United News of Bangladesh

Malaysia on Monday started enforcing new rules that prohibit children under the age of 16 from having social media accounts, joining a growing number of countries seeking to improve online safety for young users. Under the new regulations, social media companies must introduce age-verification systems and prevent users younger than 16 from creating accounts. The rules apply to platforms with at least 8 million users, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Companies that fail to follow the regulations could face fines of up to 10 million ringgit (about $2.5 million). However, parents will not be punished if their children manage to bypass the restrictions. The Malaysian government said the measures are designed to protect children from harmful online content, cyberbullying and platform features that encourage excessive screen time and addictive use. Malaysia joins countries such as Australia, Brazil and Indonesia, which have already introduced or announced restrictions on children's access to social media. Several other nations, including Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea, are also considering similar measures. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said the rules are not intended to block children from using the internet or digital technology. Instead, they aim to ensure that service providers take greater responsibility for online safety and put age-appropriate protections in place. “These measures help strengthen the protection of children in the online environment, while providing added reassurance to parents in navigating increasingly complex digital risks,” the regulator said in a statement issued last month. Social media platforms will also be required to introduce safety features that discourage compulsive use and take stronger action against underage accounts and harmful content. Technology companies have not yet explained how they will fully comply with the new requirements. The regulator said platforms will be given a grace period to complete the rollout of age-verification systems. In April, Clara Koh, Meta’s director of public policy for Southeast Asia, warned that a blanket ban on users under 16 could have unintended consequences by pushing teenagers toward less-regulated parts of the internet. She noted that Meta has already introduced “teen accounts” for users under 18, with restrictions on contact, screen time and exposure to inappropriate content. Malaysia’s move comes as governments worldwide face increasing pressure to address concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health and online safety. In March, a US jury ordered Meta and YouTube to pay millions of dollars in damages in a case that alleged certain platform design features contributed to harm suffered by a young user. While many parents have welcomed the new rules, privacy advocates have raised concerns about the age-verification process. Benjamin Loh, a social science lecturer at Monash University Malaysia, said the requirement for government-issued identification to verify age has sparked concerns over personal data protection. He also questioned the effectiveness of age-based restrictions, noting that experiences in other countries have shown mixed results. Since parents face no penalties, he said, families could easily bypass the rules by creating accounts on behalf of their children. “Unless regulators address this loophole, the law may have limited success in preventing children from using social media,” Loh said.

Malaysia has announced an immediate and complete ban on the import of electronic waste, declaring it will no longer allow itself to become a dumping ground for hazardous waste from abroad. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said late Wednesday that all electronic waste, or e-waste, has been reclassified under the “absolute prohibition” category with immediate effect. The move removes the discretion previously held by the Department of Environment to approve exemptions for importing certain types of e-waste. MACC chief Azam Baki said e-waste imports are now strictly prohibited and pledged firm and coordinated enforcement to prevent illegal shipments from entering the country. Malaysia has struggled for years with large volumes of imported e-waste, much of it suspected to be illegal and harmful to both human health and the environment. Authorities have seized hundreds of containers at ports in recent years and ordered many shipments to be returned to their countries of origin. Spain moves to ban social media use for children under 16 Environmental groups have repeatedly called for tougher measures, warning that e-waste such as discarded computers, mobile phones and household appliances often contains toxic substances and heavy metals, including lead, mercury and cadmium, which can contaminate soil and water if mishandled. The ban comes as authorities expand a corruption investigation linked to e-waste management. Last week, the MACC detained and remanded the director-general of the Department of Environment and his deputy over alleged abuse of power and corruption related to e-waste oversight. Investigators have also frozen bank accounts and seized cash connected to the case. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Home Ministry said in a social media post that the government would step up efforts to curb e-waste smuggling. “Malaysia is not a dumping ground for the world’s waste,” the ministry said, adding that e-waste poses a serious threat to the environment, public health and national security.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 10 (Xinhua/UNB) — Two giant pandas from China, named “Chenxing” and “Xiaoyue,” made their first public appearance in Malaysia on Saturday. A milestone moment: Indonesia’s first giant Panda cub revealed The panda pair, which is on loan to Malaysia, was formally introduced to visitors during a special ceremony at the Giant Panda Conservation Center at Zoo Negara, the country’s national zoo. The debut followed a period of quarantine and adjustment to their new environment. Meet Jia Jia and De De, Hong Kong's first locally born giant pandas Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attended the event as the guest of honor, alongside senior government officials and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. Giant Panda "Yi Yi" celebrates second birthday in Malaysia

The release of Vijay’s highly awaited film Jana Nayagan has been officially delayed in several overseas markets, including the UK, the US, Canada and Malaysia, following an ongoing dispute related to its censor certification. The postponement was confirmed on January 7 by the film’s international distributors, just two days before its scheduled theatrical release. Distributors confirm delay Read More: Leonardo DiCaprio on the importance of creating cinema over content at Palm Springs Film Festival Overseas distributors announced the decision through statements shared on X. The Malaysian distributor said the film’s planned January 9, 2026 release has been pushed back due to unexpected circumstances, adding that they are awaiting further direction from the production team. The distributor noted that a revised release date will be announced once it is finalised and urged fans to remain patient. Supporters were also asked not to circulate unverified or misleading information from unofficial sources, as several arrangements are still being worked out. Read More: Historic Ariana Cinema in Kabul demolished for shopping complex The statement concluded by appealing for calm and unity while awaiting a favourable resolution, thanking fans for their continued support. Source: NDTV

Bangladesh’s manpower export to Malaysia is facing disruption over ongoing human trafficking and money laundering cases under investigation by the ACC and CID, prompting diplomatic concern from Kuala Lumpur. Industry insiders warn that failure to resolve the issues could hurt Malaysia’s global TIP ranking, risk US sanctions, and delay reopening its labour market to Bangladeshi workers. The Malaysian government has expressed serious concerns over several human trafficking and money laundering cases filed in Bangladesh, saying these could undermine the credibility of its Foreign Worker Centralized Management System (FWCMS), the digital platform used to recruit workers from 15 countries, including Bangladesh. Industry insiders warn that unresolved legal issues could hurt Malaysia’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) ranking. A downgrade may lead to US trade sanctions and make it harder for Malaysia to secure loans from the IMF and World Bank, threatening its economic stability. While Malaysia is keen to resolve the matter, Bangladeshi authorities appear to be moving slowly. In a letter dated April 23, Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources urged Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment to withdraw what it called “unsubstantiated” and “harassment-driven” cases. Bangladesh pledged to act, and the CID has submitted a final report on a human trafficking case filed with Paltan Police Station. A related money laundering probe, however, remains ongoing. Between 2022 and 2024, the ACC (Anti-Corruption Commission) filed several cases against recruiting agency owners, many of which are still under investigation. Malaysia argues these cases lack merit and harm bilateral ties. According to ministry sources, Malaysia sent another letter on April 26 to Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, reiterating its concerns. It said Malaysian investigations found no evidence to support the allegations and urged Bangladesh to withdraw them completely and avoid reopening previously dismissed cases. Bangladesh's travellers take to the skies to escape traffic chaos Official records show about 480,000 Bangladeshi workers went to Malaysia during that period under government arrangements, with no trafficking complaints from any migrants. Malaysian authorities stressed that protecting its TIP standing would also safeguard the image of both nations. The issue came up again at a joint working committee meeting in Dhaka in May. In August, Senior Secretary Dr Neyamat Ullah admitted in writing that the allegations were largely unsubstantiated and had damaged both governments’ reputations. He noted recruitment had taken place with bilateral approval and proper licensing. Migration sector stakeholders say the cases were mostly the result of disputes between business groups, with no victims or workers themselves filing complaints. They emphasise that workers were sent under high-level government decisions, with no incidents of human trafficking or money laundering. They stress the urgency of resolving the matter ahead of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’s visit to Malaysia on August 11, which they see as a last chance to secure a positive decision on reopening the Malaysian labour market for Bangladeshi workers. Ali Haider Chowdhury, immediate past Secretary General of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA), said, “We want the Malaysian labour market to reopen immediately. This issue goes beyond individual business interests – it doesn’t matter which agency benefits. The priority is safe, low-cost migration that protects workers’ interests and sustains remittance growth. The government should do everything necessary, including withdrawing the remaining cases.”

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said the three Bangladeshis recently repatriated from Malaysia are not militants. "They're not militants... their visas had simply expired," he said while talking to reporters following an inspection of the Export Cargo Village at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The adviser said there are no militants in Bangladesh and those sent back from Malaysia have no links to militancy either. When asked about the Malaysian police chief’s statement on the matter, the adviser replied, “I am not aware of whether they termed the returnees as militants. We have not received any official communication from Malaysia in this regard. But, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued a statement on the matter.” The adviser said there have been no reports of militancy in the country over the past ten months. He appreciated the collective national efforts for the successful eradication of militancy from Bangladesh. Army conducts successful operation against KNF militants in Bandarban Regarding airport operations, the adviser acknowledged that recent disruptions in export activities were due to procedural complications from the National Board of Revenue (NBR). These disruptions, he said, particularly affected the exporters of agricultural goods. Highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing this issue, Jahangir Alam said the new terminal at the airport would feature cold storage facilities dedicated to agricultural exports. He emphasised the importance of boosting vegetable and agro-produce exports and expanding pre-loading cold storage services. At least 13 people killed in Pakistani strikes on suspected militant hideouts in Afghanistan The adviser also stressed the need for diversifying export commodities rather than relying on a single product category.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Saturday said Bangladesh will cooperate with Malaysia in the ‘terror investigation’ as the Malaysian authorities announced that they had arrested 36 Bangladeshis in the recent security operations for their alleged involvement in a ‘radical militant’ movement. “Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur immediately engaged with the relevant Malaysian authorities and formally requested the identities of the individuals and information regarding the allegations brought against them,” the Ministry said. Bangladesh reiterated its firm position against all forms of terrorism, violent extremism and militancy, and it remains ready to extend full cooperation to the Malaysian authorities in this regard Of the arrested or detained people, formal charges have been filed against five in Malaysian courts, the MoFA said. The rest are in the process of either further investigation or deportation, Bangladesh said, updating on the recent incidents. The government of Bangladesh is ‘closely monitoring’ the developments and the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is in close communication with the relevant Malaysian authorities. The Bangladesh High Commission will extend necessary support to the expatriate Bangladeshis wherever needed, the Ministry added. Nepal highlights positive role of media in deepening friendship with Bangladesh The Bangladeshi Radical Militant Group (GMRB), recently dismantled by the Malaysian police, is believed to have been raising funds and recruiting members for the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Bangladesh, said the Malaysian government on Friday. Of the 36 suspects aged between 25 and 35, five have been charged under Section 6A of the Penal Code, while 16 are still held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) for further investigation and prosecution. Bangladesh is waiting for details from the Malaysian side as it has already sought detailed information from Malaysian authorities regarding the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia. “We have sought detailed information about the 36 Bangladeshis arrested in Malaysia, and we are now awaiting their response,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Bangladesh will verify the allegations against the arrested people to check whether they were involved in militancy. “If they are found to be involved, we will ensure their punishment,” Adviser Hossain said, adding that the situation remains somewhat fluid. Asked whether the incident could negatively impact the issuance of Malaysian visas to Bangladeshi nationals in the future, the adviser said any negative incident can affect visa issuance and they cannot say it will not have an impact. He, however, said if they take proper steps, the impact can be minimised. Malaysian Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the group collected funds by charging an annual membership fee of RM500 per person as well as other voluntary contributions based on members’ financial means. Initial investigations revealed the group had between 100 and 150 members, all Bangladeshi nationals working in labour sectors such as in factories, construction sites and petrol stations across Malaysia, according to Bernama. “The funds collected were then transferred abroad using e-wallet applications and international money transfer services,” he told a press conference here on Friday. The group also used social media platforms and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to recruit new members. Mohd Khalid said police are still investigating the amount of funds channelled by the group to IS networks in Syria and Bangladesh. Bangladesh and Türkiye affirm mutual cooperation for football development He said the group used social media and messaging apps to spread IS propaganda, conduct baiah (oath of allegiance), and organise secret activities such as religious classes and member meetings. “Those who pledged allegiance online were made cell leaders to expand the group’s influence. New members were recruited in stages, starting from screening to forming elite groups,” he said. He added that investigations so far indicate no Malaysians were involved in the group, which is believed to have been active in the country for about a year. Although the group was not planning attacks in Malaysia, it used the country as a base to raise funds and recruit members. Investigations are ongoing with support from Bangladeshi authorities and Interpol. Mohd Khalid said police initially detected the group’s activities through social media accounts operated by Bangladeshi nationals using Malaysian IP addresses to spread IS ideology. The first phase of the operation, conducted on April 28, led to the arrest of six individuals in Selangor and revealed the structure of GMRB, which was based in Johor. The second phase, carried out on May 7, resulted in 14 more arrests in Johor, including the group’s leader. The third and final phase, conducted from June 19 to 21, saw the arrest of another 16 people, effectively dismantling GMRB’s main network operating in Malaysia. Mohd Khalid said suspects found to have minimal involvement in the group’s activities will be deported to their home countries.  

General members of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) formed a human chain in front of the Probashi Kalyan Bhaban in Eskaton Garden on Thursday, demanding the reopening of labour markets including Malaysia. The programme was followed by the submission of a memorandum to the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser. Speakers at the human chain urged the government to take immediate steps to meet all the conditions set by the Malaysian authorities and reopen the labour market ‘at any cost’. In the memorandum, the BAIRA members said labour markets currently closed should be reopened giving priority to the interests of migrant workers and ensuring safe migration at low costs. ‘In the greater interest of the nation and migrant workers, we pledge to fully support any government initiative to open labour markets and to follow all official procedures in recruiting workers, it reads. Speakers said BAIRA members facilitate overseas employment for over one million workers each year, contributing nearly $24 billion in remittance and playing a vital role in the country’s economy. They said Malaysia is the second-largest labour market for Bangladeshi workers after Saudi Arabia. However, recruitment from all source countries has remained suspended since May 31, 2024, due to Malaysia’s internal policies. Prof Yunus, Qatar’s Energy Minister explore energy sector collaboration They also pointed out that other labour destinations like the UAE, Oman and Qatar remain closed or allow only limited worker intake. In this context, they demanded embassy-level reports on the reasons behind such closures and recommendations for reopening the markets. The memorandum also noted that Malaysia has recently resumed recruitment from 14 source countries, and a final decision regarding Bangladesh is expected following the upcoming Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting scheduled for May 21. Speakers expressed concern over attempts by a section of BAIRA, including suspended joint secretary Fakrul Islam, who allegedly oppose the reopening of the Malaysian labour market. Despite existing legal and formal frameworks, they continue to spread allegations of human trafficking and money laundering, potentially harming bilateral efforts and delaying the market’s reopening, they said.      

The government has initiated measures to send 18,000 workers, who were unable to travel to Malaysia within the stipulated time despite holding visas, by March and April, said Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Ruhul Amin on Wednesday. “If the Malaysian government says they will take workers within 15 days, we will also send them within 15 days. Now everything depends on Malaysia,” he said while talking to the reporters at the Secretariat. Asked about the ‘long process’, he said, "We hope that the way the talk is going on, it will not take too long. We hope to be able to fix everything in February. We can start sending workers in March-April.” Demonstration of stranded workers halts traffic for 3 hrs at Karwan Bazar The current government recently formed a committee and two meetings have taken place, yielding some progress, he said. Replying to a question about the method of the process, Ruhul Amin said, “We hope to have another meeting at the end of February. We have been given all the information we need to give. They also shared their information with us. The way they approached us, they accepted a lot of things in principle. But everything is not finalised yet.” Ruhul Amin went on to say, “We have made proposals, which they will approve after a ministry-level discussion. Then, the final process will begin. However, they agreed with us. The process will continue step by step.” Earlier, in the day, vehicular movement at Karwanbazar remained suspended for nearly three hours as a group of stranded migrant workers staged demonstrations demanding government steps to ensure their return to Malaysia. FDI Attraction: MoFA wants missions abroad to work out strategies The workers were supposed to travel to Malaysia through recruiting agencies on May 31, 2024 but due to ticket complications they were unable to travel. On October 5, 2024, Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said that Malaysia has agreed to receive 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who previously missed the deadline to enter the country.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has announced an extension of the Migrant Repatriation Programme for undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, allowing them to return home under revised provisions set by the Malaysian government. For those who registered online with Malaysian immigration to return home by the December 31, 2024 deadline but were unable to do so for various reasons, the repatriation program has been extended until March 21, 2025, the High Commission said in a notification on Tuesday. Bangladesh seeks balanced trade with Malaysia: Commerce Adviser This extension applies to undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, alongside those from other relevant countries. Previously, undocumented Bangladeshi migrants were required to pay fines to Malaysian immigration authorities based on the length of their stay in the country before availing the opportunity to return home. Under a decision by the Malaysian government, from March 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, irregular migrants were allowed to return by paying a maximum fine of 500 Malaysian Ringgit, irrespective of their duration of stay.