Latest from Focus Malaysia
Focus Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Six prominent Sabah politicians are also implicated in RM4mil mining scandal
A LOCAL news portal reports that six prominent Sabah politicians, including top leaders from Star and PBS, key components of the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition, are implicated in a mining scandal involving nearly RM4mil. The allegations include Star president Jeffrey Kitingan (allegedly received RM1.78mil), his deputies Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin and Datuk Robert Tawik, PBS acting president Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam (RM600,000), former PBS president Maximus Ongkili (RM600,000), and deputy Jahid Jahim (RM150,000). This report comes right before a whistleblower and two state assembly persons were charged in court for corruption. According to the latest reports, evidence includes video screenshots, WhatsApp messages, and documents, but unlike the first video leaks, the portal could not reproduce the recordings. There is also no indication whether the latest videos will be made public or will be sent to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC). Jeffrey is Sabah's deputy chief minister I, Joachim is deputy chief minister II, and others hold key state ministerial roles. Only Joachim responded to enquiries. The source, speaking anonymously, urged the MACC to investigate. — June 28, 2025
Focus Malaysia
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Rising foreign extremist involvement amplifies militant threat in Malaysia
MALAYSIAN police arrested 36 Bangladeshi nationals suspected of involvement in a radical militant group espousing Islamic State ideology. The group allegedly established recruitment cells to fund terrorism, indoctrinate members, and conduct subversive activities. Five of the arrested face charges under Malaysia's Penal Code for terrorism-related offences, following intelligence-led operations by the Special Branch, as announced by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on Friday (June 27). These arrests portrays how the militant threat in Malaysia has evolved, with a significant rise in foreign involvement in extremist movements driven by radical ideologies and violence. From 2022 to 2025, arrests related to militancy have increased, particularly involving individuals from Indonesia and the Philippines, alongside growing extremist ideologies among Myanmar, Rohingya, and Bangladeshi communities. These foreign elements, originating from various conflict zones, are spreading radical ideologies within Malaysia, shifting the threat from local to external sources. While specific data on extremist group numbers is lacking, individuals from countries like Uyghur regions, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan, and Yemen have been apprehended. Most are deported to face trial in their home countries, though some are prosecuted in Malaysia to avoid life-threatening risks if returned. — June 28, 2025
Focus Malaysia
5 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Surge in in-flight theft in Malaysia linked to international crime gang
A SURGE in in-flight thefts across Asia, particularly in Hong Kong and Malaysia, has been linked to organised crime groups targeting short-transit flights, including those to Singapore. Malaysia saw 146 cases in the same period, up from 88 in 2023. Assistant Commissioner M Malathi, commander of Singapore's Airport Police Division, noted the difficulty in detecting these crimes, as syndicate members work in pairs, stealing small items like cash or cards to avoid notice. 'They will only take some cash and maybe one or two cards. They won't take your whole wallet, because if they do, it is easier to notice,' she said in a report published by The Straits Times. Criminals often buy last-minute tickets and switch flights to evade detection. Between January and May 2025, Singapore charged three individuals for in-flight theft, compared to one in 2024. On June 4, Chinese nationals Liu Xitang, 35, and Wang Wei, 40, were charged with stealing S$169 and two debit cards on a Kuala Lumpur-Singapore flight. In May, Zhang Kun, 51, pleaded guilty to stealing a credit card and over $200 on a similar route. The Singapore Airport Police Division (APD) uses data analytics to identify syndicate members, focusing on frequent travellers with short transit times. 'We use data analytics in general to identify these people that could be of interest coming into Singapore,' said AC Malathi. Additionally, shoplifting in Changi Airport's transit areas is a concern, with 37 cases in early 2025, down from 109 in 2024 and 129 in 2023. 'These crimes are very opportunistic,' Malathi noted. Since 2023, APD has deployed patrol robots, with a new model, Gibson, set for launch in 2025. — June 28, 2025
Focus Malaysia
6 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Colonial Infinite set to redefine investment potential in Subang Jaya
Every savvy property investor understands that a strong rental yield and solid capital appreciation are key to a successful investment, and both are closely tied to one crucial factor: location. This is common knowledge within the real estate community, but actually securing a well-priced property in a prime area remains a significant challenge. That said, a promising opportunity may soon arrive with the launch of Colonial Infinite by HCK Capital at edumetro in Subang Jaya. Education-driven growth It's been highlighted time and again that properties located near educational institutions tend to perform well. The steady stream of students, faculty, and support services drives demand for housing and local businesses, ultimately pushing up rental rates and property values. Subang Jaya is already a thriving educational hub. Colonial Infinite sits in the heart of this ecosystem, surrounded by notable institutions like Monash University, Sunway University, Taylor's Lakeside Campus, Sunway International School, and SEGi College, which is right within edumetro itself. The walkability to class — especially within the same development — is a unique edge that potential tenants will appreciate and investors should not overlook. Built-In demand With an estimated 45,000 people living within a 5km radius and over 5,000 within edumetro itself, including 4,500 students from SEGi College, the demand for quality housing is already baked in. This ensures both rental viability and long-term value growth. For investors looking for a property with strong fundamentals and high potential, Colonial Infinite offers an appealing prospect — one backed by demand, location, and community growth. To learn more, visit 27, 2025 Main image: HCK Capital
Focus Malaysia
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Saifuddin hopeful Nik Nazmi will return to his post as minister
PKR election co-director and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail remains hopeful that Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad will reconsider his resignation as natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, effective July 4, 2025. Saifuddin praised Nik Nazmi's talent, describing him as 'very talented, very intellectual, and works in a systematic way'. He urged Nik Nazmi to reflect, stating, 'I believe there is still room for him to consider and reflect. I'm making the same appeal, as I don't side with either Damai or Hiruk,' referring to the rival factions in PKR's recent internal elections. Nik Nazmi, aligned with Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's Hiruk camp, lost his bids for PKR vice-president and Setiawangsa division chief, prompting his resignation, similar to Rafizi's exit from the economy portfolio. Saifuddin respects Rafizi's decision but continues engaging with both Rafizi and Nurul Izzah Anwar, leader of the Damai platform. He emphasised his unifying role, saying, 'I define my success in PKR by staying consistent and making a meaningful contribution,' and recounted a three-hour discussion with both leaders before the party election to bridge their differences. — June 28, 2025 Main photo credit: Bernama
