Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to continue supporting Bangladesh, particularly in addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis. Speaking after talks with Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus in Putrajaya, Anwar called for ASEAN unity in resolving the Myanmar conflict. He praised Bangladesh’s role in multilateral forums and announced plans for Malaysia’s foreign minister to visit Myanmar with regional counterparts. Dr. Yunus also attended a luncheon and cultural program hosted by Anwar, and will join business and community events in Malaysia.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a crucial phone call on July 31, just a day before a 25% U.S. tariff on Malaysian goods was to take effect. Both sides moved toward reducing tariffs to as low as 15-20%, with an official announcement expected by August 1. Malaysia agreed to concessions on halal certification and rare earth mineral supplies. Separately, Malaysia mediated a Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire, with support from the U.S. and China.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, aged 100, is hospitalized at Kuala Lumpur’s National Heart Institute due to physical weakness and fatigue. Though under observation, his condition is stable, and he is expected to be discharged soon. Mahathir, known for his long political career and heart-related health issues, recently celebrated his 100th birthday with family but appeared weak afterward. He served as Malaysia’s Prime Minister twice, from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020.

Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s former Prime Minister, marked his 100th birthday expressing skepticism about democracy, calling it a flawed, human-made system that can create weaknesses. Serving two terms totaling 24 years, he played a key role in Malaysia’s economic transformation from commodity dependence to a diversified manufacturing hub. In an interview, Mahathir also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and accused the United States of supporting the conflict and losing credibility as a global leader.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a significant meeting in Malaysia on Thursday, focusing on the future of the Ukraine war and Russia’s hardened stance. The meeting coincided with a major Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv.

Rubio emphasized the need for a roadmap to resolve the conflict, while Lavrov confirmed clear exchanges of views on Ukraine, Iran, and Syria. The meeting took place as U.S. diplomacy faces challenges in Asia, partly due to Trump-era tariff threats. Lavrov’s upcoming visit to North Korea also signals Moscow’s intent to strengthen new military alliances.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has criticized the U.S. for using tariff threats as an economic weapon against weaker countries. Speaking at a regional forum, he urged ASEAN nations to strengthen internal trade and cooperation to counter external pressures.

Anwar emphasized the need for a robust economic foundation to preserve the region’s sovereignty, calling for ASEAN nations to work together in the face of growing global tensions.

Malaysia currently hosts 138,000 legally employed skilled foreign professionals, according to the country’s Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.

While the number of Bangladeshi professionals was not specified, officials say the figure reflects growing demand for high-skilled foreign talent amid Malaysia’s economic growth. Through the "Expats Gateway" system, work pass applications can now be processed in under 20 business days. TalentCorp’s CEO emphasized the importance of attracting global talent to remain regionally competitive.

Malaysia has made Employee Provident Fund (EPF) contributions mandatory for all foreign workers—except domestic helpers—with valid passports and work permits, starting October. Currently, EPF enrollment is voluntary for non-Malaysians. The move is aimed at enhancing social protection for migrant workers, according to the EPF department.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources has urged all migrant workers earning less than RM1,700 per month to report their employers to the nearest labor office.
Violating employers could face a fine of RM10,000 per worker, with repeat offenses leading to daily fines of RM1,000 and up to five years in prison or RM20,000 in penalties.
The announcement follows media reports that some express and exclusive bus drivers were receiving as little as RM700 per month, with some not even being paid their base salaries.

At least 15 university students died and 31 others were injured after a minivan collided with a bus in northern Malaysia early Monday. The accident occurred on the East-West Highway near the Thai border. Authorities said the bus overturned and the minivan plunged into a ravine. Some passengers managed to escape, while others were trapped or thrown from the vehicle. Rescue workers used hydraulic tools to extract victims. Transport Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the fatalities and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

Malaysian immigration authorities detained 13 immigrants, including Bangladeshis, during a special operation in Kuala Lumpur. The raid targeted illegal homestays operating in rented local residences. Among the detainees, six held temporary work passes, while seven lacked valid documents. Items seized included passports, rental agreements, and cash. The detainees face charges under immigration laws. The operation reflects ongoing efforts to curb illegal immigration and related activities in Malaysia, with further investigations underway at Putrajaya Immigration Headquarters.

A devastating fire broke out at a Petronas gas pipeline in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, injuring 33 people.

Efforts to extinguish the flames are ongoing, and six severely injured individuals have been taken to the hospital.

Selangor Disaster Management Committee Chairman Mohammad Najwan Halimi stated that residents in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru were trapped inside their homes, and rescue operations are underway.

Fire service officials reported that the blaze originated from a 500-meter-long pipeline leakage in Puchong city.

Malaysia’s Home Minister, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, has dismissed claims that the government granted citizenship to Dr. Zakir Naik. A viral social media post falsely suggested this, using a 2017 photo of Naik receiving an award from Perkasa’s former chief, Ibrahim Ali. Malaysian authorities confirmed that Zakir Naik remains a permanent resident and has not applied for citizenship. Indian authorities have been seeking him since 2016, but Malaysia stated he would not be extradited unless he causes issues. A previous ban on his public speeches has now been lifted.

The Johor Immigration Department reported on Thursday that, as part of a year-long enforcement operation from January 1 to December 31, 2024, authorities conducted 3,040 raids, screening 25,923 individuals. A total of 13,095 undocumented immigrants were arrested, while 5,719 were deported via air, land, and sea routes. Additionally, legal action has been initiated against 3,206 undocumented immigrants at the Pontian Sessions Court, and those who have served prison sentences are being transferred to the Pekan Nanas Immigration Depot.

Malaysia commemorated International Mother Language Day with a vibrant day-long event organized by the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. The event featured discussions, a documentary screening, and cultural performances by artists from 13 countries. Diplomats, UN representatives, academics, and expatriates attended. High Commissioner Md. Shamim Ahsan emphasized linguistic diversity and Bangladesh’s commitment to governance reforms. A panel discussion highlighted unity through language, while a multicultural performance showcased global harmony. The event concluded with floral tributes at the High Commission’s Shaheed Minar.