Category: Malaysia

Malaysia Needs Drastic Changes in Military Defense Amid Chinese Incursions: Former Deputy Defense Minister

The recent incursions by Chinese coastguards into Malaysian waters underscored the need for radical changes to the Malaysian army, as threats from the sea have increased, a former Malaysian deputy defense minister said. Liew Chin Tong said last week that Malaysia is mired in “jungle warfare” at a time when maritime threats are growing, with…


Former Malaysian PM Mahathir in Stable Condition in Hospital

KUALA LUMPUR—Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad is in a stable condition after undergoing treatment at the National Heart Institute, his daughter said in a statement on Saturday. Marina Mahathir said her 96-year-old father had been readmitted to hospital and has undergone two days of treatment following an elective medical procedure in early January. “Siti…


Malaysia Govt Receives $80Mil From KPMG in Settlement Over 1MDB Scandal

Malaysia’s government has received RM340.92 million ($80 million) from international accounting firm KPMG in settlement over the firm’s fiduciary duties in auditing the accounts of scandal-hit state fund 1Malaysia Development (1MDB) from 2010 to 2012, its Finance Ministry said on Thursday. This follows KPMG’s agreement in September last year to settle a civil suit filed…


Malaysia Mandates Booster for People Over 60 and Those Fully Vaccinated With Sinovac

Malaysia’s government has mandated COVID-19 booster shots for individuals aged 60 and above, as well as those who are fully vaccinated with China’s Sinovac in order to keep their “fully vaccinated” status amid a rise in the country’s Omicron cases. Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced on Dec. 16 that all these individuals must take their…


Prosecutors Seek Life Terms in Dutch Murder Trial Over Flight MH17

Amsterdam—Dutch prosecutors on Wednesday demanded life sentences for three Russians and a Ukrainian charged with murder over the shooting down of a passenger jet over Ukraine in 2014. They said the defendants, who are all at large, helped supply a missile system that Russian-backed separatists used to fire a rocket at Malaysia Airlines flight MH17….


Malaysia Expects Surge in COVID-19 Following Floods That Displace Over 66,000 People

Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on Monday warned of a spike in the country’s CCP virus cases following the nation’s worst flooding in years, with 181 new cases detected at several flood relief facilities. Flooding struck eight Malaysian states on Dec. 18, displacing over 66,000 people who were relocated to flood relief centers. At least…


Thousands Displaced by Floods in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR—Torrential rains in Malaysia have caused flooding that has driven more than 11,000 people from their homes, closed dozens of roads, and disrupted shipping, authorities said on Saturday. More than 66,000 personnel from the police, army, and fire department have been mobilized nationwide to help rescue people stranded by flood waters and take them…


Malaysia’s Former PM Mahathir Admitted to Heart Centre for Full Medical Check-up

Malaysia’s two-time prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was admitted to the National Heart Insitute in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday for “a full medical check-up” and will be staying in the hospital for a few days, according to a statement shared on his Twitter account. The 96-year-old politician arrived at the hospital at around 7 p.m. on…


Search Underway for Missing Indonesians as Boat Capsizes Off Malaysia, Killing 11

KUALA LUMPUR—A search and rescue mission was underway for 25 Indonesians missing after a boat capsized off Malaysia on Wednesday killing 11 people, among them suspected undocumented migrants, maritime authorities said. There were 14 people reported safe among the estimated 50 aboard the boat, which turned over in adverse weather off southern Johor state around…


Virus Case Cuts Short Blinken’s Tour of Southeast Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—A positive COVID-19 test among U.S. Secretary of State Blinken’s traveling party has cut short the top diplomat’s first official tour of Southeast Asia. A member of the press corps accompanying Blinken on what was to have been a three-nation visit to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday…