Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (NNN-Bernama) — The cost of performing the Haj is expected to increase due to the inflation rate as well as the latest regulations which have been set by the Saudi Arabian government, especially following the introduction of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said this included the PCR testing and vaccination required to enter Saudi Arabia as well as the capacity limits in buses, accommodation and tents during the Haj ritual.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysia today reached the target of fully vaccinating 80 per cent of its adult population against COVID-19, a feat that Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob hailed as “a success of us all (Malaysians)”.

“Congratulations! Malaysia has fully vaccinated 80 per cent of its adult population. Carry on battling COVID-19,” he announced in his official Twitter account, along with the #LindungDiriLindungSemua (ProtectOneselfProtectEveryone) hashtag.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (NNN-Bernama) — The Malaysian government has agreed to administer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots as part of efforts to increase protection among vulnerable groups against the deadly virus.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said priority will be given to high-risk groups such as healthcare frontliners and immunocompromised patients.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (NNN-Bernama) — As one of the pioneer members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Malaysia is looking forward to welcoming economic powerhouse China into the fold, anticipated to be as early as next year.

“The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia is particularly encouraged with the recent move by China to formally apply for accession into the CPTPP,” the Ministry responded to Bernama’s query on China’s decision.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has not ruled out seeking re-election to parliament within the next two years, he told Reuters in an interview, despite a corruption conviction that would block him from running.

Najib's graft-tainted party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), clinched the premiership last month after it was ousted from power three years ago over a multi-billion dollar scandal. Opponents had expressed fears that party leaders facing criminal charges could secure leniency once back in control.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (NNN-Bernama) — ASEAN Energy Ministers expressed commitment to strengthen energy security and intensify energy transition towards low carbon energy in the region during the recently concluded 39th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) hosted virtually by Brunei.

Participating ministers agreed to adopt the Bandar Seri Begawan Joint Declaration of the 39th AMEM on Energy Security and Energy Transition which reaffirmed ASEAN Member States’ shared commitment and collective responsibility in the pursuit of energy security and transitions.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (NNN-Bernama) — The General Presidency of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has announced that daily practices and normal worship is gradually being allowed at the two holy mosques.

The presidency, through a video shared on Twitter, stated that the move was taken after the presidency’s head, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, was satisfied with the level of vaccination of the people of Makkah and Madinah as well as the compliance of the pilgrims to the SOPs that have been set.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (NNN-Bernama) — A security warning issued by the government of Japan through its embassies in Southeast Asian countries was based on a media platform and did not have solid grounds. said Senior Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

Hishammuddin said from Malaysian Armed Forces intelligence, he confirmed the warning is not something to be worried about.

“In fact, the Inspector-General of Police (Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani) had issued a statement that the warning was unfounded.

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 Sept (NNN-Bernama) — The Malaysian King Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has called upon the government to accelerate the nation’s economic recovery by drafting business and investment-friendly policies to boost the nation’s competitivity.

He said the right amount of expenditure should also be provided to fund public health measures, provide assistance to the affected groups, as well as support to boost business activities in line with the opening up of the economy.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (NNN-Bernama) — The Japanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has confirmed that a warning has been issued to Japanese citizens in Malaysia over possible terrorist threat in Southeast Asia.

According to media reports, Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry had issued an advisory to all of its citizens in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar to stay away from religious facilities and other crowded areas.