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

9pm

Health

  • Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad and the government have filed an appeal against the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruling that the government had acted illegally and irrationally when it delisted liquid and gel nicotine products from the Poisons List in 2023.

    According to health news portal Code Blue today, the notice of appeal was filed on June 12.

  • In a statement, the Malaysian Women’s Action for Tobacco Control and Health (MyWatch) said it is disappointed by the government’s decision to appeal, which it said should be withdrawn.

    It said the High Court ruling was a rare opportunity for the government to acknowledge a policy error and restore public confidence.

    Liquid nicotine

    “Instead, the ministry has chosen to challenge a ruling that many public health experts, civil society organisations, parents, and healthcare professionals regard as a necessary corrective measure,” it said.

  • Galen Centre CEO Azrul Khalib similarly argued that the appeal should be rescinded.

    “It is appalling that for a second time, a health minister has taken a position which appears contrary to public health and supportive of nicotine, e-cigarettes, vape products, and nicotine delivery devices.

    “The Health Ministry defends the health of Malaysians. It does not need to defend a decision which enabled the proliferation of addictive products among children and young people,” he said.

Crime

  • Bukit Aman confirmed it has launched an investigation into allegations linking Rosmah Mansor to the alleged purchase of a luxury property in New Jersey, USA.

    Former prime minister’s wife Rosmah Mansor

    “We will investigate whether the social media account behind the viral content is genuine or otherwise. So far, the MCMC has been cooperating well, and we have yet to receive any further developments,” said Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail.

    Bernama quoted him as saying that three police reports have been lodged over the matter, and the police are investigating the case for criminal defamation under Section 500 of the Penal Code, abuse of network facilities under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.

READ MORE: Rosmah rejects all allegations over US property purchase

  • Nearly a month later, the MACC is still awaiting a mutual legal assistance application through the Attorney-General’s Chambers to obtain statements from overseas witnesses for its probe linked to Arm Holdings.

    According to Bernama, MACC chief commissioner Abdul Halim Aman said the graft busters have recorded statements from 26 witnesses thus far.

READ MORE: SNAPSHOT | New MACC chief says Arm probe to take time; Pandan PKR Youth schism

Transport

  • The Light Rail Transit 3, which connects Shah Alam with its surrounding areas, is expected to begin operations at the end of this month.

    Bernama quoted Transport Minister Anthony Loke saying the project is in its final trial operations, and an announcement will be made in the next two weeks on the date operations will begin.

Previously at 6pm | Putra: We're now migrant 'haven', be more strict; RM1 ATM fee abolished July 1

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