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JOHOR BAHRU — A weak 3.2-magnitude earthquake was detected in the Batu Pahat waters, Johor, at 6.07 pm today.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said the tremor was centred at coordinates 1.7 degrees North and 102.7 degrees East, at a depth of 10 kilometres.

‘The tremor may be felt in the Johor waters, and MetMalaysia will continue to monitor the situation,” the department said in a Facebook post.

Those who felt the tremor are also requested to fill out a survey form at https://forms.gle/UkEQsYd1bcQAN7A97. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — The bazaar at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) here, a popular spot for festive essentials at reasonable prices, continues to draw crowds, including foreign tourists, as preparations for Aidilfitri intensify.

A Bernama survey found the atmosphere along Jalan TAR lively, with visitors purchasing festive cookies, clothing and Hari Raya money envelopes.

Public Works Department quantity surveyor Nor Zamzarina Abdul Rashid, 45, said she used the RM500 Special Financial Assistance (BKK) to prepare for the upcoming Syawal celebrations.

“The BKK eases my family’s burden. I used it for Raya preparations at Jalan TAR, while my husband went to a vehicle service centre to service the car before we return to our hometown in Kedah,” she said.

Social media manager Muhammad Shafwan Mohd Zaidon, 32, said the lower prices of goods and the festive atmosphere at Jalan TAR bazaar compared with other locations make it a must-visit place for him every year ahead of Syawal. 

“Spending for Hari Raya this year is higher compared with last year because we have just welcomed a newborn. So I chose Jalan TAR bazaar as it is cheaper and offers more choices. I also enjoy the vibe in this area,” said the Kuala Lumpur native.

For Faridah Norsalam, 39, from Brunei, her visit to the bazaar with her husband was for the variety of clothing and festive items sold there.

“I bought several sets of Raya clothing and other festive essentials to bring back to Brunei,” she said.

Meanwhile, kurta and baju Melayu trader Muhammad Farhan Khairul Nizan, 27, said sales have been very encouraging, especially towards the end of Ramadan.

“I expect sales to continue rising, and the stock may sell out as more people are coming since Hari Raya is just around the corner,” he said, adding that he also has customers from Europe. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) safety liaison officer in Thailand is working with Thai authorities to locate independent preacher Zamri Vinoth and activist Tamim Dahri, who are believed to have fled to the country.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M. Kumar said police are actively tracking the two individuals to bring them back to face charges in court.

“Checks found that both of them left the country legally for Thailand, and PDRM is using the legal provisions available to bring them back to be charged in court,” he said when contacted today.

Investigations into Zamri over his remarks at a rally in the capital on Feb 7 have been referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).

The AGC subsequently issued instructions for charges to be filed under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, for statements likely to cause public mischief intended to incite fear or alarm among the public.

In addition, investigations into Zamri over remarks deemed insulting to the Indian community have been referred to the Penang prosecution office, with instructions for charges to be framed under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.

Meanwhile, the investigation paper involving Tamim for allegedly damaging a soolam, a sacred Hindu symbol, at the site of a former temple in Langkawi, Kedah, has been referred to the Kedah prosecution office, with instructions to press charges under Section 295 of the Penal Code. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia will give an explanation to the United States (US) regarding allegations of structural excess capacity and production as well as the use of forced labour, which are among issues under probe under Section 301(b) of the US’ Trade Act of 1974.

Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister (MITI) Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said even if Malaysia has excess production capacity, it does not mean that Malaysia is dumping the products exported to the US.

“Even if we have excess capacity, as long as we are not dumping, we can show our costs,” he told reporters after a casual dialogue session in Kampung Baru here last night.

Johari said the matter can be clarified by comparing the product selling prices in the domestic market with the export prices.

“The prices in Malaysia can be compared with the prices of our exports. If the prices of goods here are the same as the prices of our export goods, it cannot be said that we are practicing dumping,” he said.

He said that dumping generally occurs when a product is sold cheaper in the export market than in the country of origin.

“For example, if the price in Malaysia is RM100 but we sell the product in another country for RM80 or RM90, that can create the perception that we are trying to undercut competitors in their market,” he added.

Johari made the remarks when commenting on the US, which on Wednesday began investigations into the acts, policies, and practices in 15 trade partners, including Malaysia and the European Union, under Section 301(b) concerning structural excess capacity and production in the manufacturing sector.

Most recently, the US, through US Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer, on Thursday launched investigations into 60 economies under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act 1974, a section created, among other things, to address failures to take action against forced labour.

Among the 60 countries involved were major US trading partners, including seven ASEAN countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Commenting on the forced labour allegations, Johari said Malaysia has clear labour laws to ensure workers are protected and exploitation does not occur.

“Forced labour includes using workers without valid permits or workers being paid below the prescribed minimum wage,” he said.

According to him, the employment of underage workers is also not allowed under national law.

“The government has set a minimum wage. If a company pays below that rate, it is not allowed. Likewise, using underage workers is prohibited,” he said.

He added that compliance with labour laws and employment standards is important to ensure Malaysian products are not associated with forced labour issues in international trade. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia needs to exercise caution in managing costs and preparing for global economic uncertainties, including the possibility of rising oil prices, said the wife of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (picture).

She said careful measures are necessary given that Malaysia is a trading nation vulnerable to changes in the global economy and markets.

“We are a trading nation, so we need to be careful to ensure that these conditions do not harm our economy,” she told reporters today when asked to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision not to hold Aidilfitri open house this year.

Earlier, Wan Azizah, who is also the Bandar Tun Razak Member of Parliament, officiated at the Harapan Ramadan 2026 Programme organised by the Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, in collaboration with CIMB Islamic Bank.

In her speech, she said the country’s development cannot rely solely on government policies but requires close cooperation between the corporate sector, community institutions and dakwah organisations. 

She added that such collaboration is crucial to ensure welfare efforts for those in need are carried out more comprehensively.

“Programmes like Harapan Ramadan emphasise building spiritual and social well-being in the community, while ensuring the welfare of local communities is always safeguarded,” she said.

She added that CIMB Islamic, together with YADIM, has allocated RM1 million this Ramadan to assist 6,000 recipients nationwide through the distribution of 6,000 Harapan Ramadan hampers throughout the month.

Wan Azizah said such welfare initiatives are particularly meaningful given that more than three million households in the B40 category require ongoing support.

The Harapan Ramadan 2026 Programme today saw the distribution of Ramadan hampers to 100 recipients, including the underprivileged, senior citizens, single mothers and orphans in the Bandar Tun Razak area.

At the event, Wan Azizah also witnessed the handing over of a RM2,000 cheque from YADIM to eligible recipients. — BERNAMA

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