Malaysia
3 Bangladeshi workers die in warehouse collapse in Malaysia
Three Bangladeshi workers died and two others were seriously injured when an under-construction warehouse collapsed in Malaysia on Tuesday night, police said.
The incident occurred at 9:58 pm (local time) in Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas, Malaysia, Malaysia’s Bernama news agency reported.
The deceased were identified as Mohammad Moqaddesh Ali, son of Md. Afsar Ali in Haripur village under Shibganj upazila of Bogura, Mohammad Saiful Islam, son of Md. Rawshan Ali in Laxmipur village under Debidwar in Cumilla and Md. Ahad Ali, son of Mohammad Osman Mandal in Chaipai village under Chatmohar upazila of Pabna, said a media release signed by Sufi Abdullahil Maruf, first secretary (press) of Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia.
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The injured workers were sent to Penang Hospital for treatment, while unidentified four are believed to have been buried under the rubble.
A search and rescue operation was underway by the Fire and Rescue Department with assistance from other agencies, including the police and the Civil Defence Force.
The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) asked the developer to immediately stop work at the site.
Local Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said this was to facilitate the rescue operation and the investigation carried out by the authorities.
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Meanwhile, Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who also visited the site, called for strict action against those responsible if negligence is found to have caused the incident.
The Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia expressed deep sorrow and shock at the unexpected incident.
Bangladeshi acting High Commissioner Mohammad Khorshed A Khastagir sent first secretary (labour) A.S.M Zahidur Rahman and Legal Assistant Sukumaran Subramanian to the spot.
The envoys collected information about the victims and are in touch with the families of the Bangladeshi workers to send the bodies home soon.
The high commission has also been working to realise compensations for the victims from the authorities concerned.
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BMCCI advocates for business-friendly environment in meeting with deputy governor of central bank
The Board of Directors of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), led by President Syed Almas Kabir, meet with Deputy Governor Kazi Sayedur Rahman of the Bangladesh Bank to discuss key issues affecting the Bangladesh and Malaysian business community.
The meeting was attended by Senior Vice President Shabbir Ahmed Khan, Secretary General Md. Motaher Hoshan Khan, and Director Mahbubul Alam Shah.
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During the meeting, President Syed Almas Kabir shed light on the challenges faced by general clients in cross-border e-commerce refunding. He also emphasized the importance of streamlining the remittance flow through proper banking channels from Malaysia. For effective management of these issues, BMCCI expressed its interest in partnering with Bangladesh Bank to overcome the challenges.
Senior Vice President Shabbir Ahmed Khan highlighted the significance of promoting bilateral trade with Malaysia and urged for the implementation of appropriate policies to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Secretary General Md. Motaher Hoshan Khan addressed the trade gap with Malaysia and emphasized the need to address policies that restrict export volumes.
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In response, Deputy Governor Kazi Sayedur Rahman expressed gratitude to the BMCCI delegation for raising these important issues. He requested the chamber to provide pinpointed proposals for review, assuring them that the Bangladesh Bank will handle these matters with utmost importance.
The Deputy Governor also emphasized the importance of attracting remittance by providing services such as mobile applications for ease of money transfers, rather than relying solely on incentives. He urged BMCCI to focus on increasing export volumes and diversifying the exportable product to minimize the trade gap effectively.
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At the end of the meeting, BMCCI delegates echoed their promises to remain committed for fostering a business-friendly environment and enhancing economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Malaysia. The chamber will continue to work closely with Bangladesh Bank to address the challenges faced by businesses and promote bilateral trade growth.
Shopping in Malaysia: What to Buy, Where to Buy from
If you are planning a trip to Malaysia, you are in for a treat. This vibrant country offers not only stunning natural beauty but also a unique shopping experience. Malaysia is renowned for its diverse shopping opportunities, from bustling street markets to high-end shopping malls. This article will explore the best souvenirs, home decoration items, and other special treasures to buy in Malaysia.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Malaysia
When you visit Malaysia, the desire to collect souvenirs that encapsulate the essence of this beautiful nation is nearly irresistible. Malaysia offers an array of choices for those seeking mementoes, each reflecting the rich culture and heritage of the country.
One such option is the exquisite Malaysian batik, a true work of art. These hand-dyed fabrics are adorned with intricate designs and a vivid spectrum of colours. This extends beyond clothing to include accessories and wall hangings available in the vibrant markets and boutiques across Malaysia. These intricate patterns and bold hues make batik an ideal keepsake.
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Traditional Malaysian clothing is another fantastic choice. Women can opt for the elegant 'baju kurung' and 'baju kebaya'. Meanwhile, men have the option of the 'baju melayu,' a timeless symbol of style and cultural significance. These outfits pay homage to the rich heritage of Malaysia.
Handmade crafts are the way to go for those who appreciate craftsmanship. Malaysian artisans’ skills are reflected in the exquisite wooden carvings, rattan baskets, and traditional pottery. These items are not merely souvenirs; they also serve as splendid choices for adorning your home. Their intricate details and cultural significance make them outstanding decorative pieces.
Lastly, Malaysia's reputation as a haven for food enthusiasts makes it an excellent destination for culinary souvenirs. Among the popular choices is Durian Candy, offering a unique experience of the iconic but divisive durian fruit.
Another is Dodol, a beloved sweet treat throughout Southeast Asia, and White Coffee is a unique Malaysian brew known for its creamy, smooth taste. These souvenirs are more than mere items; they are fragments of Malaysian history and culture, destined to be cherished for years to come.
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Home Decoration Things to Buy in Malaysia
Malaysia presents a diverse selection of distinctive items when it comes to enhancing the aesthetics of your home. Malaysian pewter stands out as a prized choice. It offers intricately designed vases, candle holders, and figurines that exude elegance and charm, making them ideal additions to any home décor.
Traditional Malaysian carpets, particularly those originating from Kelantan, are a splendid choice. These are perfect for those keen on incorporating a vibrant Malaysian flair. The carpets are renowned for their complex patterns and vivid hues. They serve as a perfect accent to infuse the living space with a touch of Malaysian culture.
If you are on the lookout for furniture, you may choose Malay rattan pieces. Rattan chairs, tables, and storage units showcase exquisite craftsmanship and also reflect an eco-conscious choice.
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Other Special Things to Buy in Malaysia
Beyond souvenirs and home decorations, Malaysia opens the door to a treasure trove of distinctive items that hold their own unique allure. Among them, fine jewellery commands attention. Gold and silver pieces are adorned with beautiful designs inspired by the rich tapestry of Malaysian culture.
For collectors and history enthusiasts, traditional Malay weapons such as the 'keris' and 'parang' offer an intriguing choice. These weapons bear a rich cultural legacy. It makes them fascinating collectables and also powerful symbols of Malaysia's history.
Food enthusiasts can not overlook Malaysia's status as a culinary paradise with exotic spices and herbs. Lemongrass, turmeric, curry leaves, and more await to elevate your culinary adventures at home.
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Whether you seek a meaningful gift, historical artefacts, or culinary inspiration, Malaysia's diverse offerings extend far beyond then expected. They are perfect to enrich both your home and your life.
Bangladesh participates in Malaysia International Halal Showcase
Bangladesh is participating in the 19th Malaysia International Halal Showcase,known as the biggest halal showcase in the world.
The fair is organised by Ministry of Investment, Malaysia, Trade, and Industry, and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), according to a press release.
It began on Tuesday at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre and will end on Friday.
A total of 1,040 companies are participating with 1,800 booths in various clusters, including food and drinks,modest fashion,e-commerce,Islamic finance, and fintech, among others.
Sixteen Bangladeshi companies participated with nine booths in the Bangladesh pavilion in the fair under the overall supervision of Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh, the Export Promotion Bureau, and the Bangladesh High Commission in Kualalampur.
Besides Trump, these are the current and former world leaders facing criminal charges
Donald Trump may be the first former US president to face criminal charges, but many current and past leaders around the world have been tried or even jailed.
Several of those leaders described the charges leveled against them as “politically motivated”. Yet, the charges have not always been a barrier to holding political office, reports CNN.Here are some notable recent examples:
Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu
No one has served as Prime Minister of Israel longer than Benjamin Netanyahu, who was sworn in for his sixth term late last year.
He is also being tried for corruption on counts of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. The Israeli PM, however, called the trial a “witch hunt.”
While the case continues, Netanyahu has pushed a contentious plan to weaken Israel's judiciary, the report also said.
One of the measures limits the methods by which a sitting prime minister may be judged unfit for office, prompting many Israeli opposition lawmakers to accuse Netanyahu of manipulating the judicial makeover to protect himself. He denies the charges.
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Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was imprisoned in April 2018, and was released in November 2019.He was jailed for corruption and money laundering after a construction business reportedly paid him and his wife $1.1 million in renovations and costs for a beachfront condominium.
Prosecutors claimed that in exchange, the business received lucrative contracts from Petrobras, the state-controlled oil giant.
Lula has referred to the allegations as a "farce," stating that they are politically driven. Upon his release from jail in 2019, a Brazilian court overturned his corruption convictions, allowing Lula to run for president in 2022, when he beat Jair Bolsonaro. In January, he was sworn in for the third time as president.
Bolsonaro is now facing potential legal problems, including allegations that he incited violent attacks in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia in January.
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Argentina’s Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, Argentina's current vice president, was sentenced to six years in jail last December after being found guilty of corruption during her two stints as president, from 2007 to 2011 and 2011 to 2015, the report also said.
She was accused of conspiring with other government officials to grant contracts worth millions of dollars for road construction that were unfinished, expensive, and useless, according to the complaint.The charges against her were politically-motivated, Kirchner stated.
The Argentine court convicted the 70-year-old former president of the country guilty of "fraudulent administration" and barred her from holding public office again.
She does, however, have temporary immunity because of her present employment, which means she will not be going to jail anytime soon and can appeal.
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Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim
After two stints in jail prior to his premiership, Anwar Ibrahim became Malaysia's prime minister in November 2022, in an unprecedented turn of events.
Anwar was sentenced to prison in April 1999 after being convicted of sodomy. Sodomy, even if consensual, is a crime punishable by up to 20 years in jail in Muslim-majority Malaysia. He has always vigorously denied the allegations, claiming they were politically motivated.
In 2004, a court reversed that conviction. Further claims of sodomy were leveled against him after his comeback as an opposition figure, and he was remanded to prison in 2014 after a lengthy legal struggle that lasted years.
Anwar was freed from jail in May 2018 after receiving a royal pardon. He immediately returned to parliament before leading the Pakatan Harapan coalition to a majority of seats in Malaysia's general election in 2022.
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Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi
Before 2011, the flamboyant Italian billionaire was a serial prime minister.
Berlusconi was the dominating figure in Italian politics for over two decades, during which time he was prosecuted on at least 17 counts of embezzlement, tax fraud, and bribery, said the CNN report.He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and several of his convictions have been overturned on appeal.
His resignation in 2011 was not due to legal concerns, but rather to Italy's debt crisis.The 81-year-old gained a seat in Italy's Senate in September 2022, and his party is a member of the country's ruling coalition.
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Malaysian ex-PM Muhyiddin hit with seventh graft charge
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin pleaded innocent Monday to a seventh corruption charge, this one alleging he received illegal proceeds of 5 million ringgit ($1.1 million) that was banked into his political party.
Muhyiddin is Malaysia's second leader to be indicted after leaving office and has denied wrongdoing. He slammed the case as “organized political persecution” to embarrass him and crush his Islamic-dominated opposition ahead of state elections. He denied abusing his power to award contracts to selected ethnic Malay contractors in return for bribes, and to approve an appeal by a business tycoon on the cancellation of his tax exemption.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rejected accusations that the charges were politically motivated. The anti-graft agency and the attorney-general’s chambers, whose chiefs were previously appointed by Muhyiddin, have denied there was political interference in the investigation and prosecution process.
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On Friday, Muhyiddin pleaded innocent to four charges of abusing his power to obtain 232.5 million ringgit ($51.4 million) bribes for his party and two charges of money laundering involving 195 million ringgit ($43 million).
After taking power in November, Anwar ordered a review of government projects approved by past administrations including Muhyiddin, who led Malaysia from March 2020 until August 2021. Anwar has said many of the projects awarded were overpriced and given without tender.
Anwar and Muhyiddin had fought for the premiership after the November general elections produced a hung parliament. Muhyiddin’s alliance includes a conservative Islamist party that won stronger-than-expected support from Malays, who account for about two-thirds of Malaysia’s 33 million people. The king later appointed Anwar as premier after he formed a unity government with several smaller parties, but his strength will be tested in six state elections due in the next few months.
Muhyiddin was the second former leader to be charged after ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak, who was hit with multiple charges after he lost in 2018 general elections. Najib began a 12-year prison term in August after losing his final appeal in the first of several graft trials related to the looting of the 1MDB state development fund.
Two senior members from Muhyiddin’s Bersatu party were recently charged with graft. The anti-graft agency has also frozen Bersatu’s party accounts.
If Muhyiddin, 75, is found guilty, he faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the corruption charges, 15 years each for money laundering and fines.
Malaysian ex-PM Muhyiddin arrested, faces graft charges
Malaysia's former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has been arrested and will be brought to court to face corruption charges, the anti-graft agency said Thursday.
Muhyiddin, who led Malaysia from March 2020 until August 2021, will be the country's second leader to be indicted after leaving office. Ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak was hit with multiple graft charges after he lost in 2018 general elections, and began a 12-year jail term in August after losing his final appeal in the first of several trials.
The anti-graft agency said Muhyiddin will face several charges Friday related to alleged abuse and money laundering linked to government projects awarded under his rule.
Muhyiddin, 75, went to the anti-graft agency earlier Thursday to answer questions for the second time in three weeks. He was first questioned in February over the award of projects, including COVID-19 economic aid programs.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who took power after November's general elections, had ordered a review of government projects approved by past administrations for allegedly not following the rules.
Two senior leaders from Muhyiddin's Bersatu party were also recently charged with graft. The anti-graft agency froze Bersatu's bank accounts for investigations into alleged illegal proceedings.
Muhyiddin, who leads a strong Islamic-dominated opposition, has denied any wrongdoing and accused Anwar's government of trying to crush the opposition ahead of state elections.
5th body found in Malaysia floods; over 40,000 displaced
Malaysian police have found the body of a young woman trapped in a car that was swept away by rushing waters, the fifth death of seasonal floods that have also forced more than 43,000 people to flee their homes.
Police said in a statement Monday that a 23-year-old woman reported missing was believed to be driving to work earlier in the day on a flooded road in southern Johor state when her car was washed away. Rescuers retrieved the car hours later and found her body.
A man driving to work in a palm oil plantation in Johor was similarly found dead recently after rescuers retrieved his car from floodwaters. Three older people also drowned.
Johor, the country’s second-largest state bordering Singapore with four million people, is the worst affected with over 40,000 evacuated to schools and community centers. The number of evacuees has dropped from over 50,000 a few days ago.
Several other states including remote areas on Borneo island were also hit.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited flood victims Sunday in Johor and vowed to speed up flood mitigation projects in the state. “This matter cannot be delayed and should be dealt with more seriously so that (flooding) does not happen again,” he tweeted.
The Meteorological Department has said the country was experiencing its sixth episode of continuous heavy rain from the annual monsoon season that started in November. In December, tens of thousands of people were also evacuated due to flooding.
Images posted by police in Johor showed roads and homes disappearing under muddy waters, with only rooftops visible.
Further rain and storms are predicted Tuesday in parts of Johor and eastern Malaysian states on Borneo, which could cause more flash floods. Authorities also warned waters in over a dozen rivers nationwide have reached dangerous levels.
Malaysia to continue facilities for Bangladeshi students and extend those gradually
The Malaysian government has been providing various facilities to Bangladeshi students in the Southeast Asian country and the facilities will be increased gradually, Higher Education Minister of Malaysia Mohamed Khaled Nordin said today.
The Malaysian minister said this while talking to reporters after a meeting with Education Reporters Association Bangladesh (ERAB) at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
He also assured of the continuation of the facilities for Bangladeshi students there.
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Talking to reporters, Nordin said Malaysian universities are performing well in various rankings — for ensuring quality education and research.
Besides, many campuses have also been opened abroad due to the increase in demand, he added.
Malaysia's UCSI University launches international branch campus in Bangladesh
The UCSI University, one of the top-ranked and largest private universities in Malaysia, has gone transnational with the soft launch of its first international branch campus in Bangladesh.
The new campus will be based in the capital and operations will commence in May this year. It is the first time UCSI is committing to a branch campus overseas.
Malaysia's Higher Education Minister Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the launch dovetailed well with the ministry's internationalisation plans.
"The UCSI University Bangladesh will boost Malaysia's status as a global education hub, and I commend UCSI for this post-pandemic initiative," he said at the launch event held at UCSI's Kuala Lumpur campus Friday.
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"I encourage more private providers to consider similar arrangements. The Malaysian brand of higher education is synonymous with quality, and we can impact international markets," he added.