Bold, independent coverage of Malaysian politics, business and current affairs.
The 9th ASEAN Children's Forum has delivered recommendations for strengthening child protection across ASEAN through enhanced laws, better reporting mechanisms, and anti-bullying policies in homes, schools, online spaces and communities.
Johor's Talent Development Council has successfully matched 8,537 young professionals with jobs paying over RM4,000 monthly since launching last year, offering competitive opportunities that rival neighbouring Singapore.
The selection of Ipoh to host MATTA Connect 2026 signals that Malaysia's regional cities possess the infrastructure and capability to deliver world-class tourism conferences, positioning Perak as a serious competitor to established tourism hubs.
Sabah's landmark RM450.5 million water infrastructure project in Tawau is on track for completion before the end of 2027, promising relief to over 42,000 residents facing chronic shortages.
Southeast Asian governments tackle pressing regional issues: Indonesia mobilises ground operations against forest fires, the Philippines braces for tropical storms, Singapore expands mother tongue language education, while Thailand addresses overseas deaths.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has praised the 11th International Tawau Cultural Festival for positioning the border town as a thriving cultural tourism centre, attracting international participants and generating economic benefits.
Malaysia's Education Ministry has allocated RM4.6 billion for redeveloping deteriorating schools across Sabah from 2023 to 2026, representing a major portion of a decade-long modernisation programme.
Laos's Prime Minister has announced a sweeping economic development programme for the country's four southern provinces, emphasising agricultural modernisation, clean energy expansion, and improved regional trade infrastructure.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor says the JOM MALAYSIA national movement will boost state products globally, supporting entrepreneur empowerment and market access under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 agenda.
Thailand's Cabinet has greenlit 843.26 million Baht from the 2026 emergency budget to restore irrigation systems in five southern provinces ravaged by last year's monsoon flooding, with 67 projects planned across Songkhla, Satun, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.
Seremban's new integrated railway station has reached 35 per cent completion, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirming the project will be finished by March 2027. The nearly RM100 million facility will transform rail connectivity in the city.
Sarawak's new state airline AirBorneo has commenced operations, with Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof highlighting its role in addressing high airfare costs and strengthening regional connectivity across tourism, trade, and investment sectors.
Southeast Asian nations pursue divergent but connected development agendas: Cambodia deepens China relations and joins global AI governance, Indonesia advances green transport initiatives, while Myanmar and Thailand tackle sustainability and economic challenges.
MBSB Bank and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority have partnered to unlock RM1 billion in financing for small and medium enterprises across Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak, targeting export-oriented businesses and strategic growth sectors.
A RM81.92 million road project linking Lukut to Kampung Sirusa in Port Dickson has achieved 60.57% completion, running 43 days ahead of schedule. The infrastructure initiative is anticipated to enhance regional connectivity and socio-economic development.
Kelantan's new TeknoVocasX Academy campus opens in October to provide quality vocational training locally, reducing youth migration and meeting regional skills shortages.
Southeast Asian nations are accelerating development initiatives spanning rural investment, airport infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and civil service modernisation, while managing security and regulatory challenges across the region.
Penang is pursuing designation of Penaga mudflats as a protected stopover under the East Asian-Australasian Flyway network, aiming to become the first Peninsular Malaysian state to gain this recognition for migratory bird habitat protection.
CP Group has formally requested termination of its three-airport high-speed rail partnership with Thailand's State Railway, citing inability to secure investment promotion. The decision could reshape airport connectivity in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that leaders must embrace learning and innovation whilst safeguarding fundamental values of trust and integrity, speaking at a global youth summit in Putrajaya.
The nearly RM500 million Kota Kinabalu International Airport expansion remains stalled pending resolution of land and site-related matters with the Sabah government, despite funding approval, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah revealed.
Malaysia is launching 15 permanent disaster relief centres across nine states in a phased rollout beginning this year, with two already completed and nine under construction, to strengthen disaster management and protect school operations.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rebuffed suggestions that certain states have been neglected in development planning, emphasising that Johor remains central to the government's economic expansion strategy.
Selangor's economy expanded by RM28 billion to reach RM460.1 billion in 2025, increasing the state's contribution to Malaysia's GDP to 26.5 per cent and nearly doubling the growth of any other state.
Pakatan Harapan will present its manifesto for the July 11 Johor state election, offering a research-driven development plan designed to reduce the concentration of economic activity in southern Johor and improve living standards across all districts.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has rejected assertions about uneven development in the state, emphasizing that the Johor Economic Transformation Plan ensures equitable growth across all districts and benefits for residents.
Malaysia's Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced initiatives to strengthen Langkawi's connectivity and SME sector, including increased flight frequencies, simplified tax procedures, and digital economy development.