Saturday, 3 January 2026

Author: Bernama

ASEAN–Switzerland partnership set to deepen as 10-year mark approaches

KUALA LUMPUR: As ASEAN and Switzerland mark a decade of their sectoral dialogue partnership next year, both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas where Switzerland offers distinct value and expertise. Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, said that the country is

Uber announces plans for 20,000 self-driving taxis by 2030

SAN JOSE (United States): United States (US) ride-hailing company Uber on Thursday said it was planning to deploy at least 20,000 robotaxis over the next six years, German Press Agency (dpa) reported. The company said the fleet would be made up of SUVs by US electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid and equipped with

BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum reshapes global perspectives

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: The BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum, held this week in Rio de Janeiro, brought together voices from across the Global South to help reshape global narratives and strengthen the representation of developing countries in international affairs, Xinhua reported. The event served as a pivotal gathering

AI blood test detects breast cancer early

SYDNEY: Scientists have developed Australia’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered lipid-based blood test, enabling earlier and less invasive breast cancer detection, Xinhua reported. The test is already in clinical use in specialist clinics across Sydney and Melbourne after transitioning from research in March 2025, according to a statement from the University

Horse riding and walking: Sultan Ibrahim’s fitness routines

JOHOR BAHRU: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, continues to prioritise a healthy lifestyle by incorporating horse riding and walking into his regular fitness routine. According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s official Facebook page, His Majesty began his preparations as early as 5:00 am today to

Police raid gay gathering, seize condoms, HIV medication

KOTA BHARU, Kelantan: The Kelantan police today confirmed that they raided a gay gathering involving more than 20 local men at a bungalow on Jalan Kemumin, middle of last month. It raises concerns among authorities about the increasingly bold illicit activities being organised behind closed doors. State police chief, Datuk

Top judicial appointments must comply fully with the law

SHAH ALAM, Selangor: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, stressed that the appointment of senior judges to the superior courts must comply with all legal provisions, particularly under Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. This was among the matters Sultan Sharafuddin emphasised while chairing the 269th Meeting of

Technology no substitute for family values

KUCHING: Education on the use of technology must be implemented in stages and integrated up to higher education levels to ensure students not only master it but also avoid becoming overly dependent, which could affect family relationships and core life values. Deputy Higher Education Minister, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, said students

Consumers association supports vacancy tax to curb property speculation

GEORGE TOWN, Penang: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) strongly supports the introduction of a vacancy tax on residential properties that remain unoccupied for extended periods. CAP President, Mohideen Abdul Kader, said this measure is urgently needed to curb property speculation and improve housing affordability. “A vacancy tax typically applies

Vehicle forecast unchanged despite weak start

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite a 4.6 per cent drop in first-half sales, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is maintaining its 2025 total industry volume (TIV) forecast at 780,000 units. Chief operating officer (COO) Muhammad Fateh Teh Abdullah attributed the slowdown to a high base effect, December pre-purchases, and subsidy cuts impacting