KiniNews is now also available at: Spotify: https://mk.my/sH14qeJApple podcast: https://mk.my/jPylPZC[KiniNews] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today tabled a slightly smaller RM419.2 billion Budget 2026, which included initiatives to ease living costs and strengthen the public sector.Among the announcements made was a RM500 special aid for civil servants in Grade 56 and below, as well as RM250 for all government retirees.Judges will see salary increases of up to 30 percent - their first in a decade.The government is also proposing a slew of significant improvements to the medical sector, including an increase in the number of government medical officers and consultation fees for private clinics under Budget 2026.Meanwhile, in a separate story, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has challenged Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to release a short video of interviews with the seven players in the national football team recently granted Malaysian citizenship to demonstrate their command of Bahasa Malaysia.He said that if anyone wished to obtain Malaysian citizenship they must have sufficient knowledge of the national language.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

KiniNews is now also available at: Spotify: https://mk.my/sH14qeJApple podcast: https://mk.my/jPylPZC[KiniNews] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today tabled a slightly smaller RM419.2 billion Budget 2026, which included initiatives to ease living costs and strengthen the public sector.Among the announcements made was a RM500 special aid for civil servants in Grade 56 and below, as well as RM250 for all government retirees.Judges will see salary increases of up to 30 percent - their first in a decade.The government is also proposing a slew of significant improvements to the medical sector, including an increase in the number of government medical officers and consultation fees for private clinics under Budget 2026.Meanwhile, in a separate story, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has challenged Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to release a short video of interviews with the seven players in the national football team recently granted Malaysian citizenship to demonstrate their command of Bahasa Malaysia.He said that if anyone wished to obtain Malaysian citizenship they must have sufficient knowledge of the national language.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

#KiniNews: Govt allocates RM419.2b for Budget 2026 -Anwar; Prove 'heritage 7' speaks BM - PAS leader

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said international schools have been lax with teaching Bahasa Malaysia.He said the government will carry out serious monitoring to ensure that Malaysian students at international schools, in particular, will be taught the national language.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said international schools have been lax with teaching Bahasa Malaysia.He said the government will carry out serious monitoring to ensure that Malaysian students at international schools, in particular, will be taught the national language.

Anwar: International schools must teach BM to all Malaysian students

Putrajaya is proposing a slew of significant improvements to the medical sector, including an increase in the number of government medical officers and consultation fees for private clinics under Budget 2026.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling the bill, said the government has agreed to approve 4,500 more permanent positions for government contract doctors next year.This is on top of the 1,500 permanent positions that have been opened between 2023 and this year.

Putrajaya is proposing a slew of significant improvements to the medical sector, including an increase in the number of government medical officers and consultation fees for private clinics under Budget 2026.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling the bill, said the government has agreed to approve 4,500 more permanent positions for government contract doctors next year.This is on top of the 1,500 permanent positions that have been opened between 2023 and this year.

4,500 govt contract doctors to be given permanent position next year

Starting Nov 1 this year, the excise duties on alcohol will go up 10 percent.Meanwhile, cigarettes will cost two sen more per stick.Cigars, cheroots, and cigarillos will go up by RM40 per kg, while heated tobacco products will cost RM20 more per kg of tobacco.

Starting Nov 1 this year, the excise duties on alcohol will go up 10 percent.Meanwhile, cigarettes will cost two sen more per stick.Cigars, cheroots, and cigarillos will go up by RM40 per kg, while heated tobacco products will cost RM20 more per kg of tobacco.

Excise duties on alcohol, cigarettes set to increase from Nov 1

Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) and Rahmah Basic Necessities Aid (Sara) rates will be the same in 2026 as it is this year.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government will also give another round of RM100 Sara aid to all adult Malaysians next year.

Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) and Rahmah Basic Necessities Aid (Sara) rates will be the same in 2026 as it is this year.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government will also give another round of RM100 Sara aid to all adult Malaysians next year.

PM: Another round of RM100 Sara aid in Feb 2026

Beginning 2026, the government will introduce a free education initiative under the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), aimed at easing the financial burden on low-income families.Under the scheme, 5,800 students from poor households who are pursuing studies at public universities will be granted full education funding.In tabling Budget 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government has allocated RM120 million annually for the initiative.

Beginning 2026, the government will introduce a free education initiative under the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), aimed at easing the financial burden on low-income families.Under the scheme, 5,800 students from poor households who are pursuing studies at public universities will be granted full education funding.In tabling Budget 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government has allocated RM120 million annually for the initiative.

Free education for low-income students under PTPTN scheme

All the subsidy cuts carried out by the government will lead to RM15.5 billion in savings annually.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Budi95 exercise will save RM2.5 billion, while diesel subsidy rationalisation will save RM5 billion.Electricity subsidy rationalisation, meanwhile, will save the government RM6 billion each year.

All the subsidy cuts carried out by the government will lead to RM15.5 billion in savings annually.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Budi95 exercise will save RM2.5 billion, while diesel subsidy rationalisation will save RM5 billion.Electricity subsidy rationalisation, meanwhile, will save the government RM6 billion each year.

Anwar: Subsidy cuts to result in RM15.5b savings

The government has allocated nearly RM2.4 billion for the Federal Land Development Authority, the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority, and the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority under Budget 2026.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the amount will cover more than 720,000 settlers, smallholders, and their families.

The government has allocated nearly RM2.4 billion for the Federal Land Development Authority, the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority, and the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority under Budget 2026.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the amount will cover more than 720,000 settlers, smallholders, and their families.

Budget 2026: RM2.4b allocation for Felda, Risda and Felcra - Anwar

The government has allocated more than RM700 million to boost the tourism sector in the country.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said this will help to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

The government has allocated more than RM700 million to boost the tourism sector in the country.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said this will help to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Govt allocates RM700m to boost tourism

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said a special individual income tax relief of up to RM1,000 will be provided for expenses on entrance fees to local tourist attractions and cultural programmes.This is to encourage domestic tourism in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said a special individual income tax relief of up to RM1,000 will be provided for expenses on entrance fees to local tourist attractions and cultural programmes.This is to encourage domestic tourism in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

PM announces tax relief of up to RM1k to encourage domestic tourism

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that under the Madani administration, enforcement bodies such as the MACC, police, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Customs Department, and the Malaysia Competition Commission have successfully recovered and collected penalties amounting to nearly RM15.5 billion.Anwar said this during the tabling of Budget 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that under the Madani administration, enforcement bodies such as the MACC, police, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Customs Department, and the Malaysia Competition Commission have successfully recovered and collected penalties amounting to nearly RM15.5 billion.Anwar said this during the tabling of Budget 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Govt recovered RM15.5b in siphoned funds, says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said more local talent in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is needed to meet the demands of high-growth industries.He revealed that allocation for TVET will increase to RM7.9 billion, compared to RM7.5 billion previously.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said more local talent in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is needed to meet the demands of high-growth industries.He revealed that allocation for TVET will increase to RM7.9 billion, compared to RM7.5 billion previously.

Allocation for TVET will increase to RM7.9b - PM

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim left the Ministry of Finance at around 3.30pm to head to Parliament where he will be tabling Budget 2026.Anwar had gone to the MOF straight after Friday prayers.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim left the Ministry of Finance at around 3.30pm to head to Parliament where he will be tabling Budget 2026.Anwar had gone to the MOF straight after Friday prayers.

Anwar leaves MOF to table Budget 2026 in Parliament

A group of NGOs gathered in front of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) this morning to call for Minister Tiong King Sing to resign.This was following the controversy over the serving of alcohol at the Global Travel Meet gala dinner.The group, which was led by Selangor PAS Youth deputy chief Dr Aubidullah Fahim, also  urged the MACC to conduct a thorough investigation into the organisation, funding, and actual expenditure of the event.

A group of NGOs gathered in front of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) this morning to call for Minister Tiong King Sing to resign.This was following the controversy over the serving of alcohol at the Global Travel Meet gala dinner.The group, which was led by Selangor PAS Youth deputy chief Dr Aubidullah Fahim, also urged the MACC to conduct a thorough investigation into the organisation, funding, and actual expenditure of the event.

NGO gathers outside Motac, calls for Tiong King Sing to resign

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has challenged Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to release a short video of interviews with the seven players in the national football team recently granted Malaysian citizenship to demonstrate their command of Bahasa Malaysia.He said that if anyone wished to obtain Malaysian citizenship must have sufficient knowledge of the national language.“So, does the minister dare to take up the challenge and show a brief interview in Malay with these seven players to prove that they can speak the language, even at a basic level?” he asked.

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has challenged Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to release a short video of interviews with the seven players in the national football team recently granted Malaysian citizenship to demonstrate their command of Bahasa Malaysia.He said that if anyone wished to obtain Malaysian citizenship must have sufficient knowledge of the national language.“So, does the minister dare to take up the challenge and show a brief interview in Malay with these seven players to prove that they can speak the language, even at a basic level?” he asked.

PAS dares Saifuddin to release video of interviews with seven players in BM

United States President Donald Trump announced yesterday that Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas signed off on the first phase of a US-proposed Gaza deal.“This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

United States President Donald Trump announced yesterday that Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas signed off on the first phase of a US-proposed Gaza deal.“This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Israel, Hamas have agreed to first phase of peace plan, says Trump

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay has reminded his personnel that going for pilgrimage after indulging in corruption would not absolve them of their sins.“You may remember me saying this before, when it comes to corruption, especially for Muslims, don’t think your sins of corruption will be absolved after going for haj or umrah."“No such thing when it comes to corruption. Go ask your ustaz, the mufti. I have even asked the grand mufti of Al-Azhar (University)…no such thing.," he said.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay has reminded his personnel that going for pilgrimage after indulging in corruption would not absolve them of their sins.“You may remember me saying this before, when it comes to corruption, especially for Muslims, don’t think your sins of corruption will be absolved after going for haj or umrah."“No such thing when it comes to corruption. Go ask your ustaz, the mufti. I have even asked the grand mufti of Al-Azhar (University)…no such thing.," he said.

Haj or umrah won't absolve sins of corruption, deputy IGP tells cadet officers

KiniNews is now also available at: Spotify: https://mk.my/sH14qeJApple podcast: https://mk.my/jPylPZC[KiniNews] Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing has acknowledged that he erred in not informing that Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet event on Oct 1 was handled by the private sector, not the government.This, he said, had contributed to the misunderstanding which led the public to think that Tourism Malaysia had organised the event, which drew criticism over the serving of alcohol.“The only mistake here is, I did not inform everyone that it was a private event handled by industry players, no longer handled by the ministry,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government is prepared to consider a proposal for a second wave of humanitarian missions to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing in Egypt.“We have already attempted (to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza) by sea, and now there is a proposal (to go through the Rafah border), which deserves consideration," he said.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

KiniNews is now also available at: Spotify: https://mk.my/sH14qeJApple podcast: https://mk.my/jPylPZC[KiniNews] Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing has acknowledged that he erred in not informing that Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet event on Oct 1 was handled by the private sector, not the government.This, he said, had contributed to the misunderstanding which led the public to think that Tourism Malaysia had organised the event, which drew criticism over the serving of alcohol.“The only mistake here is, I did not inform everyone that it was a private event handled by industry players, no longer handled by the ministry,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government is prepared to consider a proposal for a second wave of humanitarian missions to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing in Egypt.“We have already attempted (to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza) by sea, and now there is a proposal (to go through the Rafah border), which deserves consideration," he said.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

#KiniNews: Tiong responds to dinner event issue; Govt mulls Gaza aid mission through Rafah - Anwar

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing has acknowledged that he erred in not informing that Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet event on Oct 1 was handled by the private sector, not the government.This, he said, had contributed to the misunderstanding which led the public to think that Tourism Malaysia had organised the event, which drew criticism over the serving of alcohol.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing has acknowledged that he erred in not informing that Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet event on Oct 1 was handled by the private sector, not the government.This, he said, had contributed to the misunderstanding which led the public to think that Tourism Malaysia had organised the event, which drew criticism over the serving of alcohol.

Tiong admits error in not informing event was handled by private sector

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had exercised his power granted under the Constitution to consider the seven "heritage" footballers as fit to be granted Malaysian citizenship, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.Saifuddin said Article 20(1)(e) provides discretionary power to a home minister when considering a citizenship application from a foreigner, particularly in the fulfilment of the minimum residency requirements.Full story:https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/757474

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had exercised his power granted under the Constitution to consider the seven "heritage" footballers as fit to be granted Malaysian citizenship, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.Saifuddin said Article 20(1)(e) provides discretionary power to a home minister when considering a citizenship application from a foreigner, particularly in the fulfilment of the minimum residency requirements. Full story:https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/757474

Saifuddin: Heritage players met all requirements under my discretion

Turkiye will continue to assist in efforts to bring home the nine Malaysian activists detained by Israeli forces while participating in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens To Gaza (FFC x TTMG) humanitarian mission.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said this in his address at the ‘Himpunan Solodariti Bersama Gaza’ held at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil last night

Turkiye will continue to assist in efforts to bring home the nine Malaysian activists detained by Israeli forces while participating in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens To Gaza (FFC x TTMG) humanitarian mission.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said this in his address at the ‘Himpunan Solodariti Bersama Gaza’ held at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil last night

Turkiye assisting Malaysia in bringing home activists detained by Israel, says Anwar

The brief suspension of Malaysiakini and KiniTV's Facebook pages on Sept 30 was due to “a technical issue”, Meta has claimed.A Meta spokesperson told Malaysiakini that the issue had caused some Facebook pages to be temporarily disabled, but they were immediately rectified upon notification.

The brief suspension of Malaysiakini and KiniTV's Facebook pages on Sept 30 was due to “a technical issue”, Meta has claimed.A Meta spokesperson told Malaysiakini that the issue had caused some Facebook pages to be temporarily disabled, but they were immediately rectified upon notification.

Mkini's FB pages were suspended due to a 'technical issue' - Meta

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's speech at the “Himpunan Solidariti Bersama Gaza: Gelombang Malaysia, Palestin Merdeka” event at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur last night.

[Full video] PM Anwar Ibrahim's speech at Gaza solidarity rally

Israeli forces intercepted the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) humanitarian mission to Gaza at 10.50am Malaysian time today.In a press conference, Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCare), which is leading the Malaysian delegation, said nine vessels, including the Conscience and Umm Saad, which were carrying nine Malaysian activists, were intercepted.MyCare chairperson Dr Kamal Nasharuddin Mustapha said eight Malaysians were on board the Conscience, and one was on the Umm Saad.

Israeli forces intercepted the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) humanitarian mission to Gaza at 10.50am Malaysian time today.In a press conference, Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCare), which is leading the Malaysian delegation, said nine vessels, including the Conscience and Umm Saad, which were carrying nine Malaysian activists, were intercepted.MyCare chairperson Dr Kamal Nasharuddin Mustapha said eight Malaysians were on board the Conscience, and one was on the Umm Saad.

[Full video] Freedom Flotilla Coalition with 9 M'sians intercepted by Israel -MyCare

KiniNews is now also available at: Spotify: https://mk.my/sH14qeJApple podcast: https://mk.my/jPylPZC[KiniNews] Israeli forces intercepted the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) humanitarian mission to Gaza at 10.50am Malaysian time today.In a press conference, Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCare), which is leading the Malaysian delegation, said nine vessels, including the Conscience and Umm Saad, which were carrying nine Malaysian activists, were intercepted.MyCare chairperson Dr Kamal Nasharuddin Mustapha said eight Malaysians were on board the Conscience, and one was on the Umm Saad.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Bersatu supreme council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan gave his statement to the disciplinary board at Bersatu headquarters in Petaling Jaya today.Previously, it was reported that Wan Saiful had been summoned to face the board for collecting statutory declarations, ahead of Bersatu’s annual general assembly, for an alleged attempt to push for party president Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkini Turn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

KiniNews is now also available at: Spotify: https://mk.my/sH14qeJApple podcast: https://mk.my/jPylPZC[KiniNews] Israeli forces intercepted the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) humanitarian mission to Gaza at 10.50am Malaysian time today.In a press conference, Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCare), which is leading the Malaysian delegation, said nine vessels, including the Conscience and Umm Saad, which were carrying nine Malaysian activists, were intercepted.MyCare chairperson Dr Kamal Nasharuddin Mustapha said eight Malaysians were on board the Conscience, and one was on the Umm Saad.Meanwhile, in a separate story, Bersatu supreme council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan gave his statement to the disciplinary board at Bersatu headquarters in Petaling Jaya today.Previously, it was reported that Wan Saiful had been summoned to face the board for collecting statutory declarations, ahead of Bersatu’s annual general assembly, for an alleged attempt to push for party president Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkini Turn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

#KiniNews: Israel intercepts Freedom Flotilla; Wan Saiful gives statement to disciplinary board

The cabinet has discussed the vacancies in the chief justice and Court of Appeal president positions, reaffirming that the appointments will be carried out in compliance with the Federal Constitution.Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said said the government is fully aware of public concern surrounding the matter."The Madani government remains committed to continuing to strengthen public confidence in the judicial institutions, including by examining long-term improvement measures towards increasing the transparency and independence of the judiciary," she said.

The cabinet has discussed the vacancies in the chief justice and Court of Appeal president positions, reaffirming that the appointments will be carried out in compliance with the Federal Constitution.Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said said the government is fully aware of public concern surrounding the matter."The Madani government remains committed to continuing to strengthen public confidence in the judicial institutions, including by examining long-term improvement measures towards increasing the transparency and independence of the judiciary," she said.

Judicial appointments to be in full compliance with Constitution, says Azalina