04/06/2026

THURSDAY | JUNE 4, 2026

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No indication of Negeri Sembilan assembly dissolution PETALING JAYA: There appears to be no immediate indication of a dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly despite ongoing speculation. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun carried out his routine weekly audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir at Istana Hinggap in Seremban yesterday. The weekly audience is typically held on Wednesdays before the state executive council meeting at Wisma Negeri, as part of the menteri besar’s official routine. However, the visit drew attention from the media amid speculation over a possible early dissolution of the state assembly to pave the way for state election. When met after the audience, Aminuddin gave a brief reply: “It’s the usual Wednesday audience with Tuanku.” A media conference, scheduled for 1.30pm following the exco meeting, was later cancelled due to other official commitments. The cancellation was confirmed by the menteri besar’s press secretary Ahmad Shahir Mohd Shah who said the engagement was postponed due to “unavoidable matters” requiring Aminuddin’s attention. On Tuesday, Aminuddin, who is also Negeri Sembilan Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, had chaired a state PH leadership meeting at his official residence, as speculation over the possible dissolution of the assembly continued to circulate. Negeri Sembilan DAP secretary Cha Kee Chin said the meeting was held to discuss the coalition’s preparations for the next state election. The latest speculation comes after Johor’s state assembly was dissolved earlier this week, fuelling expectations that Negeri Sembilan could be next amid shifting political dynamics and internal considerations within the ruling coalition. Over RM12b invested in Uzbekistan KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian investments in Uzbekistan have surpassed US$3 billion (RM12 billion), underscoring deepening economic ties between the two countries. The number of Malaysia-Uzbekistan joint ventures has also risen to 47, said the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Malaysia Karomidin Gadoyev. “When I came to Malaysia (in 2023), there were less than 30 Malaysia-Uzbekistan joint ventures in Uzbekistan. Now we have 47 joint ventures,” he said at the Uzbekistan-Malaysia Business and Tourism Forum themed “Fergana Valley – The Pearl of Central Asia” on Tuesday. Gadoyev said the Uzbek government had tasked him with hosting a governor from Uzbekistan in Malaysia every month to further promote business and investment cooperation. – Bernama Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

GREEN FUEL ... Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad accompanied by the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof filling a vehicle with B15 biodiesel at the Petronas station in Precinct 16, Putrajaya, yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

‘Cost cuts under Budget 2027 will not disrupt key plans’

year as well as the intake of six-year-old children into Year One. On May 29, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hinted that Budget 2027 would be drafted with greater emphasis on cost-saving measures amid mounting global economic pressures affecting the country’s fiscal position, including those involving the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry. He said global geopolitical uncertainties, including escalating tensions following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, have impacted the global economy, requiring more prudent government spending. Fadhlina said the RM100 book voucher for secondary school students under the Education Ministry and for students of public higher education institutions announced by Anwar during the opening of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026 last Friday would be distributed once the school session resumes.

o Recruitment of teachers, construction of classrooms, Supplementary Food Programme, building maintenance and rollout of new curriculum next year remain on track, says Education minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Cost-saving measures under Budget 2027 will not affect the Education Ministry’s key plans, particularly in the recruitment of new teachers and the construction of additional classrooms, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She also assured the public that the measures would not disrupt beneficiaries of the Supplementary Food Programme, which she described as essential for students’ nutritional intake. She said repairs to dilapidated schools and building maintenance would continue as usual.

“We do not want the public to feel anxious or worried. Although the call for cost-saving measures is very important and critical at this time, I would like to assure the public that it will not affect or disrupt matters closely related to the ministry’s priorities.” She was speaking after officiating an international symposium on literature, translation and artificial intelligence at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka yesterday, Bernama reported. Fadhlina said the ministry would ensure that any cost-saving measures would not affect the rollout of the new curriculum next

Offence to provide healthcare services at unlicensed premises: Ministry PUTRAJAYA: Healthcare services must only be provided at premises registered or licensed under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), according to the Health Ministry. activities or healthcare services being carried out at unregistered or unlicensed premises, including those related to aesthetic medical services,”it said in a statement yesterday. healthcare services conducted at unregistered or unlicensed premises, with the number increasing each year. are being or have been brought to court for prosecution.”

The public and healthcare professionals are encouraged to channel information or complaints through the official channel (ckaps@moh.gov.my) to enable appropriate, evidence-based follow-up action. It also hopes that the public would remain attentive to advisories and statements previously issued by the ministry regarding the provision of healthcare services at unregistered or unlicensed premises. – Bernama

The increase in complaints also reflects growing public concern over the issue, particularly regarding the qualifications of individuals providing such services. “Based on the complaints received, 320 raids have been conducted on unregistered or unlicensed premises. Of these, 126 investigation papers have been opened, 194 cases have been issued warnings and advisories, while 70 cases

The ministry said enforcement of Act 586 would be continuously strengthened through monitoring and investigations, including intelligence-based operations as well as targeted enforcement actions in coordination with state health departments and relevant agencies. It said based on data since 2021, more than 1,020 complaints have been received regarding

It said providing healthcare services at unregistered or unlicensed premises constitutes an offence under Act 586 and may result in a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to six years or both. “There has been an increase in complaints and enquiries regarding alleged treatment