Thursday, 23 July 2026 Kota Kinabalu
H Harakah News

Bold, independent coverage of Malaysian politics, business and current affairs.

RK
World Desk

Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh tracks geopolitics, trade and ASEAN-level diplomacy.

1251 articles published

Tabung Haji RCI Report Expected Within Days, PM Says

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim indicated the Royal Commission of Inquiry's final report on Tabung Haji could be unveiled within the next 48 hours, pending Cabinet clearance requirements.

· · 3 min read

Repeat Drug Offender Arrested in Major GOF Operations

Authorities have arrested a man with six prior drug convictions alongside other suspects during a series of coordinated raids. The operations, part of broader enforcement efforts, underscore persistent challenges in tackling repeat offenders.

· · 4 min read

Former Serviceman Faces Court Over Unauthorised Weapons Cache

A former soldier was charged in Kangar with unlawfully possessing firearms, replica weapons, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The charges span both Sessions and Magistrate's courts following a discovery earlier this month.

· · 4 min read

Netanyahu's Office Condemns New York Mayor Over Arrest Remarks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has strongly rebuked New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani after the American official raised the possibility of detaining the Israeli leader during a forthcoming United Nations gathering.

· · 4 min read

Shop owner fined RM5,000 for harbouring undocumented migrant

A Pasir Mas shop proprietor has been ordered to pay RM5,000 after pleading guilty to permitting an undocumented migrant to remain at her commercial premises, marking continued enforcement action against employers harbouring illegal workers.

· · 3 min read

Kelantan Police Chief Arrested on Bribery Charges

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a police station chief in Kelantan over allegations of accepting bribes amounting to approximately RM1,000, marking another high-profile corruption case within law enforcement.

· · 3 min read

Foreign Minister Ready to Resign If PM Orders, Says Mohamad Hasan

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has signalled his willingness to relinquish his position immediately if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instructs him to do so, underscoring the hierarchical nature of Malaysia's cabinet structure.

· · 3 min read

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

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued a direct ultimatum to ministers and federal officials, declaring they must step down from their positions if they wish to publicly criticise fellow members of the unity government coalition during election campaigns.

· · 4 min read

Sarawak Teen Accused of Drug Smuggling in Hong Kong Operation

Hong Kong authorities arrested a 19-year-old Sarawakian on suspicion of attempting to smuggle three kilogrammes of cannabis. Malaysian police believe the teenager was recruited by a drug syndicate to serve as a drug mule, highlighting growing transnational trafficking networks.

· · 4 min read

PAC Delays Decision on RM200 Million eFishery Fraud Investigation

Malaysia's Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee has not yet committed to investigating the alleged RM200 million fraud tied to KWAP's investment in Indonesian aquaculture firm eFishery, leaving questions about oversight and accountability unresolved.

· · 3 min read

Foreign National Detained Over Indecent Conduct at Cyberjaya Playground

Authorities in Cyberjaya have arrested a foreign national in his early 20s following allegations of indecent behaviour at a public playground adjacent to a supermarket on Tuesday. The incident raises fresh concerns about safety at recreational spaces frequented by families.

· · 3 min read

Anwar Asks Melaka DAP to Delay State Exit Plans

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appealed to Melaka DAP to postpone its withdrawal from the state administration, urging the party to maintain focus on development and serving constituents.

· · 4 min read

Four detained in Sabah cyberbullying case involving teenage girl

Sabah police have detained four individuals in connection with cyberbullying and criminal intimidation directed at a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Membakut. The case highlights growing concerns over online harassment targeting minors in Malaysia.

· · 4 min read

Nga Reiterates Resignation Pledge Over Najib's Sentence

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has clarified that his offer to resign from the cabinet was specifically tied to any scenario where former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak might be released without completing a sentence proportionate to his convictions.

· · 4 min read

Perlis Chief Denies Switching Allegiance After Party Exit

Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah has dismissed rumours he is abandoning Bersatu, insisting he remains loyal to the party and continues leading its state chapter despite his recent departure from the party's Supreme Council.

· · 4 min read

Cabinet to conduct comprehensive review of e-Invoice rollout

Malaysia's cabinet has approved a review of the e-Invoice system implementation, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced, signalling potential adjustments to the controversial digital tax filing initiative.

· · 3 min read

RM114 Million from 2016 Sabah Water Scandal Still Held by MACC

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission continues to hold RM114 million in cash and assets confiscated during a 2016 investigation into misconduct at Sabah's Water Department, with the funds' ultimate disposition still undetermined.

· · 3 min read

Rohingya Driver Detained in Kedah Licensing Crackdown

Authorities in Kedah arrested a 32-year-old Rohingya man during a Road Transport Department enforcement operation after discovering he was operating a multi-purpose vehicle without a valid driving licence.

· · 3 min read

Muhyiddin Had No Hand in Jana Wibawa Awards, Court Told

A Malaysian High Court heard testimony that former premier Muhyiddin Yassin did not meddle in Jana Wibawa project allocations, marking a significant moment in ongoing legal proceedings over the controversial infrastructure initiative.

· · 4 min read

MACC arrests three in RM20mil rice financing fraud scheme

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission arrests three people, including two rice industry company directors, for allegedly using forged documents to secure approximately RM20 million in trade working capital financing.

· · 3 min read

Woman Fined RM500 for Assault on Sultan of Perak

An Ipoh court has imposed a RM500 penalty on a woman who admitted to committing criminal force against the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, during the state's National Day celebrations last year.

· · 3 min read

Anwar to press China on durian exports as prices tumble

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledges to address collapsing durian prices with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during an upcoming Beijing visit, seeking to boost exports and support struggling Malaysian growers facing a severe supply glut.

· · 3 min read

World Cup Fans Sue StubHub Over Undelivered Tickets

World Cup supporters have launched a class action lawsuit against StubHub, alleging the ticket resale platform failed to deliver premium-priced tickets purchased for the prestigious soccer tournament.

· · 4 min read

British Woman Arrested in Pattaya Over Boyfriend's Death

Thai authorities have detained a British woman in connection with the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend, a cannabis farm operator, at a luxury residence in Pattaya. The incident highlights ongoing legal complexities involving foreign nationals and drug-related activities in Thailand.

· · 4 min read

BN Must Woo PAS Voters to Boost Turnout, Says KJ

UMNO and the Barisan Nasional coalition need to directly target PAS voters and supporters in constituencies where the Islamist party is sitting out elections, according to party officials seeking to maximise voter turnout.

· · 3 min read

Lawmakers Push for Transparency on Azam Baki's Holdings

Multiple members of parliament are urging authorities to publicly disclose findings from investigations into former MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki's shareholdings, citing concerns about transparency and public confidence.

· · 4 min read

Barisan Nasional Targets Penggaram in Johor Election Battle

Barisan Nasional has identified the Penggaram seat in Batu Pahat as a critical battleground in the forthcoming Johor election, seeking to reclaim a constituency the Democratic Action Party has controlled for over a decade.

· · 3 min read

Johor polls transcend MB race, says PKR youth leader

A PKR youth leader has urged voters to view the Johor state election as a broader assessment of which political coalition can deliver comprehensive economic and social progress, rather than fixating on the menteri besar position alone.

· · 4 min read

Japan Establishes Space Defence Force Amid Regional Security Tensions

Japan's parliament has enacted legislation to reorganise its Air Self-Defence Force with a new focus on space defence operations. The restructured unit, launching by March 2027, will establish dedicated space operations capabilities and strengthen defences in strategically important southwestern islands.

· · 4 min read

Court of Appeal Revives Land Dispute Case Against Han Chiang School Trustee

Malaysia's Court of Appeal has revived a legal action over Han Chiang School's land holdings, determining that the institution's sole trustee, Lim Boon Lin, may proceed with litigation alleging breach of charitable trust obligations without requiring the attorney-general's prior approval.

· · 3 min read

Sinner Seeks Wimbledon Redemption as Djokovic and Zverev Circle

Defending champion Jannik Sinner arrives at Wimbledon as world number one but with his aura damaged by a shock French Open collapse. Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev sense opportunity on grass, while Carlos Alcaraz's injury opens the draw wider than usual.

· · 5 min read

Melaka JPJ Seizes 60 Vehicles in Road Safety Operation

The Melaka Road Transport Department seized 60 vehicles during an enforcement operation targeting unregistered drivers and expired documentation. Most seized were motorcycles from foreign nationals.

· · 3 min read

Alibaba Challenges US Pentagon Blacklist in California Court

Alibaba has sued the US Department of Defence in California, challenging its placement on a blacklist of alleged Chinese military-supporting companies. The designation could hamper the e-commerce giant's access to US capital markets.

· · 4 min read

Anutin's First 100 Days: Thailand Chooses Stability Over Reform

After 100 days as prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul has stabilised Thailand's energy crisis but analysts question whether his government will pursue deeper economic and constitutional reforms needed to address long-term structural challenges.

· · 4 min read

ICC judges challenge Trump's sanctions in US court

Three International Criminal Court judges have launched a legal challenge against US sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, arguing the measures violate international law and domestic regulations.

· · 4 min read

DOSH Probes Fatal Water Tank Cleaning Accident at Sungai Buloh Site

Malaysia's occupational safety authority is investigating a fatal workplace incident involving an industrial trainee at a Sungai Buloh water tank cleaning operation, with officials emphasising employer responsibilities for confined-space work safety.

· · 4 min read

Police Probe Officer Behind Viral China Video Incident

The Royal Malaysia Police has initiated a formal disciplinary investigation into an officer who became the centre of online controversy after a video circulated showing alleged insulting remarks directed at local residents during a trip to China.

· · 3 min read

Major US Fuel Retailers Sued Over Alleged AI Price-Fixing Scheme in California

California drivers have filed a class action lawsuit against BP, Marathon Petroleum, 7-Eleven, Walmart and others, alleging they used artificial intelligence to coordinate high gas prices. The suit invokes state antitrust law and a recent California statute targeting algorithmic price manipulation.

· · 5 min read

At Least 15 Dead in Lucknow Building Fire, Mostly Students

A devastating fire swept through a commercial building housing an animation training centre in Lucknow, India, on Monday, claiming at least 15 lives, predominantly students. The tragedy follows another major hotel fire in Delhi earlier this month.

· · 4 min read

Labour Party Faces Leadership Transition as Starmer Steps Down

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, triggering a leadership contest within the Labour Party. A successor will be selected before parliament reconvenes in September, marking Britain's seventh prime ministerial change in a decade.

· · 4 min read

Trump's Retooled Tariff Framework Reshuffles Winners and Losers Across Asia-Pacific

President Trump has restructured his global tariff approach following a Supreme Court ruling, using legal investigations to maintain protectionist barriers. The shift produces vastly different outcomes for trading partners, with some Southeast Asian nations gaining competitive advantages while others face steeper duties.

· · 7 min read

Iran and US Hold First Round of Direct Talks in Switzerland

Iran and the United States have completed their first round of direct negotiations in Switzerland, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, to implement terms of a recent interim agreement aimed at resolving regional tensions.

· · 4 min read

Philippines Secures Release of 24 Detainees from Russia After Presidential Intervention

Twenty-four Filipinos held in Russia for nine months arrived home following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's direct intervention with Vladimir Putin during bilateral talks in Kazan. The detainees, suspected victims of illegal recruitment schemes, landed at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport in two Philippine Airlines flights.

· · 4 min read

US and Iran Open Technical Talks in Switzerland to Cement Ceasefire

US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian leaders including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf convened in Switzerland on Sunday for technical discussions aimed at preserving a ceasefire established under a memorandum signed by Presidents Trump and Pezeshkian.

· · 4 min read

Man Charged Over Anti-Muslim Attacks in Edinburgh

Scottish police have charged a man following violent attacks in Edinburgh that left five people wounded. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the suspect appears motivated by anti-Muslim hatred, marking another significant hate crime incident.

· · 3 min read

Four Dead in Two Separate Pahang Crashes Within an Hour

Two sisters and two others were killed in separate vehicle accidents in Pahang's Maran and Pekan districts. The crashes occurred within an hour of each other, prompting fresh concerns about road safety in the state.

· · 3 min read

Pegula Rallies Past Sabalenka to Reach Berlin Final

American Jessica Pegula staged a dominant comeback against world number one Aryna Sabalenka, triumphing 6-2, 6-7 (4-7), 6-0 in the Berlin WTA semi-final to book her second appearance in the tournament's championship match.

· · 3 min read

Rare Storm Tears Through Bercham, Damaging Over 200 Homes

A rare weather phenomenon similar to a landspout swept through Bercham in Ipoh on Wednesday, damaging more than 240 homes and eight businesses. Authorities have launched relief efforts with no casualties reported.

· · 4 min read

Cambodia urges Thailand to expedite border demarcation talks

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has pressed Thailand to fill its Joint Boundary Commission leadership post and resume border demarcation efforts, signalling both nations' commitment to peaceful dispute resolution through established diplomatic channels.

· · 5 min read

HAWANA 2026 Summit Opens in Butterworth as ASEAN Media Leaders Gather

The HAWANA 2026 Summit has begun at PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre, bringing together approximately 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and across ASEAN. The event, themed 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility', will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

· · 4 min read

JPA Opens 640 Sponsorship Slots for 2026 SPM Graduates

Malaysia's Public Service Department is providing 640 sponsorship opportunities for 2026 SPM graduates through four dedicated programmes, enabling students to pursue higher education at premier institutions across the region and globally.

· · 4 min read

Ohio's Social Media Age Restrictions Survive Legal Challenge

An American federal court has upheld Ohio's parental consent requirement for minors using social media, striking down a legal challenge from major tech companies. The decision represents a significant victory for state-level child safety efforts.

· · 4 min read

Carney hails Canadian character after maiden World Cup victory

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has lauded the national football team's resilience and character following their historic first World Cup finals victory, visiting the squad in the locker room to personally acknowledge their achievement.

· · 4 min read

PM Anwar Extends Condolences to Family of Seremban Student

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed deep condolences to the family of a Form Four student who died at a secondary school in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. The Education Ministry has mobilised support services.

· · 3 min read

Schoolteacher Held in Terengganu Drug Bust; Four Arrested

Authorities in Terengganu have arrested four individuals, including an educator, following a dawn drug operation in the Besut district. The arrests mark another significant enforcement action against narcotics trafficking in the state.

· · 3 min read

Yen Slides to 40-Year Low Despite BOJ Rate Hike and Intervention Efforts

The yen has weakened to near 40-year lows despite the Bank of Japan raising interest rates to their highest level in 31 years and the government's earlier dollar-selling intervention. Market analysts warn that Japan's reserves could face depletion if intervention continues.

· · 4 min read

Two rescued from 13th-storey HDB blaze in Singapore's Jurong West

Two people were rescued from a burning 13th-storey HDB unit in Singapore's Jurong West in the early hours of June 17. Fire investigators suspect an electrical fault in the living room. A quick-thinking teenager alerted neighbours to evacuate.

· · 4 min read

Former Tenant Held Over Guardhouse Vandalism in Bukit Jalil

A 38-year-old former resident has been arrested by police following allegations that he damaged a guardhouse at a Bukit Jalil residential complex. The incident reportedly stemmed from disagreements with the property's management team.

· · 3 min read

Sri Lanka Ex-Leader's Son Arrested on Corruption Charges

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested on corruption charges. The 38-year-old naval officer is accused of advancing through ranks without proper qualifications and misusing state funds for overseas training.

· · 4 min read

Nick Reiner Petitions Court to Access Trust Funds for Murder Defence

Nick Reiner, accused of murdering his parents director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, is seeking access to family trust funds to finance his legal defence. The 32-year-old claims trustees have wrongfully withheld money he became entitled to receive.

· · 4 min read

IIUM Rector Osman Bakar Honoured as National Tokoh Maal Hijrah 2026

International Islamic University Malaysia Rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar has been named the National Tokoh Maal Hijrah at the 1448H/2026 celebration in Putrajaya, while Moroccan Islamic scholar Dr Ahmad Al-Raysuni received the International award.

· · 4 min read

Man held in connection with cable theft at KTMB rail line

Police in Taiping have apprehended a man suspected of stealing 43 metres of copper cable from Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad infrastructure in the Padang Rengas-Kamunting corridor, marking another incident in a pattern of railway asset theft.

· · 3 min read

Penang Shuts Down 177 Food Outlets Over Hygiene Failures

Penang's health authorities have ordered 177 food premises to close temporarily following inspections that uncovered serious hygiene breaches. Pest control issues accounted for nearly 70 per cent of violations.

· · 5 min read

SJKT Rajaji To Relocate to RM8 Million Facility in Farlim

Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Rajaji in George Town has secured approval for an RM8 million new building in Farlim. The 76-year-old institution, currently overcrowded with 100 pupils, will relocate to a spacious 2.3-acre site by 2029.

· · 4 min read

Indonesia's Free Meals Programme Under Fire as Graft Probe Widens

Indonesia's anti-corruption groups are demanding a halt to President Prabowo Subianto's signature free meals initiative and a broader investigation into alleged corruption within the National Nutrition Agency overseeing the US$15 billion programme.

· · 5 min read

Trump Celebrates 80th Birthday with UFC Spectacle at White House

Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday by hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House South Lawn, featuring a nearly 100-foot arena and attracting prominent business leaders and political figures amid controversy.

· · 4 min read

Two women arrested in Brunei vice operations

Brunei police have arrested two local women in separate raids targeting vice activities. The suspects were detained in Kampong Salambigar and Kampong Lumapas on Sunday.

· · 1 min read

Florida sues TikTok over child safety law violations

Florida's attorney general has sued TikTok, alleging the platform breaches state law by permitting underage account creation and exposing minors to harmful content. The lawsuit seeks court-ordered compliance and damages.

· · 2 min read