Malaysia Morning News For June 3

Drop in govt debt due to cost rationalisation of overpriced projects
Cost rationalisation of overpriced projects was why the government had been successful in reducing the nation’s overall debt and liabilities to 75.4% last year, says Lim Guan Eng.
— The Star Online

Malaysia — a trade war safe haven?
Is Malaysia an unlikely safe haven as Donald Trump and Xi Jinping escalate their trade war?
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)

Highways and airports expecting increase in travel volume for Raya
Traffic flow along several major highways was reported smooth today though traffic volume is expected to pick up tomorrow.A spokesperson from the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) said traffic was smooth on several highways including the PLUS highway, Elite Expressway, East coast.
— The Sun Daily

Minister: Lawsuit delaying RCI on judicial misconduct
Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee’s lawsuit challenging the legality of a proposed royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on judicial misconduct was the reason this has not been convened, Datuk Liew Vui Keong asserted today.
— Malay Mail

Electrical malfunctions common cause of residential fires during Raya
Almost 60% of residential fires which occur during the Hari Raya season nationwide are due to electrical failure, said Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) deputy director-general (Operation) Datuk Amer Yusof.
— The Sun Daily

Penang celebrates 45 years of ties between Malaysia and China
Penang marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China with a firm belief that the bond secured between both sides would grow from strength to strength.
— The Sun Daily

CIMB, CapBridge to provide companies access to private capital via investment platform and 1X
CIMB Bank Bhd’s recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Singapore’s CapBridge Pte Ltd will facilitate capital raising and trading of shares for private companies through the latter’s investment platform and the 1exchange (1X) private securities exchange.
— The Star Online

Shafie: Sabah govt on board with restructuring Esscom, as long as it continues to be effective
The Sabah government has pledged to give its full cooperation to any changes made to the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), as reports emerged of plans to restructure the unit for cost-cutting purposes.
— The Star Online

Finance minister: Direct debt up but overall borrowings, liabilities now proportionally lower
The federal government’s rationalisation of “overpriced” projects and private partnership payments (PPP) has lowered the country’s debt level to 75.4 per cent as a ratio of the economy, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.
— Malay Mail

Jho Low implicated in K-pop sex scandal — Korean news report
The plot, as they say, thickens. Controversial Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho, popularly known as Jho Low, has now been implicated in the K-pop scandal. An investigative TV programme in Korea is alleging that Yang Hyun-suk, the head of YG Entertainment, held dinners to …
— The Independent

IATA says no easy money for airlines in 2019, downgrades profit to US$28 bln
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) downgrades its 2019 profit outlook for the global air transport industry to US$28 billion (US$1=RM4.18) from US$35.5 billion forecast in December 2018, amid slowing demand and rising costs.
— The Borneo Post

Malaysia fights to save centuries-old creole language
Children in colourful outfits sing in a creole of Portuguese and Malay during a class in the historic Malaysian city of Malacca, part of efforts to stem the decline of the centuries-old language.
— Channel NewsAsia

Kit Siang: Does Malaysia want to return to kleptocracy, extremism?
Malaysians must choose between building a new and respected Malaysia or allowing the country to fall back into the company of rogue and failed nations, Lim Kit Siang said.
— Malay Mail

Malacca’s Eurasian community fights to preserve language
Children in colourful outfits sing in a creole of Portuguese and Malay during a class in Malacca, part of efforts to stem the decline of the centuries-old language.
— The Sun Daily

IOI Group founder Tan Sri Dr Lee Shin Cheng dies
IOI Group founder and executive chairman Tan Sri Dr Lee Shin Cheng has died. IOI Corporation Berhad and IOI Properties Group Berhad in a joint media statement today announced that Dr Lee passed away peacefully yesterday (June 1) after a period of illness at the age of 80.
— The Borneo Post

H&M Malaysia does not carry pro-LGBT collection, rep confirms
Fashion retailer H&M has confirmed that its collection supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community is not available in Malaysia.
— Malay Mail

US visa applications now require social media details
If you’re planning to visit the United States of America, you’ll need to apply for a visa which can be valid for up to 10 years. For those applying for one, it is now required that you declare your social media presence.
— Malay Mail

GMPN lodges police report against FB user who allegedly insults Mujahid
Gerakan Martabat Pejuang Negara (GMPN) Malaysia has urged the police and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate the owner of a Facebook account who published an edited picture which allegedly insulted the Minister in the Prime Minister.
— The Sun Daily

Apologise over remarks on Lynas, Dr Wee tells Guan Eng
Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has called on Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng to apologise over his remarks on Lynas.
— The Star Online

Stinking Rich? Malaysia Aims To Cash In On China’s Durian Craze
The durian, for those of you who’ve never seen one, is a Southeast Asian fruit that looks like a fiercely weaponized pineapple. It’s prickly. It’s pricey.
— WUNC

Adib inquest: DPP to represent Housing Ministry, fire dept after lawyer’s withdrawal
A deputy public prosecutor (DPP) will be appointed to represent the Housing and Local Government Ministry and the Fire and Rescue Department at the inquest into the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim.
— The Star Online

Traffic flow smooth on several expressways this morning
Traffic flow on several major expressways is reported to be smooth and under control as at 10.30am today. A PLUS Malaysia Berhad spokesperson when contacted said despite the increase in the number of vehicles on the road,.
— Malay Mail

Guan Eng: Status quo at TM for now
The existing leadership positions in TM Bhd will be maintained pending the resolution of a recent boardroom row, said Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng. According to the Star Online news portal, Lim said this meant Rosli Man.
— Malay Mail

PH govt will defend constitution: Salahuddin
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) Government will continue to defend the Malay Rulers, the special rights of the Malays and the sovereignty of Islam even though there are racial, religious and political propaganda being shared via the Whatapps app, said Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) deputy president,
— The Sun Daily

Deputy minister: More time for rural community to understand smoking ban
The move of the Health Ministry to extend the period of education on smoking ban at food premises to December this year, is give more space and opportunity to the people to understand the regulation better.
— Malay Mail

Malaysia, Indonesia to collaborate in saving Sumatran rhino
The governments of Malaysia and Indonesia will both work together to ensure the success of the Sumatran rhino breeding programme in order to save the species in Sabah.Deputy Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji said the collaboration is expected to.
— The Sun Daily

TNB’s focus is on resolving customers’ concerns soonest
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) says it is doing its best to resolve issues related to the recent sharp spike in billing among some of its customers. “All efforts are focused towards attending to our customers’ concerns.
— Malay Mail

Cops identify owner of gray Proton Wira which fled inspection
Police have identified the owner of the gray Proton Wira car which sped off when ordered to stop for inspection at Jalan Taman Persiaran Sri Putri, Taman Putri near Kulai yesterday.Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said efforts to locate the owner of the vehicle was made .
— The Sun Daily

State govt will help solve water crisis at Felcra Seberang Perak: MB
The state government will give its full commitment in resolving the water shortage problem which have been faced by Felcra Seberang Perak padi farmers for the past 20 years.Mentri Besar Perak Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said RM6 million would be needed to develop an irrigation system.
— The Sun Daily

Perak MB: State govt to prioritise development and helping the people
The Perak government will be spending the bulk of its allocation to help the people and develop the state, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
— The Star Online

Local institutions inject RM253 mil into equities market
Expert sees re-emergence of banking and manufacturing stocks with ratings upgrade by HSBC and UBS.
— FMT News

Airlines want joint lifting of 737 MAX ban, but EU cautious
Airlines are worried further splits between regulators over safety could confuse passengers and cause disruption.
— FMT News

Fire Dept considers using wetting chemical agent in firefighting
The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is considering the use of a new wetting chemical agent in the water used to extinguish building or structure fire.Its director-general, Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid, said the department is currently considering the use of a chemical.
— The Sun Daily

Zuraida: New DPP to be appointed for Adib’s inquest, previous evidence stands
A new deputy public prosecutor (DPP) will represent the Housing and Local Government Ministry along with the Fire and Rescue Services Department in the ongoing inquest into the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim.
— Malay Mail

Pitcher plant lemang causing anxiety among nature lovers
‘Lemang periuk kera’ or pitcher plant lemang is becoming increasingly popular and will definitely be a sought-after delicacy during Aidilfitri celebration next week as it is said to be much tastier than bamboo-cooked lemang.
— The Sun Daily

Indonesian man jumps into monsoon drain in trying to escape over fake permit
An Indonesian man risked his life by plunging into a moonsoon drain to escape arrest of illegal immigrants for having a fake job permit.In the 5pm incident, the man in the late 30s was initially stopped for screening during a special operation on motorcycles in conjunction with.
— The Sun Daily

Ampang Jaya boy gets head stuck in pot lid
It doesn’t pay to play with mum’s pots and pans as a six-year-old boy found out. In the 8pm incident at his house in Taman Ampang Indah here yesterday, Khalish Akil Hassan Basri was playing with the open lid of a pot.
— Malay Mail

IGP denies Jho Low arrested, says viral message incorrect
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador today denied police have arrested fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low. Abdul Hamid was responding to widespread rumours that emerged earlier.
— Malay Mail

49 deaths, 70,948 summonses issued in Op Selamat 15/2019
There were 49 fatalities due road accidents in three days since Op Selamat was launched in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, according to police Corporate Communications head Datuk Asmawati Ahmad.She said since it was launched in Wednesday, there were 5,310 accidents involving.
— The Sun Daily

Ban on disposable plastics at Selangor govt buildings effective July 1, says state environment chief
The Selangor government will enforce a campaign to stop the use of single-use plastics at all departments and agencies under the state’s administration from July 1.
— Malay Mail

Mohd Roze Shaari is new Intelligence/Operations deputy director
Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has a new Intelligence/Operations deputy director.Datuk Mohd Roze Shaari is among six senior police officers on interdepartmental transfer effective July 1.
— The Sun Daily

69 dead, 7,012 accidents since start of Ops Selamat 15 on May 29
In just four days since the launch of Ops Selamat 15 in conjunction with the ‘balik kampung’ exodus, 69 people have died in road accidents nationwide.The traffic safety police operation also recorded 7,012 accidents, involving 10,042 vehicles since its’ launch on May 29.
— The Sun Daily

MCMC urged to probe edited picture insulting Mujahid
Gerakan Martabat Pejuang Negara (GMPN) Malaysia has urged the police and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate the owner of Facebook account who published an edited picture allegedly.
— Malay Mail

Three motorcyclists seriously injured in collision
A 16-year-old teenager was among the three motorcyclists who were seriously injured in a collision at KM13 Jalan Bau-Serikin around 12.05am today. Bau District Police chief DSP Poge Nyaon said the accident was believed to have happened when all three motorcyclist were riding their.
— The Borneo Post

Fire Dept consider using wetting chemical agent in firefighting
The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is considering the use of a new wetting chemical agent in the water used to extinguish building or structure fire.
— The Borneo Post

Kadir Jasin: Rumours could hurt efforts to capture Jho Low
Speculation about fugitive financier Low Taek Jho may compromise genuine efforts to secure his arrest, Datuk A. Kadir Jasin cautioned the public today.
— Malay Mail

Initiative to provide broadband facility in interior areas: Gobind
The need to upgrade infrastructure in the interior like setting up internet centres in Kampung Benuk here will be considered as an initiative of the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.Its minister, Gobind Singh Deo (pix), said he could see for himself what was needed to be done after.
— The Sun Daily

Bar backs AG’s move to drop ministry’s rep in Adib inquest, says lawyer shouldn’t have even started on case
The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) acted correctly in asking a federal ministry to remove its legal counsel from the inquest into the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, the Malaysian Bar said today.
— Malay Mail

Viral message on Jho Low’s arrest incorrect: IGP
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador (pix) has refuted a message being circulated on social media that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, has been detained.”We are working towards that end but nothing has been finalised as yet.
— The Sun Daily

Grab drivers should be cautious, avoid suspicious passengers: Azis
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman (pix) has advised Grab drivers to be careful when picking up passengers.He said even though the occupation is a source of income, the safety factor should be a priority to avoid untoward incidents.
— The Sun Daily

Aidilfitri price control scheme records 127 offences
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry recorded 127 cases under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 as of Friday since launching its Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme in conjunction with Aidilfitri.
— The Sun Daily

Feature photo Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia/ Wazari Wazir

This week’s Malaysia morning news feature photo acknowledges Eid al-Fit, June 4-5.

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Malaysia morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Malaysia news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.