Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

jobless

worry

minimum wage

criticism

unemployment

starting pay

fresh graduates

For many graduates, landing that first job is a major milestone, marking their entry into the workforce and the opportunity to earn their own income. This allows them to start building savings and even support their parents, especially if they&rsquo;re retired and could use extra help with basic expenses.
Although the economy is showing signs of recovery, one persistent challenge remains&mdash;finding a job. Many companies are still offering salaries well below the market rate and even below the national minimum wage, making it difficult for new graduates to secure fair employment.
Over 290K Malaysians Jobless Since 2020
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2f6e147486a0f8de5f59d2ac0dc5d87ff768a4c9108ef14c258db17f3f09e9d5" />
According to Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, a total of 293,639 individuals have lost their jobs between 2020 and September 27 of this year.
He highlighted that the manufacturing sector has been the most affected, with 75,615 job losses. Here&rsquo;s the breakdown of the job losses in different sectors:
<ul>
<li>Wholesale and retail trade sector (43,614),</li>
<li>Professional, scientific, and technical activities sector (23,907).</li>
<li>Information and communication technology sector (19,931),</li>
<li>Accommodation and food and beverage services sector (23,124)</li>
<li>Construction sector (21,233)</li>
<li>Transportation sector (20,953)</li>
<li>Other sectors (65,262)</li>
</ul>
Abdul Rahman made these remarks in response to a question from Oscar Ling (PH-Sibu) on Monday (Oct 21) regarding the skilled training programs offered by the Human Resources Ministry aimed at enhancing graduates' marketability.
Additionally, Abdul Rahman referenced statistics from the Social Security Organisation, revealing that 575,044 active job seekers have registered on the MYFutureJobs portal from January to September 27 this year, while only 125,956 vacancies were posted.
To tackle the issue of underemployment among new graduates and local workers, Abdul Rahman noted that the Human Resources Ministry has introduced several initiatives, including the Training Program under the Employment Insurance System, the Prospective Worker Training Scheme, and courses focused on Industry 4.0.
&ldquo;The Human Resources Ministry is committed to ensuring that graduates and local workers possess the necessary skills to navigate economic challenges, particularly in technology and Industry 4.0, which encompasses the rapid advancements in automation and artificial intelligence,&rdquo; he stated.
Will The New Minimum Wage Improve Unemployment In Malaysians?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cbbfdb7f845ba99693898a82fe9f6847cd05b75038743796501889e3d183e815" />
On Friday, 18 October, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed during the Budget 2025 presentation that Malaysia's minimum wage will be raised from RM1,500 to RM1,700. The increase, set to take effect on 1 February 2025, is part of the government's efforts to improve the welfare and dignity of low-income workers.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/3868/government-establishes-new-minimum-wage-of-rm1700-hr-minister-criticises-companies-for-treating-it-as-starting-pay">Government Establishes New Minimum Wage Of RM1,700; HR Minister Criticises Companies For Treating It As &ldquo;Starting Pay&rdquo;</a> 
The minimum wage hike has received mixed reactions, with some expressing support while others, like Abdul Rahman, voiced concerns. He argued that the increase shouldn't apply to everyone, suggesting that it should be limited to lower-level positions like labourers, rather than extending to skilled and semi-skilled graduates.
Some have argued that increasing the minimum wage might lead businesses to hire fewer graduates, opting instead to retain their existing workforce. This is because it can sometimes be more &ldquo;costly&rdquo; to train new graduates compared to employing seasoned workers. 
It may be time for the government to examine these statistics closely and explore strategies to reduce the unemployment rate effectively.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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With rising minimum wages and the impact of AI, could we anticipate even higher unemployment rates by 2025? 

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Deputy HR Minister Reveals Nearly 300K M’sians Have Been Jobless From 2020 To 2024

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Mybox pizza hut

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KFC Treats 2

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Cornetto

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AXE MLBB

Cristiano Ronaldo&rsquo;s retirement from international football marks the end of a remarkable 23-year chapter with Portugal, but it does not mean the football superstar is hanging up his boots altogether. At 41, the five-time Ballon d&rsquo;Or winner leaves the national team as its most-capped player and record goalscorer, having helped Portugal secure some of the biggest achievements in its football history.
While Ronaldo is preparing to pass on the iconic number 7 shirt, he is expected to continue playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he remains on the pursuit of the historic 1,000-career-goal milestone.
Ronaldo Brings 23-Year Portugal Career To An End
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/63f230c2c3d095bf78ad97a7c30ec445ccd2ef6fe9c7b58b97edba9590793c74" />
Ronaldo announced his international retirement on Thursday, November 5, through a video shared on social media. He said the time had come to return the number 7 shirt after representing Portugal for more than two decades.
Describing the decision as an emotional one, Ronaldo thanked his family, supporters, team-mates, coaches and national team staff who had accompanied him throughout his journey. He also reflected on the memories created through his goals, saying he hoped they had given people moments of happiness and pride in their country.
His international career began in August 2003, when he made his senior debut as an 18-year-old. He went on to earn 234 caps and score 146 goals for Portugal, setting men's world records for appearances and goals at international level. His final major tournament was the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where he scored three times before Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16 by eventual champions Spain.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfWzUuNAeGd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">
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From Madeira Prospect To Global Football Superstar
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6137070bbf5707859843fc39e6faa44f1845d35eb093a0c76242f3bdb735c4b2" />
Born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Ronaldo rose from a young talent at Sporting CP to become one of football's most recognisable figures. His performances in Portugal earned him a move to Manchester United in 2003, where he developed into a world-class winger under Sir Alex Ferguson.
His career reached another level after joining Real Madrid in 2009. Ronaldo became the Spanish club's all-time leading scorer, winning four UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns during his time there. He later played for Juventus before returning to Manchester United and eventually moving to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia in 2023.
Across his career, Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards and multiple domestic league and European titles. His international achievements include helping Portugal win its first major trophy at Euro 2016, followed by UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. He also became the first male player to score at six different World Cup tournaments.
Ronaldo Will Continue Playing For Al-Nassr
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6b0c4ceafe11d7997e4a3a7e14c939b1f5b6576958cdc15dd3d6cc0878441e4f" />
Although his Portugal career has ended, Ronaldo is not retiring from professional football. He remains with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is closing in on 1,000 goals across his senior career.
According to reports, he has scored 985 career goals, leaving him 15 short of the landmark. His current focus will therefore shift to club football, where he can continue adding to his scoring record and competing at the highest level available to him.
Why Portugal Cannot Retire Ronaldo&rsquo;s Number 7 Shirt
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/be02c7d324cf074ed2c88753ef0b7637be02d324140d0146558bf233640d2a71" />
Ronaldo&rsquo;s farewell also raises the question of what will happen to Portugal&rsquo;s famous number 7 shirt. While he has described it as time to pass the number on, the Portuguese national team cannot permanently retire it for official international competitions because of squad-numbering regulations .
Under UEFA competition rules, players must be allocated numbers within a prescribed range. For the UEFA Nations League, for example, numbers run from 1 to 23 during the league phase and from 1 to 26 in the finals. Tournament rules also require teams to assign numbers to their registered players, meaning a number cannot simply be removed from the available sequence.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/1fdbf39a04332b1ecc9329ec58632dfc169d9a17ce84c4b6bfaa43b7c47d7f07" />
Argentina faces the same restriction with Lionel Messi&rsquo;s iconic number 10 shirt. The country has reportedly opted to leave the number unused during upcoming friendlies as a tribute to Messi, but it cannot permanently retire the shirt for competitions such as the World Cup and Copa Am&eacute;rica, where consecutive squad numbers must be assigned.
Portugal may similarly choose to leave number 7 unused for selected friendlies, but Rafael Le&atilde;o will be wearing it in official tournaments as he was selected to inherit it. Ronaldo may be leaving the national team, but the shirt number that became synonymous with his name will remain part of Portugal&rsquo;s football story.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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From Madeira to football immortality. The number 7 may change hands, but the legacy stays forever.

4b9b19f00bc4966f600df91aa8573800421adb8be5aa8fe34b265ba1d6c7a24a

Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From International Football After 23 Years With Portugal

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to leave Kajang Prison and serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest after the RM50 million fine imposed in his SRC International Sdn Bhd case was paid to the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Friday (November 6).
Najib&rsquo;s lawyer, Muhammad Farhan Shafee, confirmed that the payment had been completed. He later said the court had issued a house-arrest order, which would be delivered to Kajang Prison, and expected his client to leave prison on Friday.
The development follows a fundraising campaign by UMNO, which said it had collected enough donations through the Najib Razak Solidarity Fund to settle the fine. However, questions remain over the donors, the exact conditions of Najib&rsquo;s house arrest and the arrangements surrounding his expected return home.
UMNO Confirms RM50 Million Fine Has Been Paid
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2b00032c3967f54cb6bb884b088c4596a8271f4602297de1d51c2f7332b7787c" />
UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced on Friday that the party had completed the payment process at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
In a statement, he said the Najib Razak Solidarity Fund, launched on September 18 to help the former UMNO president meet the financial condition attached to his pardon, had reached its fundraising target.
Asyraf thanked UMNO members and members of the public who contributed. He also confirmed that the party had officially closed the special account, adding that no further public fundraising was needed for this purpose.
Najib&rsquo;s lawyer Farhan and special officer Ahmad Lutfi Azhar were seen at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex on Friday morning. They visited the payment counter before proceeding to the High Court&rsquo;s criminal registry to complete the necessary procedures. Farhan later confirmed the fine had been paid and said the legal team was waiting for the release order to be handed to the Prisons Department.
House Arrest Order Expected To Be Delivered To Kajang Prison
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7264b44b9b35fd2078a77675d8c728b98181072f8edbc9d34055076e2d94b701" />
The payment fulfils a condition attached to a conditional pardon granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, on September 18. Under the arrangement, Najib is permitted to serve the remainder of his reduced prison sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, subject to the stipulated conditions.
The conditional pardon was decided at the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.
Although the payment has been confirmed, the full terms governing the house-arrest arrangement have not been made public. Najib&rsquo;s lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, reportedly said his client had been briefed on the conditions but declined to disclose the details.
Rosmah Says Family Was Not Informed Of Payment
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/897409d7a0f34461ac927c3de19a05b51f8a2478b06ab7642fd00d3e3313d3b8" />
The development attracted attention after Najib&rsquo;s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, said she did not know that the RM50 million fine had been paid.
Speaking to reporters after attending proceedings in her own Sarawak solar hybrid corruption case, Rosmah reportedly said neither she nor the family had been informed.
Meanwhile, police tightened security around Najib&rsquo;s residence in Jalan Langgak Duta, Kuala Lumpur, amid speculation that he could be transferred there. Berita Harian reported that police cordoned off the access road and deployed more than 50 personnel as a precaution.
Why Was Najib Required To Pay RM50 Million?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/60cb61619d9ee13ba36795aeaf145c3198d94180c258754a867eea64ba652571" />
Najib has been serving his prison sentence at Kajang Prison since August 23, 2022, after the Federal Court upheld his conviction in the SRC International case involving RM42 million.
He was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million after being found guilty of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering. In January 2024, the Pardons Board reduced his prison term to six years and his fine to RM50 million.
The conditional pardon announced by Sultan Ibrahim in September 2026 subsequently allowed Najib to serve the remaining portion of his sentence under house arrest, provided he paid the fine and complied with the other conditions.
Questions Remain Over Donations And House Arrest Terms
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8b2d003502a61d5dc8c1ca84d146b0be1f475b1fb5f3070c565d9c2d089ad536" />
Although UMNO confirmed that the fundraising target had been met, its statement did not reveal the total amount collected or identify the donors. This has prompted questions about the source of the contributions and the transparency surrounding the fund.
The arrangement has also drawn political scrutiny. DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook had previously said he would resign as Transport Minister when Najib began serving his sentence under house arrest.
For now, the confirmed payment has cleared a key condition of Najib&rsquo;s conditional pardon. However, the full house-arrest terms and the practical arrangements for his transfer from Kajang Prison remain matters of public interest.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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After more than four years behind bars, Najib’s expected move to house arrest is raising fresh questions.

509042a45d6b86810ec390e0519ac9fae77afa0f96d28329a36012bb1702db22

Najib Razak Begins House Arrest After RM50 Million Fine Is Settled

Malaysia could soon have stronger legal grounds to pursue cybercriminals operating overseas if their activities target Malaysian citizens or involve computer systems in the country. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Cyber Crime Bill 2026 provides for legal action against foreign-based offenders, including the possibility of extradition when the necessary conditions are met.
In a written parliamentary reply, Zahid explained that Clause 2 of the Bill establishes extraterritorial jurisdiction, allowing certain offences committed outside Malaysia to be treated as though they had taken place within the country. The government will rely on existing international cooperation mechanisms to investigate and prosecute perpetrators, while seeking their extradition where applicable.
Malaysia&rsquo;s Cyber Crime Bill Targets Cross-Border Offences
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2ecb894104ab6d849e5dff6d1617badcc3f75852b44403bc3d0d72a7a8111372" />
Zahid was responding to a question from Jempol MP Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli, who asked whether Malaysia&rsquo;s existing legal framework was sufficient to tackle AI-powered scams, identity impersonation, deepfakes and other forms of digital manipulation.
The Cyber Crime Bill 2026 was passed by Parliament in July and is intended to replace the Computer Crimes Act 1997. The new legislation seeks to address gaps in the previous framework, particularly as cyber threats evolve beyond conventional hacking and unauthorised access to computer systems.
Under Clause 2, Malaysian authorities may pursue cases involving overseas perpetrators when the offences affect Malaysian computer systems or Malaysian citizens. However, taking action against someone in another country will still depend on the relevant legal requirements and cooperation between jurisdictions. The provision does not mean that every overseas scammer can automatically be brought to Malaysia.
New Provisions Address AI Scams And Deepfakes
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/05ff65d21d779d31bb0af0e83578b28fe3c8643f771170f70f8bbd8354a05f81" />
Another key part of the Bill is Clause 23, which expands offences involving impersonation through computer systems. The provision is intended to address increasingly convincing forms of deception, including AI-generated videos, images and voices that can be used to impersonate real people.
Zahid said existing laws were no longer sufficient to deal with deepfakes that are difficult to distinguish from genuine recordings and can be used to defraud or mislead the public.
Police To Gain Stronger Investigative Powers
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/51af1ca294fbbd14f94b07ae99c79c4630233d9b6b212e89a3c64b173d64b19e" />
The Bill also sets out additional investigative powers under Clauses 38 to 41. These include the preservation and disclosure of data, the collection of traffic data and the interception of communications, subject to prescribed safeguards.
The measures are intended to help enforcement agencies act quickly when investigating cybercrime syndicates. Digital evidence can be deleted, altered or transferred within a short period, making it difficult for investigators to trace suspects and establish how an offence was carried out.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa welcomed the Bill, particularly its provisions on cross-border jurisdiction and expanded investigative powers.
He said online scams were no longer restricted by geographical boundaries, with syndicates using digital infrastructure, AI and identity impersonation to target Malaysians from overseas. The new provisions, he added, would provide a clearer legal basis for investigations, improve enforcement effectiveness and deter criminals who believe they can avoid prosecution by operating outside the country.
Courts Can Order Protection And Restitution For Victims
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/551748b1fc16b159e8462a5cca997929b2ca9e3da102a50fb33246b510d42a24" />
Beyond investigations and prosecution, Clause 54 introduces measures intended to prevent further harm and protect victims. It empowers courts, upon an application by the Public Prosecutor or an authorised officer, to issue orders to stop or prevent legal violations, even if a suspect has not yet been charged.
These measures include cessation orders to halt unlawful activity, compliance orders requiring relevant parties to meet legal requirements, restitution orders to facilitate the return of recovered funds to victims, and asset restraint orders to prevent suspected criminal proceeds from being moved or dissipated.
Strengthening Malaysia&rsquo;s Fight Against Online Scams
The Cyber Crime Bill 2026 is intended to give Malaysian authorities a more responsive framework for tackling cross-border cybercrime and AI-enabled fraud. Its effectiveness will also depend on enforcement capabilities and cooperation with international partners.
With scammers increasingly able to operate beyond national borders, the government and police say stronger legislation is necessary to protect Malaysians and ensure that overseas locations do not shield offenders from legal action.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Scammers may be operating overseas, but that doesn't mean they can escape justice in Malaysia.

164ea4e03343f530a585b6c67b01ac233b402ce6588d28240b51a4b2be9149a0

Malaysia Can Take Legal Action Against Overseas Cybercriminals Under New Cyber Crime Bill 2026

HYROX Kuala Lumpur 2026 has been thrown into uncertainty after a sponsorship controversy prompted the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) to warn that it would not approve the event unless its alcohol-related partnership was fully withdrawn. The organisers have since apologised and confirmed that the partnership with Carlsberg will not be extended to the Malaysian race, although the event&rsquo;s application was still being processed in the latest statements.
Scheduled to take place from 10 to 13 December at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the competition is expected to be Malaysia&rsquo;s first HYROX event. The dispute began after Carlsberg was announced as an &ldquo;Official Beer Partner&rdquo; in a regional partnership announcement, prompting questions about the suitability of alcohol branding at a fitness competition.
What Is HYROX?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/771d04a5ab60d92182d372767c04e08ad1e85305f2d1765cc43d38eb32009ffe" />
HYROX is an international indoor fitness racing competition that combines long-distance running with functional fitness exercises. Originating in Germany in 2018, the format is designed to test competitors&rsquo; endurance, strength and stamina through a series of running and workout stations.
A standard HYROX race features eight one-kilometre runs, each followed by a different functional workout. The stations include the SkiErg, sled pushes and pulls, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmers&rsquo; carries, sandbag lunges and wall balls. Participants can compete individually or in different categories, including doubles and relay formats, depending on the event.
KBS Says Alcohol Sponsorship Must Be Fully Removed
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a848cd9423a2670f0f60f90aec041d229723b6fe746c3df2e3caca2ebfa7bf22" />
The controversy drew a response from Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, who said KBS would withhold approval for HYROX Kuala Lumpur 2026 unless the alcohol sponsorship was completely withdrawn.
The ministry clarified that the event application was still being processed and had not received official approval. It also stressed that no government funding had been allocated to the competition.
KBS pointed to Clause 5.2 of the Safe Sports Code (Third Edition, 2024), which prohibits individuals or organisations involved in the tobacco, electronic cigarette and alcoholic beverage industries from organising, sponsoring, promoting or advertising sporting activities approved or supported by the ministry and its agencies. The restriction also covers displaying related trademarks at sports venues and facilities under KBS.
As a result, the ministry said removing the sponsorship would mean more than simply changing the partnership announcement. All related logos, trademarks and promotional materials would have to be taken down from the event&rsquo;s official channels and competition venue before approval could be considered.
HYROX Apologises And Ends Carlsberg Partnership For Malaysia
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Following KBS&rsquo; statement, HYROX acknowledged that the regional announcement had caused concern and offence among Malaysians. The organiser said it should have shown greater consideration for the country&rsquo;s religious beliefs and cultural values, adding that it accepted responsibility for the oversight.
HYROX also confirmed that it and Carlsberg had decided not to extend their partnership to the Malaysia race. The clarification means the regional partnership will not carry over to the Kuala Lumpur event.
Carlsberg Malaysia separately said it would comply with local laws, regulations and cultural sensitivities. The company explained that its partnership with HYROX covered several other Asian markets, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam, rather than the Malaysian competition.
HYROX also addressed participants who had already registered and committed time to training, saying it recognised their efforts and looked forward to welcoming them at the start line.
What Happens Next For HYROX Kuala Lumpur 2026?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cddfaee56c04bcadbaac98d9d3dba2159c2b561585a04cb947cdb723b47bb8f8" />
Although the sponsorship issue appears to have been addressed by the organisers, KBS&rsquo; approval remains an important part of the event&rsquo;s status. The ministry had said the application was still under review, and the supplied announcements do not confirm that final approval has since been granted.
KBS also reminded organisers that Section 36(1) of the Sports Development Act 1997 requires companies to obtain a licence from the Commissioner of Sports Malaysia before becoming involved in sporting activities. Those found guilty of an offence could face a fine of between RM50,000 and RM500,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
For now, participants will be hoping the remaining requirements are settled in time for the December race. To everyone preparing for HYROX Kuala Lumpur, good luck with the training and the challenge ahead. Pace yourselves, look after one another and give it your best &mdash; but try not to push yourselves so far that you recreate the viral race-day bathroom mishap. There is no need to &ldquo;HYROX&rdquo; yourselves.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Carlsberg is out, but will HYROX Kuala Lumpur make it to the starting line this December?

1a65fa39bae4a0f1bce9735a8777c1bfd28d22a7461720548d2fb799e319af0c

HYROX Kuala Lumpur 2026: Organisers Drop Carlsberg Partnership After KBS Warning

Malaysia has been identified as a potential target of cyberattacks, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warning that the country must prepare for increasingly sophisticated digital and hybrid security threats.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat on 3 November, Anwar said intelligence received by the government indicated that Malaysia was among countries that could be targeted. He said the country&rsquo;s expanding digital infrastructure and its position on international issues, particularly the conflict in Gaza, had raised its exposure.
&ldquo;Malaysia is certainly among those considered a target,&rdquo; he told MPs, while stressing that details of the intelligence and the possible threats could not be disclosed publicly for security reasons.
Anwar urged lawmakers and the public not to assume that cyber incidents overseas were too distant to affect Malaysia.
National Security Council to Brief MPs
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Anwar&rsquo;s warning followed a special National Security Council (NSC) meeting held on 2 November to assess cyber, digital and wider hybrid threats, alongside geopolitical developments that could have implications for Malaysia.
He proposed that NSC director-general Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin hold a special closed-door briefing for government and opposition MPs within the next one or two days. The session is intended to update lawmakers on the latest intelligence, including information received from Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Some intelligence could not be shared in an open sitting, and Anwar called on MPs from both sides to cooperate with the briefing.
The government was also stepping up coordination among its agencies. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar was scheduled to chair a meeting with relevant departments on 3 November, while Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour was to convene a separate session with domestic financial institutions to review their preparedness.
Cyberattacks Overseas Highlight the Risks
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9e634132862457539243dcd83aed70e8b5f4c1485a6f8648862dc8888ab3c665" />
To explain why Malaysia should take the warning seriously, Anwar cited several cyber incidents that had disrupted public services and exposed sensitive information in other countries.
Belgium was forced to shut down its national tax portal following a cyberattack, while a breach of Denmark&rsquo;s central population register affected identification records involving almost nine million people. In the United States, the Federal Election Commission&rsquo;s electronic filing system was disrupted for 41 hours.
Anwar also referred to a breach involving Japanese government networks that reportedly exposed the personal records of more than 100,000 police personnel and affected police operations in several districts.
Anwar said these incidents showed how cyberattacks can disrupt government services and essential operations, and should not be dismissed as problems confined to other countries.
Five Areas in Malaysia&rsquo;s Cybersecurity Response
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Anwar outlined five areas of focus for strengthening the country&rsquo;s resilience. These include improving coordination between ministries, government agencies and security forces, as well as enhancing readiness to respond to threats originating both within and outside Malaysia.
Another priority is protecting critical national infrastructure and strategic sectors, particularly energy, transport, finance and food supply. The government also intends to improve public and community preparedness, while strengthening the technological capabilities and defensive systems used by enforcement and security agencies.
Anwar said he had received assurances from the Chief of Defence Force and the Inspector-General of Police about the security apparatus&rsquo; readiness.
Regional Tensions Add to Security Concerns
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The government&rsquo;s assessment is not limited to cyber threats. Anwar said the NSC was also monitoring developments in the Middle East, including the conflict involving Iran, tensions in Yemen and instability around the Red Sea shipping routes.
In Parliament, Anwar further said intelligence agencies were monitoring potential security concerns linked to foreign intelligence activities in neighbouring countries. He specifically referred to alleged Israeli intelligence operations in the region and settlements in Phuket and southern Thailand, which he said Malaysian agencies viewed as potential threats. He did not provide further operational details.
Several countries, including Canada, Japan and EU members, have also advised citizens to maintain emergency food supplies amid international uncertainty.
Malaysia Urges Public Vigilance
Malaysia&rsquo;s expanding data centre sector and wider digital infrastructure bring economic opportunities while increasing the need to protect networks and sensitive information.
Anwar did not identify any suspected attackers or specify particular Malaysian systems that may be at risk. However, his statement made clear that the government considers the threat serious enough to warrant a high-level security response and a confidential briefing for Parliament.
The warning also highlights that cyber threats can affect everyday services and personal information, making public awareness important alongside national-level defences.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Malaysia’s digital growth brings new opportunities, but could it also leave the country more exposed to cyber threats?

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