Tourism Ministry to revoke licence of errant travel agencies

THE Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) will take firm action by revoking the licence of travel agencies if they are found to be flouting rules, its minister Tiong King Sing said today. He said the ministry has conducted an investigation into claims of travel agencies buying up flight tickets in bulk.

Nato chief hails Japan’s plan to expand defence spending

NATO’S chief today applauded Japan’s plan to double its defence spending, saying that the pledge reflected the country’s resolve for greater security involvement in a volatile world. Speaking in Tokyo, Jens Stoltenberg said Japan’s renewed focus on security made the nation “even more” of a partner “for peace”.

Get cracking on fixing country’s corruption index, C4 tells Anwar

MALAYSIA needs to improve its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) as the latest report by Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) yesterday had exposed the country’s weak administrative framework, an anti-graft body said. The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), in a statement, urged the government to introduce several reforms in order to fix the CPI score. 

Dissolution of Kedah assembly after June 18, says MB

KEDAH Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has hinted that the state assembly will be dissolved after June 18 to pave the way for the state elections. He said this was based on several factors, including the fasting month, Aidilfitri celebration, the haj season and the Aidiladha celebration, prior to that.

Malaysians safe amid Peru protests

THE Malaysian embassy in Peru said it is closely monitoring the latest development in the South American nation, adding that no Malaysians were affected in the current protests taking place in certain parts of the country, including in the capital city of Lima. The embassy said it has its contingency plan in place in view of the current situation.