.

Most people escaping by sea attempt the journey before March, but some are also ready to risk rougher waters.

A Thai boat captain was charged last month for smuggling a group of 65 Rohingya.

On Saturday almost two-dozen Rohingya Muslims were among a larger group of migrants found hiding in a Thai jungle after being abandoned by traffickers, police said.

Myanmar's army drove 740,000 of the stateless minority into Bangladesh in a bloody crackdown in 2017, where they joined some 300,000 more from previous expulsions.

United Nations investigators have called for the prosecution of top generals for "genocide".&nbsp;

Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. 
&nbsp;

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in Myanmar's Rakhine state, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted Rohingya Muslims, appears open for business despite a crackdown.

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in Myanmar's Rakhine state, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted Rohingya Muslims, appears open for business despite a crackdown. Each year thousands of Rohingya and stateless Bangladeshis try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia by sea. But boatloads commonly wash up on the shores of Myanmar or Thailand, especially in the treacherous conditions brought by the monsoon season. Sixty-three "Muslims" were found early Sunday and taken to a nearby police outpost, district administrator Soe Aung told AFP from northern Rakhine's Maungdaw township. "We found four men on the boat and the rest nearby. In total there were 63 people," he said by phone, adding it was not yet clear if they were Bangladeshi or Rohingya. Myanmar officials do not recognise the Rohingya as an ethnic group and refer to them as Bengalis or Muslims from Rakhine state. Authorities tried to close down the multi-million dollar people smuggling route in 2015 after the discovery of mass graves in southern Thailand. But many still spend their life savings to embark on the risky sea voyages. Rohingya remaining in Myanmar also fall prey to human smugglers. Many have been confined to camps for years, are denied citizenship and lack access to work, healthcare, and schools. Most people escaping by sea attempt the journey before March, but some are also ready to risk rougher waters. A Thai boat captain was charged last month for smuggling a group of 65 Rohingya. On Saturday almost two-dozen Rohingya Muslims were among a larger group of migrants found hiding in a Thai jungle after being abandoned by traffickers, police said. Myanmar's army drove 740,000 of the stateless minority into Bangladesh in a bloody crackdown in 2017, where they joined some 300,000 more from previous expulsions. United Nations investigators have called for the prosecution of top generals for "genocide". Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.

Dozens of people found stranded in Myanmar's Rakhine: Official

Malaysian authorities said on Wednesday (June 26) they had seized more than 5,000 smuggled terrapins at Kuala Lumpur airport last week. Two Indian nationals were travelling with 5,255 red-eared sliders, a semi-aquatic species of turtle, in baskets within their luggage.

Malaysia seizes over 5,000 smuggled terrapins at airport

Malaysian Prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday said Russia is being made a scapegoat in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, and questioned the objectivity of the investigations into the fatal incident five years ago.

Malaysia's Mahathir Claims Political Ploy To Pin MH17 Downing On Russia

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Monday said that his country has the right not to extradite controversial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/zakir-naik-alleges-political-witch-hunt-after-interpol-takes-up-indias-red-corner-notice-against-him-213362">Islamic preacher Zakir Naik</a> to India, since the fugitive evangelist claims he will not get a fair trial back home, according to a media report.

Naik, a 53-year-old radical television preacher, reportedly left India in 2016 and subsequently moved to largely Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency.

"Zakir in general feels that he is not going to get a fair trial (in India)," Mahathir was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper.

He compared the situation to Australia refusing to extradite former police commando Sirul Azhar Umar, who was sentenced to death in Malaysia in 2015 for killing a Mongolian model.

"We requested Australia to extradite Sirul and they are afraid we are going to send him to the gallows," the prime minister said.

Naik was booked by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2016 based on a National Investigation Agency FIR that was registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

The ED last month said that Naik received crores of funds in his and his trusts' bank accounts from unidentified "well wishers" over the years for his speeches that spread "hatred and incited Muslim youths" to take up terrorism.

The Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), Mumbai-based charity trust promoted and controlled by Naik, "allegedly received funds in the form of donations and zakat (a form of alms giving in Islam) from domestic as well as overseas donors from countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Malaysia among others," the ED said.&nbsp;

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Monday said that his country has the right not to extradite controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to India, since the fugitive evangelist claims he will not get a fair trial back home, according to a media report.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Monday said that his country has the right not to extradite controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to India, since the fugitive evangelist claims he will not get a fair trial back home, according to a media report. Naik, a 53-year-old radical television preacher, reportedly left India in 2016 and subsequently moved to largely Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency. "Zakir in general feels that he is not going to get a fair trial (in India)," Mahathir was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper. He compared the situation to Australia refusing to extradite former police commando Sirul Azhar Umar, who was sentenced to death in Malaysia in 2015 for killing a Mongolian model. "We requested Australia to extradite Sirul and they are afraid we are going to send him to the gallows," the prime minister said. Naik was booked by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2016 based on a National Investigation Agency FIR that was registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The ED last month said that Naik received crores of funds in his and his trusts' bank accounts from unidentified "well wishers" over the years for his speeches that spread "hatred and incited Muslim youths" to take up terrorism. The Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), Mumbai-based charity trust promoted and controlled by Naik, "allegedly received funds in the form of donations and zakat (a form of alms giving in Islam) from domestic as well as overseas donors from countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Malaysia among others," the ED said.

Malaysia has right not to extradite Zakir Naik to India: PM Mahathir Mohamad

Bangladesh coast guards on Thursday stopped 58 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-stops-84-rohingyas-from-perilous-sea-journey-219586">Rohingya refugees </a>from making a potentially dangerous journey to Malaysia by sea and arrested two suspected traffickers, an official said.

Acting on a tip-off, a patrol ship challenged a fishing boat near Saint Martin's, a small Bangladesh island in the Bay of Bengal, and found the Rohingya on board, coast guard Lieutenant Josel Rana said.

"We've found 58 refugees and detained two human traffickers on the boat," he told AFP.

About 740,000 Muslim minority Rohingya have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since a brutal military crackdown in the Buddhist-majority nation began in August 2017.

Thousands of refugees attempt to flee the camps each year in pursuit of better opportunities in countries such as Malaysia and Thailand.

So far this year, law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh have rescued over 400 Rohingya refugees from coastal villages as they were waiting to board boats bound for Malaysia.

But this is the first time in 2019 that Rohingya refugees were rescued at sea, raising concerns that the situation in Bangladesh's overcrowded camps -- home to nearly one million -- is worsening.

"Such incidents will continue as desperation among the refugees is on the rise," said Emdadul Haq, a professor at the private North South University in Dhaka. Rana said most of the refugees picked up by the coast guard were from the Kutupalong camp -- the largest refugee settlement in the world.

Most attempts the journey before March when the sea is calm before the monsoon season sets in, but experts say traffickers are now convincing the refugees to attempt the trip even in rough waters.

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has said the vulnerability of Rohingya to trafficking has increased enormously as livelihoods, support networks, and other fundamental systems are disrupted.&nbsp;

Bangladesh coast guards on Thursday stopped 58 Rohingya refugees from making a potentially dangerous journey to Malaysia by sea and arrested two suspected traffickers, an official said.

Bangladesh coast guards on Thursday stopped 58 Rohingya refugees from making a potentially dangerous journey to Malaysia by sea and arrested two suspected traffickers, an official said. Acting on a tip-off, a patrol ship challenged a fishing boat near Saint Martin's, a small Bangladesh island in the Bay of Bengal, and found the Rohingya on board, coast guard Lieutenant Josel Rana said. "We've found 58 refugees and detained two human traffickers on the boat," he told AFP. About 740,000 Muslim minority Rohingya have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since a brutal military crackdown in the Buddhist-majority nation began in August 2017. Thousands of refugees attempt to flee the camps each year in pursuit of better opportunities in countries such as Malaysia and Thailand. So far this year, law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh have rescued over 400 Rohingya refugees from coastal villages as they were waiting to board boats bound for Malaysia. But this is the first time in 2019 that Rohingya refugees were rescued at sea, raising concerns that the situation in Bangladesh's overcrowded camps -- home to nearly one million -- is worsening. "Such incidents will continue as desperation among the refugees is on the rise," said Emdadul Haq, a professor at the private North South University in Dhaka. Rana said most of the refugees picked up by the coast guard were from the Kutupalong camp -- the largest refugee settlement in the world. Most attempts the journey before March when the sea is calm before the monsoon season sets in, but experts say traffickers are now convincing the refugees to attempt the trip even in rough waters. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has said the vulnerability of Rohingya to trafficking has increased enormously as livelihoods, support networks, and other fundamental systems are disrupted.

Bangladesh picks up 58 Malaysia-bound Rohingya at sea

Hundreds of tonnes of imported plastic waste will be shipped back to where it came from, Malaysia said Tuesday, insisting the country did not want to be a global dumping ground.

Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), with much of it ending up in landfill or polluting the seas, in what is becoming a growing international crisis.

China had previously taken a large amount of waste for recycling but abruptly stopped last year, saying it wanted to improve its own environment.

Now Southeast Asian countries that stepped in to plug this gap say they have had enough.

"We urge developed countries to stop shipping garbage to our country," said Yeo Bee Yin, Malaysia's minister of energy, technology, science, environment and climate change, adding it was "unfair and uncivilised".

"We will return it back to the country of origin without any mercy," she said, after an inspection of several waste-filled containers at Port Klang, the country's busiest port.

Plastic imports to Malaysia have tripled since 2016, to 870,000 tonnes last year, official data showed.

The influx has sparked a rapid increase in the number of recycling plants, many of them operating without a licence and with little regard for environmental standards.

Lee Chee Kwang, an activist with Environment Protection Agency Kuala Langat, said Malaysia has "failed miserably" to manage the rubbish coming into the country.

"The government must ban entry of plastic waste and declare it as public enemy number one,” he said.

'Traitors'

While Malaysia allows the import of homogenous and clean waste plastics for the recycling industry, there are growing public calls for the government to ban the import of used plastics altogether.

The country's move to ship the refuse back was "only a symbolic public stunt which does not solve the problem," Lee said. "The solution is a total ban on imports of all kinds of plastic."

Minister Yeo vowed a crackdown on illegal imports and recycling facilities. The Malaysians involved in importing the waste are "traitors", she said.

"Malaysia will not be a dumping ground to the world," Yeo added. "We cannot be bullied by the developed countries."

The ministry said 450 tonnes of contaminated plastic waste in 10 containers -- from Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United States -- will be shipped back.

Port officials said their contents were&nbsp;declared but did not give a date for the shipment.

"These containers are filled with contaminated, non-homogenous, low-quality, non-recyclable plastic waste, and are routed to processing facilities which do not have the technology to recycle in an environmentally sound manner," the ministry said.

Malaysia last month sent back five containers filled with plastic waste to Spain. Inspections are being carried out on more than 50 other containers brought in illegally. Yeo said it will take until the end of the year to fully deal with the problem.

She said 150 illegal waste recycling plants had been shut down.&nbsp;But the problem is widespread and citizens are taking action over the plastic influx.

Some 12,000 people in central Selangor state are protesting a recycling factory allowed to operate near their homes, community leader Joshua Tee told AFP.

"Processing such materials produces toxic fumes. Villagers say they are suffering from asthma and itchiness," he said. As little as nine per cent of plastic produced between 1950 and 2015 has been recycled.

Pictures of coral reefs smothered in plastic bags and river systems choked with PET bottles have sparked a growing worldwide awareness of the need to deal with the problem.

Hundreds of tonnes of imported plastic waste will be shipped back to where it came from, Malaysia said Tuesday, insisting the country did not want to be a global dumping ground.

Hundreds of tonnes of imported plastic waste will be shipped back to where it came from, Malaysia said Tuesday, insisting the country did not want to be a global dumping ground. Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), with much of it ending up in landfill or polluting the seas, in what is becoming a growing international crisis. China had previously taken a large amount of waste for recycling but abruptly stopped last year, saying it wanted to improve its own environment. Now Southeast Asian countries that stepped in to plug this gap say they have had enough. "We urge developed countries to stop shipping garbage to our country," said Yeo Bee Yin, Malaysia's minister of energy, technology, science, environment and climate change, adding it was "unfair and uncivilised". "We will return it back to the country of origin without any mercy," she said, after an inspection of several waste-filled containers at Port Klang, the country's busiest port. Plastic imports to Malaysia have tripled since 2016, to 870,000 tonnes last year, official data showed. The influx has sparked a rapid increase in the number of recycling plants, many of them operating without a licence and with little regard for environmental standards. Lee Chee Kwang, an activist with Environment Protection Agency Kuala Langat, said Malaysia has "failed miserably" to manage the rubbish coming into the country. "The government must ban entry of plastic waste and declare it as public enemy number one,” he said. 'Traitors' While Malaysia allows the import of homogenous and clean waste plastics for the recycling industry, there are growing public calls for the government to ban the import of used plastics altogether. The country's move to ship the refuse back was "only a symbolic public stunt which does not solve the problem," Lee said. "The solution is a total ban on imports of all kinds of plastic." Minister Yeo vowed a crackdown on illegal imports and recycling facilities. The Malaysians involved in importing the waste are "traitors", she said. "Malaysia will not be a dumping ground to the world," Yeo added. "We cannot be bullied by the developed countries." The ministry said 450 tonnes of contaminated plastic waste in 10 containers -- from Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United States -- will be shipped back. Port officials said their contents were declared but did not give a date for the shipment. "These containers are filled with contaminated, non-homogenous, low-quality, non-recyclable plastic waste, and are routed to processing facilities which do not have the technology to recycle in an environmentally sound manner," the ministry said. Malaysia last month sent back five containers filled with plastic waste to Spain. Inspections are being carried out on more than 50 other containers brought in illegally. Yeo said it will take until the end of the year to fully deal with the problem. She said 150 illegal waste recycling plants had been shut down. But the problem is widespread and citizens are taking action over the plastic influx. Some 12,000 people in central Selangor state are protesting a recycling factory allowed to operate near their homes, community leader Joshua Tee told AFP. "Processing such materials produces toxic fumes. Villagers say they are suffering from asthma and itchiness," he said. As little as nine per cent of plastic produced between 1950 and 2015 has been recycled. Pictures of coral reefs smothered in plastic bags and river systems choked with PET bottles have sparked a growing worldwide awareness of the need to deal with the problem.

Malaysia to ship back hundreds of tonnes of plastic waste

Malaysian officials are disguising themselves as cooks and waiters to catch Muslims who don't fast during Ramadan, with a rights group Thursday blasting the "disgraceful act of spying".

Thirty-two enforcement officers from a local council in the Muslim-majority country are going undercover at food outlets as part of the scheme, the New Straits Times newspaper reported.

Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk during Islam's holiest month, unless there are special circumstances such as illness.&nbsp;

While Muslims in multi-ethnic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-detains-three-accused-of-planning-attacks-links-to-is-219185">Malaysia </a>have traditionally followed a tolerant form of Islam, critics say conservative attitudes have been gaining ground in recent years.

The team in Segamat district, in southern Johor state, will be monitoring 185 outlets, with two of the officers selected as they are good at making popular dishes such as spicy fried noodles.

"We have specially selected enforcement officers who are dark skinned for the undercover job," Mohamad Masni Wakiman, president of the Segamat Municipal Council, was cited as saying by the paper.

"They sound convincing when they speak in Indonesian and Pakistani lingo, so that customers will believe they are really hired to cook and serve meals, and take menu orders."

Many staff at food outlets in Malaysia are migrant workers.&nbsp;

If Muslims are seen ordering food during the daytime, the officers will secretly take pictures of them and contact the local religious affairs department for further action, Masni said.

Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with Muslims subject to Islamic laws in certain areas. In Johor, Muslims who skip fasting can be punished with up to six months in jail or a fine of up to 1,000 ringgit ($240), or both.&nbsp;

Sisters in Islam, a group promoting the rights of Muslim women in Malaysia, said that the plan was "shameful and gives the wrong impression of Islam in the eyes of fellow Muslims and people from other faiths.

"We strongly demand that all parties cease this disgraceful act of spying."

Over 60 percent of Malaysia's 32 million inhabitants are ethnic Malay Muslims and the country is also home to substantial ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, who do not typically follow Islam.

Malaysian officials are disguising themselves as cooks and waiters to catch Muslims who don't fast during Ramadan, with a rights group Thursday blasting the "disgraceful act of spying".

Malaysian officials are disguising themselves as cooks and waiters to catch Muslims who don't fast during Ramadan, with a rights group Thursday blasting the "disgraceful act of spying". Thirty-two enforcement officers from a local council in the Muslim-majority country are going undercover at food outlets as part of the scheme, the New Straits Times newspaper reported. Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk during Islam's holiest month, unless there are special circumstances such as illness. While Muslims in multi-ethnic Malaysia have traditionally followed a tolerant form of Islam, critics say conservative attitudes have been gaining ground in recent years. The team in Segamat district, in southern Johor state, will be monitoring 185 outlets, with two of the officers selected as they are good at making popular dishes such as spicy fried noodles. "We have specially selected enforcement officers who are dark skinned for the undercover job," Mohamad Masni Wakiman, president of the Segamat Municipal Council, was cited as saying by the paper. "They sound convincing when they speak in Indonesian and Pakistani lingo, so that customers will believe they are really hired to cook and serve meals, and take menu orders." Many staff at food outlets in Malaysia are migrant workers. If Muslims are seen ordering food during the daytime, the officers will secretly take pictures of them and contact the local religious affairs department for further action, Masni said. Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with Muslims subject to Islamic laws in certain areas. In Johor, Muslims who skip fasting can be punished with up to six months in jail or a fine of up to 1,000 ringgit ($240), or both. Sisters in Islam, a group promoting the rights of Muslim women in Malaysia, said that the plan was "shameful and gives the wrong impression of Islam in the eyes of fellow Muslims and people from other faiths. "We strongly demand that all parties cease this disgraceful act of spying." Over 60 percent of Malaysia's 32 million inhabitants are ethnic Malay Muslims and the country is also home to substantial ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, who do not typically follow Islam.

Malaysian officials go undercover to spy on fasting Muslims

Bangladesh authorities prevented 84 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar from attempting a perilous boat journey to Malaysia, officials said Saturday.

Police in Pekua said 67 Rohingya Muslims from Kutupalong -- the largest refugee settlement in the world -- were stopped as they waited to board a fishing trawler. They included 31 women and 15 children.

On Saint Martin's, a small Bangladesh island in the Bay of Bengal, the country's coast guard stopped 17 other Rohingya and five Bangladeshi traffickers before they could board a rickety fishing boat.

Fayezul Islam Mondol, the regional coast guard commander, said they were acting on a tip-off.

About 740,000 Muslim minority Rohingya have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since a brutal military crackdown began in August 2017.

They joined another 300,000 Rohingya already living in overcrowded camps in the Cox's Bazar area following previous bouts of violence.

Thousands of refugees attempt to flee the camps each year in pursuit of better opportunities in countries such as Malaysia and Thailand.

They frequently spend their life savings to embark on dangerous boat journeys they believe will improve their lives, but many fall prey to international human trafficking gangs.

Most attempt the journey before March, when the sea is calm before the monsoon season sets in, but experts say traffickers are now convincing the refugees to attempt the crossing even in rough waters.

"This is a very alarming situation," Jishu Barua, an aid worker specialising in trafficking, told AFP.&nbsp;

Bangladesh authorities prevented 84 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar from attempting a perilous boat journey to Malaysia, officials said Saturday. Police in Pekua said 67 Rohingya Muslims from Kutupalong -- the largest refugee settlement in the world -- were stopped as they waited to board a fishing trawler.

Bangladesh authorities prevented 84 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar from attempting a perilous boat journey to Malaysia, officials said Saturday. Police in Pekua said 67 Rohingya Muslims from Kutupalong -- the largest refugee settlement in the world -- were stopped as they waited to board a fishing trawler. They included 31 women and 15 children. On Saint Martin's, a small Bangladesh island in the Bay of Bengal, the country's coast guard stopped 17 other Rohingya and five Bangladeshi traffickers before they could board a rickety fishing boat. Fayezul Islam Mondol, the regional coast guard commander, said they were acting on a tip-off. About 740,000 Muslim minority Rohingya have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since a brutal military crackdown began in August 2017. They joined another 300,000 Rohingya already living in overcrowded camps in the Cox's Bazar area following previous bouts of violence. Thousands of refugees attempt to flee the camps each year in pursuit of better opportunities in countries such as Malaysia and Thailand. They frequently spend their life savings to embark on dangerous boat journeys they believe will improve their lives, but many fall prey to international human trafficking gangs. Most attempt the journey before March, when the sea is calm before the monsoon season sets in, but experts say traffickers are now convincing the refugees to attempt the crossing even in rough waters. "This is a very alarming situation," Jishu Barua, an aid worker specialising in trafficking, told AFP.

Bangladesh stops 84 Rohingyas from perilous sea journey

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-hopes-of-economic-revival-under-mahathir-fade-217450&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-vu7AhaDiAhUFsY8KHYlmDTQQFjAFegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2F8B3FUVjYwXI8noAknA_j">Malaysia</a> has detained three men on suspicion of supporting the Islamic State militant group and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/four-arrested-in-malaysia-suspected-of-plotting-ramadan-attacks-218402&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-vu7AhaDiAhUFsY8KHYlmDTQQFjAEegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw02WrsKHywwi-bfsADhdrM0">planning attacks in Indonesia and Malaysia</a>, police said on Thursday.

Authorities have been on high alert and made hundreds of arrests in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-teen-took-own-life-after-instagram-poll-218977&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-vu7AhaDiAhUFsY8KHYlmDTQQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2GgjMzF30F6VdF0yh0Gek0">Malaysia </a>since gunmen allied with the Islamic State carried out a series of attacks in the Indonesian capital Jakarta in 2016.

A 34-year-old Indonesian member of an Islamic State-linked cell was arrested in Selangor state on Tuesday, police said.

"The suspect is believed to have been radicalised after being exposed to Islamic State teachings while in prison for five years in Surabaya, Indonesia," Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said in a statement.

Four other cell members were detained on Monday on suspicion of planning killings and attacks around Kuala Lumpur during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Police said on Thursday they detained two men from the northern Malaysian state of Kedah who turned themselves in after their families agreed to cooperate with authorities.

The pair, both aged 27, had learned how to build large-scale explosives and car bombs in 2018 while training with the Jemaah Ansharut Daulah, an Islamic State-linked extremist network based in Indonesia, Abdul Hamid said.

Both suspects had scouted several churches in the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta as potential targets.

One of the men was planning a suicide bomb attack on non-Muslim places of worship in Malaysia, Abdul Hamid said.

Malaysia has arrested hundreds of people in the past few years for suspected militant links.

A grenade attack on a bar on the outskirts of the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, in June 2016 wounded eight people.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, the first such strike on Malaysian soil.

Malaysia has detained three men on suspicion of supporting the Islamic State militant group and planning attacks in Indonesia and Malaysia, police said on Thursday.

Malaysia has detained three men on suspicion of supporting the Islamic State militant group and planning attacks in Indonesia and Malaysia, police said on Thursday. Authorities have been on high alert and made hundreds of arrests in Malaysia since gunmen allied with the Islamic State carried out a series of attacks in the Indonesian capital Jakarta in 2016. A 34-year-old Indonesian member of an Islamic State-linked cell was arrested in Selangor state on Tuesday, police said. "The suspect is believed to have been radicalised after being exposed to Islamic State teachings while in prison for five years in Surabaya, Indonesia," Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said in a statement. Four other cell members were detained on Monday on suspicion of planning killings and attacks around Kuala Lumpur during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Police said on Thursday they detained two men from the northern Malaysian state of Kedah who turned themselves in after their families agreed to cooperate with authorities. The pair, both aged 27, had learned how to build large-scale explosives and car bombs in 2018 while training with the Jemaah Ansharut Daulah, an Islamic State-linked extremist network based in Indonesia, Abdul Hamid said. Both suspects had scouted several churches in the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta as potential targets. One of the men was planning a suicide bomb attack on non-Muslim places of worship in Malaysia, Abdul Hamid said. Malaysia has arrested hundreds of people in the past few years for suspected militant links. A grenade attack on a bar on the outskirts of the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, in June 2016 wounded eight people. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, the first such strike on Malaysian soil.

Malaysia detains three accused of planning attacks, links to IS

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