H Harian Malaysia

Daily Malaysian news — politics, business and world affairs.

SI
International Correspondent

Sofea Idris

Sofea is the International Correspondent at the publication, covering world across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

770 articles published

Sabah NGO Leader Arrested in RM2 Million Misappropriation Case

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested the president of a Sabah-based NGO over allegations of misappropriating RM2 million intended for a cultural hall construction, marking the latest in a series of fund management cases.

· · 3 min read

The Rise and Uncertain Future of Dress Sneakers in Modern Menswear

Dress sneakers have evolved from novelty hybrid shoes into a symbol of modern professional style, worn by executives and celebrities alike. Yet their association with tech culture and casualisation may be losing relevance as workplace attitudes shift.

· · 4 min read

Japan Upgrades Air Force with Space Defence Focus Amid Regional Tensions

Japan's parliament has approved a major reorganisation of its Air Self-Defence Force, formally incorporating space defence into its mandate. The restructuring, effective by March 2027, establishes a dedicated space operations group and strengthens southwestern island defences.

· · 4 min read

Four Sisters Lose Court Fight Over Ancestral Land Damage in Pedas

Four sisters have lost their legal challenge to recover damages for erosion harm to their ancestral Pedas property. The Court of Appeal found they could not establish who conducted the alleged trespass and drainage works responsible for the deterioration.

· · 3 min read

Indonesia charges 24 foreigners in major illegal gold mining crackdown

Indonesia has charged 24 foreign nationals as criminal suspects in an illegal gold mining scheme in the Maluku region. The suspects allegedly constructed infrastructure for underground operations near Gunung Botak, with violations carrying up to five years prison time.

· · 4 min read

Thailand's Anutin charts cautious course at 100 days: Crisis management over reform

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has steered his government through an energy crisis triggered by Middle East conflict in his first 100 days, maintaining political stability and delivering popular subsidy schemes. However, analysts say the government has failed to tackle Thailand's structural economic weaknesses.

· · 5 min read

France Eye Group Win to Avoid Long US Travel During World Cup Campaign

France will pursue first place in their World Cup Group I fixture against Norway on Friday, with assistant coach Guy Stephan emphasizing that topping the group would spare the team extensive domestic travel across the United States and manage temperature challenges.

· · 4 min read

Iran Blocks IAEA Nuclear Inspections Pending US Deal

Iran has rejected International Atomic Energy Agency access to its nuclear facilities, insisting such matters will only be resolved as part of a final agreement with Washington. The position complicates ongoing nuclear negotiations following a June 18 peace memorandum.

· · 4 min read

MAIWP Opens Batu Zakat Centre to Streamline Assistance Distribution

Malaysia's Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council has inaugurated a new Zakat Distribution Centre in Batu, marking an expansion of its welfare service infrastructure to better serve residents in the federal territories with faster, more accessible assistance.

· · 4 min read

Gibran's Student Engagement Signals Broader Shift in Vice-Presidential Role

Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has stepped up engagement with student protesters critical of flagship government programmes, inviting activists to meetings and regional trips. The moves suggest he is carving out a more visible political role ahead of potential future electoral ambitions.

· · 5 min read

Beyond Royal Jelly: How Honeybee Architecture Shapes a Queen

Scientists have discovered that the specially engineered wax chamber built by worker honeybees plays a critical role in queen development, challenging the long-held belief that royal jelly alone determines a bee's royal destiny.

· · 6 min read

Bondi Beach Hero Faces Domestic Assault Charges

Ahmed al Ahmed, the fruit seller hailed for disarming a gunman during last year's Bondi Beach mass shooting, has pleaded not guilty to assaulting his father. The 44-year-old faces charges of common assault and domestic intimidation.

· · 3 min read

Thousands Protest Czech Government Plan to Tighten Public Media Grip

Several thousand demonstrators gathered outside Czech Television headquarters in Prague on Sunday to protest government proposals to shift public broadcaster funding from licence fees to direct state budget allocation, fearing increased political control.

· · 3 min read

Montreal Shooting Leaves Three Dead, Including Police Officer

A Montreal police officer was killed during a shooting incident on Monday in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood alongside a civilian and the suspected shooter. Investigators have ruled out terrorism and believe the attacker acted alone.

· · 3 min read

Lithuanian Prime Minister Resigns, Triggering New Government Formation

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has resigned, prompting President Gitanas Nauseda to begin the process of nominating a successor. Social Democratic Party chairman Mindaugas Sinkevicius is expected to be nominated and lead the formation of Lithuania's third governing coalition since elections in late 2024.

· · 3 min read

Police Probe Officer Accused of Insulting Conduct During China Trip

The Royal Malaysia Police has initiated a formal disciplinary investigation into a uniformed officer whose conduct during a recent journey to China attracted public attention online, with allegations of disrespectful behaviour toward local residents.

· · 3 min read

Australia's PM Rejects One Nation Push for 'Monocultural' Society

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly rejected far-right One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson's proposal to transform Australia into a monocultural nation, arguing the idea contradicts the country's actual history and diversity.

· · 4 min read

US Establishes Real-Time Monitoring System for Lebanon-Israel Conflict

The United States has deployed a military monitoring mechanism through CENTCOM to track real-time developments in the Lebanon-Israel conflict, following high-level diplomatic calls aimed at cementing ceasefire arrangements and advancing peace negotiations between the two nations.

· · 4 min read

US Petrol Stations Sued Over AI Price-Fixing Allegations

California consumers have filed a federal lawsuit accusing major petrol station operators of using AI-powered pricing algorithms to illegally manipulate fuel prices, the first case brought under new state antitrust legislation.

· · 4 min read

SPAN Investigates Fatal Water Tower Accident in Kuala Selangor

Malaysia's water regulator SPAN is investigating a fatal accident at Saujana 1 water tower in Kuala Selangor where a maintenance worker drowned on June 16, with preliminary findings suggesting confined-space safety procedure violations.

· · 4 min read

LRT3 Service to Begin Operations on June 29

Malaysia's Light Rail Transit 3 line will commence operations on June 29 following an official launch ceremony on June 23, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officiating. The 37.8km route will serve two million residents across the Klang Valley.

· · 4 min read

Fire at Lucknow Commercial Building Kills 15, Mostly Young Students

A devastating fire at a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow, India has claimed at least 15 lives, predominantly young students attending an animation training centre. The incident highlights ongoing building safety concerns across South Asia.

· · 3 min read

Thousands Flock to RMAF Open Day in Kuantan Despite Heat

The Royal Malaysian Air Force welcomed thousands to its 68th anniversary open day at Kuantan Air Base, showcasing advanced defence capabilities through aerial demonstrations and static displays despite warm weather conditions.

· · 3 min read

How Your Gut Microbiome Shapes Your Immune Defence and Overall Health

Your gut hosts trillions of microorganisms that command 70% of your immune system. A balanced microbiome strengthens immunity and reduces inflammation, while disruption leads to frequent illness and fatigue. Probiotics and lifestyle changes support gut health.

· · 4 min read

Prince Mateen Bids Farewell to US Ambassador McClelland

Brunei's Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen held a farewell audience with outgoing US Ambassador Caryn McClelland, acknowledging her role in strengthening bilateral ties across defence, education, trade and people-to-people exchanges.

· · 4 min read

Open-Toe Socks: The Unexpected Summer Trend Sweeping Asia

Open-toe socks are emerging as summer's quirkiest fashion solution, offering breathability and style. Originating from luxury fashion houses, the trend is gaining momentum across Asia, with retailers reporting explosive sales growth.

· · 4 min read

Police Seal Five Zones in Storm-Ravaged Bercham to Combat Looting

Police have cordoned off five residential zones in Bercham, Ipoh, following a destructive storm that damaged more than 200 houses. Authorities are restricting entry and exit to prevent opportunistic theft while residents undertake cleanup operations.

· · 4 min read

Thunderstorms to Batter Northern States Through Midday

Malaysia's meteorological authority warns of severe thunderstorms across four northern states through midday, with heavy rainfall and gusty conditions posing risks to commuters and outdoor activities.

· · 3 min read

Brobbey's Brace Signals He's Ready to Lead Dutch Attack

Brian Brobbey's two-goal display in Netherlands' 5-1 victory over Sweden has positioned the 24-year-old as a strong contender to become the Dutch team's primary striker, potentially succeeding Memphis Depay.

· · 4 min read

Penang Hosts HAWANA 2026, Celebrating Media's Role in Nation Building

Penang Governor Tun Ramli has lauded the Communications Ministry's decision to rotate National Journalists' Day celebrations across states. HAWANA 2026, themed 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility', brings together nearly 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and ASEAN.

· · 4 min read

MMC Reaches Out to Northern Media Practitioners at HAWANA 2026

The Malaysian Media Council convened a dinner engagement with more than 50 media professionals from Malaysia's northern states during the HAWANA 2026 celebrations, marking the first informal gathering under new chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan.

· · 4 min read

Bernama and Timor-Leste's TATOLI Sign News Cooperation Pact

Bernama and Timor-Leste's state news agency TATOLI have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance media cooperation, including news sharing, multimedia exchange, and staff training programmes ahead of the National Journalists' Day celebration.

· · 4 min read

Cambodia Presses Thailand to Accelerate Border Commission Work

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet has pressed Thailand to appoint a new head of their Joint Boundary Commission and resume border demarcation efforts, signalling Phnom Penh's determination to resolve longstanding territorial disagreements through established diplomatic channels.

· · 4 min read

Robbery Ruled Out in Killing of Korean National in Nueva Ecija

Philippine police have dismissed robbery as a motive in the killing of a Korean national discovered dead in an SUV in Nueva Ecija province. The victim's valuables and cash remained untouched, prompting investigators to pursue other leads.

· · 4 min read

Ivory Coast strips Wahi of Canada trip amid betting investigation cloud

Ivory Coast has ruled out forward Elye Wahi from Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Germany in Canada, citing unresolved travel authorisations. The exclusion follows a French investigation into unusual betting patterns linked to a yellow card the Nice player received in Ligue 1.

· · 3 min read

Japanese Man Arrested for Confining Child in Garbage Can

A 35-year-old man in Japan's Mie Prefecture has been arrested for confining his partner's five-year-old daughter in a garbage can for approximately five minutes, claiming it was a form of discipline. The incident came to light when a child welfare centre was notified.

· · 3 min read

PM Anwar Extends Condolences Over Death of Seremban Student

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has offered his sympathies to the family of a Form Four student who died at a secondary school in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. The Education Ministry is providing support to affected families and the school community.

· · 4 min read

Teacher arrested in Besut drug den raid; three others apprehended

Authorities have arrested a schoolteacher alongside three other men following a police operation targeting a residential property in Besut suspected of functioning as a drug distribution point. The raid marks another enforcement action against organised narcotics activity in the state.

· · 3 min read

Tuk-tuk Driver Charged in Death of British Boxer in Phuket

Thai authorities have charged a tuk-tuk driver in Phuket with negligence causing death after a British tourist and boxer fell from his vehicle, died in hospital, and the driver failed to immediately report the incident.

· · 4 min read

Estonia to Grant AI Bots Legal Personhood With Digital IDs

Estonia will become the first nation globally to assign personal identification numbers to AI assistants, granting them legal rights and accountability. The initiative builds on Estonia's world-leading digital governance infrastructure.

· · 4 min read

Japanese Mother Sues State Over Teen's Death in 'Hostage Justice' System

A Japanese mother is pursuing legal action against the state after her 16-year-old daughter died from severe emaciation following an 18-day detention. The case exemplifies systemic problems in Japan's criminal justice approach, where confession-based evidence predominates.

· · 4 min read

Penang Confident HAWANA 2026 Will Be Major Success, Says Chow

Penang's Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has expressed confidence that the state will successfully host HAWANA 2026, the National Journalists' Day celebration. The event aims to honour media practitioners' contributions to Malaysian society.

· · 4 min read

G7 Unity on Ukraine Masks Deeper Rifts as Trump Pushes Diplomacy

Leaders of the G7 gathered in France pledged continued support for Ukraine while US President Donald Trump urged Russia to seek a negotiated settlement. The summit revealed underlying tensions among Western allies on trade and security issues.

· · 6 min read

National Unity Week 2026 Attracts Record 284,448 Visitors to Kota Kinabalu

National Unity Week 2026 in Kota Kinabalu set a new attendance benchmark with 284,448 visitors. The Ministry of National Unity credits the success to public interest in Malaysia's diverse cultures and heritage, signalling growing appreciation for the nation's multicultural identity.

· · 4 min read

Vietnam introduces mandatory passenger compensation for flight delays

Vietnam has enacted Decree No. 208, requiring airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays exceeding 15 minutes, starting next month. The regulation covers delayed flights, cancellations, and schedule changes with specific assistance and refund provisions.

· · 4 min read

Thailand Launches Major Crackdown on Illegal Forex Investment Ring

Thailand's Department of Special Investigation has launched Operation Shutdown the Laundering, conducting simultaneous raids across five provinces to dismantle an illegal forex investment network. Officers froze 77 bank accounts and seized over THB65 million in cash alongside valuables and technology equipment.

· · 4 min read

Nepal's Young Government Courts China and India in Balancing Act

Nepal's newly elected government, led by 36-year-old Prime Minister Balen Shah, is aggressively pursuing investment and technological partnerships with China and India to deliver on election promises of economic growth and stability after youth-led protests toppled the previous administration.

· · 5 min read

UK's Ban on Social Media for Under-16s: How It Will Work

Britain will ban social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for children under 16, enforcing rules through platform action rather than fining young users. Age verification technology will be tested before enforcement begins.

· · 5 min read

Thailand Upbeat on US-Iran Ceasefire, Sees Economic Gains for Region

Thailand's government has welcomed reports of a US-Iran ceasefire agreement, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy PM Ekniti Nitithanprapas arguing the deal would stabilise global energy markets and support stronger regional economic growth.

· · 4 min read

Digital Piracy Poses Major Cybersecurity Threat to Consumers, Study Warns

A comprehensive study by the Coalition Against Piracy reveals that consumers using illegal streaming platforms face significant cybersecurity dangers including malware infections, identity theft, and financial fraud, with nearly half of tested pirate apps containing malicious code.

· · 4 min read

India Temporarily Blocks Telegram Over Medical Exam Fraud Scandal

India has temporarily blocked Telegram, citing its use in attempting to defraud candidates for a national medical entrance examination. The action comes amid broader concerns over exam integrity following recent allegations of leaked question papers.

· · 4 min read

Indonesia's Free Meals Scandal Deepens as Arrest Toll Climbs to Five

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office has arrested five people in connection with corruption in the government's flagship free meals programme, including former nutrition agency leaders and businessmen accused of price manipulation and procurement fraud.

· · 5 min read

Brunei police arrest two women in vice activity crackdown

Brunei's police force has detained two local women on suspicion of involvement in vice activities following separate raids across the Brunei-Muara District. The operations underscore ongoing enforcement efforts.

· · 4 min read

Florida Sues TikTok for Breaching Child Safety Law

Florida has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the platform of violating state law by permitting children under 14 to open accounts and failing to shield young users from inappropriate material.

· · 5 min read