KINI SNAPSHOT | What’s going on in the news today, with updates at 9am, 2pm, 6pm, and 9pm.

Latest:

Ex-MP questions Bestinet system after ILO denial; Loke hails inclusive education

9am

Court

  • The Kuala Lumpur High Court today initially barred the media from accessing Zoom proceedings for a judicial review involving three groups challenging the government in a tobacco-related case, but the decision was swiftly reversed.

    The case was brought by the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control, Green Lung Malaysia, and Voice of the Children Sdn Bhd against the health minister and the government.

    The matter, scheduled for decision at 2.45pm today, is being conducted online as part of judicial review proceedings filed under Order 53 of the Rules of Court 2012.

    Journalists were informed this morning that media access to the virtual hearing was not permitted. It is understood that only parties directly involved in the case were allowed.

    No reasons were immediately provided by the court for the restriction on media access or the reversal of the decision.

Environment

  • The Environment Department said full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports are not publicly available for download to safeguard ownership, copyright protection, information security, and national security interests.

    The department said in a statement that the reports typically contain detailed technical information, including data on strategic locations, critical infrastructure, development plans, site coordinates, and other sensitive material.

    It added that this measure complies with provisions under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, related regulations, and operational procedures established by the department.

    However, it said EIA reports are fully accessible online or physically at designated locations during the stipulated review period, allowing for public scrutiny and feedback as part of the assessment process. It also said the executive summary of EIA reports is available for public reference through designated platforms based on submitted applications.

    On Wednesday, Malaysiakini reported RimbaWatch criticising the department’s handling of the EIA reports, citing concerns over transparency and accessibility.

READ MORE: RimbaWatch rues DOE limiting download access to EIA reports