The leadership change comes as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faces increasing scrutiny over his government’s commitment to anti-corruption reforms, a central promise of his administration since taking office in 2022.

Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the administration was confident Abdul Halim would strengthen institutional governance and restore public trust in the country’s anti-graft framework.“The government is confident that with his extensive experience and high integrity, he will be able to strengthen governance, enhance public confidence and intensify anti-corruption efforts in the interest of the nation,” he said in a statement.

Abdul Halim, a former High Court judge, will take over from Azam Baki, who has led the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission since 2020.Azam’s tenure drew sustained public attention after allegations emerged that he had improperly held shares in a publicly listed company, raising concerns over conflict of interest and abuse of office.

The government ordered an investigation into the allegations, but no public findings were released. Azam and the MACC repeatedly denied wrongdoing and rejected accusations of misconduct.The MACC, established in 2009, is Malaysia’s primary anti-corruption enforcement agency with powers to summon witnesses, seize property, conduct searches, and arrest suspects linked to graft cases in both the public and private sectors.

Malaysia continues to grapple with the long political and institutional fallout of the 1MDB scandal, one of the world’s largest corruption cases, in which billions of dollars were allegedly misappropriated from the state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

The scandal contributed significantly to the collapse of the long-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition in 2018, ending more than six decades of uninterrupted rule since independence.Anwar, elected in 2022 on a strong reform platform, had repeatedly described the 1MDB affair as “state-level kleptocracy” and pledged to restore accountability and institutional credibility.

However, critics and some members within his own political coalition have expressed concern over what they see as a cautious approach toward Azam during the controversy, creating friction within the ruling alliance.

The appointment of Abdul Halim is likely to be closely watched by both reform advocates and political observers as a test of whether the government intends to strengthen institutional independence and pursue broader anti-graft reforms beyond symbolic leadership change.

Brazilian researchers are developing new coffee hybrids by blending genetic material from rare and non-commercial species in an effort to protect global arabica production from the growing impact of climate change.

At the Campinas Agronomy Institute in São Paulo state, agronomist Oliveiro Guerreiro Filho tends to a diverse collection of coffee plants that contrasts sharply with the uniform plantations typical of Brazil’s commercial farms. The experimental plots include about 15 lesser-known species such as racemosa, liberica and stenophylla, each offering genetic traits that scientists hope can strengthen the resilience of arabica, the world’s most widely consumed coffee variety.”

Researchers warn that arabica crops are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns. A report released this week by Rabobank said climate change could render about 20% of current arabica-growing areas unsuitable by 2050, with Brazil, the world’s largest producer, expected to see declining output.

To address these risks, scientists are attempting to introduce hardier genetic traits from wild and underutilized species into arabica plants. The goal is to develop hybrids that can withstand drought, heat, pests and diseases while maintaining the flavor and yield characteristics that make arabica dominant in global markets.“We’ve been working at the institute for many years to transfer drought tolerance genes from the racemosa species to arabica,” Guerreiro Filho said. “We’re trying to create drought-tolerant arabica varieties.

The process is complex and time-intensive. Researchers must cross-breed different species, cultivate hybrid plants, and subject them to harsh environmental conditions to identify those with the strongest resilience. Guerreiro Filho said the full development cycle can take between 20 and 30 years before a viable variety is ready for commercial use.

Some of the traits being targeted are already evident in the wild species. Liberica, for example, has drawn attention from farmers in Southeast Asia for its ability to tolerate high temperatures and dry conditions. Small-scale growers in Indonesia and Malaysia have begun cultivating the species experimentally to assess its performance under climate stress.”

Liberica can tolerate heat and high temperature environments very well, and it is disease-resistant,” said Jason Liew, founder of My Liberica, a coffee plantation in Malaysia’s Johor state.

While such characteristics are valuable, liberica and other non-arabica species have limited commercial appeal due to lower yields or different flavor profiles. Brazilian researchers are therefore focused on transferring these beneficial traits into arabica, rather than replacing it entirely.

Early results from hybridization efforts suggest potential gains in both resilience and crop protection. Arabica plants cross-bred with liberica have shown increased resistance to coffee rust, a fungal disease that has devastated crops in several producing regions. Meanwhile, hybrids incorporating racemosa genetics appear better able to withstand attacks from coffee leaf miner larvae, a common agricultural pest.

Scientists say these advances are critical given arabica’s narrow genetic base, which limits its natural ability to adapt to environmental changes. Expanding that genetic diversity is seen as a key strategy for sustaining long-term production.“Working with alternative species of coffee is vital because arabica has an extremely narrow genetic base,” said Rodolfo Oliveira, head of the coffee unit at Brazil’s state research agency Embrapa. “This makes it highly vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate change.

”The research also reflects broader shifts in the global coffee sector, where producers are increasingly grappling with the economic and environmental consequences of climate volatility. Reduced yields, rising production costs and shifting cultivation zones are already affecting supply chains, with implications for prices and market stability.

Brazil’s efforts to develop more resilient coffee varieties may play a central role in shaping the future of the industry. As the leading global producer and exporter, changes in its output have significant ripple effects across international markets.

At the same time, the long timelines required for developing new hybrids mean that current research will only begin to deliver results years from now. Until then, farmers remain exposed to immediate climate risks, underscoring the urgency of both scientific innovation and adaptive farming practices.

The bottleneck includes 12 very large gas carriers and 50 very large crude carriers, with only six ships transiting the strait between Tuesday and Wednesday, far below the typical daily average of around 120 vessels in peacetime, data from maritime analytics firm Kpler showed.

Limited movement has been permitted through a tightly controlled corridor near Iran’s Larak Island, with access largely restricted to vessels linked to Iran or countries maintaining favorable relations with Tehran. Lloyd’s List estimates that at least 48 ships have passed through the route since last week under such arrangements.

Iran imposed the blockade following strikes by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28, effectively constraining a waterway that normally handles about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. Shipowners granted passage have reportedly faced fees of up to $2 million per transit, although Tehran has indicated that vessels from allied nations may be exempt.

Malaysian authorities said tankers operated by companies including Petronas, Sapura Energy and MISC were awaiting clearance, with Iran assuring Kuala Lumpur that fees would be waived due to bilateral ties. Officials cautioned that heavy congestion could delay passage regardless of exemptions.

China said at least three of its vessels had recently transited the strait following coordination with relevant parties. Ship-tracking data indicated that two container ships exited the Gulf on a subsequent attempt while sailing in close formation and at increased speed, in what analysts described as the first such movement by non-Iranian container vessels since the escalation began.

A small number of other ships have also managed to leave, including a Greek-operated tanker carrying Saudi crude to India and several Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers transporting essential cargo.

Shipping sources said some crews have adopted risk mitigation measures such as nighttime navigation or disabling tracking systems to reduce exposure to threats including mines, missiles and drones.Despite limited transits, exports from major Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar remain largely suspended, with hundreds of vessels and an estimated 20,000 seafarers still awaiting clearance in and around the Gulf.

A Pakistani oil vessel reached Karachi after successfully transiting the strait, while another shipment arrived via an alternative route. Officials said further deliveries could follow in the coming weeks.The disruption has intensified diplomatic efforts to reopen the waterway.

Britain is preparing to host talks involving around 35 countries to address maritime security, while China and Pakistan have jointly called for a ceasefire and urged all sides to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping.U.S.

President Donald Trump reiterated on Wednesday that Iran must lift the blockade, warning of potential military action if it fails to comply.

The United States Geological Survey said the offshore quake was followed by aftershocks reaching magnitudes of up to 5. Indonesia’s meteorology agency reported small tsunami waves of 0.3 meters in West Halmahera and 0.2 meters in Bitung.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a regional tsunami alert but lifted it about two hours later, stating that the threat had passed based on available data.Local broadcaster Metro TV reported that one person died after being struck by falling rubble in Manado, in North Sulawesi province.

Indonesian officials confirmed the casualty, saying the victim was buried under debris from a collapsed building. One additional person suffered a leg injury.Residents described scenes of panic as the quake struck, with people fleeing their homes. A Manado resident said the shaking lasted for a prolonged period, causing items to fall from shelves and cutting power in some areas, though no major structural damage was visible in her neighborhood.

Authorities reported damage to several buildings in North Sulawesi, though the full extent remained unclear. Regional officials in areas including Ternate and Tidore urged residents to prepare for possible evacuations in the immediate aftermath.

Tsunami warning agencies had cautioned that hazardous waves were possible along coastlines within 1,000 km of the epicenter, including parts of Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Subsequent assessments by authorities in both countries indicated no significant threat to their territories.Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 280 million people, lies along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plate interactions frequently trigger earthquakes and volcanic activity.

In recent history, the country has experienced some of the world’s deadliest seismic disasters, including the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people across multiple countries, and a 2018 quake and tsunami in Sulawesi that claimed over 4,300 lives.

The visit, announced by Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, is expected to coincide with a historic peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia — a move that could transform the landscape of Southeast Asian relations.

Minister Hasan confirmed that Malaysia and the United States will jointly facilitate the long-awaited ceasefire between the two neighboring nations.

The peace framework will include the removal of landmines and heavy artillery along disputed border areas, ensuring safety and fostering mutual trust. This initiative reflects Malaysia’s growing role as a neutral mediator and a champion of diplomacy within the ASEAN community.

The ceasefire, expected to be formalized during the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, will likely be named the “Kuala Lumpur Accord.” The declaration aims to promote peace, cooperation, and sustainable development across Southeast Asia.

“We hope to see the signing of a declaration known as the Kuala Lumpur Accord between these two neighbors to ensure peace and a lasting ceasefire,” Hasan stated, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to conflict resolution and dialogue.

The visit also marks a new chapter in U.S.-Malaysia relations. President Trump’s participation highlights Washington’s renewed engagement with the ASEAN bloc, reinforcing the importance of the Asia-Pacific region in global diplomacy.

Analysts view this visit as a symbol of strengthening ties, particularly in areas such as economic collaboration, security, and regional peacebuilding.

In recent years, Southeast Asia has emerged as a critical zone for diplomatic cooperation and trade connectivity. Malaysia, with its consistent stance on promoting peaceful dialogue and regional stability, has become a key player in mediating tensions.

Hosting both President Trump and the leaders of ASEAN member nations underscores Malaysia’s role as a bridge between global powers and regional stakeholders.

The potential ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is a major step forward. Their long-standing territorial dispute over sections of their 817-kilometer border has occasionally flared into violence, with the most recent conflict in July leaving dozens dead and displacing thousands. The expected agreement will not only halt ongoing tensions but also create new opportunities for cross-border collaboration in trade, tourism, and security.

Observers believe that Malaysia’s diplomatic approach — emphasizing mediation, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue — could set a model for resolving regional disputes across Asia.

The upcoming Kuala Lumpur Accord is being hailed as a symbol of Southeast Asia’s collective resilience and unity in promoting peace through regional mechanisms.

President Trump’s attendance further enhances the global significance of the summit. His visit will include bilateral discussions with Malaysian leaders focusing on economic partnerships, technology exchange, and security cooperation.

Both nations are expected to explore new avenues for trade and investment, especially in digital innovation, infrastructure, and renewable energy — areas where Malaysia continues to make impressive progress.

As the world watches Kuala Lumpur this month, the optimism surrounding the summit continues to grow. A successful peace accord between Thailand and Cambodia could inspire similar diplomatic breakthroughs in other regions facing border or political disputes.

Moreover, it will reaffirm ASEAN’s reputation as a peaceful and pragmatic regional organization capable of solving complex challenges through dialogue and diplomacy.

For Malaysia, this moment represents both pride and responsibility — a testament to its leadership in promoting unity and peace in Southeast Asia.

As President Trump’s visit approaches, anticipation builds for what many believe could be a defining moment in regional diplomacy — one that paves the way for long-term stability, prosperity, and partnership across Asia.

Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed that the suspects were not only propagating extremist beliefs but were also involved in establishing clandestine recruitment cells aimed at indoctrinating members of their community with radical ISIS-aligned ideology.

Out of the 36 individuals detained, five have been formally charged under Chapter VIA of Malaysia’s Penal Code, which deals with terrorism-related offenses. Their cases are currently being heard in the Shah Alam and Johor Bahru Sessions Courts. Another 15 were handed deportation orders, while 16 remain under investigation by Malaysian authorities.

Extremist Plot Uncovered

Authorities say the group was collecting funds to support terrorist activities and aimed to destabilize the legitimate government in Bangladesh. The suspects reportedly operated under the guise of migrant workers while covertly pursuing militant objectives.

Minister Saifuddin stressed that Malaysia would not allow itself to be used as a staging ground for extremist plots originating from abroad. “Any attempts to make Malaysia a base for militant operations or a transit centre for extremism movements will be tackled with firm, quick, and effective action,” he said in a press briefing.

This warning comes amid growing concerns that radicalized foreign nationals may exploit Malaysia’s migrant and refugee communities to establish operational footholds.

A Longstanding Battle Against Extremism

The arrests were carried out by the Royal Malaysia Police’s Special Branch in a coordinated intelligence-led operation. Malaysia has a well-documented history of preemptively disrupting terror cells, particularly those with ties to ISIS and other global jihadist networks.

This latest operation reaffirms Malaysia’s zero-tolerance policy toward extremism, while also shining a light on the vulnerabilities within its migrant population. The country, which is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, has come under scrutiny from human rights organizations for its treatment of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers. Many are held in immigration detention centres, often without access to formal refugee status determination procedures.

Balancing Security and Humanitarian Concerns

While Malaysia maintains the right to protect its national security, human rights advocates warn that genuine asylum seekers may be at risk of arbitrary detention or deportation if broader crackdowns conflate refugees with foreign extremists. The Home Minister’s comments indicate an effort to strike a balance between humanitarian concerns and safeguarding the nation from infiltration by extremist groups.

The incident also raises wider regional concerns about the spread of ISIS ideology within Southeast Asia’s migrant corridors, particularly involving vulnerable populations susceptible to radicalization.

As regional governments grapple with the post-ISIS era and the decentralized nature of global jihadist networks, Malaysia’s recent action signals a warning: South and Southeast Asia must remain vigilant against the silent resurgence of extremist ideologies operating under the radar.

Anwar made the announcement late on Sunday during a speech at his People’s Justice Party congress and did not say for how long the visa exemption would be applicable.

China and India are Malaysia’s fourth and fifth-largest source markets respectively.

According to government data, Malaysia recorded 9.16 million tourist arrivals between January and June this year, with 498,540 from China and 283,885 from India. That compared to 1.5 million arrivals from China and 354,486 from India in the same period of 2019, prior to the pandemic.

The move follows similar measures implemented by neighbouring Thailand to boost its vital tourism sector and stimulate its sluggish economy, with Chinese and Indian nationals among those exempted this year.

Currently, Chinese and Indian nationals must apply for visas to enter Malaysia.

Muslim-majority Malaysia on Thursday warned of action against social media firms TikTok and Meta, saying their platforms had been accused of restricting content supporting Palestinians.

Meta responded on Thursday, saying there was “no truth” to the accusation and it was not deliberately suppressing voices on its Facebook platform.

A TikTok spokesperson, in an email to Reuters on Friday, also rejected Malaysia’s accusation that it was blocking pro-Palestinian content.

“The claim is unfounded. Our community guidelines apply equally to all content on TikTok, and we’re committed to consistently enforcing our policies to protect our community,” the spokesperson said.

Both Meta and TikTok designate Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that governs Gaza, a “dangerous organisation” and ban content praising it.

Advertisement · Scroll to continueReport this ad

Hamas members attacked communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7. Israel says some 1,400 people including children were killed, and more than 200 people, some of them infants, were taken hostage in the assault.

The Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry said on Thursday that 7,028 Palestinians had been killed in Israel’s retaliatory air strikes, including 2,913 children.

Reuters could not independently verify the tolls.

Advertisement · Scroll to continueReport this ad

Since the violence erupted, both social media firms have taken steps to improve moderation, and remove or label graphic visuals.

Meta said in mid-October that it had taken down or labelled nearly 800,000 pieces of content in Hebrew and Arabic in the days after the Oct. 7 attack.

Similarly, TikTok said this week it had removed more than 775,000 videos and 14,000 livestreams since the attack.

The gathering in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, was the largest in a series of demonstrations held in Muslim-majority Malaysia in recent weeks.

More than 700 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes, Gaza’s health ministry said on Tuesday, the highest 24-hour death toll since Israel began a bombing campaign to crush Hamas militants who stunned the country with a deadly Oct. 7 attack.

The health ministry has said at least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed in strikes since Oct. 7.

Malaysia has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and has called for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. It does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

“It’s a level of insanity to allow people to be butchered, babies to be killed, hospitals to be bombed, and schools to be destroyed… it’s the height of barbarism in this world,” Anwar told the crowd gathered at an indoor stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are with the Palestinian people yesterday, today and tomorrow,” he said, adding that support from the United States and Europe was bolstering Israel’s position.

Anwar last week said he rejected Western pressure to condemn Hamas. He spoke to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh earlier this month and called for an immediate end to bombardment in Gaza and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor.

U.N. agencies called “on our knees” on Tuesday for aid to be allowed unimpeded into Gaza, saying more than 20 times current deliveries were needed after two weeks of Israeli air strikes.

Carrying Palestinian flags and banners, the demonstrators in Kuala Lumpur chanted “long live Palestine” and “down with Israel.”

Nurul Anis Syafiqah Muhammad, a 20-year-old student, said she was at the gathering to protest against Israeli actions.

“This is not just about religion, it is about humanity… as humans we must be compassionate towards each other,” she said.

Western and European countries have repeatedly asked Malaysia to condemn Hamas in meetings, Anwar said, without providing details.

“I said that we, as a policy, have a relationship with Hamas from before and this will continue,” Anwar told parliament.

“As such, we don’t agree with their pressuring attitude, as Hamas too won in Gaza freely through elections and Gazans chose them to lead.”

Muslim-majority Malaysia has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and has advocated for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. It does not have a diplomatic relations with Israel.

Top Hamas leaders in the past have often visited Malaysia and met with its premiers. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2013 defied Israel’s blockade on Gaza, crossing into the Palestinian enclave following an invitation from Hamas.