Latest news with #RM9.4
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
AFC says no probe into Malaysia's naturalised players
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has shut down speculation of any investigation into Malaysia over the alleged use of ineligible naturalised players during the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, firmly stating that no complaints have been received. AFC general-secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul, in a brief but clear statement, said the regional body had not been alerted to any concerns following Malaysia's 4-0 win over Vietnam in Bukit Jalil — a match that featured five debutants with newly acquired Malaysian citizenship. "There has been no information submitted to the AFC on this matter," said Windsor. "Player status matters are under the purview of FIFA." His comments come amid mounting noise from Vietnam and Indonesia, where some media outlets have reported that Malaysia could face sanctions if the eligibility of the players is found to have been compromised. One Indonesian outlet claimed that Malaysia could be hit with a US$2 million (RM9.4 million) fine, future bans on naturalisation, or even the nullification of the Vietnam result, if documentation for the players is proven to be falsified. However, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) has firmly denied any wrongdoing. FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman stressed that the governing body had fully complied with all international regulations. "As of today, we have not received any letters from FIFA or the AFC (regarding this matter)," said Azman. "We followed all the regulations. We deny all those statements." The five players in question — Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Hidalgo and Jon Irazabal — all made their international debuts in the match against Vietnam. Their performance played a key role in securing Malaysia's emphatic victory, but also drew scrutiny from regional rivals, particularly over their eligibility status. Despite the speculation, FAM insists all five players met the necessary criteria to represent Malaysia in official competition. Harimau Malaya currently sit top of Group F with six points, having also beaten Nepal 2-0 in their opening fixture. Under new head coach Peter Cklamovski, Malaysia are eyeing a strong finish to the campaign, with a crucial home-and-away double-header against Laos coming up in October.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
FAM hits back at 'baseless' claims over naturalised players
KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) rubbished claims that they could face sanctions from FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over the alleged use of ineligible naturalised players during their 4-0 win over Vietnam in last month's Asian Cup qualifier. FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub insisted the governing body had followed all proper procedures and dismissed the swirling accusations as baseless. "FIFA have checked. We followed the rules and regulations," he told Timesport on Thursday. The controversy was sparked by Indonesian outlet Disway ID, which alleged that Harimau Malaya's victory on June 10 could be overturned — with Vietnam awarded a 3-0 win instead. The report also claimed that FAM could be fined US$2 million (RM9.4 million) and face further sanctions if FIFA finds evidence of document manipulation involving players heritage. Five newly naturalised players — Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Hidalgo and Jon Irazabal — made their debuts in that match, prompting critics in Indonesia and Vietnam to question the legitimacy of their Malaysian ancestry. FAM has already stated that the players' naturalisation processes were fully vetted and approved by FIFA. However, Indonesian media claimed that an internal probe by the world body had uncovered inconsistencies in the documentation. As of now, neither FIFA nor the AFC have issued any official statement, and no formal complaints have been made public. Despite the lack of concrete evidence or action, the issue has gained traction among Southeast Asian football fans, especially on social media, with many demanding a formal investigation. Peter Cklamovski's side currently top Group F with six points, followed by Vietnam and Laos (three points each) and Nepal (zero). Malaysia opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Nepal in March before their dominant victory over Vietnam.
New Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Google's RM9.4bil investment to create over 26,000 jobs, says Tengku Zafrul
KUALA LUMPUR: Google's landmark RM9.4 billion investment to establish its first data centre and Google Cloud Region in Malaysia is expected to create 26,500 jobs and generate RM15.04 billion in long-term economic impact. Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz described the move as a multi-faceted strategic boost. "We discussed how Google can continue to drive Malaysia's AI and cloud computing economy, strengthen cybersecurity, and invest in digital skills," he said in a Facebook post yesterday. Tengku Zafrul added that the government remained committed to providing full support and ensuring a conducive environment for high-quality investments. According to Bernama, Tengku Zafrul met with Google representatives to discuss how the company can continue to drive AI development in Malaysia, strengthen cybersecurity and invest in digital skills. He is currently on a working visit to Washington, United States. In May, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil said Malaysia is rapidly cementing its position as a leading destination for data centre investments in Southeast Asia. Anuar added that global technology giants are pointing to stable governance, clear digital strategies and strong institutional coordination as key enablers. Meanwhile, investor confidence is being driven by the country's coherent policy direction, effective public-private collaboration, reliable power infrastructure, low disaster risk and commitment to long-term sustainability.
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Google's RM9.4 billion AI, cloud investment to boost Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Tech giant Google's investment in Malaysia is expected to continue driving Malaysia's artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing economy. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who is currently on a working visit to Washington, United States, met with Google representatives to discuss how the company can continue to drive AI development in Malaysia, strengthen cybersecurity and invest in digital skills. 'The government is committed to providing full support and ensuring a conducive investment climate for high-quality investments,' he said in a Facebook post. He added that Google's strategic investment of RM9.4 billion to set up its first data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia is expected to generate RM15.04 billion in long-term economic impact and create 26,500 jobs by 2030. 'Thank you, Google, for your continued confidence in Malaysia. Together, we are building a brighter digital future,' he said.
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Google's investment to continue driving Malaysia's AI economy, strengthening cybersecurity
KUALA LUMPUR: Tech giant Google's investment in Malaysia is expected to continue driving Malaysia's artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing economy. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who is currently on a working visit to Washington, United States, met with Google representatives to discuss how the company can continue to drive AI development in Malaysia, strengthen cybersecurity and invest in digital skills. 'The government is committed to providing full support and ensuring a conducive investment climate for high-quality investments,' he said in a Facebook post. He added that Google's strategic investment of RM9.4 billion to set up its first data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia is expected to generate RM15.04 billion in long-term economic impact and create 26,500 jobs by 2030. 'Thank you, Google, for your continued confidence in Malaysia. Together, we are building a brighter digital future,' he said.
