Malaysia Morning News For June 26

Tough to resuscitate Malaysia Airlines in current climate, says Dr Jomo
The capital-intensive nature of the airline business, especially with the current business conditions, makes it more difficult to resuscitate Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB).
— Malay Mail

Mahathir denies he will stay beyond three years but Anwar is unfazed
Rumour has it that Pakatan Harapan is pushing Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to set a date for his departure but in an interview with CNBC, the elderly statesman said he will not go beyond three years, instead of two years as agreed by the coalition partners. The gay sex video allegedly exposing Azmin […]
— The Independent

Malaysia’s MOE orders three-day closure of all 475 Pasir Gudang schools following latest pollution incident
Malaysia’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has instructed all 475 schools in Pasir Gudang to close for three days starting today (25 Jun) after residents reported experiencing vomiting and difficulty in breathing as a result of the latest pollution incident in the Johorean town.
— The Online Citizen

Govt do not intend to impose inheritance tax in 2020 Budget
The government has no intention of imposing new taxes in the upcoming 2020 Budget especially in regards to the inheritance tax, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng. He said there are a lot of rumours alleging that Pakatan Harapan government intended to introduce inheritance tax.
— The Borneo Post

Govt approves price controls for 100 essential goods in plan to lower cost of living
The National Cost of Living Action Council (NACCOL) has implemented a “Q-Fish programme” that aims to increase the seafood catch nationwide.
— Malay Mail

Malaysian economy to see better growth for August-October period
Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to show a better performance in August to October 2019, according to the Department of Statistics.
— The Sun Daily

1MDB: High Court orders Umno, six others to respond to govt’s forfeiture suit
The High Court today ordered Umno and six others to respond to the government’s forfeiture lawsuit against them after the suit came up in court for the first time.
— Malay Mail

Dr M says Malaysia accepts Pulau Batu Puteh loss to Singapore
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today reminded Asean community members about the need for cooperation on the principles of shared well-being to ensure peace and prosperity.
— Malay Mail

Ministry probes schoolgirl caning incident
Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said the ministry was conducting an investigation into a case where a secondary school teacher in Johor Bahru was accused of caning a female.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Malaysia Airlines to retain identity even if sold – PM
The government would like to sell Malaysia Airlines, but its identity as the national carrier is to be retained, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He said the government had made a lot of changes to Malaysia Airlines, but each time, it still kept on failing.
— The Borneo Post

Envoy proposes re-establishing direct KL-Rome air connectivity to boost tourism
Italy’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Cristiano Maggipinto, has proposed for Malaysian airlines to consider establishing direct flight for the Rome-Kuala Lumpur sector as part of its strategies to boost tourism between Italy and Malaysia.He said Malaysia has potentials and fit the bill of Italian holidaymakers.
— The Sun Daily

MCA criticises Mat Sabu for complaining about his flight delay
MCA has criticised Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu for complaining about his delayed Malaysia Airlines flight to London, adding that it was unfair towards the airline and its crew.
— The Star Online

Malaysia accepts international court ruling on Pedra Branca, says PM Mahathir
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad reiterated on Tuesday (Jun 25) that Putrajaya has accepted the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over Pedra Branca, citing it as an example of how the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states have worked together based on mutual respect.
— Channel NewsAsia

Malaysia to advocate sustainable use of South China Sea
Malaysia will continue to advocate and strengthen its maritime and oceanographic research in a sustainable way to protect the South China Sea.The deputy secretary general of the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry, Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, said the South China Sea was an important.
— The Sun Daily

High Court bins AirAsia challenge against Mavcom over airport dispute
AirAsia Group Berhad failed to get the High Court’s permission to challenge the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) for refusing to mediate its dispute with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), The Edge reported.
— Malay Mail

Malaysia to maintain strong business relationship with China
Malaysia will maintain its strong business relationship with China and no Chinese investor will feel left out in this regard, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.Speaking to reporters at the Malaysia SME Business Summit here today, he refuted Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong’s accusation that the Pakatan.
— The Sun Daily

Pro-tem Music Committee to look into issues involving industry players – Gobind
A pro-tem Music Committee will be set up in a month’s time to look into issues involving music industry players, Minister of Communications and Multimedia Gobind Singh Deo said. He said the decision to set up the committee was reached after his meeting with the industry players yesterday, during which they.
— The Borneo Post

Multi-billion ringgit Tanjung Aru Eco-Development project to start soon, says minister
Sabah Infrastructure Development Minister Peter Anthony says the Papar Dam will also be built to ensure adequate water supply for the future.
— FMT News

FGV shareholders rejected resolutions on directors’ fees, says chairman
FGV Holdings Bhd’s biggest shareholders have rejected three resolutions pertaining to directors’ fees. Chairman Datuk Wira Azhar Abdul Hamid said the shareholders are the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda).
— Malay Mail

Fama to set up halal unit to help entrepreneurs
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), with the cooperation of the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), is setting up its own halal unit to facilitate entrepreneurs in obtaining halal certificate to market their products.
— The Sun Daily

Tenaga climbs to over one-year high, underpins KLCI meagre gains
Local fund buying of Tenaga Nasional helped the FBM KLCI chalk up meagre gains on Tuesday as trading on Bursa Malaysia remained lacklustre, mirroring the cautious key Asian markets.
— The Star Online

Resuscitating Malaysia Airlines now is a tough call: Jomo
The capital-intensive nature of the airline business, especially with the current business conditions, makes it more difficult to resuscitate Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB).”The airline industry is very tough; it is not easy.
— The Sun Daily

Malaysia will not be dragged into conflicts initiated by others
Malaysia will not allow itself to be dragged into conflicts initiated by others, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Miti expects slower growth for manufacturing, services sectors this year
The International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) is projecting lower growth in the manufacturing and services sectors of 4.8% and 5.7% respectively for 2019. International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking (pix) said the lower projection is due to uncertainty caused by trade tensions that may.
— The Sun Daily

Oil prices likely to linger around US$65-75 per barrel in 2H2019
Oil prices are expected to trade around US$65 to US$75 per barrel in the second half of this year (2H19), but continuous geopolitical conflicts could push it higher, said FGE chairman and founder, Dr Fereidun Fesharaki.FGE is a leading consulting group focusing on the global oil and gas markets.
— The Sun Daily

Vitol building oil refinery in Malaysia to meet new ship fuel rules
Vitol, the world’s largest independent oil trader, has started building a small oil refinery at its storage terminal in Malaysia that will provide low-sulphur fuel for ships, a senior company official said today.
— The Sun Daily

Mahathir: Moody’s downgrade of Petronas will not affect company
The recent downgrade of Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (Petronas) domestic issuer and foreign currency senior unsecured ratings by Moody’s Investors Service is not expected to affect the national oil and gas company.
— The Sun Daily

PM’s question time slot is part of your manifesto, Bersih tells PH
Electoral watchdog says PMQT allows MPs to question the prime minister directly on key national issues.
— FMT News

100 basic goods programme to reduce prices
The National Cost of Living Action Council (MTSHN) will implement the 100 Basic Goods Programme (BA100), an initiative which is aimed at reducing the prices of goods and the.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Anwar’s challenge on constitutionality of NSC now fixed for Oct 30
The Port Dickson MP wants the Federal Court to decide whether the NSC Act is unconstitutional.
— FMT News

Kedah solid waste management concessionaire CEO, dept head under remand for graft
A chief executive officer (CEO) of a solid waste management and public cleansing concessionaire in Kedah and the head of the company’s Contract and Acquisition Department are in remand for four days beginning today for.
— Malay Mail

Asean centrality deserves greater commitment: PM
The much-debated concept of Asean centrality deserves greater commitment as the region holds the promise of both high sustainable growth and peace, with stability among neighbours, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pix).
— The Sun Daily

Lynas: We’ll recycle WLP here whilst relocating processing to Australia
Lynas Corporation will attempt to recycle its water leach purification (WLP) residue here while relocating the first stage of processing to Australia over the next five years.
— The Star Online

Mah: Insisting oil palm smallholders get sustainable cert shows Teresa is clueless
Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok does not understand the financial concerns of oil palm plantation smallholders in her insistence that that they should apply for the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, says MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
— The Star Online

Jobless man gets 5 years’ jail for robbing Grab driver
An unemployed man who robbed a Grab driver last year was sentenced to five years’ jail and a stroke of the cane, by the Ampang Sessions Court here.Judge Suzanna Hussin meted out the sentence on Mohammed Azlan Shah Zamri, 25, and ordered the sentence to run from the date of arrest on Nov 1, last year, after the.
— The Sun Daily

TRC Synergy tenders for projects worth RM2bil this year
Construction player TRC Synergy Bhd is actively bidding for RM2 billion worth of projects this year while striving to reduce reliance on the segment.
— The Star Online

Sarawak Report: Sept 10 hearing for Terengganu Sultanah’s application
Terengganu Sultanah Nur Zahirah’s (pix) application for her defamation suit against Sarawak Report editor Clare Rewcastle Brown and two others to be disposed via summary judgment has been fixed for hearing on Sept 10.Her lawyer, Datuk Haziq Pillay Abdullah disclosed this to reporters after case management of the.
— The Sun Daily

Petronas Chemicals, Scomi collaborate on chemical solutions
Petronas Chemicals Group and Scomi Energy Services Bhd have entered a collaboration via their subsidiaries in the research and development and marketing of chemical solutions.
— The Star Online

LGE: MACC forfeiture list just tip of iceberg, press clubs implicated too
The civil forfeiture filed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against 41 individuals and entities to recover RM270mil from 1MDB is just the tip of the iceberg, says Lim Guan Eng.
— The Star Online

Education Ministry starts probe on caning incident in JB
The Education Ministry has initiated an investigation into the incident where a secondary schoolgirl in Johor Baru was caned multiple times on her arms and legs, leaving red welts on her skin. Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said he took note of the incident and has instructed the District Education Office.
— The Sun Daily

Want to compete? Prepare for digitalisation, finance minister tells SMEs
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have to be prepared for digitalisation in order to be able to compete effectively in the challenging business environment with the rise of new technology. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.
— Malay Mail

Winning offer price for Gamuda’s four toll highways
Analysts are positive on the price offered to Gamuda Bhd (Gamuda) from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for the take-over of Gamuda’s four highways for a collective enterprise value of RM6.20 billion. This translates to an effective equity value of RM2.36 billion for all four highways – namely KESAS, SPRINT,
— The Borneo Post

Fajarbaru awarded RM297m high-rise residential project
Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd has secured a RM297.54 million job for the main building works (Phase 1) of Duta Park Residences in Kuala Lumpur. The proposed high-rise residential development is by Malton Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary Malton Development Sdn Bhd.
— The Sun Daily

‘You’re always in my heart’, Mat Sabu tells Malaysia Airlines after flight delay apology
Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said today he bore no grudge against Malaysia Airlines after a flight delay saw the former miss a meeting with the prime minister.
— Malay Mail

Uniqlo launches musical new social campaign
There is a huge opportunity for brands like Uniqlo to connect with today’s generation and expand their reach by embracing the native, natural and creative form of content on TikTok.
— FMT News

Land scam targeting illiterate landowners
Villagers in Padang Terap, Kedah, are calling on authorities to investigate a purported land scam targeting families of landowners who died without leaving a will – where many of whom are illiterate.
— The Star Online

Highway concession takeover: PLUS will wait for government’s decision
The country’s largest expressway service provider, PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) is willing to review the concession agreements should the government want to take over PLUS operated toll highways. “We are a concession company and we have signed agreements with the government.
— The Sun Daily

UPUOnline appeal results out tomorrow
The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders who have filed UPUOnline appeals with regard to entry into foundation and diploma programmes at public universities will know the results from noon tomorrow (June 26). Education Ministry said the results would be made available until 11.59 pm on July 2 through.
— The Borneo Post

Five policemen remanded over RM6,000 bribe
Five police personnel have been remanded for five days to assist investigations into allegations they received bribes amounting to about RM6,000 last March.The remand order until June 29 against the suspects aged between 25 and 50 was issued by Magistrate Muhammad Nazrin Ali Rahim at the Melaka Court Complex, Ayer Keroh.
— The Sun Daily

Land reclamation not the lone reason for drop in seafood catch: Dr Afif
Apart from land reclamation, factors such as over-fishing and pollution have also contributed to a depletion of marine resources in Malaysia.Penang state executive councillor in charge of agriculture Dr Afif Bahardin (pix) said a rising population has led to a higher demand for seafood, and that has led to.
— The Sun Daily

Malaysia Airlines’ Amal to fly some 20,000 haj pilgrims
Amal, the pilgrimage arm of Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB), is set to transport up to 20,000 pilgrims for this year’s haj season with the first flight scheduled to depart.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Govt to rope in co-ops to tackle rising prices of goods
The deputy prime minister says the cooperatives, with a membership of 6.1 million, can play a role in helping to manage the rising cost of living.
— FMT News

Dr M as PM a collective PKR decision, no change to his leadership timeline, says party sec-gen
PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today reiterated that nobody in PKR is pushing for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to step down as prime minister to make way for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s ascension within.
— Malay Mail

MACC: Zahid to face bribery charges on Overseas Visa System tomorrow
Umno leader Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is expected to be charged with corruption tomorrow over the Overseas Visa System, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) announced today.
— Malay Mail

Former works minister: Did Guan Eng pre-empt Cabinet with RM6.2b highway offer?
Former works minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has raised the question on whether or not Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng had referred to the Cabinet before announcing the RM6.2 billion offer to buy-out four highway.
— Malay Mail

Dr M: Felda chairman resigned because of health issues
Felda chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor wanted to resign because of existing health issues, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
— Malay Mail

Harry and Meghan’s new home cost $3 million to refit
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan’s new home in Windsor cost £2.4 million ($3.05 million, 2.7 million euros) to renovate before they moved in, royal accounts showed Tuesday. Queen Elizabeth II’s grandson and his wife moved into Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Castle estate before the birth of their son Archie on.
— The Borneo Post

CM: Five affordable housing project sites identified in Kuching
The state government has identified five areas in Kuching that will be developed into affordable housing project (RMM) sites, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to him, the five areas are Bako-Buntal, Sungai Maong-Segedup, Gita Baru, Kampung Senari and Lundu-Sematan.
— The Borneo Post

Labuan IBFC, Swiss Re to enhance awareness on captive insurance
The Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC) and Swiss Re Corporate Solutions are collaborating to enhance awareness on captive insurance in Malaysia and Asia. Both will jointly organise a conference here on Aug 7, 2019, themed ‘Adding Confidence to Captives: Managing Volatility via.
— The Borneo Post

BLand earnings boosted by investment-related income
Berjaya Land Bhd (BLand) recorded a net profit of RM181.48 million in the three-months ended April 30, 2019 compared with a net loss of RM92.15 million a year ago due to higher investment related income.
— The Sun Daily

Feature photo Khalzuri Yazid

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