Network School Crackdown: Malaysia’s MDEC moved to revoke NSO Malaysia’s Malaysia Digital status after Johor’s Iskandar Puteri City Council revoked NSO’s licence and ordered it to cease operations at Forest City, amid allegations tying the tech commune to Israeli-linked crypto claims. SME Red Tape Push: Samenta warned that Malaysia’s jump to 15th in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking won’t help SMEs unless local councils (PBTs) and statutory bodies cut unpredictable licensing timelines and erratic enforcement. Port Governance Debate: Maritime experts said appointments of foreign executives to lead Malaysian ports should be capability-led but balanced with stronger local representation, clear authority over strategic assets, and regular regulatory oversight. Fuel Subsidy Watch: Malaysia’s deputy finance minister said petrol and diesel subsidies could reach about RM3.5b a month if crude stays near US$90/bbl, with fiscal projections still intact. Rare Earths Tensions: Lynas flagged a cost overrun for its Malaysia expansion after revenue missed expectations, while protests and parliamentary scrutiny continue over its US defence supply links. Drug Mule Crackdown: Police arrested 50 suspected drug mules at KLIA (last year to April), warning syndicates use tactics like last-minute bookings and fake job offers to evade detection. ASEAN Diplomacy: Malaysia urged the US to help de-escalate West Asia tensions and pushed for ASEAN’s South China Sea Code of Conduct to be finalised by November. Regional Trade & Logistics: Bernama reported Food and Drinks Malaysia (FDM) sales are set to beat last year’s US$265m target, supported by international participation despite supply-chain and shipping cost pressures.