E Edge Malaysia News

Business, markets and economy news from Malaysia.

BR
International Correspondent

Bavani Raman

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

764 articles published

34 MPs Back Calls for Royal Commission to Probe MACC Allegations

Thirty-four parliamentarians have expressed backing for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate claims of corporate mafia activities linked to MACC and former chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, including questions surrounding his shareholdings.

· · 4 min read

Ten injured as magnitude-5.6 earthquake strikes near Mt. Fuji

A magnitude-5.6 earthquake centred near Mt. Fuji in central Japan left ten people with minor injuries on Friday evening. The tremor temporarily halted Shinkansen bullet train operations between Tokyo and Shizuoka, affecting approximately 22,000 passengers.

· · 3 min read

Pope Leo XIV: AI Systems Cannot Be Morally Neutral

Pope Leo XIV has warned that artificial intelligence systems are not morally neutral, arguing that design choices and data reflect specific visions of humanity. He calls for clear accountability across AI development, deployment, and use.

· · 5 min read

King Charles III Makes History With First Royal Tax Disclosure

King Charles III has broken with centuries of royal tradition by becoming the first reigning British monarch to publicly disclose his personal tax payments, revealing £12.9 million paid in the 2024-2025 tax year as part of efforts to enhance transparency.

· · 5 min read

Melaka JPJ Seizes 60 Vehicles in Enforcement Crackdown

The Melaka Road Transport Department has seized 60 vehicles during Operation PEWA following inspections of 243 vehicles. Enforcement action addressed unlicensed driving, expired road tax, and lack of insurance coverage.

· · 4 min read

Thailand's Anutin at 100 days: Crisis management over systemic change

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stabilised his government during an energy crisis triggered by Middle East conflict in his first 100 days, but analysts question whether his administration will address underlying economic weaknesses and pursue promised reforms.

· · 5 min read

France pursue group-stage dominance to secure Northeast logistics advantage

France will face Norway on Friday seeking to clinch top spot in their World Cup Group I. Assistant coach Guy Stephan emphasized that finishing first offers significant logistical advantages, allowing the team to remain in the Northeast rather than travel to distant American cities.

· · 4 min read

Gibran's Student Engagement Masks Limited Influence Over Government Programmes

Indonesia's Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has engaged directly with student protesters, inviting them on official trips and meeting their concerns. However, experts suggest his moves are more about raising his political profile ahead of 2029 elections than driving substantive policy change.

· · 5 min read

Crude shipments resume as Iran-US deal loosens Hormuz bottleneck

Three crude tankers carrying 5 million barrels are transiting the Strait of Hormuz as an interim Iran-US agreement releases pent-up supply. Shipments heading to South Korea and India signal easing regional tensions and potential price relief.

· · 4 min read

DOSH Probes Fatal Water Tank Cleaning Accident at Sungai Buloh Site

Malaysia's occupational safety regulator is investigating a fatal accident at a Sungai Buloh water tank cleaning site that claimed the life of an industrial trainee on June 16. Authorities are examining compliance with confined space work procedures.

· · 5 min read

Malaysia Moves to Prosecute Child Sexual Abusers Operating Overseas

Malaysia is expanding its Sexual Offences Against Children Act to prosecute offenders who commit abuse abroad. The amendment covers crimes by Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, as well as offences against Malaysian children internationally.

· · 5 min read

Alibaba Takes Pentagon to Court Over Military Company Designation

Chinese e-commerce and technology giant Alibaba has launched legal action against the US Department of Defense over its recent classification as a military-linked entity, disputing claims that have significant implications for US-China trade relations.

· · 4 min read

Prague Thousands March Against Threats to Public Media Independence

Several thousand Czechs rallied outside Czech Television headquarters in Prague on Sunday to oppose government plans to eliminate licence fees and shift public broadcaster funding directly to the state budget, citing fears of political interference.

· · 4 min read

RM6.4 Million E-Waste Haul Nets Factory Manager in Kuantan Raid

The General Operations Force has seized electronic waste worth RM6.4 million from an illegal facility in Gambang, Kuantan, leading to the detention of a factory manager in what authorities describe as a significant enforcement operation.

· · 4 min read

Workday faces California discrimination lawsuit over AI hiring bias

A US federal judge has cleared the way for a landmark lawsuit against Workday, the software giant behind AI-powered hiring systems used by most Fortune 500 companies, over allegations its algorithms discriminate against job applicants with disabilities.

· · 5 min read

Israel Smuggled Starlink Devices Into Iran to Aid Dissidents, Says Ex-PM

A former Israeli prime minister has disclosed that Israel covertly delivered Starlink internet receivers to Iran to assist anti-government demonstrators, though alleging that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration ultimately failed to sustain the initiative.

· · 4 min read

Albanese Rejects One Nation's Push for 'Monocultural' Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly rejected calls from far-right One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson for the country to adopt a monocultural identity, describing the proposal as divisive and historically inaccurate.

· · 5 min read

Two married couples enter pleas in viral domestic helper abuse case

Two married couples have pleaded not guilty in separate courts in Johor Baru to charges stemming from a viral video depicting alleged mistreatment of their domestic helpers, facing counts of assault, intimidation and unlawful possession of passports.

· · 4 min read

Thirteen Men to Face Court Over Kepong Nightclub Brawl

Thirteen men arrested in connection with a violent brawl outside a Kepong nightclub in April will face court proceedings today. The charges mark the culmination of police investigations into the incident.

· · 3 min read

SPAN Investigates Fatal Water Tower Accident in Kuala Selangor

Malaysia's water services regulator is investigating a fatal incident at Saujana 1 water tower in Kuala Selangor on June 16, where a worker drowned. Initial findings suggest safety procedure breaches in confined-space entry protocols.

· · 4 min read

Malago Takes Charge of Italian Football After Third World Cup Failure

Giovanni Malago, 67, has been elected president of the Italian Football Federation following Italy's shock failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The business executive and former Olympics organiser faces the monumental task of restoring the nation's football fortunes.

· · 5 min read

How Britain's Monarch Appoints a New Prime Minister

King Charles III holds one of the monarchy's last personal powers: appointing Britain's next prime minister. The sovereign must select someone capable of commanding Parliament's confidence, typically the majority party leader.

· · 4 min read

Trump's Redesigned Tariff Framework Reshuffles Global Trade Winners and Losers

Following a Supreme Court ruling against his sweeping tariffs, Trump has restructured his protectionist approach using legal investigations into forced labour and industrial capacity. Southeast Asian nations face divergent outcomes, with the Philippines gaining relief while Singapore faces higher duties.

· · 5 min read

Australia Records Largest Cocaine Seizure in National History

Australian Federal Police have seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in the country's largest-ever drug haul, discovered in underground bunkers near Sydney. The seizure, valued at approximately A$816 million, highlights escalating cocaine trafficking into Australia.

· · 4 min read

US and Iran Begin Historic Peace Talks in Switzerland Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

The United States and Iran have launched formal peace negotiations at a Swiss mountain resort, with Vice President JD Vance leading American efforts. The talks aim to solidify a ceasefire agreement signed earlier in the week, though disputes over the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing Lebanon operations threaten to derail progress.

· · 5 min read

Prince Mateen Bids Farewell to Outgoing US Ambassador to Brunei

Brunei's Foreign Affairs Minister Prince 'Abdul Mateen hosted a farewell reception for departing United States Ambassador Caryn R McClelland, honouring her contributions to strengthening ties between the two nations across defence, trade, and education.

· · 3 min read

Cerundolo claims Queen's Club crown in marathon final against Paul

Argentine seventh seed Francisco Cerundolo captured his maiden ATP 500 title at Queen's Club, outlasting American Tommy Paul in the tournament's longest final. Cerundolo becomes the first player from Argentina to win the prestigious grass-court event.

· · 4 min read

Iran and US Conclude First Round of Talks in Switzerland

Delegations from Iran and the United States have wrapped up their opening negotiating session in Switzerland, with mediators from Qatar and Pakistan present. The talks aim to implement terms of a recently signed interim agreement.

· · 3 min read

Malaysian Paediatrician in Perth Charged with 33 Child Sex Offences

A Malaysian paediatrician practising in Perth, Australia, faces 33 child sex charges following a police investigation involving nine alleged child victims. The case raises concerns about overseas professional conduct and international accountability.

· · 4 min read

Norway's Next Generation Seeks to Exceed Fathers' World Cup Legacy

Three Norwegian World Cup players—Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth and Kristian Thorstvedt—carry the burden and inspiration of their fathers' 1994 campaign, seeking to guide the nation deeper into the tournament than the previous generation managed.

· · 5 min read

India Overhauls Medical Exam Security After Massive Cheating Scandal

India administered a retake of its highly competitive medical entrance exam on Sunday for 2.2 million students, deploying over 200,000 officials and introducing biometric authentication and GPS tracking after the previous test was scrapped due to a paper leak.

· · 4 min read

Seoul Grapples with Cost of Expanding Senior Bus Benefits

Seoul is weighing a plan to provide free or subsidised bus fares for residents aged 70 and above, extending existing subway benefits. The proposal has advanced in council but raises questions about affordability amid South Korea's ageing demographics.

· · 5 min read

Modi to Lead 12th International Day of Yoga Celebrations from Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will spearhead India's 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations from Kolkata on June 21, with the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' attracting participation from 211 Indian missions and over 600,000 registered organisations worldwide.

· · 4 min read

The Skirt Suit Returns: Fashion's Reimagined Power Play

The skirt suit, once confined to corporate wardrobes, is experiencing a fashion renaissance. Designers are transforming the traditional two-piece into a modern, versatile statement that balances authority with personal style.

· · 3 min read

Penang Hosts HAWANA 2026 National Journalists' Day Celebration

Penang Governor Tun Ramli has praised the Communications Ministry's decision to rotate National Journalists' Day celebrations across states. The HAWANA 2026 event in Penang draws nearly 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and ASEAN countries.

· · 4 min read

Final Japanese-crewed Vessel Exits Gulf After Iran Coordination

A Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker operated by Japan's Kyoei Tanker has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the evacuation of all Japanese-crewed vessels from the Persian Gulf region. Tokyo says 37 Japan-linked ships remain stalled.

· · 4 min read

Pegula powers past Sabalenka to reach Berlin final

American Jessica Pegula stunned world number one Aryna Sabalenka with a commanding 6-2, 6-7, 6-0 victory at the Berlin WTA tournament, securing her spot in the final for the second time.

· · 3 min read

Posthumous Honour for Bernama Radio Pioneer Azlan Idris

The late Azlan Idris, former chief of Bernama Radio, has been named the posthumous recipient of the HAWANA 2026 Special Award in recognition of his substantial contributions to Malaysian journalism and media development.

· · 4 min read

Filipino Man Held in Sabah with 10 Pangolins and Elephant Tusk

Sabah wildlife authorities arrested a 27-year-old Filipino man during a raid in Kinabatangan, seizing 10 live pangolins and an elephant tusk from a plantation site, marking another significant haul in the region's ongoing fight against wildlife trafficking.

· · 3 min read

Prime Minister to Open HAWANA 2026 Grand Finale in Penang Today

Malaysia's National Journalists' Day grand finale opens today in Butterworth with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presiding. The event honours media practitioners and celebrates journalism's role in strengthening democratic values.

· · 4 min read

Moutet's Queen's Prize Money Wiped Out After Profane BBC Interview

French player Corentin Moutet has forfeited nearly all prize money from Queen's Club after being fined $40,000 for repeated swearing during a BBC post-match interview. The 27-year-old, world number 36, lost his entire $43,000 second-round earnings.

· · 4 min read

US appeals court restores Ohio's social media restrictions for minors

An Ohio appeals court has reinstated the state's Social Media Parental Notification Act, requiring parental permission before children can access social media platforms. The decision represents a significant setback for major tech companies challenging similar laws nationwide.

· · 5 min read

Father's Dying Wish Propels Student to Perfect STPM Score

A Melaka student has achieved a perfect 4.00 CGPA in the 2025 STPM examination, fulfilling her late father's wish that she not waste her potential. Nurfariesya Nasywa Hamedee's determination to succeed came after her father's unexpected death weeks before her SPM trials.

· · 4 min read

Teacher and Three Others Detained in Besut Drug Den Raid

Police in Terengganu have arrested four individuals, including an educator, after conducting a raid on a residential property suspected of operating as a narcotics distribution point. The operation highlights ongoing enforcement efforts against drug-related activities.

· · 3 min read

HAWANA 2026 Summit Primed for Launch in Penang Tomorrow

Malaysia's premier National Journalists' Day summit launches tomorrow in Penang under the theme 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility', with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presiding over the event.

· · 4 min read

Nine arrested in fake medical certificates racket in Pekan

Police in Pekan have arrested nine people involved in a fake medical certificates scheme. Four new suspects were apprehended, raising concerns about document fraud affecting employment and healthcare verification systems.

· · 4 min read

Asean and Russia Chart Five-Year Cooperation Path at Kazan Summit

Asean and Russia have adopted a five-year cooperation roadmap at a commemorative summit in Kazan, marking 35 years of diplomatic relations. The agreements emphasize dialogue, maritime security, and people-to-people exchanges amid regional tensions.

· · 5 min read

MetMalaysia Warns of Thunderstorms Across Six States and Labuan

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued thunderstorm warnings affecting multiple districts across Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, Pahang, Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan until 1 am the following day, cautioning residents of heavy rainfall and strong winds.

· · 3 min read

Mystikal Sentenced to 20 Years for 2022 Rape at Louisiana Home

Grammy-nominated rapper Mystikal has been handed a 20-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to third-degree rape. The Louisiana artist assaulted a woman at his home in 2022, with the victim delivering an emotional statement in court.

· · 4 min read

Grace Period Plea: Kota Kinabalu Urged to Educate Before Parking Crackdown

Kapayan assemblyman Chin Teck Ming has urged Kota Kinabalu City Hall to introduce a six-month grace period and conduct public education campaigns before intensifying enforcement against illegal parking, citing insufficient parking facilities and concerns over sudden vehicle towing actions.

· · 4 min read

Animal Welfare Advocate Completes First 50km Leg of Marathon Run to Parliament

A Malaysian activist completed the opening 50-kilometre stage of a 290km solo run aimed at drawing parliamentary attention to the welfare of three elephants housed at a Japanese zoo. Despite sustaining a knee injury, Neow Choo Seong pressed on toward Parliament before the legislature convenes.

· · 4 min read

Iran Coach Alleges Team Forced Out of US After World Cup Opener

Iran's national football team manager has accused tournament organisers of forcing the squad to abandon their Los Angeles base and relocate to Mexico immediately after their World Cup opener against New Zealand, citing restricted recovery time.

· · 4 min read

AI is Creating Two Classes of Workers, PwC Study Warns

A major PwC study reveals artificial intelligence is bifurcating the global job market, rewarding companies that use AI to enhance human capabilities while leaving cost-cutting automation strategies behind. The findings carry significant implications for Southeast Asian workforce development.

· · 5 min read

Nick Reiner Seeks Trust Funds to Finance Murder Defence

Nick Reiner, accused of killing his parents director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, is petitioning a Los Angeles court to release trust funds to finance his legal defence. Trustees have withheld the money.

· · 4 min read

Spain's Former PM Zapatero Faces Court Hearings in Influence-Peddling Probe

Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero will undergo two days of court hearings beginning Wednesday over alleged influence peddling, marking an extraordinary legal challenge to a senior European political figure and intensifying scrutiny of Spain's ruling left-wing administration.

· · 3 min read

Suspect detained over KTMB cable theft in Taiping

Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the theft of 43 metres of KTMB railway cables in the Padang Rengas-Kamunting sector near Taiping. The theft was discovered early this morning.

· · 3 min read

India Temporarily Blocks Telegram Over Medical Exam Fraud Scheme

India has temporarily blocked Telegram following allegations that the messaging platform was used to defraud candidates taking a national medical entrance examination. The move follows earlier cancellations of millions of test results due to leaked papers.

· · 3 min read

SJKT Rajaji Gets Green Light for RM8 Million New Campus in Farlim

Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Rajaji in Penang has received approval for an RM8 million new campus in Farlim, ending decades in cramped conditions. The developer-funded project aims to serve the school's 100 pupils with completion targeted for 2029.

· · 4 min read

Brunei police arrest two women in vice activity crackdown

The Royal Brunei Police Force arrested two local women during separate raids in the Brunei-Muara District on suspicion of involvement in vice-related and immoral activities. Both suspects are in custody for investigation.

· · 3 min read

Florida sues TikTok over violations of state child safety law

Florida's attorney general has sued TikTok, alleging the platform breaches state child protection legislation by allowing minors under 14 to create accounts and exposing them to harmful content. The lawsuit marks another escalation in regulatory pressure on social media.

· · 5 min read