Here are today's top stories:

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government will include Ramadan bazaars in the state’s tourism calendar next year to draw local and international tourists.

KUALA LUMPUR: About 1,754 nurses have left the profession over the past five years, with about 28 per cent citing personal reasons, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.

THE Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector could add about US$115 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic product by 2030, impacting not only manufacturing but also sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and finance.

PIC BY NSTP/MUHAMMAD ZULSYAMINI SUFIAN SURI

KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani government’s recent announcement of aid for padi farmers to support early preparations for Ramadan and Syawal underscores its commitment to easing their financial burden amid rising living costs.

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZCSB) director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli denied that he was pressured by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to accuse Lim Guan Eng or lie in the former Penang chief minister’s graft case.

GEORGE TOWN: The proposed third link for vehicular movement between Penang island and Seberang Prai will see a change in alignment, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said today. He, however, did not reveal details of the new alignment.

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government, through the state executive council, has agreed to extend the 100 per cent exemption on outstanding quit rent and parcel rent penalties to all land and strata owners in the state who settle their payments by May 31, 2025.

IPOH: A notice on the vacancy of the Ayer Kuning state seat, following the death of its incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin, has been submitted to the Election Commission (EC).

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s decision to contest in the DAP central executive committee (CEC) election is to enable him to play his role more effectively in governing the state.

GEORGE TOWN: Work on the North Coastal Paired Road (NCPR), linking Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang, is expected to begin next year.

KUALA LUMPUR: Nga Kor Ming says the Penang Undersea Tunnel Project needs the National Physical Planning Council's (NPPC) review.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is on the right track to unleash its potential as its economy remains on a steady course, bolstered by government reforms and strong economic fundamentals, according to HSBC’s Asean economist Yun Liu.

KUANTAN: After Scoot Air, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, it is now Garuda Indonesia's Citilink that could soon offer direct flights between Jakarta and Kuantan.

GEORGE TOWN: The remains of Ayer Kuning assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin will be brought back to Ipoh later tonight.

KUALA LUMPUR: Asean reaffirms its partnership with China and expresses strong interest in exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

GEORGE TOWN: Less than a week after the start of the 2025/2026 school session, the nation was shocked by the heartbreaking incident of a 10-year-old boy dying on Thursday after choking on a chewy gummy candy in Penang.

KUALA LUMPUR: A former DAP leader has warned that the ongoing “contest between two factions” ahead of next month’s party elections could lead to internal clashes and weaken the party if not managed carefully.

IPOH: Perak local authorities support the Education Ministry’s call for the state’s Education Department to work with them in monitoring and regulating street vendors near schools.