Malaysiakini compares the key news and views in major newspapers, What is today's agenda in the English, Bahasa, Chinese and Tamil dailies? Find out here.

Front page

English Newspapers

New Straits Times reported international merchant bank Merrill Lynch's latest analysis that Malaysia's political regime under Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has been largely underappreciated even though recent reforms have been gaining much attention.

The Star announced that no case of bird flu has been detected among residents of Kg Paya Jaras Hilir in Sungai Buloh.

The daily also reported that Inland Revenue Board chief executive officer Hasmah Abdullah welcomes email from people dealing with problems of refund. She can be contacted at hasmah@hasil.org.my

The Sun reported that 2,282 fowls or 40 percent of the bird population in three villages in Sungai Buloh have been culled up to yesterday.

The daily also highlighted that the police have crippled 17 active secret societies in Sarawak with the arrest of 84 gang leaders and members since the start of Ops Cantas Kenyalang in April.

Malay Newspapers

Utusan Malaysia also reported the capture of gangs' members in Sarawak.

The daily also announced that national oil company Petronas has found 1.4 billion barrels of new oil reserves in the waters of Sabah.

Berita Harian reported Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek's assurance that there are no reported bird flu infections on humans so far.

The daily also highlighted that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs will continue Ops Gaji in effort to prevent price hike of goods when the pay rise for civil servants takes effect next month. 317 businessman have been compounded with the total amounting to RM133,930 since the launch of the operation.

Chinese Newspapers

Both Sin Chew Daily and Nanyang Siang Pau frontpaged a wedding bloodbath in Song district in central Sarawak when a man went on a shooting spree during a reception at a longhouse on Wednesday. Five wedding guests were killed and nine others injured.

Oriental Daily reported on the success of the Bukit Aman anti-gangsterism team that had arrested 1,310 people in Sarawak. Among them were 84 gang leaders.

Tamil Newspapers

Makkal Osai led with a report on Selangor chief minister's assurance that chicken eggs are not affected by the avian bird flu and that they are safe for consumption.

The daily also reported that political party IPF has been ordered by the ROS to submit the party's list of leaders, accounts and annual report within 30 days following a report lodged by one of the party leaders.

Editorial

The New Straits Times commented on the recent bird flu outbreak in Malaysia and said that it was a cause for caution.

The Sun opined that the Veterinary Services Department has been taking the necessary measures in combating the recent avian flu outbreak and urge for precautionary steps to be taken. The editorial also sent their best wishes to premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his bride Jeanne Abdullah.

Berita Harian urged the public to give their cooperation in fighting the avian flu.

Nanyang Siang Pau reported the avian flu in Selangor is under control while Sin Chew Daily reported that actions should be taken to prevent avian flu from spreading.

Oriental Daily reported consumers should be smart and environmental friendly in choosing what to buy in the coming mega sales.