Three Sri Lankan suspects arrested in Malaysia, including alleged organized crime figure Dhanushka Kaushalya alias “Ratmalana Saima,” have been brought back to Sri Lanka under a special security operation.

Ratmalana Saima has been identified by police as a key associate of alleged organized crime figure Kanjipani Imran.

The three suspects were arrested in Malaysia following a joint operation involving Sri Lankan and Malaysian law enforcement authorities.

A special Sri Lankan police team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Rohan Olugala travelled to Malaysia in connection with the operation and escorted the suspects back to Sri Lanka.

Police investigations have alleged that Ratmalana Saima handled Kanjipani Imran’s financial affairs and managed his social media activities, including the circulation of recorded messages. Investigators also allege that he assisted another organized crime suspect, Kehelbaddara Padme, while he was in hiding in Malaysia.

Police have said that Ratmalana Saima had been living in Malaysia for around 10 years.

The suspects are expected to be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigations and legal proceedings. (Newswire)

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Suranga Sanjeewa Karunaratne alias “Matiya”, suspected of acting as the gunman for organized crime figure ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, was arrested last night at Katunayake International Airport.

Police said the suspect, a resident of Kotugoda, Yagodamulla, was detained by Malaysian security forces and deported to Sri Lanka, where officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) took him into custody upon arrival.

Authorities noted that an international red notice had been issued against him. 

He faces charges over the July 2022 shooting near the Gampaha Court premises, in which organized criminal “Paspodda” was killed and several others injured.

Following initial questioning, the suspect was handed over to the Western Province North Crimes Division for further investigations. Police confirmed that a 72‑hour detention order has been obtained to continue inquiries. (Newswire)

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Malaysia on Monday began enforcing rules barring millions of children younger than 16 from owning social media accounts, joining a global effort to tighten online safety protections for young users.

The rules require social media platforms to implement age-verification systems and block users under 16 from creating accounts. They apply to platforms with at least 8 million users, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to 10 million ringgit ($2.5 million). But parents whose children manage to bypass the law will not be penalized.

The government said the measures are aimed at protecting children from harmful content, cyberbullying and platform features designed to encourage excessive use.

Other countries including Australia,Brazil and Indonesia have introduced or announced age-based restrictions or requirements for children’s access to social media. Countries including Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea are also studying or developing similar approaches.

Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission said the rules are not intended to prevent children from accessing the internet or digital technology. Instead it set expectations for service providers to address online harms and ensure age-appropriate safeguards are in place.

“These measures help strengthen the protection of children in the online environment, while providing added reassurance to parents in navigating increasingly complex digital risks,” the regulator said in a statement last month.

Platforms will be required to introduce safety-by-design features, including protections against manipulative design that encourages compulsive use, and take action against underage accounts and harmful content.

Technology companies have yet to detail how they will comply with Malaysia’s new requirements.

The regulator said a grace period will be given for platforms to complete implementation of age-verification systems.

Clara Koh, Meta’s director of public policy for Southeast Asia, had cautioned in April that Malaysia’s blanket under-16 ban could backfire by driving teenagers away from protected apps and into unregulated corners of the internet.

She said Meta has launched “teen accounts” for those under 18 that limits contact, screen time and exposure to inappropriate content.

Malaysia’s curbs come as governments face growing pressure to address concerns about social media’s impact on children’s mental health and online safety.

In March, a U.S. jury ordered Meta and YouTube to pay millions of dollars in damages in a case alleging that platform design features contributed to harm suffered by a young user.

Despite support from many parents, Malaysia’s move has also raised concerns over data privacy.

“It is very much following the trend but in a way that is raising alarms due to requiring a government ID for age verification,” said Benjamin Loh, social science lecturer at Monash University in Malaysia.

Loh said experiences elsewhere suggest age-based restrictions have yet to prove consistently effective. Without parent penalties, he said families can easily bypass the law by creating accounts for their children.

“This is a major gap that unless regulators are willing to fix, will result in the law having little effect in stopping children from using social media,” he added. (ABC News/ AP)

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Forty‑nine Chinese and Malaysian nationals arrested in Colpetty for staying without valid visa permits, were remanded until May 15 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday (13).

The group was taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) during a raid in the Colpetty area recently.

The Police said the individuals had entered Sri Lanka from Cambodia on tourist visas but were found residing without proper authorization.

Following their court appearance, the suspects were remanded. (Newswire)

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The motorcycle tour organized by Buzzword International Lanka Pvt Ltd to promote Sri Lankan tourism concluded on Thursday (16), with members of Malaysia’s ‘ShadowFax’ Motorcycle Club, comprising leading businessmen, taking part. 

Following the ride, the group met Sri Lankan Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, highlighting the event’s role in strengthening tourism ties and fostering international collaboration.

​Buzzword International, which has consistently organised ‘Colombo Bike Week’ since 2013, brought together a group of prominent Malaysian entrepreneurs to Sri Lanka for this event. This marks the second time the ShadowFax team has toured Sri Lanka, following a similar visit in 2016.

​Led by Dato’ Muruga Nantham, an experienced biker of 25 years, the team traversed the island riding high-capacity American-made ‘Harley Davidson’ motorcycles ranging from 1500cc to 1900cc. 

The tour, held from April 06 to 17, covered Colombo, Jaffna, Passikudah, Arugam Bay, Mahiyanganaya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, and Hikkaduwa.

​The tour generated over USD 100,000 in foreign exchange for Sri Lanka, covering hotel accommodation, airfare, fuel, meals, personal expenses, and donations to local charities.

​Speaking at the special meeting held yesterday, Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage stated that attracting such high-net-worth tourists contributes immensely to the tourism industry. 

Seventeen members of the ‘Bikerholics’ Motorbike Club of Sri Lanka also joined the convoy to support the visiting team.

​The Chairman of Buzzword International Lanka, Tilak Leslie, and Managing Director, Neil Hassim, expressed their intention to organize more large-scale international motorcycle tours in the future with the full support of government institutions, including the Ministry of Sports, the Tourism Promotion Bureau, the Police Department, and the Customs Department. (Newswire)

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Members of Sri Lanka’s historic 1996 World Cup–winning team will gather in Kuala Lumpur this May to mark the 30th anniversary of their triumph, it was reported. 

According to a report by Free Malaysia Today, the celebrations will be hosted at the Royal Selangor Club, beginning with a gala dinner on May 15, followed by an exhibition match on May 16 at the Bukit Kiara ground, where the Sri Lankans will face a Rest of the World side.

Organizers say the event is designed to inspire as much as it commemorates. Former Malaysian cricketer Devindran Ramanathan, who is helping shape the programme, stressed that the reunion must create opportunities for young players. “This is not just about a World Cup win,” he said. “It is about showing young players what is possible.”

As part of the initiative, about 20 Orang Asli schoolboys from Hulu Perak will be brought to Kuala Lumpur to take part in a coaching clinic conducted by the Sri Lankan legends. 

Each participant requires sponsorship of RM500, with organizers aiming to raise RM10,000 to support the youngsters and provide equipment over the next three months. Devindran emphasized, “The real impact is not the match or the dinner. It is whether a young player leaves believing they can go further.”

Former Malaysian captain Selvaratnam Karunakarer added that the deeper value of the gathering lies in what it can spark: “For young players, especially those outside traditional pathways, that connection can shift how they see the sport. It reduces distance. It makes the game feel reachable.”

The reunion also recalls one of cricket’s most defining chapters. On March 17, 1996, under the floodlights of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Sri Lanka stunned Australia to win their first World Cup. Chasing 242, Aravinda de Silva’s unbeaten 107 and captain Arjuna Ranatunga’s calm leadership sealed victory, while the aggressive batting of Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana throughout the tournament reshaped one-day cricket.

Three decades later, that triumph continues to resonate, not just as a memory, but as a reminder that cricket’s pathways are open to those willing to challenge convention. (Newswire/ Free Malaysia Today)

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Malaysian carrier Batik Air’s inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur touched down at the Katunayake Airport early this morning (30).

Flight OD‑297, operated by a Boeing 737, arrived at 1:10 am carrying 62 passengers and four crew members. 

The aircraft later departed Katunayake at 2:05 am with 160 passengers bound for Kuala Lumpur.

The service, with a flying time of about three hours, will operate four days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, between Kuala Lumpur and Katunayake.

Marking the occasion, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Bedli Hisham Sin Adam, along with other distinguished guests, were present at Katunayake Airport to welcome the inaugural flight. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Tamil Debaters’ Council has made history, clinching its maiden international debating crown through the National Development Squad’s victory in Malaysia.

The Sri Lankan delegation emerged champions at the Sampanthan Paindhamizh Chudar 5.0, becoming the first non-Malaysian team in the history of the competition to win the championship. 

This achievement officially opens the international championship trophy cabinet of the National Tamil Debating Development Pool, signalling Sri Lanka’s arrival as a serious force in global Tamil debating.

The Sri Lankan team that clinched the historic title at the International Tamil Debating Championship organised by University Utara Malaysia (UUM) consisted of:

• Hareish Jeyaruban – C/ Royal College (Captain)
• Michael Jenushan – St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna
• Sivajiny Pratheepan – Methodist Girls’ High School, Point Pedro
• Lakshmitha Sivasankaran – Sri Shanmuga Hindu Ladies College

In addition, Sri Lanka was represented by multiple teams across Malaysian universities. The delegation included a team that participated in the University of Malaya (UM):

• Niranchan Yukhappiriyan – S.Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia
• Tharanigha Thavarubarasan – Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalayam
• Sri Akshaja Reji Janakan – Sri Shanmuga Hindu Ladies College

A Presentation Team also represented Sri Lanka at the University Utara Malaysia:

• Saravananirthika Meenachi Sundaram – Bishop’s College, Colombo
• Pragathishri Ramachandran – Ladies College Colombo
• Thanenthiran Karthihan – C/ Royal College

An introduction to Tamil Debating at UPSI

• Surranitha Suthagaran – Bishop’s College, Colombo 03.
• Sangavi Thuraichelvan – Bishop’s College Colombo 03.

All these students were guided by the President of Tamil Debaters’ Council, Sajishnavan Sivachandrathevan, followed by Sathurshanan Manoharan, Thiviyan Mathiruban and Umaiyall Thuraichelvan of the council.

Following the championship victory, the Sri Lankan delegation was formally felicitated by the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Malaysia, Rizvi, at the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

During the meeting, Rizvi commended the students for their discipline, academic excellence, and dignified representation of Sri Lanka on an international platform. He also held discussions on the future potential for annual debating initiatives and cultural tourism–based exchange programmes between Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

The High Commissioner further took time to educate the delegation on the history of the Ceylonese Tamil community in Malaysia, highlighting the longstanding historical and cultural ties between the two nations. In a gesture of continued engagement, he connected the delegation with the President of the Ceylonese Association of Malaysia through a direct phone call, opening avenues for sustained people-to-people collaboration.

This delegation is also notable for being the largest Tamil school-based student delegation from Sri Lanka to represent the country in Malaysia, spanning five different Malaysian states in a single tour. The Sri Lankan teams represented the country at:

• University Utara Malaysia (UUM), Kedah
• University of Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur
• University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang
• Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Perak

Observers have described the championship victory and the diplomatic engagement as a turning point in the history of Sri Lankan Tamil debating, opening new academic, cultural, and competitive avenues beyond national borders.

The Tamil Debaters’ Council of Sri Lanka noted that this achievement reflects years of structured training, discipline, and vision under its National Tamil Debating Development Pool, and expressed confidence that Sri Lankan school debaters will continue to gain recognition and respect on international platforms. (Newswire)

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A cunning attempt by a Sri Lankan syndicate to use the identity of a child to obtain a Malaysian passport was foiled by the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department at UTC Pudu Immigration Office, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday (01 Oct), foreign media reported.

Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff said in the 10.15 am incident, a Sri Lankan man came with a local woman claiming to be his mother to apply for a first-time child passport under the 10-year-old category, Bernama reports.

“Suspicion arose when immigration officers noticed the man’s physical appearance was far older than the age stated on the submitted birth certificate.

“He was also unable to follow simple instructions in basic Malay, including when asked to undergo biometric verification,” he said in a statement today.

Wan Mohammed Saupee said further investigations revealed that the local woman acted under the syndicate’s instructions, which offered a ‘shortcut’ for Sri Lankans to obtain Malaysian passports.

He said the syndicate’s modus operandi involved using the birth certificate of the local woman’s biological child to enable the Sri Lankan national to apply for a Malaysian passport by posing as her son.

Both individuals were detained for further investigation under the Passport Act 1966 (Act 150). Several documents and mobile phones believed to have been used by the syndicate were also seized.

Investigations are underway to trace the syndicate network involved in attempts to unlawfully obtain international travel documents, the report further said.

“Impersonating a Malaysian citizen to obtain a passport is a systematic fraud that threatens national security.

“Citizens whose documents are misused face the risk of identity theft, legal complications, and false criminal records,” he added. (Bernama)

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State-owned firm BEML Limited has received its maiden overseas contract in the rail and metro segment from Malaysia valued at USD 1 million.

The work is for the retrofit and reconditioning of the Mass Rapid Transport System, according to a company stock exchange filing.

“…we hereby inform that BEML Limited received its maiden overseas contract in the Rail and Metro segment from Malaysia for the Retrofit and Reconditioning of the Mass Rapid Transport System on 09.08.2025, valued at USD 1 million,” the company informed stock exchanges.

BEML Limited, a leading multi-technology ‘Schedule A’ company under the Ministry of Defence, plays a pivotal role in serving India’s core sectors, including defence, rail, power, mining, and construction, by offering world-class products.

BEML operates in three verticals: Defence and aerospace, mining and construction, and rail and metro. It has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in Bengaluru, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Mysore, and Palakkad, with a strong R&D infrastructure and a nationwide sales and service network.

Separately, in early July, BEML Limited inaugurated its newly built state-of-the-art warehousing facility, spread over 0.12 acres, at the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) Aerospace Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Bengaluru.

This marked a significant milestone in BEML’s long-term vision of supporting India’s aerospace growth and creating a robust supply chain ecosystem for global and domestic Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

The facility is designed not only to support BEML’s internal logistics, but also to offer warehousing and allied services to other OEMs, Tier-1, and Tier-2 players.

BEML envisions to create a Centre of Excellence for Aerospace Technologies within this SEZ, empowering India’s self-reliance journey in defence and aerospace while creating a vibrant ecosystem for innovation, collaboration, and growth. (ANI)

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Three individuals, including a woman, were brought before a Malaysian court on charges of arranging the smuggling of a Sri Lankan national in July.

The accused — Malaysians G. Santhiya Darshini, 27, and Janarthanan Appupillai, 46, along with Sri Lankan national Vtheewaran Palani, 48 — acknowledged understanding the charge, which was read in Tamil before the Judge. No plea was recorded, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

The trio is accused of arranging the smuggling of a Sri Lankan migrant through Terminal 1 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on July 10. They were charged under Section 26C of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code. If convicted, they face up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Sri Lankan national Antany Sujan Antany Ranjan was charged with using a false passport in another person’s name to facilitate migrant smuggling at the KLIA international departure gate.

He was charged under Section 26E of the same Act, which carries a penalty of seven to 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM500,000, or both. No plea was recorded.

Deputy Public Prosecutors Anisah Pisol and Norhidayah Abdullah Sani opposed bail and requested all cases be transferred to the Shah Alam High Court. The court approved the transfer. (TheStar/Newswire)

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Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to the core priorities of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), particularly promoting peace, regional stability, and inclusive economic prosperity. 

According to a Foreign Ministry statement, the commitment was made during Minister Herath’s participation in the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held on Friday (11) in Malaysia. 

At the meeting, Minister Herath also expressed Sri Lanka’s willingness to engage more closely with the ARF member states in the area of peacekeeping initiatives during the 2025–2026 term. 

As part of his official engagements, Minister Herath paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Dr. Anwar bin Ibrahim, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya on Thursday (10).

A productive discussion on matters of mutual interest was held, aimed at strengthening the longstanding bilateral partnership between Sri Lanka and Malaysia. In particular, the implementation of visa-free travel for Sri Lankan nationals and the allocation of 10,000 job quotas for Sri Lankan workers in various sectors across Malaysia were discussed. During the meeting, the Prime Minister advised the officials from the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia to work out modalities, in consultation with the Sri Lanka side, to further strengthen cooperation in labour-related matters. 

Minister Herath also met with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia, the Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia and senior officials, and discussed operationalising the proposed employment quota for Sri Lankan workers and visa-free arrangements. 

It was agreed that the first working group related to employment for Sri Lankan workers will be established in the last quarter of 2025, while the visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders will be expedited, and the reciprocal visa-free arrangement for ordinary passport holders will be considered thereafter. 

Minister Herath also delivered the keynote address at the “Sri Lanka Investor, Trade & Tourism Forum 2025”, organised by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Kuala Lumpur on Friday (11). The event brought together over 60 key Malaysian investors, representatives from leading chambers of commerce, and travel trade. The Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry of Malaysia and His Highness Tunku Maha Kuniyan Diraja Tunku Saifan, a member of the Royal Family of Selangor, also graced the occasion. 

On Saturday (12), Minister Herath paid a courtesy call on Tun Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam, Governor of the State of Malacca, at the Istana in Malacca. The two dignitaries held fruitful discussions on enhancing tourism cooperation between Sri Lanka and the State of Malacca. Minister Herath also visited the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Malacca City. 

On the sidelines of the ARF, Minister Herath held several meetings with his counterparts from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia and Thailand, as well as with the First Vice Minister of South Korea, to strengthen Sri Lanka’s bilateral ties and regional collaboration. 

At a meeting held with the Under Secretary of State of the United States, Allison Hooker, Minister Herath highlighted, in particular, the importance of further negotiations on the reduction of tariffs, considering the impact on Sri Lankan exports, particularly apparel. 

Mrs. Chamari Rodrigo, Director General of the Southeast Asia and Central Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and Mr. M.I. Mohamed Rizvi, Sri Lanka’s Acting High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur, accompanied the Minister during the visit. (Newswire)

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SriLankan Airlines, together with the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, recently hosted a group of Sri Lankan journalists on a familiarisation (FAM) tour of Malaysia, aimed at strengthening travel and tourism ties between the two countries. 

The tour serves to reinforce why Malaysia has long remained a favourite holiday destination among Sri Lankans, popular for its affordability, family-friendly attractions and great shopping. It also highlights SriLankan Airlines as the preferred choice of travel, with twice-daily flights to Kuala Lumpur offering travellers convenience and flexibility beyond compare. 

According to a SriLankan Airlines statement, a Malaysian holiday is every traveller’s dream, with back-to-back experiences across cities such as Putrajaya, Melaka, Genting and Kuala Lumpur, offering a range of attractions, fun activities, entertainment and endless opportunities for shopping, from premium to value brands. Holidaymakers can get a bird’s-eye view of the city through sightseeing tours and cruises; visit places such as Genting Highlands and Batu Caves; explore temples and historic landmarks including the King’s Palace and Porta de Santiago; immerse themselves in the vibrant night markets of Jonker Street; and enjoy some serious retail therapy at various precincts and malls, including Malaysia’s largest, IOI City Mall. 

Malaysia is also rapidly gaining ground among Sri Lankan students pursuing higher studies. Whether it is for a short getaway, shopping or as a pathway to one’s dream career, this Southeast Asian country offers a lifetime of memories for any visitor through first-hand experiences of its cultural heritage; traditional cuisine; modern and historical attractions; and warm hospitality. 

SriLankan Airlines further stated that the journalists who toured the country are back in Sri Lanka, inspired and eager to share their incredible journey with their fellow Sri Lankans.

This initiative is expected to bolster tourism between Sri Lanka and Malaysia, fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange. By experiencing the diverse offerings of Malaysia, Sri Lankan visitors can develop a deeper appreciation for its vibrant heritage and contemporary attractions, thus encouraging more frequent travel between the two nations, it added. (Newswire)

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FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s first privately-owned international airline, has expanded its regional connectivity with the introduction of direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

According to the airline, this further strengthens its position as Sri Lanka’s leading low-cost carrier.

Flights to Kuala Lumpur will commence on April 4, 2025, with four (04) weekly operations. 

To mark the launch, FitsAir is offering a special introductory fare of Rs. 65,300 for a return ticket to Kuala Lumpur. This all-inclusive fare comes with 20kg checked baggage and 7kg hand luggage, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.

FitsAir said in a statement that this expansion reflects the airline’s ongoing efforts to cater to the increasing demand for cost-effective, reliable air travel, reinforcing its position as a key player in the region’s aviation sector.

The launch of flights to Kuala Lumpur marks an important milestone for FitsAir as it continues to expand its network and enhance regional connectivity. This new route will create greater opportunities for trade, tourism, and travel, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to making air travel more accessible and affordable.

With this new service, FitsAir continues to expand its network and provide more affordable, hassle-free travel options to its passengers. 

The airline’s growing network includes destinations like Malé, Dubai, Dhaka, and Chennai, with seamless connections through its main hub in Colombo. FitsAir remains committed to offering reliable, on-time services with a strong focus on safety and customer satisfaction.

For more information and bookings, visit www.fitsair.com. (Newswire)

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Coconut prices have surged in Malaysia amid a shortage caused by unfavourable weather, prompting state and community leaders to urge Thaipusam participants to break fewer coconuts during the colourful Hindu festival this month.

Batu Caves Hindu temple committee chairman R Nadarajah said he would personally advise devotees to break only one coconut, reported news outlet the Malay Mail on Sunday (Feb 2).

“As long as you do it with genuine devotion, the number of coconuts doesn’t matter,” he reportedly said.

Thaipusam is a public holiday in Malaysia and falls on Feb 11 this year. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan, and the breaking of coconuts is a cleansing ritual and symbolises the surrender of one’s ego.

Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow and the Consumers’ Association of Penang have issued similar calls.

“Devotees should be more economical so their use of coconuts on Thaipusam does not affect food security for the masses,” said Chow at a welfare group’s Chinese New Year event on Friday.

NV Subbarow, education officer of the Consumers’ Association of Penang, urged devotees on Jan 23 to break fewer coconuts “due to a shortage of coconuts which will result in even pricier coconuts this year”.

Many participants, who include members of the Chinese community, “mistakenly think that the more coconuts they break, the more luck is showered upon them”, he said in a statement on the association’s website.

Malaysian coconuts now cost up to RM3.90 (US$0.88) each, compared to RM2.60 previously, he told the New Straits Times on Saturday. Those from Indonesia cost up to RM3 each, he said.

The shortage of coconuts has been making headlines in Malaysia due to higher demand during Chinese New Year and Thaipusum celebrations, as well as the fasting month of Ramadan – expected to begin on either Feb 28 or Mar 1 – and Hari Raya Puasa. (CNA)

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Malaysia’s government has agreed in principle to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, more than 10 years after it disappeared in one of the world’s greatest aviation mysteries, the country’s transport minister announced.

Anthony Loke said on Friday that the proposal to search a new area in the southern Indian Ocean came from United States-based exploration company Ocean Infinity, which had also conducted the most recent search for the plane that ended in 2018.

“The proposal for a search operation by Ocean Infinity is a solid one and deserves to be considered,” Loke told reporters. “Our responsibility and obligation and commitment is to the next of kin. We hope this time will be positive, that the wreckage will be found and give closure to the families.”

Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew, vanished en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014.

Loke said Ocean Infinity would receive $70m if the wreckage found is substantive.

Malaysian investigators initially did not rule out the possibility that the aircraft had been deliberately taken off course.

Investigators previously found that less than an hour into the overnight flight, its communications systems were turned off. Military radar then revealed the aircraft had turned back across Malaysia, skirted the island of Penang, and headed towards the northern tip of Sumatra.

Some 26 countries joined the search and rescue mission that followed the disappearance, but could find nothing.

Weeks later, the Malaysian government announced MH370 had flown until it ran out of fuel, ending its journey thousands of kilometres from Beijing in the depths of the southern Indian Ocean.

Debris, some confirmed and believed to be from the aircraft, has washed up along the coast of Africa and on islands in the Indian Ocean.

Relatives had been demanding compensation from Malaysia Airlines, Boeing, aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce and the Allianz insurance group, among others.

Malaysia engaged Ocean Infinity in 2018 to search in the southern Indian Ocean, offering to pay up to $70m if it found the plane, but it failed on two attempts.

That followed an underwater search by Malaysia, Australia and China, which had 150 nationals on the flight, in a 120,000sq km (46,332sq mile) area of the southern Indian Ocean, based on data on automatic connections between an Inmarsat satellite and the plane. (Al Jazeera)

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Sri Lanka and Malaysia have engaged in discussions aimed at promoting Sri Lanka’s Ramayana Trail tourism in Malaysia.

According to the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Kuala Lumpur, the High Commission hosted a discussion in this regard with the Malaysian Indian Tour & Travel Association (MITTA) recently (16 Aug). 

The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Air Chief Marshal (Rtd.) Sumangala Dias met with MITTA representatives to explore avenues for promoting the Ramayana Trail tourism in Malaysia.

MITTA, which encompasses over 200 Indian-Malaysian travel and tour agencies, plays a pivotal role in advancing outbound and inbound tourism, with a particular focus on Tamil-speaking travellers. 

This meeting was built upon discussions previously initiated with the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KLSICCI) in July 2024.

High Commissioner Dias highlighted the growing potential for tourism between Sri Lanka and Malaysia, noting that approximately 10,000 Malaysians visited Sri Lanka last year, while around 60,000 Sri Lankans travelled to Malaysia. 

He pointed out that this provides a unique opportunity to project Sri Lanka as an appealing tourist destination, especially for Malaysian travellers of Indian origin, who have historical connections through the Ramayana epic.

During the meeting, a video documentary on the Ramayana Trail was screened, showcasing Sri Lanka’s historical monuments and Hindu deities linked to the Ramayana. High Commissioner Dias requested MITTA’s support in promoting these tourism opportunities among Malaysian agencies and outbound travellers.

The President of MITTA, Dato’ Aruldas expressed appreciation for the opportunity offered to explore the Ramayana Trail and affirmed MITTA’s commitment to disseminating necessary information within the Indian-Malaysian travel community.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka said it is dedicated to fostering the ongoing development of trade, investments, and tourism between Sri Lanka and Malaysia and looks forward to strengthening its collaboration with MITTA to achieve these objectives. (Newswire)

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Malaysia and India share historical ties dating back at least a millennium with the Chola empire dominating the Southeast Asian region. This is a civilisational relationship that is evidenced even today in the culture, language and mannerism of the people of both nations. It is also coincidental that both nations established independent rule from the same colonial master in the same month and mere 10 years apart from each other; India on 15 August 1947 and Malaysia on 31 August 1957.

Diplomatic relations between the two nations began soon after Malaysia’s independence in 1957 with a strong bond that was established between their individual Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra. This was further enhanced in 2015 and again in 2017 by Najib Razak and Narendra Modi. After a significant hiatus, the Prime Ministers of the two countries are set to hold bilateral talks under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Anwar Ibrahim. Apart from addressing an existing trade balance of about US$4.77 billion in Malaysia’s favour, would the two leaders discuss several other issues that could impinge on the shifting geopolitical landscape in this region and possibly on a global level?

With a turbulent and fast evolving global landscape, Malaysia clearly needs a balanced foreign, trade and security policy that leverages several strategic neighbours. India, with its geographic proximity to Malaysia and growing economic prowess is definitely a prime partner to leverage in tandem with others around the region.

India is currently the fifth largest economy at around US$3.9 trillion and set to rise becoming the world’s third largest in a short time. It also commands the second highest agricultural output after China at US$524 billion. And it remains an anchor over trade across the Indian Ocean, which stands at over US$6.17 trillion.

Malaysia could explore food security alternatives with Indian Agro-Technology players. In addition to increasing base agricultural imports, Malaysia could explore joint cultivation and food processing ventures that could be expanded across the Malaysian Peninsula. Beyond satisfying Malaysia’s domestics requirements, these prospects could also provide possibilities for re-exports to the rest of ASEAN and East Asia as well. Needless to say, an effort of this nature would help expand economic opportunities in Malaysia while also addressing the immediate cost of living issues experienced by all Malaysians alike.

Furthermore, Malaysia’s northern State of Kedah has a close proximity to the Andaman Nicobar Islands. The State is located on the cusp of the Andaman Sea.  The intense economic development that is currently being driven by the Indian administration on these Islands and the economic expansion that is being set in place by the Kedah State leadership provides for greater opportunities to explore for cross-border collaboration in the form of an economic corridor.

Malaysia is well known for its semiconductor ecosystem that was set in place several decades ago. As India begins to embark onto this semiconductor sphere, the Malaysian experience could be leveraged to provide technical assistance of some form to its regional Neighbor. Furthermore, Malaysia may also be well place to explore collaborations with Indian counterparts to establish processing plants for Rare Earth Elements (REE) that could be of prime support for the high-tech industry that has become a key strategic lynchpin for global growth and security.

BRICS has recently featured as a possible added economic platform for Malaysia as expressed by Anwar Ibrahim. India is a founding member of this economic bloc along with China and Russia. This bilateral meeting may be an opportune time to induct the support of India to explore this partnership. This interaction may also offer a broader strategic opportunity for Malaysia to explore the participation of ASEAN as a regional bloc with that of BRICS. This, especially given that Malaysia will take on the revolving Chairmanship of ASEAN later this year.

An added uniqueness to the geopolitical relationship between Malaysia and India is the geographic position and proximity of the Straits of Melaka that acts as a gateway between the Indo-Pacific and the South China Sea regions. As one of the busiest trade channels, the Straits of Melaka needs to be secured from any or all encumbrances. Close security collaboration between these two neighbours to ensure that this strategic channel does not become a potential choke point in the event of a supply chain breakdown in the Asian region is indeed a necessity.

Clearly, stepping up this civilisational relationship between India and Malaysian offers numerous strategic opportunities. Based on mutually assured economic growth and security, this relationship certainly offers broader multilateral offerings that would also benefit ASEAN and the rest of East Asia. Enhanced dialogue, diplomacy and collaboration between these strategic neighbours are definitely the need of the hour to provide a geopolitical counterbalance at a time when the region is experiencing uncertainty from multiple state actors. (Malaysia Gazette)

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A gas leak at Malaysia’s main international airport has left 39 people ill, authorities have said.

Fire services on Thursday responded to a report of a chemical leak at an aircraft engineering facility separate from the passenger terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Selangor state fire department said.

“A total of 39 victims suffered from dizziness and nausea,” local rescue officer Muhammad Nur Khairi Samsumin said in a statement.

Fourteen of the patients were sent to the air disaster unit to receive treatment, while one was hospitalised, according to authorities.

All of those affected work for three firms operating at the facility.

Officials said the incident did not affect passengers or flights, and that there was no wider risk to public safety.

Police said the gas leak had been traced to a skid tank that had been left unattended for nine years.

Muhammad Nur said the leaked gas was identified as methyl mercaptan, which is added to liquefied petroleum gas to give it a smell similar to rotten cabbages so that leaks can be detected.

“Work to cover the leak was being done by the emergency crew,” he said. (Al Jazeera)

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Cabinet approval has been granted to commence relevant negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

According to the government, it has been recognized that the attraction of export-oriented foreign direct investments, diversification of exports and expansion of market access for goods and services is important to regain the economic stability of Sri Lanka.

Therefore, it is necessary for Sri Lanka to develop economic integration with countries that have strong and strategic economies, such as Malaysia. 

Sri Lanka’s 34th export destination, Malaysia, is a key member of ASEAN and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. In the year 2023, the total value of exports to Malaysia was US$ 58.3 Million. 

Considering the importance of reaching a free trade agreement between Sri Lanka and Malaysia, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the President to begin relevant negotiations. (Newswire)

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