Malaysia’s former army chief Hafizuddin Zantan has been arrested along with his two wives and two other individuals on corruption charges linked to a military procurement project. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) detained them and presented them before the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court, which approved remand orders of seven days for Hafizuddin, six days for one wife, and three days for the other. The arrests were part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the army’s procurement process.

MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the arrests and said the investigation is continuing. The agency stated its commitment to conducting the probe with transparency and professionalism. Authorities have also raided several companies since late last year and frozen six bank accounts belonging to a suspect and family members. The identity of that suspect has not been disclosed.

According to state news agency Bernama, MACC foiled an attempt to launder 2.4 million ringgit in cash related to the case. Hafizuddin had been placed on mandatory leave last December when the investigation began.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department detained 77 undocumented migrants, including 26 Bangladeshis, during a special operation in Negeri Sembilan. The raid took place on Tuesday, January 6, across 13 locations in Seremban and Nilai, following public complaints and a week of intelligence gathering. A total of 395 foreigners were screened between 9 a.m. and 1 a.m., and those detained were aged between 19 and 47. The operation proceeded peacefully without any untoward incidents.

According to Negeri Sembilan Immigration Director Kenneth Tan Ai Kiang, the detainees include nationals from Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, and India. The largest group, 55 individuals, was arrested at a soap manufacturing factory in Nilai. The detainees are accused of lacking valid passes or travel documents, overstaying, and violating immigration laws.

They have been sent to the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for investigation and further legal action. Tan also warned that strict measures will be taken against employers or individuals found to be hiring or sheltering undocumented migrants.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, aged 100, was hospitalized on Tuesday after falling at his home, according to his aide Sufi Yusof, who confirmed the information to AFP. The incident occurred as Mahathir was moving from his veranda to the living room. He was later taken to the National Heart Institute for observation. He remains conscious, though it is not yet known whether he will be admitted for a longer stay.

Mahathir has been suffering from various health issues and previously underwent bypass surgery for heart disease. Over his long political career, he led Malaysia through a period of rapid modernization and earned widespread respect and popularity both domestically and internationally.

He served as Malaysia’s prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020. During his second term, at age 94, he became the world’s oldest elected leader.

Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Najib Razak has been found guilty of abusing his power in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund. On Friday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court convicted him on four counts related to the illegal transfer of about 539 million dollars from the 1MDB project. Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah stated that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Prosecutors accused Najib of misusing his positions as prime minister, finance minister, and chairman of the 1MDB advisory board to divert large sums into his personal accounts. The 1MDB scandal, first exposed in 2015, revealed Malaysia’s involvement in global fraud and corruption. Najib had previously been sentenced in 2020 to 12 years in prison for misappropriating 9.9 million dollars from the same fund, later reduced to six years.

Najib, who served as prime minister from 2009 to 2018, still faces 21 additional charges of money laundering, each carrying potential prison terms of 15 to 20 years. He has claimed that fugitive financier Jho Low misled him, though Low remains wanted by Interpol since 2016.

Malaysia has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take all necessary measures to de-escalate the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The appeal was made during a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers held in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, following renewed clashes earlier this month in disputed frontier areas.

According to official reports, the fighting has displaced more than 500,000 people across both countries, with at least 22 killed in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia. Both Bangkok and Phnom Penh have accused each other of provoking violence and targeting civilians, while heavy weaponry, including tanks, drones, and artillery, has reportedly been used.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized that the conflict poses not only a regional but also a global security concern, urging ASEAN to safeguard peace and stability. He stressed that the goal should extend beyond reducing tensions to building trust and maintaining dialogue between the two sides despite ongoing disputes.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department detained 46 Bangladeshi nationals during a four-hour raid at a factory on Wednesday, following public complaints about undocumented workers. The detainees, aged between 18 and 43, were arrested for immigration-related offenses, including expired visas and lack of valid travel documents. Authorities transferred them to the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for further legal processing.

The operation is part of Malaysia’s ongoing crackdown on undocumented foreign labor. In November, the Immigration Department conducted a large-scale operation in Cameron Highlands, detaining 468 foreign nationals, including 174 Bangladeshis, after inspecting nearly 1,900 individuals’ documents. Officials cited expired passes, missing papers, and suspected forged temporary work permits as common violations.

The latest arrests highlight Malaysia’s intensified enforcement of immigration laws amid growing concerns over illegal labor in industrial and agricultural sectors. Rights groups have urged authorities to ensure humane treatment and due process for detained migrant workers.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department detained 31 undocumented migrants, including 11 Bangladeshis, during a special enforcement drive named ‘Ops Kutip’ in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday night. The operation, conducted around Masjid Jamek LRT Station, involved 25 immigration officers who randomly checked foreign passengers and pedestrians in the area.

According to Kuala Lumpur Immigration Director Wan Mohammad Saupi Wan Yusoff, officers inspected 60 foreigners and arrested 31 for lacking valid documents. Among those detained were nationals from Bangladesh (11), India (8), Pakistan (7), Indonesia (3), Sudan (1), and the Philippines (1). Five individuals were charged under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying, while the rest were detained under Section 6(1)(c) for not possessing valid passes or permits.

All detainees have been transferred to the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Depot for further legal processing. The operation reflects Malaysia’s ongoing crackdown on undocumented foreign workers amid rising concerns over labor law compliance and border control.

Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has reported that 1.3 million foreign workers have registered under its savings scheme since it became effective on October 1 this year. The registrations were facilitated through 60,000 employers, marking what officials describe as a positive start toward ensuring social protection for migrant laborers.

Despite the progress, the EPF noted that some employers still fail to make mandatory contributions, hindering full compliance. To strengthen enforcement and worker protection, the EPF signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the Immigration Department during a ceremony in Putrajaya. The agreement enables secure data sharing between the two agencies, including information on temporary employment visas and other valid work permits.

EPF CEO Sazaliza Zainuddin said the partnership will enhance identity verification, speed up registration, and ensure transparency in contribution enforcement. Full implementation of mandatory contributions is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025, supported by an integrated data system to streamline verification and compliance processes.

Malaysian immigration authorities have arrested 56 undocumented migrants, including several Bangladeshis, during two separate operations across Terengganu state. The raids, conducted in five districts, primarily targeted construction sites. In the first operation, held on December 10, officers inspected seven sites in Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, and Setiu, checking the documents of 92 workers. Forty-two Bangladeshis were detained for various visa and documentation irregularities under the Immigration Act 1952/63.

According to Terengganu Immigration Director Mohamad Yusri Mohamad Nor, 27 individuals were charged with violating permit conditions, 13 lacked valid travel documents, and two overstayed their visas. All detainees were transferred to the Ajil Immigration Depot for further legal proceedings. In a second operation across Kuala Terengganu, Marang, and Dungun, authorities arrested 14 more migrants—five each from Bangladesh and Indonesia, three from Thailand, and one from Myanmar, aged between 23 and 49.

Officials stated that enforcement against undocumented migrants will continue, reflecting Malaysia’s ongoing crackdown on illegal labor amid rising concerns over labor rights and documentation compliance.

Malaysian immigration authorities detained 101 foreign workers, including 86 Bangladeshi nationals, during a late-night raid on a popular Middle Eastern restaurant in Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang district. The operation, conducted around 11:10 p.m. on Tuesday, targeted a five-story building following allegations that undocumented foreign workers were employed there without valid permits.

Wan Mohammad Saupi Wan Yusuf, director of Kuala Lumpur Immigration, confirmed that documents of 111 migrants and six local staff were examined. Among those detained were 86 Bangladeshis, 12 Syrians, and two Indonesians, along with the local restaurant manager. Officials stated that some workers held permits for other sectors—such as construction, retail, cleaning, or factory work—but not for restaurant employment.

Authorities said the detainees, aged between 21 and 40, are being held for further investigation under Malaysia’s immigration laws. The raid underscores ongoing enforcement efforts against illegal employment practices in the hospitality sector, which has seen increased scrutiny amid labor policy reforms.

Malaysia has announced a target to attract 300,000 tourists from Bangladesh by 2026, according to Malaysian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Mohammad Suhaimi Osman. Speaking at a gala dinner during the Malaysia Tourism Fair in Dhaka, he emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening tourism, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

The High Commissioner highlighted that bilateral relations have expanded over the decades across trade, investment, education, and tourism. He noted that recent high-level visits, including those by the Malaysian Prime Minister to Dhaka and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser to Kuala Lumpur, have reaffirmed both countries’ dedication to deeper cooperation. Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport, one of the world’s most connected hubs, further supports this goal by facilitating travel and commerce.

Officials believe the “Visit Malaysia Year 2026” campaign and events like “Festival Malaysia” will showcase the nation’s multicultural heritage and strengthen mutual understanding. The initiative is expected to enhance Malaysia’s position as a key regional tourism and investment center in Southeast Asia.

Malaysian authorities have detained 843 undocumented migrants, including 79 Bangladeshis, during a large-scale enforcement operation in Selayang Baru, Selangor. The raid, coordinated by the Selangor State Security Council on December 6, involved multiple agencies including the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police, and National Anti-Drug Agency. Officials inspected the documents of 1,116 individuals and arrested those found violating immigration laws.

According to state officials, the detainees include nationals from Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and India, aged between 21 and 53. They face charges of lacking identification, overstaying, and using forged documents. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the operation followed public complaints about illegal businesses and overcrowding by foreign nationals. He warned employers against hiring undocumented workers, emphasizing that violators will face legal action.

Authorities confirmed that similar operations had been conducted earlier in Seri Muda and Selangor Wholesale Market areas. The crackdown will continue under Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, and Anti-Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.

Malaysia will officially begin registering refugees and asylum seekers under a new biometric-based system starting January 1, 2026. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced in parliament that the initiative, developed under National Security Council Directive No. 23, aims to create the country’s first comprehensive government database on refugees. The Immigration Department will oversee the registration process, while the system is being developed with technical support from MIMOS Berhad. The database will assist in planning social welfare, employment, and education programs, as well as strengthening national security. Refugees will receive a Refugee Registration Document (DPP), granting them legal access to residence, work, education, and healthcare in Peninsular Malaysia. Although Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol, the government expects around 200,000 refugees to be included in the database. Coordination among ministries and NGOs is ongoing to ensure transparency and effective implementation.

In a rare move in Malaysian history, former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad lodged a police complaint against current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, accusing him of economic sabotage and undermining national sovereignty. The complaint, filed at the Putrajaya police headquarters, centers on the Malaysia–US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed by Anwar and former US President Donald Trump on October 26. Mahathir claims the deal threatens Malaysia’s political and economic independence, increases foreign dependence, and weakens domestic policy-making power. He highlighted clauses that could compel Malaysia to comply with unilateral US sanctions and share cross-border data with Washington. Mahathir also cited 14 potential negative impacts, including risks to the halal industry, bumiputra empowerment, and rare earth exports. He demanded investigations into Anwar, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, and all officials involved. The agreement has sparked widespread criticism, with former Attorney General Tommy Thomas alleging Malaysia signed a US-drafted deal without negotiation. The controversy has intensified political debate over Malaysia’s sovereignty and trade policy direction.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources has denied issuing any list of 25 recruiting agencies authorized to send Bangladeshi workers under the calling visa system, calling the viral social media posts baseless. The ministry confirmed that no such notice or document exists on official government websites or announcements. Past discussions on agency-based recruitment have been replaced by Malaysia’s new digital and transparent hiring system, which includes e-visa and online verification processes. The Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur also urged job seekers to rely only on official information released through government channels and warned against paying money or submitting passports to unauthorized agents. Experts said the spread of fake lists is a tactic by brokers exploiting uncertainty to defraud applicants. They emphasized that both governments must strengthen monitoring and public awareness to prevent misinformation and protect migrant workers from financial and legal risks.