AKPS chief Mohd Shuhaily to be charged over alleged assault on two policemen

AKPS chief Mohd Shuhaily to be charged over alleged assault on two policemen


The case came to light after Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said on Oct 17 that the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) had returned the investigation papers to police for further action

Updated 3 hours ago · Published on 20 Oct 2026 2:04PM

The AGC had requested several improvements to the papers before deciding on the next course of action. - October 20, 2026


THE director-general of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, is expected to be charged at the Sepang Magistrate’s Court tomorrow over an incident involving two policemen at KLIA Terminal 1 on Sept 28.

A source told Berita Harian that the charge would be brought under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.

The case came to light after Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said on Oct 17 that the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) had returned the investigation papers to police for further action.

He said the AGC had requested several improvements to the papers before deciding on the next course of action.

“The police are still completing the investigation. The AGC informed us that several improvements need to be made to the investigation papers,” he said.

Saifuddin said the papers contained statements recorded from witnesses and other information gathered during the investigation before they were submitted to the AGC.

“The AGC needs to be fully satisfied with the investigation findings before making a decision. If it is not satisfied, it will usually return the investigation papers to the police for further action,” he said.

He added that police had been instructed to complete the investigation in accordance with the AGC’s requirements.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar later confirmed that Shuhaily would face two charges at the Sepang Magistrate’s Court tomorrow over the incident at KLIA.

“I can confirm that Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily will be charged at the Sepang Magistrate’s Court tomorrow morning on two counts,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shuhaily said he is ready to face the legal process at the Sepang Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

The former top cop confirmed he had been informed of the impending charge and would attend court to face the proceedings.

“I am ready to face the country’s legal process tomorrow. I accept and respect whatever decision is made, and I will attend court,” he said when contacted.

He reiterated his earlier remarks that efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s border security came at a price, adding that he was prepared to bear the cost himself.

He also thanked Malaysians for their continued support as he carried out his duties, as well as those who had prayed for him.

“I am also grateful to those who continue to pray for me and for things to be made easier as I carry out my responsibilities,” he said. - October 20, 2026

Anwar: Govt did not order delay or halt to Felda probe

Anwar: Govt did not order delay or halt to Felda probe



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a white paper on Felda had been tabled in 2019, but no follow-up action was taken until the current government took over the administration in 2022. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated no orders were given to delay or halt the Felda investigation.
• He emphasized that thorough investigation papers are required before prosecution, ensuring no cabinet obstruction.
• A white paper on Felda was tabled in 2019, but action began only under the current government in 2022.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 12:46 PM MYT
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 1:11 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said no instructions had been issued to delay or halt investigations into alleged misappropriation involving the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda).

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the process took time to ensure that the investigation papers were complete before prosecution could be initiated.


“The Felda case was indeed brought to the attention of the Cabinet, and no one has obstructed the investigation. The only request was for the investigation to be conducted transparently,” he said during the Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was answering a supplementary question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas), who wanted to know why prosecution in connection with the Felda issue was only being initiated now although the disputed transactions took place between 2010 and 2020.


Anwar said a white paper on Felda had been tabled in 2019, but no follow-up action was taken until the current government took over the administration in 2022.

The prime minister said the government subsequently established a special task force on Felda, which took about a year before the investigation process began.

“So there was no delay; it was simply a matter of timing,” he said.


Anwar said one of the factors that prolonged the process was that the investigation papers had been returned several times by the Attorney General’s Chambers for further work to address gaps in the investigations.


“In the Felda case, the investigation papers went back and forth with the Attorney General three to four times. The Attorney General said there were gaps, so the papers were returned, and the process took three to four months,” he said.

The prime minister said the government needed to ensure that investigations had a solid foundation before anyone was charged, adding that enforcement action should not be taken hastily at the expense of transparency in the legal process.

At the same time, Anwar said the prosecution was not based solely on the losses suffered by Felda, but also on evidence of misconduct, including abuse of power and irregularities in the management of transactions.

He said the government would continue to ensure that investigations proceeded without interference, while investigative processes and further action would be left to the relevant enforcement agencies. — Bernama

How did a PAS nominee end up heading a Chinese new village?

How did a PAS nominee end up heading a Chinese new village?

Malaysiakini Team

Published: Oct 20, 2026 7:00 AM


For nearly two weeks, Chinese-language media and the Chinese community in Negeri Sembilan have been asking how a PAS member - an Indian Muslim Malaysian - came to be appointed head of a Chinese new village in Jempol.


The controversy began on Oct 8, when Chinese-language newspapers first reported that a PAS nominee would be appointed village chief of Kampung Baru Mahsan.

The appointment quickly drew attention because Negeri Sembilan had never before had a PAS nominee heading a Chinese new village.

A few days later, Negeri Sembilan MCA chief Leaw Kok Chan said the problem stemmed from the Jempol district office mixing up Kampung Baru Mahsan with Kampung Seri Mahsan when processing the appointments.


According to Leaw, MCA's Chinese nominee was originally meant to head Kampung Baru Mahsan, while the nominee put forward by Serting assemblyperson Fairuz Isa was supposed to take charge of Kampung Seri Mahsan.

After discussions, the two nominees were switched back.

That should have settled the matter - except it soon emerged that the "Kampung Seri Mahsan" referred to in the MCA statement was not a Malay kampung. It, too, is a Chinese new village, with almost all its households being Chinese.

More precisely, Kampung Seri Mahsan falls under the category of a "Kampung Baru Rangkaian", or a Chinese new village brought into the wider new village administrative system. The Chinese community has long referred to it simply as "Seri Mahsan New Village".



A Housing and Local Government Ministry official also confirmed to Malaysiakini that Kampung Seri Mahsan is among Negeri Sembilan's 59 recognised Chinese new villages.

So while the PAS nominee was moved from Kampung Baru Mahsan to Kampung Seri Mahsan, the outcome remained the same: a PAS nominee would still be heading a Chinese new village.

What made the story more intriguing was what the incoming Kampung Seri Mahsan village chief, Rafi Manimaran Abdullah, told reporters on Oct 15.


His account of how the appointments were originally allocated did not entirely match MCA's public explanation.

"Initially, I was indeed assigned to Kampung Baru Mahsan, while they had Kampung Seri Mahsan.

"But when the controversy arose, we agreed to swap. I would take Kampung Seri Mahsan, and they would take Kampung Baru Mahsan," he said.

Malaysiakini visited Mahsan and spoke to former village chiefs, a local Gerakan leader, Rafi and Serting assemblyperson Fairuz.

What emerged was a story that involved more than two villages with confusingly similar names. It also revealed a more complicated process of grassroots political bargaining.

Separated by one road

Kampung Baru Mahsan and Kampung Seri Mahsan sit on opposite sides of Jalan Bahau-Kemayan, a main road running through the area.


The two are similar in size, with roughly 50 to 60 households each. The traditional new village areas largely consist of two rows of houses, some of which have since been converted into shops and eateries.

Each village also has its own community hall. Kampung Seri Mahsan's is larger, with a covered basketball and badminton court beside it.

Administratively, they are two separate villages. On the ground, however, it is easy to see why outsiders might confuse them.

Inside Kampung Seri Mahsan, Malaysiakini found an entrance arch bearing the Chinese words "仁保县马身新村" (Mahsan New Village, Jempol district), while the Malay inscription reads "Kampung Mahsan Daerah Jempol".

Across the road, Kampung Baru Mahsan itself has no comparable entrance arch.


The community hall in Kampung Seri Mahsan presents the same ambiguity. Its Chinese sign still reads "马身民众会堂" (Mahsan Community Hall), while the Malay name identifies it as "Balai Raya Kampung Seri Mahsan".

The seemingly contradictory signage is tied to the villages' history.

Former Kampung Seri Mahsan village chief Poon Hoon Kong (below) told Malaysiakini there was originally only one Mahsan New Village, administered by a single village committee.

Around the late 1990s to 2000, he said, factional disputes within the local MCA led to the village being split in two to accommodate the rival groups.


Kampung Seri Mahsan was subsequently created as a separate village, giving the area two MCA branches, two village committees and two village chiefs.

More than two decades later, the entrance arch at Kampung Seri Mahsan still bears the name "Mahsan New Village" - a visible remnant of that history.

The similar names may explain how an administrative mix-up could occur.

They do not, however, explain why a PAS nominee was on the list to head one of the two Chinese new villages in the first place.

How was the village chief list drawn up?

Jempol Gerakan division chief Phuan Er Cheng believes the problem began earlier, during negotiations over the appointments.

When Malaysiakini asked why MCA had later pushed for the two nominees to be switched if it was concerned about the controversy being prolonged, Phuan replied: "Because there was no consultation at the beginning."

"By the time the names had already been submitted, only then they tried to deal with it, the first step was already wrong," he said.

That account is closer, at least in terms of sequence, to Rafi's statement that he had initially been assigned Kampung Baru Mahsan.

But it still differs from MCA's explanation that the district office had merely mixed up an agreed arrangement.

Fairuz (below), who is also the state PAS commissioner, offered further insight into why the party had sought one of the village chief posts.


He said that even during the state election campaign, some Malay residents in the area had asked why, since Mahsan had two village committees, one could not be headed by a Chinese representative and the other by a Malay representative.

"There are now many residential areas there, and many Malays live in those residential areas.

"During the election campaign, they told me there are two village committees here. So if I became the assemblyperson, what would be wrong with having one Malay village chief?" he recalled.

Fairuz said he did not commit to the idea at the time, telling them they would revisit it after the election.

Rafi a suitable nominee

After PAS won the seat and became part of the state government, Fairuz said the village chief appointments were later discussed with BN.

He argued that Rafi was a suitable nominee because he could engage with Malay residents, represent the Indian community and was also willing to serve Chinese residents.

Taken together, these accounts suggest that PAS' entry into the Mahsan village chief list was not something that only happened after the district office allegedly made a mistake.

At the very least, the idea of having the two village committees headed by representatives of different communities had already surfaced during the election campaign.

What remains unclear is whether Rafi was originally allocated Kampung Baru Mahsan or Kampung Seri Mahsan. The accounts given by the different parties do not fully match.

Local concerns

A village chief receives a state government allowance of just RM900 a month, but the role in a new village is far from ceremonial.

Poon said residents often turn to the village chief over infrastructure issues, day-to-day community problems and even disputes between neighbours.

When community events require dealings with government agencies, the village chief is also often the first person called upon to coordinate matters, he added.


Former Kampung Baru Mahsan chief Wong Kong Fowi (above), 69, gave the example of the annual Yu Lan, or Hungry Ghost Festival.

When residents organised the event in the past, he said he would help with applications to the municipal council and liaise with the relevant authorities.

For many new village residents, therefore, the identity of the village chief is not some distant political party matter. It has a direct bearing on everyday life.

Yap Yong Fatt, 78, one of the villagers Malaysiakini spoke to, initially appeared unconcerned when asked whether having a PAS nominee as village chief would make a difference.

"I don’t think it will have much impact. Whoever becomes village chief, it will be the same," he said.

But when the conversation turned to the Hungry Ghost Festival, he admitted having reservations.

"I'm worried that when we hold our Hungry Ghost Festival prayers, there may be interference," the MCA member said.


Yap (above) also said his command of Malay was limited, leaving him concerned about possible communication problems if he needed the new chief's help.

Another resident in his 60s, who declined to be named, raised the same concern.

He said both Mahsan villages had traditionally been headed by Chinese chiefs, which at least meant residents could communicate easily when they needed assistance.

"If something happens, I'm worried it will be troublesome to approach him because of the language barrier," he said.

Then there's the matter of the community hall.

Weddings, religious events and community functions may involve pork and alcohol, he said, and any future restrictions would affect long-standing local customs.

"If those are not allowed, it will be very troublesome. At weddings or deity celebrations, if pork suddenly cannot be served, that will be a problem," he said.

Can Rafi communicate with local Chinese?

Early Chinese-language reports described Rafi as being able to communicate in Malay, English, Tamil, Mandarin and Hakka.

But when Malaysiakini and Chinese-language reporters asked him directly, Rafi said he could not speak Mandarin.

However, he could speak Hakka, which he used to introduce himself and to tell the Chinese residents that they could approach him if they had any problems.


Rafi (above), 53, was born in Port Dickson and moved to Kampung Baru Ladang Jelebu when he was six.

He said he grew up with Chinese neighbours and friends, which was how he learnt Hakka. He later converted to Islam and has been a PAS member for close to 30 years.

He has lived in Mahsan for about two decades.

On the religious and cultural concerns raised by residents, Rafi stressed that he would not interfere with Chinese worship or customary practices.

Asked whether he could accept community events or celebrations involving pork and alcohol, he said yes.

"Because I know this is the home of the Chinese community," he said.

'No problem'

When asked by Malaysiakini whether pork and alcohol could still be present at Chinese events held in public spaces, Fairuz said "no problem".

He said he had attended Chinese funerals where pork was placed in front of him and had never regarded that as an issue.

"I’m not the one eating it," he said.


Fairuz said he understood concerns within the Chinese community that a PAS-linked village chief might mean restrictions on worship, dress or other aspects of daily life.

"I know the Chinese community is worried about things like not being allowed to pray, or not being allowed to wear shorts, and so on.

"But who am I to stop that? Who are we to stop that?"

He nevertheless stressed that public activities should still take into account the sensitivities of other communities.

"We have to preserve harmony together and be mindful of each other's sensitivities.

"If you want to hold something openly and it affects Malays or creates sensitivities, then you would have to seek permission first," he said.

For Fairuz, such issues could be resolved through discussion.

"There are two village chiefs, right? The two can sit down and discuss it. If someone says, 'We want to do this and this', then discuss it and settle the matter," he said.

Do surrounding residential areas fall under the village chief?

Both Fairuz and Rafi repeatedly pointed to the growing number of residential areas around Kampung Seri Mahsan, many of which have sizeable Malay populations.

This formed part of Fairuz's argument that the village chief appointment should not be viewed solely through the ethnic composition of the traditional Chinese new village.


Malaysiakini, however, found that while these residential areas sit immediately next to Kampung Seri Mahsan, administratively they fall under the Jempol Municipal Council.

For local government matters, the formal authority remains the municipal council, while federal allocations specifically meant for Chinese new villages can only be spent on facilities within the new village itself.

The Kampung Seri Mahsan village chief might still provide community assistance to residents in the surrounding residential areas, but being able to serve them does not mean those areas administratively form part of Kampung Seri Mahsan.

The distinction also means that a growing Malay population around the new village does not, by itself, indicate that the official boundaries of the Chinese new village have changed.

PAS' past remarks on Chinese new villages

PAS' Maran MP Ismail Muttalib has, in Parliament, previously linked the history of Chinese new villages to the Malayan Communist Party.

Ismail (below) also asked whether the government should restructure Chinese new villages so that they become more ethnically mixed communities rather than continuing to be seen as associated with communism.


With a PAS nominee now set to lead a Chinese new village, those remarks have inevitably resurfaced.

When asked about this, Fairuz said the issue belonged in the past.

"That was the story from long ago. If you yourself come from a new village today, surely I'm not going to be angry with you.

"We should all be mindful of each other's sensitivities now," he added.

He noted that Chinese new villages today also received allocations from the federal government, and argued there was little point in repeatedly amplifying old and sensitive controversies.

"If we keep taking small issues and making them bigger, these sensitivities will continue forever. How long do we want that to go on?"

Instead, he said, communities should look for points on which they could talk, build relationships and live together.

From one to two

The two kampungs were once a single Chinese new village before local political disputes split them into two village committees more than two decades ago.

Today, the two village chief posts have again become part of political negotiations.


A grassroots position long dominated by Chinese parties and Chinese community leaders in Negeri Sembilan will now, for the first time, include a PAS nominee.

According to Chinese-language media reports, four other new village chief appointments in the state - Rasah, Rahang, Gemas and Ayer Kuning - had yet to be finalised at the time of reporting.

How those appointments are eventually settled may determine whether Kampung Seri Mahsan proves to be an isolated arrangement, or the first sign of a broader shift in the politics of Chinese new villages in Negeri Sembilan and possibly elsewhere.

Reported by Lee Way Loon, Khoo Shi Yuan and Tan Fu Qi

Indonesian paper company hit with restrictions in Singapore after suppliers linked to haze fires

Indonesian paper company hit with restrictions in Singapore after suppliers linked to haze fires



Singapore’s skyline, with the Formula One pit building on October 15, 2026. Haze from Indonesian forest fires continues to blanket the city‑state. — AFP pic


Summary

• The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) has imposed temporary restrictions on Asia Pulp & Paper's (APP) enhanced Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS+) certification due to links between its suppliers and wildfires in Indonesia.
• APP must provide daily fire monitoring and effectively implement fire prevention measures in concession areas associated with the fires.
• Failure to comply may result in the suspension of APP's SGLS+ certificate, affecting its product labeling.
• SEC is urging certified companies to verify their supply chains for involvement with entities under prevention notices and reminding consumers to consider environmental labels in their purchasing decisions.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 2:15 PM MYT


SINGAPORE, Oct 20 — Indonesian paper Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) has been placed under temporary green certification restrictions by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC).

The firm, which is behind household tissue and paper towel brand Paseo, was issued a notice of temporary restrictions on its enhanced Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS+) on Oct 18, after three of its wood-fibre suppliers were linked to ongoing wildfires in Indonesia that have blanketed several South-east Asian nations in hazardous haze.


SEC said in a statement on Monday (Oct 19) that they take a serious view of the harmful impact of haze on the health of people in Singapore and the wider region, as well as on the environment.

Under the notice, APP is required to provide daily fire response reporting and strict monitoring to ensure effective fire prevention and suppression, for the concession areas managed by PT Bumi Mekar Hijau, PT Bumi Andalas Permai, and PT Sebangun Bumi Andalas (SBA) Wood Industries.


The three firms are among seven entities issued with Preventive Measure Notices under Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act on Oct 16.

SEC’s SGLS+ certification for pulp and paper products was launched in 2017, two years after the severe regional haze episode in 2015.

It incorporated requirements to reduce fire risks on agroforestry plantations, including sustainable peatland management, robust fire prevention, and strict zero-burning compliance throughout the supply chain.


According to SEC, about 58 pulp and paper products, such as printing paper and hygiene paper, are now certified under the scheme.


The council stated that if APP’s additional reporting does not demonstrate that strengthened monitoring, fire prevention and suppression measures are implemented effectively, its SGLS+ certificate may be suspended.

This means that it will not be able to use the SGLS+ logo on products associated with the certification.

And while non-SGLS+ products are not banned from being sold, major local supermarket chains and retailers are known to have pulled such products from shelves when manufacturers loses or fails to achieve the certification.

SEC said it has also asked SGLS+ certified companies to check their supply chains and declare whether they source or purchase wood, paper, and pulp products from any of the entities served with the prevention measure notices.

A total of ten Indonesian firms — seven on Oct 16, and another three on Oct 19 — have since been served with Preventive Measure Notices.

The council also reminded consumers that their daily purchasing decisions can influence companies’ environmental practices, and that they can make a difference by choosing products carefully by looking for the Singapore Green Label where applicable. — AsiaOne

Azmin: RoS deregistration shows Perikatan leadership breached coalition constitution

Azmin: RoS deregistration shows Perikatan leadership breached coalition constitution



In a statement posted on Facebook today, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the explanations and evidence provided by PAS during the Registrar of Societies’ (RoS) investigation were baseless and failed to meet legal and constitutional requirements. — Picture by Firdaus Latif


Summary

• Bersatu's secretary-general Azmin Ali stated that the cancellation of Perikatan Nasional's registration was due to leadership breaches by PAS under the Societies Act 1966 and the coalition's constitution.
• Azmin criticised the denial of Bersatu's rights during a PN Supreme Council meeting, citing a severe breach of the coalition's constitution and emphasising the need for accountability and transparency.
• He highlighted Bersatu's role as a founding member of PN, expressing difficulty accepting the Registrar of Societies' decision, while stressing the necessity for compliance with the law and good governance.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 1:49 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the cancellation of Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) registration showed that the coalition’s leadership, led by PAS, had breached the Societies Act 1966 and PN’s constitution.

In a statement posted on Facebook today, Azmin said the explanations and evidence provided by PAS during the Registrar of Societies’ (RoS) investigation were baseless and failed to meet legal and constitutional requirements.


He said the PN leadership’s decision to deny Bersatu the right to attend, express its views and vote at a PN Supreme Council meeting on July 16 amounted to a serious breach of Clause 7.1 of the coalition’s constitution.

Azmin said the action had caused significant harm to PN and could jeopardise its future.


He also accused the coalition’s leadership of disregarding good governance and transparency, creating pressure to remove Bersatu’s membership through a veto exercised by an individual who did not hold a position on the PN Supreme Council.

Azmin said Bersatu had been called to give evidence to the RoS on August 18 and had provided factual explanations and evidence that PN’s leadership had denied the party rights guaranteed under the coalition’s constitution.

He said Bersatu’s complaint, submitted on August 11, was intended to ensure PN was managed with accountability, transparency and integrity, and complied with the law and its constitution.


“PN cannot be allowed to become a shelter for groups hungry for political power and seeking to hijack the Perikatan Nasional brand, which is moderate, progressive and responsive to the Malaysian people,” he said.


Azmin accused PAS and its allies of portraying themselves as victims of political manoeuvring to gain sympathy ahead of the Melaka state election.

He also criticised what he described as excessive identity politics, accusing PAS of failing to manage an organisation based on democratic principles and good governance, and of betraying its political allies.

Azmin said Bersatu found the RoS decision difficult to accept because it was a founding member of PN and had helped establish the coalition.

Nevertheless, he said Bersatu accepted that PN must fulfil its responsibilities under its constitution and the Societies Act 1966, also known as Act 832, to ensure legal compliance and orderly governance.

He said Bersatu would study the full RoS decision before its Supreme Leadership Council discussed the next steps to rebuild public confidence in a political coalition that promotes moderation, values-based politics and a new vision for a prosperous Malaysia.

Trump now auctioning America’s ocean floor off Samoa, 31 million acres up for grabs despite fury

Trump now auctioning America’s ocean floor off Samoa, 31 million acres up for grabs despite fury



A screengrab of Google Maps showing Samoa’s location.


Summary

• The Trump administration has finalized plans to auction off deep-sea mining leases covering 31 million acres near American Samoa, marking the first such auction in U.S. history, despite strong opposition from local and environmental groups.
• With bidding set for November, the move is positioned as critical for securing minerals vital for energy and national defense.
• The auction has sparked controversy due to environmental concerns and local resistance, given the area's ecological significance and proximity to the Rose Atoll marine sanctuary.
• Critics, including American Samoa's governor and multiple organizations, have voiced concerns about the potential environmental impact of deep-sea mining.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 1:37 PM MYT


WASHINGTON, Oct 20 — President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday announced it had finalised a deep-sea mining auction off the coast of American Samoa, the first in the United States’ history, despite widespread opposition from locals and environmental groups.

The lease sales will cover approximately 31 million acres over two areas off the US Pacific archipelago, with bidding set for November 19.


“Critical minerals are no longer just commodities; they are a vital strategic asset in global competition, essential for reaching our energy efficiency goals, strengthening our national defence, and securing domestic supply chains,” said Mike Olsen, acting director for the Marine Minerals Administration (MMA), which falls under the Interior Department, in a statement.

“MMA recognises the ocean floor surrounding American Samoa carries cultural, economic, and environmental significance, requiring that the pursuit of national security and energy readiness is balanced with rigorous environmental stewardship,” he added.


The sale follows an April 2025 executive order in which Trump called leadership in deep-sea science and technology “a core national security and economic interest,” and a request by US firm Impossible Metals to open leasing off the territory, which lies east of the independent nation of Samoa.

Mining companies want to scour the ocean’s abyssal plains for polymetallic nodules laden with nickel, copper and cobalt. Critics fear irreversible damage, with plumes of waste smothering marine life and the thrum of heavy machinery disrupting migrations.


American Samoa banned deep-sea mining in its territorial waters in 2024, but the auction concerns the federally controlled Outer Continental Shelf beyond that limit.


In a public comment submitted in September 2026 about the auction, American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula said he “does not support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction at this time” but acknowledged the final decision rests with the US government.


“These lease sales will open the floodgates to the exploitation of our deep seas,” said Oceana Defense Campaign Manager Julia Singer.

“The message from American Samoa, and people across the United States, could not be clearer: stop deep-sea mining before it starts. Thousands of scientists, local leaders, and community members have warned of the danger that deep-sea mining poses, yet the Trump administration is continuing to ignore widespread opposition to this proposal. The US government should defend the deep, not fast-track its destruction.”

The area borders the vast Rose Atoll marine sanctuary, where endangered species of hawksbill turtle thrive on vibrant reefs. — AFP

RoS deregisters Perikatan after coalition fails to refute grounds for cancellation

RoS deregisters Perikatan after coalition fails to refute grounds for cancellation



Based on the cancellation notice among the reasons for the deregistration was that PN had breached Clause 7.1 of its party constitution by denying Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) the right to attend and take part in the PN Supreme Council’s emergency meeting on July 16. — Picture by Hari Anggara


Summary

• The Registrar of Societies (RoS) has deregistered Perikatan Nasional (PN) after concluding that their explanations failed to address the grounds for deregistration as outlined in a prior notice.
• The decision, made under subparagraph 13(1)(c)(iv) of the Societies Act 1966, followed a review of documents and representations submitted by PN.
• A key reason for the deregistration was PN's violation of Clause 7.1 of its constitution by excluding Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia from a key meeting.
• RoS determined that PN's justifications were unsatisfactory, and thus, the cancellation order was enacted.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 10:16 AM MYT
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 10:21 AM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, Oct 20 — The Registrar of Societies (RoS) has cancelled the registration of Perikatan Nasional (PN) after finding that the explanation submitted by the coalition failed to refute the grounds for deregistration stated in an earlier notice.

In a statement today, RoS said it made the decision after examining all the documents and explanations submitted by PN on Oct 12.


According to the department, the reasons given by PN also did not provide strong justification for maintaining the party’s registration.

“In this regard, the Registrar of Societies has decided to cancel PN’s registration under subparagraph 13(1)©(iv) of the Societies Act 1966,” the statement said.


RoS said it had previously issued a notice dated Sept 22 to PN under subsection 13(2) of the Societies Act 1966, giving the party an opportunity to submit an explanation and representations regarding the matters raised.

Following the notice, PN submitted its response on Oct 12.

RoS stressed that every registered society is responsible for ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Societies Act 1966 and its own constitution.


The department also gave an assurance that it would continue to carry out its regulatory and enforcement functions firmly, fairly and in accordance with the law to ensure orderly, transparent and integrity-driven governance of societies.


PN had previously been embroiled in an internal dispute following a complaint by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) to RoS regarding the party’s position in the coalition.

RoS had earlier confirmed receiving Bersatu’s official complaint on Aug 11, which included allegations that the party was excluded from the PN Supreme Council meeting on July 16 and an issue concerning its membership status in the coalition. — Bernama

Anwar dismisses RM9.5m claim against minister as ‘political statement’ with no evidence

Anwar dismisses RM9.5m claim against minister as ‘political statement’ with no evidence




Speaking during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said all allegations of corruption should be investigated without exception. — Bernama file pic


Summary

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismissed claims that a minister received RM9.5 million from a businessman, calling it a political statement without evidence.
• Anwar stated all corruption claims should be investigated and confirmed the minister involved has challenged the allegation in court.
• He emphasised that corruption is not limited to any political party and said he would not shield PKR members from investigations, referencing his former political secretary's trial for corruption.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 12:02 PM MYT



KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today dismissed an allegation that a minister had received RM9.5 million from a businessman, describing it as a “political statement” that was “not backed by any evidence”, Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported.


Speaking during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said all allegations of corruption should be investigated without exception.

“The minister concerned has challenged it and taken the matter to court,” he was quoted as saying.


Anwar also said corruption was not confined to any particular political party.

“If there are cases involving members of PKR, I will not use my powers to stop them, including in the case of my former political secretary,” he said, referring to Shamsul Iskandar Akin, who is facing trial for corruption.

Anwar was responding to Hulu Terengganu MP Rosol Wahid of Perikatan Nasional (PN), who asked about investigations into the alleged “corporate mafia” activities involving businessman Victor Chin, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak and former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki.


Rosol also referred to an allegation made in a podcast that a minister had received RM9.5 million to act as an intermediary in resolving a matter related to the “corporate mafia”.

Lula or Bolsonaro’s son? Brazil braces for final choice in knife‑edge runoff

Lula or Bolsonaro’s son? Brazil braces for final choice in knife‑edge runoff






Summary

• The upcoming presidential runoff in Brazil on Sunday will determine the country's political trajectory, with incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva facing right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro.
• Lula seeks a fourth non-consecutive term at the age of 81, while Bolsonaro, who secured 47% of the first-round vote, aims to shift Brazil towards a pro-Trump alignment.
• The election has been contentious, with accusations of interference against Meta and a focus on social media campaigning.
• Both candidates have emphasized economic issues and democracy, with Bolsonaro vowing to release his jailed father, ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro, if victorious.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 10:35 AM MYT
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 11:27 AM MYT


RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct 20 — A presidential runoff between Brazil’s incumbent leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his right-wing challenger Flavio Bolsonaro will decide the fate of Latin America’s largest democracy on Sunday.

Lula, on the cusp of 81 and seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, is facing stiff competition from the 45-year-old senator, who is the son of jailed ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro.


Flavio Bolsonaro defied expectations by nabbing 47 per cent of the first-round vote over Lula’s 45 per cent in early October.

The runoff victor will either preserve the vast country of 214 million people as a left-wing stronghold in Latin America, or usher it into the ranks of right-wing administrations loyal to US President Donald Trump.


Trump has not yet explicitly endorsed Flavio Bolsonaro, but the White House has loomed large over a bitterly divisive election campaign.

Lula’s political party has accused US tech giant Meta of election “interference” by allegedly restricting the incumbent’s WhatsApp and Instagram content.


The company has denied doing anything to favour either side, but previously said that some of Lula’s campaign ads had been mistakenly deactivated due to technical errors not isolated to Brazil.


That controversy is unfolding amid a campaign that has largely played out on social media, a realm typically dominated by the political right.


But Brazilian leftists are upping their game, and Lula has begun appealing to voters via front-facing despite not owning his own cell phone.

‘The right to dream’

A recent Datafolha institute poll gave Bolsonaro 51 per cent of voting intentions compared with 49 per cent for Lula, placing the pair in a technical tie given the margin of error.

Polls had underestimated the scale of support for the right-wing candidate ahead of the first round, however.

“Brazil is going to retire you,” Flavio Bolsonaro hurled at his rival during a heated televised debate riddled with low blows on Sunday night.

He pledged to restore “hope and the right to dream” during a rally in the northern Amazonian state of Para on Monday.

The senator has campaigned on promises to improve purchasing power and tackle insecurity — two huge concerns among Brazil’s roughly 160 million registered voters.

“Today, the situation is difficult, with the government raising taxes on those who work to feed the welfare dependency of low-income people,” civil servant Geneci Bispo, 58, told AFP at a Sao Paulo rally on Sunday.

Flavio Bolsonaro has also railed against corruption on the campaign trail, honing in on Lula’s previous conviction which was later annulled.

The senator himself is under investigation for corruption over the funding of a biopic about his father, partly financed by a banker embroiled in one of the biggest financial scandals in Brazilian history.

Democracy a ‘fragile thing’

The shock result of the first round appears to have invigorated the left, with Lula’s camp staging massive rallies ever since.

“I want to thank the Brazilian people who took to the streets to ensure the continuity of democracy in this country,” the president said.

Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year prison sentence under house arrest for attempting a coup following his electoral defeat to Lula in 2022.

Flavio Bolsonaro has sworn to liberate his father if elected.

“Democracy is a very precious and fragile thing,” said marketing professional Camila Hassen, 35, at a leftist protest in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

Lula has passed a series of social measures at the eleventh hour in a bid to turn things around for his camp.

His administration last month announced an increase to Bolsa Familia, Lula’s flagship allowance for poor families, which came into effect this week.

The veteran politician also scored an important win by getting parliamentary approval of a reduction in working hours, an extremely popular measure that even Flavio Bolsonaro supported. — AFP

KTMB warns of fake job offers on TikTok, denies appointing recruitment agent

KTMB warns of fake job offers on TikTok, denies appointing recruitment agent



In a statement today, KTMB said the account also attempted to obtain users’ personal information and advised the public to remain vigilant and not disclose personal information through unverified channels. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin


Summary

• Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) denies appointing any third party to handle recruitment, countering claims by a TikTok account misusing its name to offer fake jobs.
• KTMB advises the public to stay cautious and not provide personal information through unverified channels, as investigations continue into the misuse of its identity.
• The company will pursue legal action against those involved in fraud or impersonation and urges the public to check official sources for legitimate recruitment information.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 11:52 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has denied appointing any third party to handle its recruitment following the emergence of a TikTok account, “kerjaya.ktmb”, which misuses the company’s name and logo to offer fake jobs.

In a statement today, KTMB said the account also attempted to obtain users’ personal information and advised the public to remain vigilant and not disclose personal information through unverified channels.


“KTMB wants to stress that it has not appointed any third party or created a dedicated social media account to handle recruitment, as claimed by the account,” it said.

The rail operator said it was conducting further investigations into the misuse of KTMB’s name and logo, as well as the dissemination of the fake job offers.


“KTMB will not hesitate to take legal action against any party found to be involved in fraud, impersonation, misuse of corporate identity or any other unlawful acts,” it said.

Members of the public are advised to refer to KTMB’s official website at www.ktmb.com.my and its official social media channels for information on career opportunities, recruitment and official announcements.

KTMB also stressed that it viewed seriously the misuse of its name, logo and corporate identity, which could mislead the public and compromise the security of their personal information.


The company also expressed its appreciation to social media account owner Syed Al Hafiz for his concern and initiative in sharing information and alerting the public to the scam attempt.


Bernama checks on the TikTok account found that it was still accessible, with its latest post published about 12 hours before the checks were conducted. — Bernama

Polls close as voters in Alberta decide whether to have referendum on leaving Canada

Polls close as voters in Alberta decide whether to have referendum on leaving Canada

Summary


Polls have closed as voters in Alberta are deciding whether to have a referendum on separating from Canada


"I don't even consider myself to be Canadian anymore," one voter tells the BBC, while another calls the vote "a turning point in Canada's history"


Separatists argue the province - which has the fourth-largest oil reserves in the world - has been overlooked by Ottawa


Meanwhile, indigenous Albertans have been working to block the vote for months, arguing separation would violate land treaties


How are Canada's allies viewing this long-shot vote? Our chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet weighs in from Ottawa


What happens next? If a majority vote for independence, it would kick-start the process of holding a binding referendum on separation





Media caption,

The father and son on opposite sides of Alberta’s separation referendum



Edited by Charlotte Hadfield and Caitlin Doherty with Nadine Yousif and Eloise Alanna reporting from Edmonton, Alberta


Early results not looking good for Albertans who want separation - published at 16:17

Nadine Yousif
Reporting from Alberta


The first batch of results have just come in, and they don’t look good for the Albertans who want separation.

At the pro-separatist watch party here in Edmonton, the hum of upbeat chatter quickly quieted as attendees saw preliminary results so far show 76.5% voting to remain in Canada, and 23.5% voting to hold an independence referendum. “Liberal lies!” yelled one woman at the TV displaying the CBC broadcast of the result, telling others “please don’t worry.”

Polls close as majority of Albertans expected to vote to remain in Canadam - published at 16:00

Nadine Yousif
Reporting from Edmonton, Alberta


If you're just joining us, here's what to know:

• It's 23:00 local time in Alberta and polls have just closed. We expect to have results start to trickle in shortly
• Albertans have voted on whether to remain in Canada or hold a binding referendum on independence
• Supporters of separation in traditionally the conservative province are motivated by frustration with Ottawa and the Liberal government of Prime Minister Mark Carney. Some told the BBC earlier today that they want an independent Alberta, while others said they are voting in hopes of having some of their frustrations addressed by Ottawa
• Mitch Sylvestre, a leader of the separatist movement, told the BBC that "a lot of work will have to be done" to curb the appetite for independence, even if his side loses
• Pro-Canada Albertans have told the BBC at polling stations that they are motivated to keep the country united. Some say they worry that an independent Alberta would be vulnerable to outside influence, including from the United States
• Polls indicate the majority of Albertans will vote to remain in Canada, but both sides are anxious to see if results will reflect that

Polls close, count begins - published at 15:40

Nadine Yousif
Reporting from Edmonton, Alberta

Polls across Alberta have closed, and now the focus will be on watching the results.

Stick with us as we bring you the numbers and developments as they come through.

Myanmar releases new Suu Kyi photos as King Charles sends package to ‘special prisoner’

Myanmar releases new Suu Kyi photos as King Charles sends package to ‘special prisoner’



Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi received a package from Britain’s King Charles III on Monday, authorities said. — AFP pic/Myanmar’s Ministry of Home Affairs handout


Summary

• Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi received a package from Britain's King Charles III, marking the first use of the term "special female prisoner" by authorities.
• This comes amidst ongoing conflicts following Suu Kyi's ousting in the 2021 military coup.
• Images recently released of Suu Kyi, still under house arrest, show her receiving books and a sealed communication from the King.
• Despite calls from the UK for her release, Suu Kyi remains detained on widely criticized charges viewed as efforts by the military to consolidate power.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 9:32 AM MYT


YANGON, Oct 20 — Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi received a package from Britain’s King Charles III on Monday, authorities said, releasing the first pictures of the detained Nobel laureate in two months and describing her as a “special female prisoner”.

It is the first time Myanmar authorities have used the term to describe Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a military coup in 2021, triggering an ongoing civil war that has killed more than 100,000 people, according to monitor ACLED.

The coup leader and former junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was installed as civilian president in April following elections that did not include Suu Kyi’s party, and she was moved to house arrest soon afterwards.

Home ministry officials met her on Monday to deliver a package of two books about soil, “one sealed envelope, and a sealed diplomatic communication sent by King Charles III of the United Kingdom to the special female detainee”, Myanmar’s presidential spokeswoman said on her Facebook page.


Britain is Myanmar’s former colonial power and the monarch is known to have a keen interest in gardening and the environment.

Accompanying the statement were two images of Suu Kyi meeting two men with their backs to the camera.


The pictures appeared to be in a similar room to the last released images of her, when she met a Red Cross representative in August, her first publicised meeting with a foreign official since her ouster.


Fact-checkers from AFP examined the latest photos and found no evidence of manipulation using Meta Generative AI or OpenAI tools.


Suu Kyi remains detained on charges rights groups say were concocted to return power to the military, which has historically ruled Myanmar since independence.

“I have been extremely lenient toward her,” Min Aung Hlaing said in an interview with Time magazine published last month.

In response to questions from AFP the Foreign Office in London did not say whether British diplomats had sought to deliver the package in person, or been refused permission to do so.

Britain condemns what it describes as Suu Kyi’s “arbitrary detention” and calls for her immediate and unconditional release. — AFP

Curfews imposed in Paris, Lille, Lyon as France reels from weekend protest violence

Curfews imposed in Paris, Lille, Lyon as France reels from weekend protest violence



Charred wreckages line a Paris street on October 18 2026. — AFP pic


Summary

• France has announced partial curfews in Paris and other cities following intense street violence during protests against soaring prices.
• Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu did not rule out declaring a state of emergency as authorities faced criticism for their response to the unrest, which occurred six months before presidential elections.
• The demonstrations, which saw participation from roughly half a million people, escalated into violence, prompting law enforcement to arrest over 2,500 individuals.
• Amid increasing international concern, France's government is determined to restore order, with further protests anticipated.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 9:20 AM MYT


PARIS, Oct 20 — France announced partial curfews in Paris and other cities on Monday after weekend demonstrations over soaring prices degenerated into some of the worst street violence in recent years.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu did not rule out imposing a state of emergency after the interior minister said police had “lost control”.


Tourists in Paris had a taste of the disruption on Monday when they found the Louvre closed because of a small group of student protesters, while the US embassy in Paris urged American citizens to avoid the demonstrations.

Facing accusations that it failed to anticipate and respond to the violence, the government has vowed to re-establish order, while officials scrambled to contain public anger.


The unrest, erupting just six months before France elects a successor to President Emmanuel Macron, threatened to continue, with organisers calling for a new round of protests next Saturday.

Authorities said partial curfews would be enforced from Monday evening to Tuesday morning in a number of cities including Paris, Lille and Lyon, to protect businesses.


In the capital, a curfew was ordered from 11.00pm (6.00am Malaysian time), while demonstrations were banned from 8.00pm.


“I’m absolutely determined to restore public order,” Lecornu said.


Other European countries have also seen demonstrations over rising prices, with smaller clashes breaking out in Milan and Belgium over the weekend and protests simmering in Spain and Portugal.

Some half a million people turned out across France on Saturday to denounce the surging cost of living, a culmination of four weeks of protests that began with students demanding better conditions at high schools.

What started as peaceful demonstrations descended into violence in many cities, as masked groups attacked law enforcement, broke into public buildings and set some ablaze, looted shops, and set fire to cars, bicycles and scooters.



Protesters near Chatelet in central Paris on October 18, 2026. — AFP pic



Listings for ‘stolen goods’

On Monday, France’s digital minister, Anne Le Henanff, urged online resale platforms to remove listings for “stolen items” following Saturday’s looting and summoned representatives of companies including Vinted and eBay.

After the weekend scenes of chaos, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez offered his resignation, but Macron refused to accept it.

More than 2,500 people were arrested and nearly 1,000 members of the security forces injured. Protesters were also hurt, with one demonstrator’s hand blown off by a police crowd-control grenade.

Macron acknowledged failures in the government response, which had seen 60,000 law enforcement personnel deployed on Saturday.

Nationwide, more than 2,513 people have been taken into police custody since the weekend, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said. He added that 67 had been jailed and “dozens” of criminal cases opened.

Darmanin also said authorities would use facial recognition on social media to identify perpetrators.

At least 3,000 shops were damaged, with the cost running into hundreds of millions of euros.

In an address to the nation Sunday, Macron slammed the “unbridled” violence.

The European Union called the violence “unacceptable” but warned that the right to peaceful protest “must be protected” in France.

Germany condemned the violence and updated its travel advice for France, saying “further outbreaks of violence in the coming days cannot be ruled out”.

China has warned citizens travelling to France to be aware of risks and take safety precautions, state broadcaster CCTV reported.



A looted shop in Lille. — AFP pic



Louvre blocked

In Paris on Monday, a dozen demonstrators blocked the entrance to the Louvre, the most visited museum in the world, while bewildered tourists looked on.

“We don’t want to get involved. We want to stand back and get away from them,” Pat Boland, a tourist from Australia, said of the protests.

The pensioner, 73, spoke to AFP outside barricades that had been erected at the Louvre, which was closed because a small group of protesters stood by its famed glass pyramid entrance.

The unrest has flared before presidential elections in April and May that will elect a new French president after a decade of centrist Macron.

Marine Le Pen, the far-right presidential candidate, is riding high in the polls.

The government has accused ultra-left groups of stoking the violence to boost the chances of the far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon in the presidential polls.

The interior minister and intelligence services were to meet late Monday to discuss the violence.

Europe

During the weekend, clashes broke out on the sidelines of a cost-of-living demonstration in Milan.

“I’m very worried because it’s a new phenomenon, which also originates from an international scenario and therefore feeds itself,” mayor Giuseppe Sala said.

In Belgium, police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters in Brussels and Liege.

In Spain protesters have set up tents in the heart of Madrid to denounce soaring housing costs, with similar encampments going up in neighbouring Portugal’s main cities of Lisbon and Porto. — AFP

Hamzah expects Anwar to call GE16 by August next year amid Pakatan-Umno tensions

Hamzah expects Anwar to call GE16 by August next year amid Pakatan-Umno tensions



Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin suggested that the growing friction between the two political blocs could prompt Anwar to call an election before the coalition government fractures. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin


Summary

• In an interview, Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin suggested that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim may call the 16th general election by August 2024, due to increasing tensions between Pakatan Harapan and Umno.
• Hamzah indicated that scrutiny of court cases involving Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi could further destabilize the unity government.
• Furthermore, he noted that the proposed 2027 Budget, with increased funding for the Election Commission, might be a precursor to the election.
• Although the next general election is not required until February 2028, Anwar has expressed openness to holding it earlier.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 9:14 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin expects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to call the 16th general election by August next year, citing growing tensions between Pakatan Harapan and Umno, according to Free Malaysia Today (FMT).


Speaking in an interview with BFM Radio, Hamzah said the unity government might struggle to remain intact beyond 2027, pointing to renewed scrutiny of Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s court cases by PH lawmakers.

Hamzah, who leads Wawasan, suggested that the growing friction between the two political blocs could prompt Anwar to call an election before the coalition government fractures.


“I think they have already started to break up. So he has to call (for an election) before that,” he was quoted as saying.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers decided in January to take no further action on 47 charges involving corruption, criminal breach of trust and money laundering against Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman.

The decision drew criticism from DAP leaders, FMT reported.


Hamzah also suggested Anwar could capitalise on the 2027 SEA Games to build public support before calling an election immediately after the sporting event, scheduled for September 18 to 29.


“Whether it will happen or not, I don’t know. I’m not very sure about that,” he said, as reported by FMT.

He also pointed to the 2027 Budget, which he said contained numerous benefits for the public, as well as a substantial increase in funding for the Election Commission, as possible indications that a general election was approaching.

The EC’s allocation under the recently tabled 2027 Budget rose to RM367 million, compared with RM167 million allocated the previous year.

The next general election must be held by February 2028. Anwar said last month that he was open to considering calls for an early election.

Indonesia hunts foreign links in 98 corporate fire cases as haze chokes region

Indonesia hunts foreign links in 98 corporate fire cases as haze chokes region



Motorcyclists ride in the morning in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan on October 14, 2026. — AFP pic


Summary

• Indonesian authorities have identified foreign involvement in 98 corporate cases related to the widespread forest and land fires affecting the country.
• National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the extent and nature of this involvement.
• Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister Dudung Abdurachman Prabowo emphasized the urgency of intensified firefighting efforts, with the Indonesian government considering foreign assistance pending a national disaster declaration.

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 8:59 AM MYT


JAKARTA, Oct 20 — Indonesian police have confirmed the involvement of foreign entities, including those from neighbouring countries, in 98 corporate cases linked to the forest and land fires gripping the country.

National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto said the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) is currently working to identify those responsible and establish the nature of their involvement.

“Of the 98 corporate cases we are investigating, there is foreign involvement, but as the investigations are ongoing, we are still determining which involve foreign investment or foreign parties and which do not,” he told a press conference after a limited Cabinet meeting with President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Monday.

Suyudi said investigators are gathering evidence and expected to name suspects soon, including company owners and shareholders who could be held responsible for the fires.


Separately, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman Prabowo called for firefighting operations to be intensified without waiting for rainfall, stressing the need for immediate and sustained action.

“The president instructed that the deployment of troops and personnel, including the Indonesian military, police, Forestry Service, and members of the public, be intensified. This must be carried out on a massive scale, in a measured manner and without delay, because the situation has become very disruptive,” he said.


Dudung also said Indonesia had responded to offers of foreign assistance, including from Malaysia and Singapore, with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) coordinating technical arrangements for the proposed support.


However, he said at an earlier press conference that foreign assistance would have to wait until the Indonesian government declares the fires a national disaster — a step it has yet to take, saying it was capable of managing the crisis with its own resources. — Bernama

***

WATCH OUT MALAYSIA AND SING, YOU'RE GOING TO BE FRIGGING BLAMED