V Vox Malaysia

Malaysia's voice on the news, politics and issues that matter.

AT
International Correspondent

Aiman Tan

Aiman is the International Correspondent at the publication, covering world across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

826 articles published

MACC Closes Investigation Into Rohas Unit With No Action

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has concluded its investigation into HG Power Transmission, a subsidiary 86.8 per cent owned by Rohas Tecnic Bhd, finding no grounds for action against the firm or its executives.

· · 3 min read

Spain's PM Hails Team Unity as Nation Eyes World Cup Glory

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has praised the national football team's exceptional unity and collective spirit as the squad prepares for Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina, offering a moment of national pride amid domestic political turbulence.

· · 3 min read

Police Bust Unlicensed World Cup Betting Operation in Sentul

Authorities arrested 34 individuals during an early morning raid on an illegal betting call centre in Sentul's Taman Wahyu neighbourhood. The operation was running unlicensed gambling services capitalising on World Cup season.

· · 3 min read

MACC arrests three in RM20 million rice financing fraud scheme

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested three individuals, including two company directors operating in the rice sector, over allegations of submitting false documents to secure approximately RM20 million in trade financing.

· · 4 min read

Anwar Denies Halting Johor Felda Settlers' Day Event

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has firmly refuted claims that he directed the cancellation of Johor's 2026 Felda Settlers' Day celebration in Kluang, addressing mounting speculation about the event's status.

· · 3 min read

Iran Dismisses US Claims About Use of Unfrozen Assets

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has rejected US assertions that Iran's recently unfrozen assets will be spent on American agricultural goods, underscoring persistent disagreements between Tehran and Washington even as both pursue nuclear talks.

· · 4 min read

Thailand's Anutin at 100 days: Stability preserved, but reform agenda stalls

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has successfully maintained political stability during his first 100 days and navigated a Middle East-triggered energy crisis, yet his government has made little progress on Thailand's deeper structural economic challenges or promised constitutional reforms.

· · 6 min read

Iraq Clarifies OPEC Commitment Amid Production Quota Dispute

Iraq's Oil Ministry has firmly denied threatening to leave OPEC, clarifying that Baghdad remains committed to the organization while pushing for a reassessment of its production quota to reflect the nation's actual output capacity.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia Maintains Close Watch Over Three Elephants at Japan Zoo

Malaysia's Natural Resources Ministry is actively monitoring three Asian elephants relocated to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka under a 25-year conservation partnership, with Perhilitan mahouts providing on-site support during their adaptation period.

· · 4 min read

Fourteen Malaysians Honoured with Royal Scholarship Award

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim has bestowed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Scholarship 2026 upon 14 exceptional Malaysians during a ceremonial presentation at Istana Negara, recognising their outstanding contributions and merit.

· · 3 min read

Pakistan Defends Iran's Missile Programme as Non-Negotiable

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly endorsed Iran's ballistic missile programme during high-level talks in Islamabad, asserting that Tehran's weapons were never part of the recent US-Iran peace agreement brokered by Islamabad.

· · 4 min read

Gibran's Student Outreach: Building Profile Ahead of 2029 Presidential Race

Indonesia's Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has intensified direct engagement with student protesters, inviting five activists to an eastern trip after palace meetings. Analysts suggest the move positions him for 2029 elections despite limited actual authority over contested government programmes.

· · 5 min read

Teenager Among Three Arrested in Ipoh Drug Ring Bust

Ipoh police have dismantled a drug trafficking operation in Pengkalan Tiara, arresting three suspects including a teenager. Officers seized RM120,050 worth of ketamine and Erimin 5 pills in the Monday raid.

· · 3 min read

KRT Funding Boost to Empower Grassroots Unity Across Malaysia

Malaysia's 8,615 neighbourhood watch committees will receive enhanced annual grants rising from RM6,000 to RM10,000, effective January 2027. The boost aims to strengthen grassroots community programmes and reinforce national unity efforts.

· · 4 min read

Kitchen Paper Fire Destroys 27 Homes in Kelantan Village

Kelantan's Fire and Rescue Department has concluded that an unattended kitchen fire caused by burning papers with a gas lighter ignited the June 8 blaze that destroyed 27 houses in Kampung Gok Kapur and displaced 110 villagers.

· · 4 min read

Bondi Beach Hero Faces Assault Charges in Family Dispute

Ahmed al Ahmed, the fruit seller who disarmed a gunman during the Bondi Beach mass shooting that killed 15 people, has pleaded not guilty to assaulting his father. He faces common assault and domestic stalking charges in court.

· · 4 min read

EU to escalate Meta probe into addictive design targeting children

The European Commission is preparing to escalate its investigation into Meta, alleging that Facebook and Instagram employ manipulative design tactics to addict children. The probe centres on the platforms' algorithm-driven "rabbit-hole effect" that keeps young users engaged with continuous content streams.

· · 5 min read

Akie Abe: Why My Husband Was Killed Still Remains a Mystery

Akie Abe, widow of Japan's former Prime Minister, has spoken about attending the trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, who killed her husband in July 2022. She says she still does not understand why he targeted Abe and hopes to visit him in prison to seek answers.

· · 6 min read

Six arrested after two men slashed at Jelutong temple

Penang police have arrested six individuals after a parang attack at a Jelutong temple resulted in two men sustaining severe cuts. The assault has prompted fresh concerns about temple security in urban areas.

· · 4 min read

Selangor's Local Authorities Must Fix Public Transport Gaps, MB Orders

Selangor's Menteri Besar has instructed all local authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of public transport connectivity issues, pledging additional state funding to improve pedestrian infrastructure and address gaps between transit hubs and residential areas.

· · 4 min read

US Petrol Stations Sued Over AI Price-Fixing Algorithm

Major US petrol retailers including Walmart, BP, and Marathon Petroleum face a California lawsuit alleging they used AI algorithms to illegally inflate fuel prices, marking the first case under strict new state antitrust legislation.

· · 4 min read

SPAN Investigates Fatal Water Tower Accident in Kuala Selangor

Malaysia's water commission SPAN is investigating a fatal accident at a Kuala Selangor water tower on June 16 that claimed a maintenance worker's life. Preliminary findings suggest possible breaches of confined-space safety protocols.

· · 4 min read

Fire at Lucknow Commercial Building Kills 15, Mostly Students

A devastating fire at a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow, India killed at least 15 people, predominantly students attending an animation training centre. The tragedy marks the second major fire disaster in northern India within weeks.

· · 3 min read

Romanian PM-Designate Presents Cabinet Lineup to Parliament

Romania's Adrian Vestea, first vice-chair of the National Liberal Party, has formally presented his proposed cabinet and government agenda to parliament with support from the Social Democratic Party, marking a shift toward political stability.

· · 3 min read

Two British Men to Face Trial for Transport for London Cyberattack

Two British men will stand trial for a major cyberattack on Transport for London that exposed personal data of approximately 10 million passengers and caused £39 million in losses. The incident is linked to the Scattered Spider criminal collective.

· · 4 min read

Malaysia's EC725 Helicopters Armed for Dangerous Rescues

The Royal Malaysian Air Force has equipped its EC725 helicopters with enhanced firepower capabilities to support combat search and rescue missions in hostile environments, marking a significant boost to operational readiness.

· · 4 min read

Iran Open to Written Nuclear Pledge as Talks with US Resume

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has indicated Tehran could issue a written declaration renouncing nuclear weapons development, as negotiations with the United States continue in Switzerland following a preliminary framework agreement.

· · 4 min read

Norwegian Trio Seek to Exceed their Fathers' Legacy at World Cup

Three Norwegian players—Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth, and Kristian Thorstvedt—are competing at the World Cup following in their fathers' footsteps. The sons hope to advance further than their fathers' 1994 squad, which exited in the group stage.

· · 4 min read

Malaysian Army Suspends Grenade Training After Fatal Hobart Camp Blast

The Malaysian Army has immediately halted all hand grenade training nationwide following a fatal blast at Hobart Camp in Kedah that killed two servicemen. Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled has expedited a board of inquiry to examine standard operating procedures and weapons handling protocols.

· · 4 min read

Last Japan-Crewed Vessel Exits Hormuz Strait After Months of Delays

A Japanese-owned crude oil tanker carrying three crew members has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the evacuation of all Japanese-crewed vessels from the troubled Gulf corridor. Thirty-seven other Japan-linked ships remain in limbo.

· · 4 min read

Penang Honours Media Profession as HAWANA 2026 Celebrations Take Centre Stage

Penang has been selected to host the 2026 National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) celebrations, drawing approximately 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and the ASEAN region. The event, themed 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility', recognises the contributions of journalists and media professionals.

· · 4 min read

MMC Bridges Klang Valley Gap with Northern Media Outreach

The Malaysian Media Council convened over 50 media practitioners from Malaysia's northern states during HAWANA 2026 celebrations in Butterworth, marking the first informal gathering under new leadership and signalling a commitment to nationwide representation.

· · 5 min read

Bernama and Timor-Leste's TATOLI Forge Strategic Media Partnership

Malaysia's Bernama and Timor-Leste's TATOLI have signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen media cooperation, including news sharing, content distribution across multiple languages, and professional journalism training for regional journalists.

· · 4 min read

Morocco Coach Defends Hakimi After World Cup Crowd Jeers

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi rallied behind captain Achraf Hakimi following his booing by spectators during a 1-0 World Cup win against Scotland, as the PSG defender confronts serious legal allegations in France.

· · 4 min read

Dr Wan Azizah Meets PPIM Nature Camp Participants at National Planetarium

Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Pergerakan Puteri Islam Malaysia president, attended the closing ceremony of the biennial National Level Nature Camp 2026, which brought together 395 young participants for a programme combining environmental education, Quranic values, and life skills development.

· · 4 min read

Rare Landspout Devastates Bercham, Affecting Over 200 Homes

A rare landspout storm battered Bercham in Ipoh yesterday evening, destroying more than 240 homes and damaging businesses across five locations. Authorities have mobilized repair teams and relief assistance, with no casualties reported.

· · 4 min read

Thailand Faces Critical Cannabis Policy Crossroads as Legal Framework Crumbles

Thailand's cannabis policy faces intense scrutiny following a House Public Health Committee meeting examining whether the drug should return to narcotics control. The debate reflects sharp divisions between medical groups and operators over how to balance public health, economic interests and farming livelihoods.

· · 5 min read

Cambodia Pushes Thailand to Accelerate Border Demarcation Work

Cambodian PM Hun Manet has urged Thailand to appoint a Joint Boundary Commission chief and resume border demarcation work. The call came during an informal meeting with Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul in Russia, with both leaders reaffirming commitment to peaceful dispute resolution.

· · 5 min read

Media Must Master Algorithms to Combat Misinformation, Says Expert

Media organisations must embrace algorithms and artificial intelligence as tools to combat misinformation rather than viewing them as threats, according to a Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris expert. Understanding how these technologies work is crucial for delivering credible news.

· · 4 min read

Philippine Earthquake Reshapes Coastline as Seabed Thrusts Above Water

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake in the southern Philippines on June 8 triggered dramatic geological changes, lifting the seabed up to two metres and extending the coastline by up to 200 metres in some areas. The disaster killed at least 76 people and left thousands displaced and fearful of future tremors.

· · 5 min read

Mutual Respect Key to Malaysia's Harmony, Says Queen

Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah has highlighted mutual respect as a cornerstone of Malaysia's social harmony, urging citizens to practise courtesy and consideration in their dealings with one another.

· · 4 min read

UAE Joins Global Crackdown on Teen Social Media with Under-15 Ban

The United Arab Emirates has announced a mandatory social media ban for children under 15, making it the first Arab nation to enforce such restrictions. Platforms must disable accounts or risk being blocked, joining a growing international movement.

· · 4 min read

Teacher among four arrested in Besut drug den raid

Authorities in Terengganu have detained four individuals, including a teacher, following a police operation targeting a residential property allegedly used for narcotics distribution and consumption.

· · 3 min read

Nine held in Pekan fake medical certificate racket

Police in Pekan have arrested nine individuals suspected of involvement in a fake medical certificate scheme, with four additional arrests bringing the investigation to a wider network of buyers and sellers.

· · 3 min read

Why Telegram Faces Crackdowns Across the Globe

The encrypted messaging app Telegram has drawn regulatory fire from governments globally, including India, Russia, France, and Brazil, over allegations it fails to prevent criminal activity and enables extremism.

· · 5 min read

Hormuz Shipping Resumes as US-Iran War Deal Takes Effect, Yet Cracks Already Show

An interim US-Iran ceasefire agreement has lifted American blockades and allowed oil shipments to flow through the critical Strait of Hormuz, pushing crude prices to their lowest levels since February. However, unresolved tensions over Iran's nuclear programme and ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon threaten the fragile peace.

· · 5 min read

US and India Mark 'Significant Progress' in Trade Negotiations

India and the United States have achieved meaningful progress towards a comprehensive trade agreement, with senior officials from both nations intensifying negotiations following talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump at the G7 summit.

· · 4 min read

Japan's Watchdog Cracks Down on Ice Cream Price-Fixing Cartel

Japan's competition regulator has raided six leading ice cream manufacturers on suspicion of coordinating price increases over several years. The Fair Trade Commission is investigating whether firms colluded to raise prices beyond justified cost increases.

· · 4 min read

Thailand Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire as Path to Economic Stability

Thailand's government has expressed optimism over reports of a US-Iran ceasefire, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas indicating the agreement could stabilize energy prices and strengthen regional economic prospects.

· · 4 min read

SJKT Rajaji To Relocate to New RM8 Million Campus in Farlim

SJKT Rajaji in George Town will move to a newly built RM8 million campus in Farlim by the 2029 academic year, addressing severe space constraints affecting its 100 pupils. The project is fully funded through corporate social responsibility.

· · 4 min read

Selangor Warns Public of KitaSelangor Voucher SMS Scams Ahead of June Launch

Selangor has warned residents against falling victim to fraudulent SMS messages about the KitaSelangor Voucher scheme. The state government emphasised that official notifications will begin from June 23, with eligible recipients selected from targeted groups including low-income households.

· · 4 min read

Trump Turns White House into UFC Arena for 80th Birthday Bash

Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday by hosting the Ultimate Fighting Championship on the White House South Lawn, featuring a nearly 100-foot-tall arena and attracting high-profile guests. The event sparked controversy over government resources and public approval.

· · 5 min read

Indonesia Expands Corruption Probe into Free School Meals Programme

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office has arrested two additional suspects in a widening corruption investigation into the government's free school meals programme, bringing the total to five. Authorities allege kickbacks and improper procurement practices.

· · 4 min read

Florida Sues TikTok Over Child Safety Law Violations

Florida's attorney general has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, asserting the platform violates state law by permitting minors under 14 to establish accounts and concealing the extent of inappropriate content children encounter.

· · 4 min read