Malaysia

The Gig Workers Bill 2025 was passed, extending labor protections to about 1,2 million gig economy workers; the law mandates written contracts and basic benefits, like insurance and leave, for drivers, freelancers and platform workers

Following the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina amid bullying allegations, the Malaysian Media Council is demanding better journalist safety after unaccredited individuals disrupted a press conference, creating safety risks for reporters covering the case

Up to $150 billion over the next five years will be spent for equipment from U.S. multinationals for semiconductor, aerospace and data center industries in an articulated plan that reduces threatened U.S. tariff on Malaysian goods from 25% to 19%

Around mid-July, tens of protesters rallied outside the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur opposing Nick Adams' appointment as U.S. ambassador: his controversial statements on Islam prompted calls for rejection

With the Malaysian Media Council Act an independent body has been established to uphold media ethics, manage complaints, protect journalists, guide AI use in media, aiming at press integrity and accountability through self-regulation and legal recognition

New amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act took effect, imposing stricter obligations on businesses to protect personal data, aligning Malaysia with global privacy standards

The ASEAN-GCC-China Forum, held in Kuala Lumpur, called on the business sector to seize new opportunities; With solid political groundwork established, leaders stressed that it’s now up to industry players to advance regional economic cooperation

Thousands are expected to attend the Wesak Day celebration at the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple in Petaling Jaya today, with traditional rituals as the bathing of the Buddha statue and performances to commemorate Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing

Curtailments to gas flow are expected to end on 20 April; they have been imposed after a fire in Petronas Putra Heights on 1 April resulted in a mushroom cloud in a residential area, where 50 houses were damaged by temperatures reaching over 1.000 °C

Army engineers are working to reconnect villages isolated by severe floods that have damaged infrastructure, leaving communities without access to essential services; the military's efforts focus on restoring transportation and communication links

The Malaysia Kabaddi Federation aims to gold at the upcoming SEA Games, a major multi-sport event in Southeast Asia, that would give much-needed international exposure; Kabaddi, a traditional contact sport, requires agility, strength, and teamwork

PM Ibrahim said religious mockery cases will be investigated fairly; his statement comes amid rising religious sensitivities and judicial shifts, with concerns over political interference and the balance between religious harmony and judicial independence