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.

Malaysia has lifted the ban on Indian Islamic scholar and speaker Dr. Zakir Naik from delivering public speeches. The restriction, imposed temporarily in 2019, is no longer in effect, according to Malaysian media.

During a parliamentary session, a member of parliament questioned the Home Minister about whether the ban on Naik was still in place. In response, the minister confirmed that the restriction was temporary and has since been lifted.

Al Jazeera reports that Zakir Naik remains on India’s wanted list over allegations of money laundering and promoting hate speech. In 2019, Malaysia took a stance against him after his controversial remarks about Malaysian Hindus and Chinese communities sparked outrage.

The Malaysian government has proposed making the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) mandatory for foreign workers while reducing their contribution rate from 12% to just 2%. This has sparked serious concerns regarding the financial security and social protection of migrant workers. Glorene Das, Executive Director of Tenaganita, criticized the move, stating that it would further marginalize foreign workers, who are already subject to systemic discrimination despite their significant contributions to the local economy. She added that migrant workers still lack equal protections compared to Malaysians. The proposed changes indicate that foreign laborers are being treated as mere commodities for economic gain rather than as integral contributors to Malaysia’s growth.

Malaysia has made history by recognizing cryptocurrency as eligible for zakat, the obligatory Islamic charity. The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council announced the decision to align zakat practices with the digital era. Cryptocurrency, a rapidly growing sector in Malaysia, involves 54.2% of the country’s investors, mostly aged 18–34, holding assets worth 16 billion ringgit. Officials see this as a potential new zakat source, particularly for young Muslims. The move reflects Malaysia’s effort to adapt Islamic finance to modern economic trends.