Thai opposition lawmakers to face trial over 2021 attempt to reform lese-majeste law

Thai opposition lawmakers to face trial over 2021 attempt to reform lese-majeste law



Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida take part in a royal barge river procession to mark his 72nd birthday along the Chao Praya river in Bangkok on October 27, 2024. — Reuters pic

Friday, 24 Apr 2026 12:08 PM MYT


BANGKOK, April 24 — Thailand’s Supreme Court said on Friday that 44 current and former opposition lawmakers will go on trial over an attempt to ‌amend a law that protects the monarchy from criticism, in another blow to the ​country’s progressive movement.


The 44 facing trial from June 30 for alleged ethics violations include serving and former lawmakers of the People’s Party and its disbanded predecessor Move Forward, who each face the maximum penalty of a lifetime ban from office ​if found guilty.


Hundreds of people have been prosecuted in recent years under Thailand’s lese-majeste law, which is among the strictest of its kind in the world, with punishments of up to 15 years in prison for offenders.

On the back of massive anti-government, youth-led street protests that included calls for the reform of the monarchy, Move Forward tried to amend the law in parliament ‌in 2021, arguing it had been misused to stifle political opponents.


Thailand’s constitution enshrines the king in ⁠a position of “revered worship” and royalists regard the ⁠palace as sacrosanct.


The liberal agenda of the People’s Party and ⁠its forerunners created powerful enemies among Thailand’s ⁠conservative establishment, with the movement ⁠on the wrong end of a multiple court rulings, including two party dissolutions.


Party vows to fight ‘to the fullest extent’

The 44 include People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, four deputy leaders and former Move Forward leader ⁠Pita Limjaroenrat, who is currently serving a 10-year ban from politics.

“We will pursue our legal fight in the Supreme Court to the fullest extent, in order to defend the legitimacy of the representative mandate in a parliamentary democracy,” People’s Party leader Natthaphong told a press conference on Friday.

The progressive movement’s hugely popularity among young and urban Thais swept Move Forward to victory in the 2023 general election, ⁠but it was blocked from forming a government by lawmakers allied with the royalist military.

A court in 2024 ruled that Move Forward’s attempt to reform the royal insult law ⁠was unconstitutional and undermined the democratic system. It was later dissolved by the same court and its top leaders ⁠banned, but ⁠members regrouped days later as the People’s Party.

The Supreme Court case stems from a petition lodged by Thailand’s National ​Anti-Corruption Commission, which has a wide investigative remit beyond graft. ​The court said serving lawmakers among the 44 implicated ‌would not be suspended. Despite big leads in opinion polls, the ​People’s Party was the surprise runner-up in ​February’s general election to Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party. — Reuters

The Ballad of the Missing Balls by Ronnie Liu

Former Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu has questioned the alleged silence of senior DAP leaders over the state’s pig farming issue, following the Sultan of Selangor’s decree on the relocation and restructuring of the industry. — Facebook pic, April 24, 2026


Ronnie Liu questions DAP silence over Selangor pig farming issue after Sultan’s decree


Former exco urges state to clarify legal basis, compensation and relocation plan amid crackdown on licences and farm sites


Scoop Reporters
Updated 2 minutes ago
24 April, 2026
11:57 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR — Former Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu has questioned the alleged silence of senior DAP leaders over the state’s pig farming issue, following the Sultan of Selangor’s decree on the relocation and restructuring of the industry.

“The questions many people now want to ask are very simple: why do the top DAP leaders not dare to formally seek an audience with the Sultan of Selangor? Why do they not dare to formally negotiate with the Menteri Besar of Selangor? Why do they not bring this matter into the Cabinet and press the prime minister and the Federal Government to address it directly?” he said in a statement.

His remarks come after the Selangor government directed that no new pig farming licences be issued in the state, and ordered the clearance of existing farm sites in Tanjong Sepat in line with the Sultan’s decree, which states that pig farming is not to be carried out in any district in Selangor.

Liu said the lack of visible engagement from political leaders was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, given the scale of impact on farmers and downstream industries.

“This is not a small matter. It concerns law-abiding farmers who have operated for years, the supply chain, consumer prices, and public confidence in the government,” he said.

He stressed that the decree had fundamentally changed the situation and required clear explanation rather than silence.

“The decree changes the context entirely, and it demands clarity, not silence,” he added.

Liu said any policy shift affecting an established industry must be handled transparently and with due process, rather than abrupt enforcement.

“If an industry has been operating lawfully under an existing system, but a policy suddenly changes and it is now being shut down and forced to exit, then the most basic form of justice is not to label people or accuse those asking questions of being troublemakers,” he said.

He added that governance must be guided by clear accountability rather than political deflection.

Bernama pic. — April 24, 2026


“We are not trying to create division or stir emotions. We are simply saying that when a decision of this scale is made, it must be explained, implemented properly, and its consequences addressed according to law,” he said.

Liu said the state government must address several key issues, including the legal basis for the policy change, whether proper procedures and consultations were carried out, and whether environmental and social impact assessments had been completed.

He also called for clarity on compensation mechanisms and transition plans for affected farmers, as well as an update on alternative sites following the shelving of the Bukit Tagar proposal.

“The most basic justice is to make four things clear: the legal basis, the procedure, the compensation, and the transition pathway,” he said.

He warned that continued avoidance of these questions would deepen uncertainty among stakeholders.

“If this is truly about the environment, public health and the wellbeing of the people, then these questions should not be avoided. Real governance does not fear questions,” he said.

Liu also urged that pressure not be directed at farmers, but instead focused on ensuring the state government provides a clear and structured roadmap for implementation. — April 24, 2026

In unlikely twist, rescued South Korean kidnapping victim turns out to be Interpol-wanted fugitive

In unlikely twist, rescued South Korean kidnapping victim turns out to be Interpol-wanted fugitive



Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk M. Kumar (centre) speaks during a press conference in Bukit Aman April 24, 2026. — Picture by Yusof Isa

Friday, 24 Apr 2026 2:33 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 — Federal police said today that a South Korean man rescued from a recent kidnapping by fellow countrymen near Genting Highlands — in an unlikely twist — was later found to be a fugitive in his home country and listed as a wanted person by Interpol.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said the 40-year-old victim was travelling alone from Genting Highlands to Kuala Lumpur when his vehicle was tailed and later intercepted by his kidnappers on April 17.


“The victim was dragged, tied and beaten up before being taken to an undisclosed location at the time.

A police task force was subsequently formed after separate reports were lodged by two individuals claiming to be the victim’s local friend and his South Korean wife, in an effort to locate him.


“Acting on intelligence, police raided a homestay in Melaka where the victim was being held and arrested three suspects aged 28 to 40, who are also South Koreans, on April 21,” he told a press conference at the federal police headquarters at Bukit Aman here.


Kumar said the victim was threatened with a firearm and beaten while being held captive, with the suspects later demanding a ransom of US$10 million (RM39 million) in exchange for his release.

The victim’s friend later transferred US$3 million to the suspects’ cryptocurrency account before the victim was rescued.


“The suspects were not known to the victim and we believed the kidnapping is financially motivated,” Kumar said.

Several items were seized, including ropes used to bind the victim, cellophane tape, a replica firearm and the victim’s vehicle, Kumar added.

As for the US$3 million transferred, Kumar said only US$2.46 million was recoverable by authorities from three separate accounts after the funds were dispersed into several other accounts.

Further investigations found that all but one of the suspects entered Malaysia by way of social pass in March.

“Investigations also found that the victim entered Malaysia in 2016, and further discussions with the South Korean embassy revealed that his passport had been cancelled, alongside the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice against him.

“So this kidnapping victim is actually wanted by South Korean authorities,” Kumar said, adding that victim was wanted for illegal gambling activities.

Asked on the victim’s detailed background, Kumar said further investigations are being conducted to ascertain their employment and purpose of stay.

The case is being investigated under Section 3 (1) of the Kidnapping Act.

Penang LRT Mutiara Line construction on track, says CM amid political interference claims

Penang LRT Mutiara Line construction on track, says CM amid political interference claims



Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang LRT Mutiara Line remains on schedule, with works on Package One ongoing while the tender for Package Two is still being finalised. — Picture by Opalyn Mok

Friday, 24 Apr 2026 1:21 PM MYT


GEORGE TOWN, April 24 — The Penang LRT Mutiara Line project remains on schedule despite the tender process for Package Two still pending finalisation.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said works on Package One are ongoing, dismissing claims that political interference had caused delays.

“The civil and structural work is still underway, the construction of the pier is still underway, not completed yet so the next package can only start after this first package is completed, we cannot build the track when the pier is not completed,” he told reporters after launching the Penang ATE Campus at Olive Tree Hotel here today.

Asked about reports of political interference in the tender process for Package Two, Chow Kon Yeow said the state government was not involved, as the process is handled by project owner MRT Corp.

There were allegations that Package Two had been delayed due to lobbying by different political groups with the Transport Ministry and Finance Ministry.

He said the state government is only a stakeholder in the project through the Procurement One Stop Centre Committee, while MRT Corp will evaluate all bids before submitting a proposal for approval.

“After MRT Corp makes the decision, they will submit their recommendations to the One Stop Procurement Centre but I can say, it is not up to this level yet,” he said.

The LRT Mutiara Line is planned to span almost 30km from Silicon Island in southern Penang island to George Town, and also connect to Penang Sentral in Butterworth on the mainland.

Anwar confirms discussion with King on new MACC chief appointment, announcement to follow

Anwar confirms discussion with King on new MACC chief appointment, announcement to follow



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim greets members of the public during his visit to the Permas Jaya area near Johor Bahru April 24, 2026. — Picture by Ben Tan

Friday, 24 Apr 2026 2:51 PM MYT


JOHOR BAHRU, April 24 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that he will announce the name of the new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner at a later date.

He said he held discussions with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, regarding the matter this morning.


“I have discussed the matter with Tuanku (Sultan Ibrahim) earlier and I will announce (the name) at a later date,” he said briefly to reporters after visiting the Permas Jaya Farmers’ Market near Johor Bahru here today.

Also present was Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim.


Anwar also did not respond when asked by reporters about the name list of potential candidates for the anti-graft agency’s top post that was submitted to Sultan Ibrahim.


He replied in a light-hearted manner that there were a total of 120 candidates eligible for the post.

Earlier, Anwar was seen visiting the local community and businesses in Permas Jaya, before performing Friday prayers at the Bandar Permas Jaya Mosque.


More than 1,500 people were present at the mosque and the surrounding area.

Yesterday, Sultan Ibrahim said he would personally select a new MACC Chief Commissioner to lead the commission.

His Majesty said the position was very important in ensuring that the commission continues to play an effective role as the country’s main institution in combating corruption, malpractices and abuse of power.

Sultan Ibrahim also said there was no need to politicise the matter.

Penang CM urges cloud seeding as critically low Sungai Muda levels threaten state water supply

Penang CM urges cloud seeding as critically low Sungai Muda levels threaten state water supply



The Penang government hopes cloud seeding in upstream Kedah can raise Sungai Muda’s water levels after it dropped to a critical level. — Unsplash pic

Friday, 24 Apr 2026 1:47 PM MYT


GEORGE TOWN, April 24 — The Penang state government hopes cloud seeding operations can be carried out in upstream Kedah to raise water levels in Sungai Muda.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the measure was important to ensure sufficient raw water supply in the state.

“The river’s water level has dropped to a critical stage,” he said at a press conference after launching the Penang ATE campus at Olive Tree Hotel here today.

Chow said the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) had contacted authorities in Kedah to coordinate immediate action.


Apart from cloud seeding, he said releasing water from Beris Dam in Kedah had also been proposed as a short-term measure.

He added that Penang would channel water from the Expanded Mengkuang Dam to treatment plants to ensure consumer supply remains unaffected.

Earlier today, PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said Sungai Muda’s level at Lahar Tiang fell to a danger level of 1.27 metres yesterday, compared with the safe level of two metres.


He said under normal conditions, PBAPP abstracts about 1,300 million litres per day (MLD) of raw water from Sungai Muda for use at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant.

“From 4.30pm yesterday, PBAPP’s abstraction capacity was limited to 1,000 MLD, or 30 per cent below the normal level due to the abnormally low river level,” he said.

He said PBAPP immediately began drawing water from the Expanded Mengkuang Dam to supplement supply to the Sungai Dua plant.

He said the drop in river level could be due to irrigation drawdowns in Kedah upstream of the Lahar Tiang intake.

“As of April 23, the capacity of the Beris Dam (which is releasing water into the Sungai Muda system) was 49.6 per cent,” he said.

He said the release rate was reportedly 864 MLD, meaning reserves may last 70 days before reaching the critical 20 per cent level.

He added that reserves at Muda Dam, another key source for the Sungai Muda system, had fallen to 9.5 per cent.

He called on the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) to intervene in managing the Sungai Muda system.

“The security of water supply services in Penang and Kedah must be prioritised over irrigation matters under the present circumstances,” Pathmanathan said.

***

Develop desalination plants, CM Chow. Penang cannot rely on Kedah nor Perak to provide our water supply forever.

Ex-deputy law ministers back DAP rep, say pig farming proposal not defying sultan's decree

Ex-deputy law ministers back DAP rep, say pig farming proposal not defying sultan's decree


Published: Apr 24, 2026 9:51 AM
Updated: 1:45 PM



Two former deputy law ministers have defended Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Wong Siew Ki's proposal for the Selangor government to consider adopting a modern pig farming system.

While questioning Perikatan Nasional's criticism of Wong (above), Amanah leader Hanipa Maidin said the DAP lawmaker's suggestion did not disrespect Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's decree against any further pig farming in the state.

"While the sultan’s decree certainly deserves full respect and was undoubtedly made after careful deliberation, it shouldn't preclude assemblypersons from proposing constructive solutions to the issue.

"Suggesting a modern, technical approach in the august House is a matter of policy innovation and should not be misconstrued as a sign of disrespect toward the royal decree," Hanipa said in a statement yesterday.

Calling for elected representatives to differentiate between defiance and problem-solving, the former Sepang MP said the respect for a royal decree should not prevent lawmakers from debating practical alternatives and improvements.

Amanah leader Hanipa Maidin


Yesterday, PN representatives attempted to raise an emergency motion to refer Wong for disciplinary proceedings over her proposal.

The day before, Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar called for Wong to be suspended from the state legislative assembly for 12 months, while Selangor BN information chief Jamal Yunos said she is welcome to leave the state.

During her debate on the royal address, Wong had said that the issue of pig farming touches on equality rights under Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution, further arguing that pig farming should be treated the same as other livestock, as it poses similar pollution, hygiene, and health risks.

She proposed that the government and investors consider the adoption of a modern, closed-house pig farming system in Selangor, incorporating zero-discharge processes and biogas recycling technologies.

‘Poor understanding’

Echoing Hanipa's view, DAP national legal bureau chairperson Ramkarpal Singh said condemnation of Wong reflects "a poor understanding" of an elected representative's duties and functions.

"Wong’s proposal ought to be debated rationally and maturely in the state assembly, and calling for her to be reprimanded on the matter will create a dangerous precedent in silencing elected representatives, particularly on matters in the public interest, which is undoubtedly against democratic values and principles," the Bukit Gelugor MP said in a statement yesterday.

DAP national legal bureau chairperson Ramkarpal Singh

He stressed that the issue was one of public interest, and that Wong's suggestion, which offered "constructive alternative solutions", should not have been dismissed out of hand.

On Feb 10, the Selangor sultan said he does not consent to pig farming in the state due to pollution and limited land resources, and suggested instead that pork be imported to meet demand.


READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | The battle over Selangor's pig farms


The decree followed backlash against the state government's proposed centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, with protests from residents in nearby areas.

In January, His Highness firmly opposed the renewal of licences for pig farms in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat, challenging assemblypersons to live next to the pig farms themselves to experience the issues firsthand.


‘Policy should be based on data, not emotions’

In a separate statement today, Selangor MCA chairperson Lawrence Low urged all parties to explore Wong’s suggestion rationally and to avoid politicising the issue.

Low, who is also MCA vice-president, pointed out that Wong’s proposal touched on practical issues such as agricultural modernisation, environmental management, and food security.

Selangor MCA chairperson Lawrence Low


“Public policy should be based on data, technology, and real needs, not driven by emotions or labels. Otherwise, even the most serious policy discussions can easily be derailed.

“Why is it that an issue originally concerning industrial upgrading and environmental management is immediately turned into an emotional confrontation?” he said.

Similarly, former DAP central executive committee member Ronnie Liu urged the Selangor government to address mounting concerns over the state’s pig farming policy, warning that the issue can no longer be ignored.

In a statement today, Liu questioned why senior DAP leaders had not sought an audience with the Selangor ruler, engaged the menteri besar, or raised the matter at the federal level with the prime minister and cabinet.

Former DAP central executive committee member Ronnie Liu

He said the issue goes beyond politics, as it affects long-standing farmers, supply chains, prices, and public confidence in the government.

“Do not continue to delay and evade, and do not wait until the non-Malay communities completely lose confidence in the Selangor state government and the Madani government,” he said.

Liu stressed that if a lawful industry is being phased out due to policy changes, the government must ensure transparency and fairness, including explaining the legal basis, whether due process was followed, and outlining compensation and transition plans.

Court of Appeal affirms RM750K award in Siti Mastura defamation case

Court of Appeal affirms RM750K award in Siti Mastura defamation case


3 HOURS AGO
Faisal Asyraf


A three-member bench unanimously says there is no merit to her appeal

Siti Mastura Muhammad appealed a judgment in favour of Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng, and Teresa Kok, handed down by the Penang High Court in December 2024.

PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal today upheld a High Court ruling ordering PAS MP Siti Mastura Muhammad to pay RM750,000 in damages for defaming three senior DAP leaders.

A three-member bench chaired by Justice Ahmad Kamal Shahid, who sat with Justices Evrol Mariette Peters and Latifah Tahar, unanimously dismissed her appeal.

Delivering the decision, Kamal said the court found no merit in her appeal and upheld the Penang High Court’s Dec 4, 2024 judgment in full.


The panel also dismissed the trio’s cross-appeal on the quantum of damages, which they contended was inadequate.

The court made no order as to costs to both appeal and cross-appeal.

Siti Mastura was found to have defamed Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng, and Teresa Kok by linking them to former Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng through alleged family ties during a political speech in Kemaman, Terengganu, on Nov 4, 2023.

The Penang High Court ruled in favour of the trio, awarding RM300,000 to Kit Siang, RM250,000 to Guan Eng, and RM200,000 to Kok.

Justice Quay Chew Soon also ordered Siti Mastura to pay RM25,000 in costs to each plaintiff, with interest at 5% per annum from the date of judgment.

On the defence of fair comment, Justice Ahmad Kamal said the panel agreed with the High Court that the impugned words were not opinions but assertions of fact, and “manifestly false”.

The panel noted that Mastura had made a series of specific factual allegations linking the DAP trio to Chin Peng as well as Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, by asserting direct familial ties.

“In the context of Malaysian society, to label a person or imply that they are affiliated with a banned communist party – an enemy of the state and a threat to national security and the Federal Constitution – is undeniably defamatory.

“Such statements go to the very heart of a person’s loyalty, integrity, and reputation,” he said, adding that a defence of fair comment could not be built on false facts.

On justification, the court found that Mastura failed to prove the truth of her claims.


It noted that her reliance on a book allegedly linked to Barisan Nasional’s communications department was flawed as the source lacked any identifiable author, publisher, or date, and its maker was not called to testify.

“A defendant cannot simply regurgitate unverified information from an anonymous source and claim it as truth.

“To do so is reckless and irresponsible,” the judge said.

On qualified privilege, the court rejected the argument that the statements were made pursuant to a political duty during an election campaign.

It held that the defence required an honest belief in the truth of the publication, supported by reasonable steps to verify the information.

Applying established principles, the panel found that Mastura had failed to take such steps, particularly by not seeking the plaintiffs’ response.

The court also upheld the finding of malice, pointing to the defendant’s conduct before and after publication.

It noted that she neither retracted nor apologised, and instead stood by her statements.

Yusfarizal Yusoff represented Mastura while SN Nair acted for the DAP trio.

Rescuers race to reach Australian hiker after fall on Mount Santubong descent

Rescuers race to reach Australian hiker after fall on Mount Santubong descent



Australian hiker Belinda Lapier fell while descending Mount Santubong, prompting a search-and-rescue operation last night. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Friday, 24 Apr 2026 9:43 AM MYT


KUCHING, April 24 — An Australian woman was reported to have fallen while hiking Mount Santubong here yesterday evening.

Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said in a statement this morning that the victim, Belinda Lapier, fell on her way down from the summit.


It said JBPM received a call about the incident at 8.20pm, reached the site by 9.43pm, and launched a search-and-rescue (SAR) operation.

“Rescue teams from fire services and rangers headed to the victim’s last known location. The path to where she fell was obstructed, but they could still communicate with her.


“The victim said she was safe but having trouble getting out,” it said, adding that rocks, large trees, and darkness are blocking access to the victim.


“The SAR operation was paused at 3.30am and will resume this morning,” it added. — Bernama

Malaysia’s Karex plans massive condom price hike over US-Iran crisis; warning sparks stockpiling in China

Malaysia’s Karex plans massive condom price hike over US-Iran crisis; warning sparks stockpiling in China



Karex chief executive officer Goh Miah Kiat speaks during an interview with Reuters in Petaling Jaya on April 21, 2026. — Reuters pic

Friday, 24 Apr 2026 9:57 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 — A warning from Malaysia’s Karex Bhd, the world’s top condom producer, that it plans to raise prices by 20 to 30 per cent has unexpectedly gone viral in China, sparking widespread discussion about stockpiling as the Iran war disrupts global supply chains.


The announcement from the Malaysian company has had its most dramatic impact in China, where the hashtag “condom prices rising” garnered more than 60 million views on the social media platform Weibo.


Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat told Reuters that the price hike was unavoidable due to soaring costs for raw materials caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive... We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to the customers,” Goh said in an interview.


He explained that since the conflict began, Karex has seen cost increases for everything from synthetic rubber and nitrile used in manufacturing to packaging materials like aluminium foil and lubricants like silicone oil.


Karex, which produces over five billion condoms annually and supplies major brands like Durex and Trojan, is also seeing a 30 per cent surge in demand.

This is being driven by rising freight costs and shipping delays that have left many of its customers with lower-than-usual stockpiles. Shipments to Europe and the United States are now taking nearly two months to arrive, compared to one month previously.




ONE condoms by Karex are seen on display in Petaling Jaya on April 21, 2026. — Reuters pic



Viral reaction in China

The news from the Malaysian firm quickly spread across Chinese social media, with many users bemoaning that the Iran crisis was now even invading the bedroom.

The online conversations erupted as Chinese authorities are actively trying to boost the country’s flagging birth rate. Many online comments noted the irony, with some urging others to stockpile condoms.

“A few dozen yuan for a condom is a hundred times more cost-effective than raising a child at a million yuan,” said one popular comment on Weibo.

Another user wrote, “From now on, not only will we have to be frugal, but we’ll also have to stock up on condoms in advance.”

The potential price rise adds to the increasing cost of family planning in China, after the government removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptives at the start of the year, subjecting them to a 13 per cent value-added tax.

Bangladeshi man killed in MEX crash identified as popular gaming YouTuber, fans call for justice

 

Bangladeshi man killed in MEX crash identified as popular gaming YouTuber, fans call for justice



Muzahid Millad, 22, who was identified as Bangladeshi gaming content creator Advance Gaming, was killed in a crash on the Maju Expressway yesterday. — Composite picture via Facebook/Advance Gaming

Friday, 24 Apr 2026 10:32 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 — A Bangladeshi man killed in a crash believed to have been caused by a drunk driver on the Maju Expressway yesterday has been identified as gaming content creator Advance Gaming.

Muzahid Millad, 22, died after the vehicle he was travelling in with his wife was struck while they were on their way from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

His wife, 23-year-old Nafisa Tabassum Adiba, was injured and is receiving treatment at Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

The couple, who were from Habiganj, Bangladesh, had reportedly just arrived in Malaysia for a week-long holiday in the capital before the crash.


On social media, Muzahid’s death sparked an outpouring of grief among Bangladesh’s online gaming community, with hashtags including #JusticeForMuzahid, #JusticeForAdvanceGaming and #BangladeshDemandsJustice trending.

A statement in Bengali uploaded on the Advance Gaming YouTube channel confirmed his death and asked the public to pray for him.

The account has more than 780,000 subscribers.

Yesterday, police arrested a 31-year-old military personnel suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing the fatal crash, with the case being investigated under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Ipoh High Court vacates proceedings on Indira Gandhi’s bid to cite IGP for contempt

Ipoh High Court vacates proceedings on Indira Gandhi’s bid to cite IGP for contempt



Support group Ingat has said that the High Court in Ipoh has vacated proceedings on whether to grant M. Indira Gandhi (pictured) leave to initiate contempt of court action against the Inspector-General of Police. — Picture by Yusof Isa

Friday, 24 Apr 2026 9:54 AM MYT


IPOH, April 24 — The High Court in Ipoh has vacated proceedings on whether to grant M. Indira Gandhi leave to initiate contempt of court action against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The matter was confirmed by Indira Gandhi Action Team (Ingat) chairman Arun Doraisamy last night.

“There will be no proceedings today. The case has been vacated by the court,” he said.

The High Court had been scheduled to deliver its decision today on whether to allow Indira to proceed with the contempt application against the IGP.


This marks Indira’s second attempt to cite the IGP for contempt of court. She filed the application on November 17 last year, and it was heard by the High Court on February 27.


Her application centres on the police’s alleged continued failure to enforce the High Court’s May 30, 2014 orders — specifically, to recover her daughter and to arrest her former husband, K. Pathmanathan.

Israeli forces kill Palestinian teenager in occupied West Bank raid

Teenager dies in hospital after Israeli forces shot him with live ammunition in the shoulder, Palestinian media reports.

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Israeli troops take position during a raid in Nablus city in the occupied West Bank [File: Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP]

By Al Jazeera Staff

Published On 23 Apr 202623 Apr 2026

A 15-year-old Palestinian has died from his wounds after he was shot by Israeli forces during a raid in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus, Palestinian media reported.

The teenager suffered critical injuries after being struck by live ammunition in the shoulder and was transferred to a nearby hospital, where he died, the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported on Thursday, citing medical sources.

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Abood al-Aker, communications director for the municipality, told the AFP news agency that six Israeli army vehicles had arrived in Nablus in the morning.

He said the soldiers spoke to shop owners in the Rafidia district’s commercial area and shot the teenager as they were exiting the city.

“We don’t know why they shot this kid on their way out,” he said.

The Israeli military said a Palestinian hurled stones towards its forces during an “operational activity” in ⁠the area of Nablus and forces initiated “standard suspect apprehension procedures, which ⁠concluded with fire being directed at the suspect”.

The military added that they were aware of reports that a Palestinian was killed at the scene.

What we know about Israel killing Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil

What we know about Israel killing Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil

Khalil was killed and her colleague injured in what Lebanese officials are calling a ‘double-tap’ strike by Israeli forces

Amal Khalil, a Lebanese journalist working for the daily Al Akhbar newspaper, reports near a destroyed bridge in Qasmiyeh, Lebanon, March 22, 2026 [Mohammed Zaatari/AP]

By Caolán Magee
Published On 23 Apr 2026


Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has accused Israel of crimes against humanity for killing journalist Amal Khalil and wounding her colleague Zeinab Faraj in an air strike in the village of al-Tayri in southern Lebanon.

Khalil and Faraj were reporting on an earlier Israeli attack on a vehicle on Wednesday, when they were targeted while fleeing towards a building to take shelter.

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Israel kills journalist and wounds another in south Lebanon targeted attack

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Israeli strike kills five in Gaza, including three children

Paramedics rescued Faraj and recovered Khalil’s body from the rubble hours later.

Here’s what we know so far:

The journalist was last heard from at about 4:10pm local time (13:10 GMT), when she called her family members and the Lebanese military, according to colleagues and media reports.

She had taken cover inside the house after an earlier Israeli air raid killed two people near the car in which she was travelling with Faraj.

Rescue workers initially tried to reach the veteran Al Akhbar journalist, but came under Israeli fire and were forced to withdraw, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.

A second strike then hit the house where the two journalists had sought refuge. Khalil’s body was recovered shortly before midnight, more than seven hours after the attack.

Khalil was killed in what Lebanese officials described as a “double-tap” strike in al-Tayri.



Israel kills journalist and wounds another in south Lebanon targeted attack



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Rescuers were able to pull Faraj, who was seriously wounded, from the scene and recover the bodies of two people killed in the first strike. But efforts to reach Khalil were delayed after Israeli forces fired on emergency workers, the ministry said.

Khalil had been covering a renewed escalation of hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which resumed in early March amid wider regional tensions linked to the US-Israel war on Iran.

Khalil is the ninth journalist killed in Lebanon this year.

Born in 1984 in Baysariyyeh, southern Lebanon, she had covered the region for Al Akhbar since the 2006 war. Her latest reporting focused on Israeli demolitions of homes in villages where Israeli troops are positioned inside Lebanon.

In an interview earlier this year with The Public Source, Khalil said her reporting sought to highlight the resilience of residents in Lebanon’s border villages.

“I debunk the enemy’s narrative of targeting only military sites by showing evidence of them bombing homes, farms, and killing children,” she said. “Through my work, I have tried to be in solidarity with these people – the people of the land.”

Israel condemned for the killing

In a statement to Al Jazeera, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said Khalil’s killing “must be a wake-up call for the international community to enforce international law, urgently investigate Israel’s 262 killings of journalists across the region, and hold all those responsible to account”.

“The Israeli military’s obstruction of medical crews from rescuing wounded civilians is a brutal and recurring crime we have already witnessed in Gaza and now again in Lebanon. Khalil, an unarmed civilian journalist, remained trapped under the rubble for more than seven hours while the Red Cross was prevented from reaching her,” said the CPJ’s regional director, Sara Qudah.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun offered his condolences over Khalil’s death and wished Faraj a swift recovery.

In a post on X, Aoun accused Israel of the “deliberate and consistent targeting of journalists” in an effort to “conceal the truth of its aggressive acts against Lebanon”.

Reporting from Tyre, southern Lebanon, Al Jazeera’s Heidi Pett said Khalil was “a well-known and respected journalist here in Lebanon”.

Pett said Khalil had received direct threats during the last war from an Israeli phone number on WhatsApp, warning her to stop reporting.

“In fact, [they were] telling her that she should leave Lebanon if she wanted her head to remain on her shoulders,” Pett said.

The Israeli military denied reports it had prevented rescue teams from reaching the scene and said it does not target journalists.

Less than a month ago, three journalists were killed in another reported “double-tap” attack in southern Lebanon. Their vehicle was struck, then hit again, while rescue workers who arrived afterwards also came under attack.

Following that incident, the Israeli army posted an image alleging one of the journalists was a member of Hezbollah’s elite forces, but later acknowledged the photo had been altered.

Lebanon’s Information Minister Paul Morcos described the latest attack as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

US to ‘shoot and kill’ Iranian boats laying mines in Hormuz, Trump says

US to ‘shoot and kill’ Iranian boats laying mines in Hormuz, Trump says

US says it intercepted another tanker carrying Iranian oil as Trump underscores alleged infighting with Iran leadership

An IRGC boat off the coast of Bandar Abbas, Iran [File: Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA via Reuters]

By Al Jazeera Staff
Published On 23 Apr 2026


President Donald Trump has said he ordered the United States Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boat laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could jeopardise the fragile ceasefire between the two countries.

The US president also said on Thursday that the military will heighten its efforts to remove explosives from the strategic waterway.

“I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be (Their naval ships are ALL, 159 of them, at the bottom of the sea!), that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation,” Trump wrote in a social media post.

“Additionally, our mine ‘sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now. I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled-up level!”

Iranian officials have repeatedly promised that their country would defend itself and respond to any US attack.

Hormuz – which had been open without interruption before the war – has emerged as a major point of contention in this war.

Iran closed down the strait in response to the US-Israeli military campaign, and it is now suggesting that it has rights to the passage that links the Gulf to the Indian Ocean – parts of which go through Iranian territorial waters.

The closure of Hormuz has spiked oil prices, putting political pressure on Trump at home in the US, where the price of one gallon (3.8 litres) of petrol has surpassed $4, up from $3 before the conflict.

A satellite image shows a fleet of small boats at sea, north of the Strait of Hormuz near the Kargan coast, Iran, April 22 [File: European Union/Copernicus Sentinel-2/Handout via Reuters]

Dueling blockades

About 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas flowed through Hormuz before the war.

After a two-week ceasefire came into effect last month, Trump announced a naval siege on Iranian ports and kept it in place even after Tehran announced reopening Hormuz in response to the inclusion of Lebanon in the truce.

Iran has set lifting the blockade as a precondition for resuming talks with the US.

Trump extended the ceasefire that was set to expire on Wednesday, but Washington has kept its blockade on Iran-linked ships.

The Pentagon said on Thursday that the US military conducted a “maritime interdiction and right-of-visit” to a tanker carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean.

Earlier this week, the US military also said it seized an Iranian vessel and ordered dozens of others to turn around.

Meanwhile, Iran has also captured foreign commercial vessels around the Hormuz Strait, which it said were in violation of naval regulations.

The duelling blockades risk re-igniting the war. The US has not set a deadline for the extended truce.

The White House said on Wednesday that Trump is “satisfied” with the siege on Iran.



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Trump says Hormuz ‘sealed up tight’

Although Iran has all but halted vessel traffic in the waterway, Trump said on Thursday that the US has “total control over the Strait of Hormuz”, adding that the passage is “sealed up tight”.

The US president also reiterated his claim that the Iranian leadership is divided.

“Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“The infighting is between the ‘Hardliners’, who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the ‘Moderates’, who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is CRAZY!”

Earlier in the day, Trump shared a post by conservative commentator Marc Thiessen, calling for the assassination of Iranian officials who oppose diplomacy with the US.

“If there are two factions in Iran, one that wants a deal and one that doesn’t, let’s kill the ones who don’t want a deal,” it said.

Despite Trump’s repeated claims, there has been no evidence of a rift within the leadership in Iran.

Although US and Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several top officials, there have been no major defections within the ruling system.

Last month, Khamenei was replaced by his son Mojtaba, who had been wounded in US attacks, according to the Pentagon.



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Mojtaba Khamenei is yet to make a public appearance since he succeeded his slain father, raising speculation about his health.

But Iranian officials, including the lead negotiators – Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf – have voiced a unified position in rejecting the US blockade.

Iranian leadership also agreed to the ceasefire and enforced it earlier this month.

On Thursday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry praised the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the ideologically driven military branch spearheading the war effort.

“We salute the noble defenders and guardians of the homeland, and honour the memory of the crimson-shrouded martyrs of the IRGC,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said in a post on X, marking the anniversary of the establishment of the Revolutionary Guard.

Israeli strike kills five in Gaza, including three children

Israel has committed 2,400 violations of the ‘ceasefire’ deal it struck with Hamas in October, Gaza’s Government Media Office says.

By Al Jazeera Staff and Anadolu

Published On 23 Apr 202623 Apr 2026

An Israeli air strike has targeted a group of civilians in northern Gaza, killing at least five Palestinians, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency.

“Five Palestinians, including three children, were killed in an Israeli air strike that targeted a group of civilians near Al-Qassam mosque in Beit Lahia,” local health officials said in a statement late on Wednesday.

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“Their bodies were taken to Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City,” it added, without specifying the age of the children. The hospital confirmed receiving the bodies.

Israel has committed 2,400 violations of the “ceasefire agreement” with Hamas in October, Gaza’s Government Media Office said. These included targeted strikes, arrests, blockades and forced starvation of Gaza’s residents.

More than 20,000 children were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in two years of its genocidal war, according to a Save the Children report in September. The charity said that, on average, at least one child was killed every hour, over 1,000 of them under one year old, with thousands more suffering injuries, trauma or separation from parents.

By November 2023, the situation in Gaza was already described by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as a “graveyard for children”.

Last week, the gender equality organisation, UN Women, reported that an average of at least 47 women and girls were ⁠killed each day ⁠during the war in Gaza – more than 38,000 in total between October 2023 and December 2025, including over 22,000 women and 16,000 girls.

“Women and girls accounted for a proportion of deaths far higher than those observed in previous conflicts in Gaza. Those killed were mothers, they were daughters, sisters, and friends – deeply loved by those around them,” said Sofia Calltorp, the agency’s humanitarian action head. The agency reported “this suffering continues”, despite the supposed ceasefire.

Since the US-brokered “ceasefire” took effect in October, at least 786 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, according to Gaza’s health ministry. At least 32 of those deaths were in this month alone, among them Al Jazeera journalist Mohammed Wishah, who was killed in a drone strike west of Gaza City on April 8.

Israel has also been accused of violating the “ceasefire” agreement by restricting the entry of agreed quantities of food, medicine, medical supplies and shelter materials into Gaza, where about 2.4 million Palestinians, including 1.5 million displaced, are living in desperate conditions.

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Evil Beasts of Babylon, spawns of Moloch

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