Nation

Excessive ammonia levels in Skudai affect nearly 40,000 Johor accounts

JOHOR BARU: Almost 40,000 consumer accounts here were affected after ammonia levels exceeding safety standards were detected in the raw water source supplying the Sultan Ismail Water Treatment Plant in Skudai on Wednesday (July 23).

Thailand

Thailand says open to Malaysia mediating in Cambodia conflict

BANGKOK: Thailand is open to Malaysia mediating in efforts to find a negotiated solution to its bloody conflict with Cambodia, its foreign ministry spokesman told AFP on Friday (July 25).

Nation

No active collaboration with ISPCA for now, says Ipoh council

IPOH: The Ipoh City Council (MBI) says it does not have any ongoing collaboration with the Ipoh branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).

Vietnam

Vietnam voices concern over Thailand–Cambodia border tensions

HANOI: Vietnam on Thursday (July 24) expressed concern over the current escalation of tensions in the border area between Thailand and Cambodia, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said in a statement to the press.

Japan

'#Ishiba Don't quit': unlikely support grows for Japan PM

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's (pic) future is uncertain but an unlikely campaign for him to stay was growing online this week, including from people who are his natural political opponents.

Entertainment

Finas committed to take local talents to international stage

Its chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said the achievements of local actors in the foreign film industry are gaining prominence and need to be supported comprehensively

Nation

AKPS foils bid to smuggle 200kg of undeclared agro produce

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle agricultural produce without valid permits into the country on Thursday (July 24).

Sabah & Sarawak

S'wak Metro taking steps to avoid further utility damage during KUTS construction

KUCHING: Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd is reviewing and strengthening operational protocols to prevent a recurrence of utility damage in the construction of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.

AI

Amazon shuts down Shanghai AI lab, says source

US tech giant Amazon has shut down its artificial intelligence research lab in Shanghai, a source with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed to AFP.

World

Philippines top court throws out impeachment complaint against VP Duterte

MANILA (Reuters) -Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte scored a big legal win on Friday when the Supreme Court struck down an impeachment complaint against her, ruling that it was unconstitutional.

Brunei

Bruneians warned to beware the dangers of the evil eye

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Muslims were reminded during Friday's (July 25) sermon to protect themselves from the dangers of the 'ain (evil eye), a real and harmful spiritual affliction that can cause both physical and emotional harm.

World

Ukraine says Starlink's global outage hit its military communications

KYIV (Reuters) -Starlink systems used by Ukrainian military units were down for two and a half hours overnight, a senior commander said, part of a global issue that disrupted the satellite internet provider.

Markets

Polymer Link gets Bursa go-ahead for ACE Market listing

KUALA LUMPUR: Plastic manufacturer Polymer Link Holdings Bhd has received approval-in-principle from Bursa Malaysia Securities to list on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia.

Nation

Second Link trailer incident: Monitor closely to protect public safety, ecosystems, says don

JOHOR BARU: Two chemicals involved in the trailer incident on the Second Link bridge are classified as less hazardous under controlled conditions but have the potential to impact the marine ecosystem and public safety if accidentally released into the environment, says Dr Faizuan Abdullah.

Nation

GOF nabs three, seizes 19kg of ganja buds at Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS

BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The General Operations Force (GOF) has detained three Indian nationals and seized 19kg of ganja buds worth over RM500,000 at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex here.

Nation

Madani legal reform gains momentum with key bills and motions passed

KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani Government's legal and institutional reform agenda continues to gain momentum, with five bills and two key motions passed in the first week of the Dewan Rakyat sitting.

Nation

National Vaisakhi Fest 2025 to celebrate Sikh heritage, nation’s cultural harmony

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Vaisakhi Fest 2025, a vibrant celebration of Sikh culture and Malaysia's multicultural harmony, will take place on Saturday (July 26) at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (Matic) in Jalan Ampang here.

Comment

When the teaser outshone the payoff

ARMADA has studied the essence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement on July 23 and finds an inconsistency in the government's policy regarding targeted subsidies and not wanting to benefit the "super-rich".

Nation

Federal Court sets Oct 29 to hear appeal against Isa Samad's acquittal

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Court has fixed Oct 29 for the hearing of the prosecution's appeal against the Court of Appeal's decision to acquit former Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad.

Laos

Malnutrition stunts children's growth in Laos

VIENTIANE: Laos is facing a malnutrition plight among children, with nearly 44 per cent of children under the age of five affected by stunted growth.