The Malaysian Immigration Department busted a human trafficking syndicate and rescued 11 Bangladeshis during a special operation in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday night. The syndicate was reportedly led by three Bangladeshi men. UN Resident Coordinator meets Foreign Adviser to strengthen cooperation The Malaysian authorities conducted a coordinated operation across three locations, leading to the arrest of three primary suspects, aged 35 to 38, and a 32-year-old Bangladeshi woman, reportedly the partner of one of the men. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban confirmed the successful rescue of 11 Bangladeshi nationals, aged between 30 and 38, who were reportedly victims of exploitation. “These individuals were trafficked and exploited for profit by the syndicate. Our operation led to the confiscation of 17 Bangladeshi passports, 20 mobile phones, RM800 in cash, US$800, and two vehicles,” said Zakaria in a statement issued on Friday. Singapore companies keen to invest in Bangladesh: Minister Fu The victims are currently under the care of the Immigration Department, pending further investigations. The authorities believe that the syndicate was operating a highly organised network that exploited vulnerable individuals for monetary gain. Zakaria reiterated the department’s commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring justice for victims. Source: Malaysian media

Bangladesh suffered a 1-6 goals defeat against Malaysia in their last Pool A match and was eliminated from the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman on Wednesday. Bangladesh Women’s (Under 21) hockey team, which qualified for the first-ever Junior Asia Cup Hockey as the runners-up AHF Cup Tournament held in Singapore last June, suffered huge defeat in all the four Pool A matches of the main draw, also a qualifying tournament for 2025 Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup. Bangladesh conceded a humiliating 0-19 goals defeat against China, suffered 1-13 goals defeat against India and conceded 1-2 goals defeat against Thailand in their Pool A matches. In the day's last group match, Zati Alyani made a hattrick scoring three goals. Nur Iman, Nur Shamin and Noor Asyqin scored one each for Malaysia. After conceding five goals in a row, captain Orpita Pal scored the face-saving goal for Bangladesh in the 49th minute from a penalty stroke. Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup: Bangladesh suffer humiliating 19-0 defeat against China However, Bangladesh Men’s Junior Hockey team qualified for the Junior World Cup Hockey to be held in India in December next year as they finished 5th in the just concluded 10-team Men's Junior Asia Cup Hockey also in Oman.  

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday called on Malaysian investors to invest in Bangladesh’s various sectors, including special economic zones. The President made the call when newly appointed Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman presented his credentials to him. Earlier, a smart contingent of the President's Guard Regiment presented the High Commissioner with a guard of honour upon his arrival at Bangabhaban. Focus on people’s economic wellbeing for a fantastic election: Debapriya to govt Welcoming the new Malaysian High Commissioner, President Shahabuddin said the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Bangladesh, including trade and investment, are very excellent. He said that the recent visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Bangladesh has opened a new chapter in the relations between the two countries. The President hoped that this relationship will reach new heights during the new High Commissioner's tenure. Saying that Malaysia is one of the destinations for Bangladesh's manpower, he said that the Bangladeshi labor force is playing an important role in the economic development of both countries. The President requested the Malaysian government to take effective steps to ensure that the 18,000 workers who were listed could not go to Malaysia on time. Stating that Bangladesh is Malaysia's second largest trading partner in South Asia, the President expressed hope that bilateral trade and investment relations will further expand in the future. Diplomats of 27 European countries to meet CA Dec 9 Mentioning that Malaysia will assume the chairmanship of ASEAN next month, the President also expressed hope that Malaysia will co-operate and support Bangladesh in becoming an Asean Sectoral Dialogue Partner. During the meeting, the new Malaysian High Commissioner expressed his determination to make all-out efforts to increase bilateral trade and investment. He sought the President's overall co-operation in discharging his duties. Senior Secretary of the President's Office Nasimul Gani, Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury and Press Secretary Joynal Abedin were present at the meeting.  

Severe monsoon-induced flooding has claimed over 30 lives and displaced tens of thousands in Malaysia and southern Thailand, prompting both nations to prepare shelters and evacuation plans ahead of more anticipated heavy rainfall. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that five days of unexpected torrential rain on the country’s east coast delivered six months’ worth of rainfall, devastating Kelantan and Terengganu. The floods inundated vast rice fields, inflicting millions of dollars in losses for farmers, and caused extensive damage to roads, homes, and public infrastructure. Rescue teams utilized boats to deliver supplies to those stranded by the rising waters. China sentences journalist to 7yrs for espionage In Kelantan’s Tumpat district, laborer Ayob Othman recounted his ordeal of attempting to save his belongings as floodwaters surged unexpectedly. Another villager, Asmah Ibrahim, expressed despair over the financial burden of repairing her home, estimating costs at 40,000 ringgit ($9,000). Anwar told Parliament that flood-related infrastructure repairs could amount to 1 billion ringgit ($224 million) and said the government would consider compensating those who suffered asset losses. While rainfall subsided over the weekend, meteorologists predict a new monsoon surge beginning Sunday. Displaced people return to south Lebanon as ceasefire appears to hold National Disaster Command Center data shows approximately 85,000 evacuees remain in shelters across seven Malaysian states, down from 150,000 earlier. Kelantan and Terengganu account for the majority of displaced individuals. The Malaysian death toll has reached six, while southern Thailand has reported 25 fatalities. Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said the floods affected over 300,000 households, forced the closure of many schools and 98 health facilities, and left 34,354 people in government shelters. Authorities are bracing for more heavy rain through Thursday, deploying rescue teams and equipment in high-risk areas. The floods have also disrupted tourism, with Malaysian officials advising against travel to southern Thailand, a popular holiday destination. Source: With inputs from agencies 

Bangladesh keep their hope alive to play in the Junior World Cup Hockey after playing 2-2 draw with stronger Malaysia in a keenly contested 3rd group match of the 10-team Junior Asia Cup Hockey held in Muscat, Oman on Saturday. Bangladesh, which beat hosts Oman and lost to Pakistan in two previous matches, will play China in their 4th and last group match on Sunday to decide their fate. Read: Jr AHF Cup Hockey: Bangladesh Men's team clinch title for record 3rd time beating China After the day's match, Bangladesh are in the 3rd slot in five-team group B with four points after Pakistan (9 points) and Malaysia ( 7 points). Six top teams of the ongoing Jr Asia Cup alongside hosts India will play in the next year's Junior World Cup. In the day's match, Danish Daniel secord first for Malaysia in the very 2nd minute while Amirul Islam leveled margin for Bangladesh in the 27th minute from a penalty corner (1-1). Bangladesh took lead from behind in the 36th minute by Mohammad Hasan's goal (2-1) while Muhammad Norizam equalized the match in the 40th minute (3-2).    

The Malaysian government will raise the minimum wage from RM 1,500 to RM 1,700, effective February 1, 2025, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Presenting Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday, Anwar announced that small employers with fewer than five employees will be given a grace period, delaying the implementation of the new wage until August 1, 2025, reports Malaysian daily The Star. Malaysia to accept 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who missed deadline: Asif Nazrul Anwar, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, added that the Human Resources Ministry will release new guidelines on starting salaries for key professions. These include RM 2,290 for industrial and production technicians, RM3,380 for mechanical engineers, and RM2,985 for professional creative content designers. In addition, the Prime Minister said the Progressive Wage Policy, introduced in June as a pilot programme, will be fully implemented next year, backed by a RM200 million allocation aimed at benefiting 50,000 workers. Anwar also announced that RM250 million will be allocated to the People's Income Initiative (IPR) to combat extreme poverty. "Next year, RM250 million will be dedicated to increasing the participation of individuals from the extreme poor group in the IPR programme to improve their income," he said.  

The Immigration Department in Malaysia has dismantled a syndicate trafficking foreigners disguised as athletes after detaining 21 Bangladeshi nationals in Maluri, Kuala Lumpur. Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said three of those arrested are believed to be key members of the syndicate, reports Malaysian news agency Bernama. “Two of the men apprehended had temporary employment visit passes (PLKS), while the third had overstayed his visa. All three are aged between 21 and 33,” he said. Malaysia to accept 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who missed deadline: Asif Nazrul "The team also confiscated 18 Bangladeshi passports, RM990 in cash, and a suspicious invitation letter for a sports competition, along with the event schedule,” he said. The syndicate's modus operandi involved bringing in foreigners, particularly from Bangladesh, and having them pose as athletes in sports attire to evade detection by authorities. “They also booked return flights to Bangladesh and rooms in budget hotels in Kuala Lumpur a day before the supposed match to deceive authorities,” he added. The syndicate reportedly charged between RM2,000 and RM5,000 per person and has been operating for the past four months. All 21 detainees have been taken to the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for suspected offences under Sections 6(3), 15(4), and 56(1)(l) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, as well as Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. Fully support your position: Malaysian PM to Dr Yunus

Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, said on Saturday that Malaysia has agreed to receive 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who previously missed the deadline to enter the country. “Now, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare of Bangladesh will work with our Malaysian counterparts to establish a roadmap for sending these workers,” the adviser said at the signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) held at the Probashi Kallyan Building in Dhaka. The event, presided over by Ministry Secretary Md. Ruhul Amin, saw the signing of the agreement between Bangladesh’s Wage Earners’ Welfare Board and Malaysia’s Social Security Organization (PERKESO). The MoC was signed by Md. Hamidur Rahman, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board, and PERKESO's Group CEO, Dato' Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman bin Aziz Mohammad. ’Cyber Security Act must be repealed’: Asif Nazrul Under this agreement, starting from January 23, 2010, all Bangladeshi workers who have legally migrated to Malaysia will be covered by the Foreign Workers Compensation Scheme (FWCS). This includes essential protections such as medical benefits, temporary and permanent disablement benefits, dependents' compensation, funeral expenses, and rehabilitation support through Malaysia’s Social Security Organization. Highlighting the importance of Bangladeshi expatriates, Dr. Nazrul underscored their significant contribution to the country’s socio-economic development. “When our expatriates live and work abroad, they represent Bangladesh. Each worker carries the flag of our nation,” he remarked. He emphasized that beyond their contributions to the economy, expatriates also play a leading role in social development activities, both abroad and at home. “Their proper evaluation, along with the protection of their welfare and the well-being of their families, must be ensured,” he added. Asif Nazrul pledges to ensure justice to home and abroad The Wage Earners’ Welfare Board, under the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, is dedicated to supporting and protecting expatriate workers and their families, Dr. Nazrul pointed out. This new agreement with Malaysia marks another step toward ensuring the welfare of Bangladeshi workers abroad.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Friday afternoon to discuss ways to take the relations between the two countries to a new height by exploring new areas of cooperation and strengthening the ties in diverse areas. He will be visiting Dhaka at the invitation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The Malaysian Prime Minister is likely to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 2:30 pm or after that; and he will directly go to a hotel where he will be staying for around four hours, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus will receive the Malaysian Prime Minister amid gun salute and guard of honour.  After almost a decade, a Malaysian Prime Minister will visit Bangladesh, and this official visit is the first by any head of government to Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government on August 8. The bilateral meeting between the Malaysian Prime Minister and Chief Adviser Prof Yunus will be held at the same hotel, which will be followed by a joint press statement. During the meeting, related areas of mutual interest including economic, political, trade and investment, education, technology and human resource development, manpower export, higher education cooperation, communications, infrastructure development, and defense cooperation are expected to be highlighted, said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. The two leaders will also have a one-to-one meeting before the bilateral talks.  Prof Yunus will also host high tea in honour of the Malaysian Prime Minister.  The Malaysian Prime Minister will also meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. He will sign visitor's book there. Malaysia is going to be the next chair of ASEAN from January 2025, and the Rohingya issue will also be discussed. In addition, the issue of Bangladesh to become a "Sectoral Dialogue Partner" in ASEAN in terms of regional cooperation will also be specially raised. "As a result, this visit is very important in terms of bilateral relations," said the Foreign Affairs Adviser, adding that once the Prime Minister of Malaysia arrives in Dhaka, he will be accorded a warm welcome as per state protocol.  This visit is expected to be considered as an expression of deepening bilateral relations and enduring friendship between Bangladesh and Malaysia, said the Adviser ahead of the visit. A 58-member delegation will accompany the Malaysian Prime Minister that will include the country's Foreign Minister, Trade and Investment Minister, Deputy Minister of Transport, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, two Members of Parliament and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In August this year, Prof Yunus invited him to undertake a short visit to Bangladesh as soon as possible to further strengthen the brotherly relationship between the two countries. Malaysia is the 8th largest investor in Bangladesh. In August, the Malaysian leader made a phone call to his old friend, Prof Muhammad Yunus, to congratulate him personally on his recent appointment as the chief adviser of the Interim government of Bangladesh. Prof Yunus has long-standing good ties with Malaysia. "Thus, I assured him that Malaysia stands ready to help and support the interim Government in rebuilding and restoring peace and security in Bangladesh," said the Malaysian PM. At least seven Malaysian universities have Yunus Centres, promoting social business ideas he champions and his three-zero concepts. Malaysian companies, including several owned by its sovereign funds, have invested more than $5 billion in Bangladesh and are now willing to invest more, including in education. A second Malaysian car manufacturer has signed an agreement with a Chattogram-based company for distributing and assembling cars. Malaysia says they could be a desired destination for medical tourism, saying the Bangladeshi people can avail essential medical treatment in the country at an affordable price. The Malaysian Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka at 6:25pm.

In their third match in the Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh beat Malaysia by 114 runs. It was Bangladesh’s second win in the tournament.  In their first two matches, against Sri Lanka and Thailand, Bangladesh beat Thailand but lost to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh won the toss on Wednesday in Dambulla and opted to bat first.  Read more: Shathira Jakir Jessy: First Bangladeshi Woman to Become an International Umpire Opener Murshida Khatun and captain Nigar Sultana proved the decision of batting first as justified, hitting a 50 each. While Murshida hit 80 with 10 fours, Nigar scored 62 with five fours and two sixes.  Riding on their excellent batting show, Bangladesh posted 191 for two.  In reply, Malaysia managed only 77 for eight in 20 overs and suffered a heavy defeat.  Nahida Akter took two wickets for Bangladesh. Read more: ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024: Match Fixtures, Schedule, Groups, and Teams