Indonesia’s Merapi volcano erupts, covers villages in ash

INDONESIA’S Mount Merapi, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted today, spewing out smoke and ash that blanketed villages near the crater. There were no immediate reports of casualties, the country’s disaster mitigation agency said.

Brazil judge orders Bolsonaro to explain Saudi jewels

A BRAZILIAN judge yesterday ruled that former president Jair Bolsonaro must face questioning over reports he tried to illegally import jewellery worth US$3.2 million (RM14.5 million) gifted to him and his wife by Saudi Arabia. The far-right ex-army captain has faced mounting questions over the October 2021 episode, in which customs officers allegedly seized undeclared […]

EPF-Socso merger not feasible, says employers federation 

THE merger of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Social Security Organisation (Socso) is not a feasible course of action, said the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF). In a statement today, it said that EPF and Socso were established for two different purposes.

Iran, Saudi Arabia to restore ties in major step for Middle East

REGIONAL powerhouses Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed yesterday to restore ties and reopen diplomatic missions in a surprise, Chinese-brokered announcement that could have wide-ranging implications across the Middle East. In a trilateral statement, Shiite-majority Iran and mainly Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia said they would reopen embassies and missions within two months and implement security and […]

MOE introduces 18 financial solutions for students in flood-hit areas

THE Education Ministry (MOE) has introduced 18 financial support initiatives specifically for students affected by the flood disaster.  Its minister Fadhlina Sidek said the aid could only be given after an application for assistance is received, according to the applicant’s needs.

Treasure hunters’ gems go on display in Denmark

THEY may be derided elsewhere but in Denmark, hobby archaeologists who hunt treasures with metal detectors are such an asset the National Museum has dedicated an entire exhibit to their finds. “What they save now means the world for what we can do in the future and how we can build our museums,” exhibit curator […]