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

2pm

Negeri Sembilan royal fiasco

Negeri Sembilan PKR information bureau has backed Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir’s decision to revoke the appointments of all state excos, describing the move as the ruler's prerogative.

“In our view, the excos’ actions constitute an act of disloyalty,” said its deputy information chief Edy Noor Reduan in a statement, claiming that the move had undermined public harmony, caused confusion and eroded confidence in the state’s royal institution.

In his statement, Edy (above) said the political “machinations” of BN and Perikatan Nasional in Negeri Sembilan should not be allowed to further taint its sovereignty, and commended state civil servants who, he said, had refused to comply with the exco’s instructions to gazette Tuanku Muhriz’s removal.

READ MORE: Tuanku Muhriz revokes exco appointments, but reading of state constitution disputed

Crime

DAP lawmaker Lim Lip Eng repeated his call for updates regarding an inquest into the deaths of three men killed in a police shooting in Durian Tunggal, Malacca last year.

Reiterating his warning against a repeat of the Sirul Azhar Umar episode, in which the police officer convicted of murdering Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu fled the country, the Kepong MP also pointed to a more recent case to justify his concerns.

In particular, Lim (above) referenced how six foreign men were charged in absentia at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Sept 18 with armed gang robbery at a residential unit in Pavilion Embassy earlier in the month.

With Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus noting that police will apply for an Interpol Red Notice to track down and arrest the suspects, Lim urged authorities to ensure police officers involved in the Durian Tunggal case remain in the country throughout the inquest.

READ MORE: Durian Tunggal shooting: 'Inquest unnecessary', lawyers call AG to prosecute or resign

Haze

Schools in Lubok Antu and Kanowit have been ordered to shut temporarily as worsening haze pushed air quality into the “very unhealthy” category, Borneo Post reported.

As of 10am today, Air Pollutant Index (API) readings stood at 212 in Kanowit and 207 in Lubok Antu, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s API status for Sarawak.

The Sarawak Education Department reportedly said its decision was based on readings recorded in the two areas at 9am.

Lessons will continue remotely during the closures, with schools instructed to implement Home-Based Teaching and Learning under the Education Ministry’s Circular Letter No 8 of 2016, which covers teaching and learning arrangements during disasters.

Previously at 9am | Anwar denies paving way for Najib's pardon; PM celebrates Malacca CM's birthday


N Sembilan MB rejects Tuanku Muhriz's firing of excos

N Sembilan MB rejects Tuanku Muhriz's firing of excos

SNAPSHOT | Haze: M'sia formally offers assistance to Indonesia; 'publicise criteria for prosecuting, withdrawing charges'

SNAPSHOT | Haze: M'sia formally offers assistance to Indonesia; 'publicise criteria for prosecuting, withdrawing charges'

SNAPSHOT | Poser over Durian Tunggal police shooting inquest delay; Penang ship-to-ship collision under probe

SNAPSHOT | Poser over Durian Tunggal police shooting inquest delay; Penang ship-to-ship collision under probe