Author: Atan Agus

Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) will co-develop nearly 4,000 units of affordable homes in Johor for the M40 group together with one of Malaysia’s top property developers, Eco World Development Group Bhd. IIB, through River Retreat Sdn Bhd, has formed a strategic collaboration with Perbadanan Kemajuan Perumahan Negeri Johor (PKPJ) and Permodalan Darul Ta’zim (PDT). PDT in turn, has joined forces with Eco Botanic 3 Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EcoWorld, for the affordable housing project. Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim, president and chief executive officer of IIB, said the partnership allows the company to play a pivotal role in providing…

MANILA: The United States has called out China for interfering in the Philippines’ maritime operations and undermining regional stability, urging Beijing to stop “its dangerous and destabilizing conduct” in the South China Sea. The Philippines and China have traded accusations over a ramming incident at the weekend involving their vessels while Manila’s vessels were on a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal where its soldiers are stationed in a deliberately grounded navy vessel. “Obstructing supply lines to this longstanding outpost and interfering with lawful Philippines maritime operations undermines regional stability,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a December 10…

North Korea said early Wednesday that it had successfully put its first military spy satellite into orbit, state-run media reported, after a rocket carrying the payload passed over the Japanese archipelago late Tuesday, triggering a strong condemnation from Tokyo. South Korea’s military said the North’s military reconnaissance satellite was believed to have entered orbit, but it would take time to assess whether it was operating normally. Japanese and U.S. officials, however, said that they were continuing to analyze the launch — Pyongyang’s third attempt this year to put a spy satellite into orbit — and could not immediately determine whether…

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians should give Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim a chance to prove himself, says Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar. His Majesty said it was not possible for the Prime Minister to change the country in one year. “I will support the government, but if I think they are doing something improper, I will tell them,” His Majesty said in an interview with The Straits Times/ANN. Sultan Ibrahim does not foresee problems working with Anwar as they already enjoy a close relationship. “The Prime Minister calls me sometimes, even at midnight, asking for advice.” His Majesty also spoke…

The aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan began a port call in Manila, Philippines, on Saturday, a visit that comes amid tensions between China and the U.S. ally over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Reagan, the Navy’s Japan-based carrier, last visited Manila in October 2022, and Navy officials said this recent visit was planned in advance and was not a response to the latest flare-up between Beijing and Manila. Still, Reagan’s arrival showcases the rejuvenated alliance between the United States and the Philippines in the face of China’s increased maritime assertions in the region. It also puts some gray hulls behind recent U.S.…

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Nov 23 — Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi today urged the government to expedite the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project between Malaysia and Singapore, as well as the light rail transit (LRT) transport system in Johor Baru. He said this was to ensure the state’s economy grows in line with the state’s development agenda. He explained that efforts to upgrade the public transport system, especially in Johor Baru’s city centre will complete the state’s economic development ecosystem. “Following the government’s announcement of the establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the Forest City special financial…

India and South Korea have shared a diplomatic relationship for over five decades and are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Over time, their engagement has evolved into a strategic partnership. The two nations have recognized the need to deepen their collaboration and diversify their engagement in various sectors.Lately China’s rise as a global economic and political player has been emerging as a factor in India-Korea economic partnership. China’s economic engagement with Northeast Asian countries has grown significantly over the past few decades. China is now the largest trading partner of countries like South Korea and Japan. Its manufacturing prowess…

Repair works still ongoing at flood-damaged Endau-Rompin Selai, say authorities Johor contains over 63,000ha of forests that are designated as national parks. The largest of these is Endau-Rompin Johor National Park, a critical habitat for threatened wildlife species such as the Malayan tiger, Malayan tapir and Asian elephant. Other significant parks include Gunung Ledang Lagenda Johor National Park, Tanjung Piai National Park and Pulau Kukup National Park. Johor National Parks Corporation (JNPC), headed by director Taufik Bahar, plays a crucial role in monitoring and protecting these parks from threats, such as poaching and pollution. Taufik said the national parks were…

China conducted a multiple-day naval exercise in the South China Sea as the Philippines held major drills with the United States and other allied nations. A number of warships and helicopters from the Southern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy conducted “coordinated offensive and defensive combat drills” in different sea areas, said a press release posted on the Navy’s WeChat account. The South China Sea is PLA Southern Theater Command’s primary area of responsibility. The press release did not specify when the drills took place. But the state-aligned mouthpiece Global Times, normally well-informed about the PLA’s activities, said the drill…

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia ‘s royal families have elected the powerful and wealthy ruler of southern Johor state as the country’s new king under a unique rotating monarchy system, the palace said Friday. Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, 64, will ascend to the throne on Jan. 31 for a five-year term. the palace said in a statement. His election had been widely expected, as the ruler of Johor state bordering Singapore was next in line based on a rotation order established among the country’s nine state rulers. He succeeds incumbent Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah of central Pahang, who presided over a tumultuous period…