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

6pm

Refugee issue

  • Putra has called on the government to adopt Australia’s strict refugee policies, arguing that Malaysia has become a “haven” for undocumented migrants due to porous borders and alleged corruption among enforcement officers.

    Its president, Ibrahim Ali, in a statement, said Malaysia should tighten border controls, deport undocumented migrants regardless of status, and cap the number allowed to remain in the country at 200,000.

    Ibrahim (above) also proposed offshore detention centres and intercepting migrant boats before they reach Malaysian shores.

    The call comes amid ongoing debate over the presence of undocumented migrants and refugees, particularly Rohingya, with various groups urging reforms to border management.

READ MORE: What's behind the latest hate campaign against Rohingyas?

  • Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government is implementing a more comprehensive process to collect refugee data.

    He said one of the biggest challenges is the lack of complete and accurate data on refugees.

    Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

    “Accurate data will enable the government to manage various issues that arise more effectively, whether from the perspective of security, law enforcement, public health, employment or the well-being of the local community,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

Selangor revenue on track

  • Selangor’s finances remain sound despite global economic uncertainty. Bernama reported Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari as saying the state government sees no need for emergency measures.

    He said this is because revenue collection remains on track, standing at RM1.6 billion as of May, against a target of RM2.8 billion for the year.

    “We have not yet pressed the ‘panic button’, but are monitoring weekly and monthly developments,” he said at a press conference after launching the Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package Phase 1 in Shah Alam today.

    Amirudin added that the state had also recorded a RM300 million surplus over expenditure, driven by government savings.

RM1 ATM fee

  • The RM1 fee for interbank cash withdrawals will be abolished starting July 1, Bernama reported, quoting a joint statement by major banking associations.

    The Association of Banks in Malaysia, the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia, and the Association of Development Finance Institutions of Malaysia said the initiative is undertaken in collaboration with Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

    “The banking industry recognises that cash remains an important and essential means of payment for many Malaysians in managing their daily lives,” they said.

READ MORE: 'Huge profits should prompt banks to absorb RM1 ATM fee'

Syed Saddiq’s wedding

  • Actress and singer Bella Astillah has revealed that she has yet to set a date for her wedding to Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

    According to Berita Harian, the 32-year-old said her focus remains on the outcome of the prosecution’s appeal against Syed Saddiq’s acquittal on charges of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property, and money laundering, which is scheduled on June 30.

    Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman with actress and singer Bella Astillah

    The mother of two, whose full name is Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang Astillah, said she believes the public and those close to them will continue to pray for them.

READ MORE: Appeal against Syed Saddiq's acquittal to proceed: MACC prosecutor

Previously at 2pm | Ex-Federal Court judge first media council chair; Adam urges stronger press-govt ties

9am | Hadi on Hamzah's return as opposition leader 'no surprise'; Zaid urged to state hudud stand