11/04/2026

SATURDAY | APR 11, 2026

2

Bangladesh urged to cut hiring costs for workers KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has asked the government of

Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and former president Ziaur Rahman. Anwar also expressed hope that the Malaysia-Bangladesh friendship would continue to be strengthened on the basis of mutual trust and shared benefits. – Bernama

Bangladeshi workers in the country, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. During the meeting, Anwar also repeated his congratulations to Tarique Rahman, who was appointed Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Feb 17. Tarique, 60, is the chairman of the

Mahdi Amin in Putrajaya on Thursday. The visit was held to discuss bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest between both countries. Anwar said Malaysia remains committed to protecting the welfare of hundreds of thousands of

measures for the wellbeing of the workers,” said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a post on his Facebook page. He had received a courtesy call from Bangladesh Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury and the Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Dr

Bangladesh to consider measures to reduce the cost of hiring Bangladeshi workers to work here. “I emphasise the need to reduce the cost of hiring foreign workers and have requested the government of Bangladesh to consider such The implementation of the work-from home (WFH) policy for civil servants beginning on Wednesday will not disrupt the nation’s economic operations, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. He said unlike the move implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was aimed at curbing the spread of the virus, the current policy focuses on sustaining productivity without affecting economic operations. “That is why working from home does not hinder economic activity. The intention is to ensure that productivity is not disrupted and civil servants remain committed to carrying out their duties from their respective homes or locations.” He was speaking after participating in Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme titled “Addressing the Energy Crisis: Ensuring Economic Stability” on Thursday. Commenting on the possibility of panic buying, Akmal Nasrullah said the government had taken early KUALA LUMPUR:

‘WFH policy will not affect economic operations of nation’ o Unlike during Covid-19 pandemic, current model assures productivity not disrupted, says minister measures to address supply issues with the activation of the National Economic Action Council early last month.

including the consistent use of short videos, are being implemented to explain economic issues to the public, despite the challenge of balancing informative content with broader appeal. “For this to be understood, it needs to be explained step by step and may take time. My expectation is that I will need about two months to go down to the ground, explain, build confidence and so on, (so that) decisions can be made with reasonable support.”

proactively to ensure sufficient supply. However, the caveat is that we must collectively maintain confidence and avoid any hoarding or panic buying that could shock existing stock levels.” During the programme, he said the challenge of ensuring that economic messages are understood and accepted by the public requires a clearer, more consistent and easily comprehensible communication approach amid current challenges. He said communication efforts,

expected to be sustained for up to nine months while other items will depend on production factors.” He added that fresh supplies such as vegetables require continuous production while protein sources, including chicken and eggs, are also being monitored along with animal feed supply. He urged the public not to engage in panic buying, which could disrupt the stability of existing supply. “From the outset, we have acted

He said among the aspects given attention are the assurance of the supply of food and essential goods, Bernama reported. “That is why the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has given an assurance that stocks of essential goods are sufficient for a reasonable period. “For example, rice supply is

Forum held to raise awareness on energy crisis

PUTRAJAYA: The Forum Perdana Hal Ehwal Islam titled Satu Saf: Mendepani Cabaran Global (standing united in facing global challenges), organised by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department together with 13 agencies, aims to raise public awareness on the global energy crisis and its impact on the country. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the forum was held to enhance public understanding of global challenges and the measures needed to address them. “It also serves to remind the public to spend prudently, be prepared for current economic challenges and refrain from spreading false or provocative information that could disrupt national harmony.” He was speaking after performing

Maghrib prayers, reciting Yassin and participating in a congregational solat hajat held in conjunction with the event on Thursday. About 5,000 attendees joined the prayers and recitations led by Putra Mosque chief imam Dr Muhamad Zakuwa Rodzali, followed by Isyak prayers and the forum session. The panel featured Universiti Selangor president and vice chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohammad Redzuan Othman and Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, with Mohd Hariri Daud as moderator. He added that the solat hajat was held to pray for the nation’s wellbeing and global peace, including an end to the conflict in West Asia and for the safety of those affected, particularly in Gaza and Palestine. – Bernama Singapore Defence Force chief Vice-Admiral Aaron Beng. “General Malek Razak’s visit underscores the warm and long standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. “Both countries’ armed forces interact regularly through a wide range of activities, including bilateral exercises, visits and professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses as well as through multilateral platforms like the Five Power Defence Arrangements, Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), and ADMM-Plus.” – Bernama

WARM RECEPTION ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arriving to perform Friday prayers yesterday at Masjid Nurussaadah in Kampung Cheras Baru, Kuala Lumpur. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Malaysia-Thailand railway extension expected to boost bilateral trade PATTANI: The proposed railway service extension project from Rantau Panjang in Pasir Mas, Kelantan to Sungai Golok in Narathiwat, Thailand will strengthen the impact assessment as part of the expansion of the country’s double track railway project. connectivity would open up new opportunities for commodity trade and the manufacturing industry as well as facilitate market access for SMEs in border areas. Meanwhile, and Malaysia have reaffirmed their long standing defence ties and Singapore

emphasised the importance of close cooperation in maintaining regional stability. In a statement on Thursday, Singapore’s Defence Ministry said the commitment was highlighted during a meeting between its Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing and Malaysian Armed Forces chief Jen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman. Malek Razak, who was on an introductory visit to Singapore from April 8 until yesterday, also called on

“If realised, the route will improve the efficiency of cross-border cargo transport, reduce logistics costs and speed up the delivery of goods between Malaysia, Thailand and Indochina. “Trains are the most efficient mode of transport for bulk cargo. They can boost trade capacity and strengthen the role of Malaysia and Thailand in the regional supply chain.” Wan Zaidi said improved rail

He said the strategic location of southern Thailand, which borders Malaysia, continues to support cross border interactions involving trade, tourism, education and social relations. Wan Zaidi also made an official visit to Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat from April 7 until yesterday, marking his first visit to southern Thailand since his appointment last year.

transport sector and bilateral trade between the two countries, said Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah. He said the project, which is currently under consideration by the Malaysian government, is expected to strengthen supply chains and facilitate the movement of goods. He added that Thailand has begun a feasibility study and environmental