Accommodating the dead: Jakarta faces grave shortage crisis JAKARTA: Jakarta is grappling with a shortage of burial land as its cemeteries have either reached or exceeded capacity, sparking concerns over increased commercialisation of resting places for the citys dead. At least 69 of the capitals 80 public cemeteries (TPU), or a whopping 86.25 percent, are full, while some of the remaining 11 cemeteries are at over 80 percent capacity, according to the Jakarta Parks and Forestry Agency. This ..

Malay girls erhu performance steals the show at Miri school graduation ceremony MIRI: Irdina Batrisyia Mohd Faizul doesnt understand Chinese, yet she moves the entire audience with _erhu_, a traditional Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument known as Chinese violin. Her performance captivated the audience with the _erhu_ rendition, transcending language and cultural barriers, embodying the universal power of music at the graduation ceremony of SMK St Columbia Miri last Saturday. A Form ..

Kindergarten teacher duped by imposter husband, loses RM100,000 JOHOR BAHRU: A 52-year-old kindergarten teacher lost RM100,000 after she mistakenly believed WhatsApp messages claiming to be her husbands, while he was abroad. It was later discovered that her husbands WhatsApp account had been hacked. Johor Bahru South District Police Chief ACP Raub Selamat said in a statement today that police had received a report on the incident and were investigating the case classified as cheating under ..

Chinese school halls unaffected by liquor ban, says Loke KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has agreed that Chinese school halls managed by respective school boards are unaffected by the liquor ban where the halls are allowed to lease for wedding dinners and fund-raising events. Transport Minister Anthony Loke told Sin Chew Daily that the liquor ban is only applicable to national schools. However, as the liquor ban has caused the Chinese community to feel unease, several Chinese ministers raised the ..

Meet the sign language interpreter breaking barriers at the ASEAN summit As the countdown to the ASEAN Summit begins and global attention turns to Kuala Lumpur, a new face will take the stage this year. At the 47th ASEAN Summit, sign language interpreter Tan Lee Bee will stand at one corner of the opening ceremony stageserving as a vital bridge between the voices of world leaders and the deaf community. With the initiative of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, this summit will, for the ..

Pakatan Harapan deserves credit for raising Sabahs special allocation to RM600 million, says Phoong KOTA KINABALU: Since 2018, Pakatan Harapan (PH) has raised the special allocation for Sabah from RM26 million to RM53 million per year and then the allocation was gradually increased till RM600 million under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Sabah Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said from 1974 to 2018, the special allocation received by Sabah remained at RM26 million ..

Police report surge in student rape cases and sexual abuse by teachers As reported cases of rape involving students are on the rise and the same for sexual abuse cases involving teachers, one cant help but worry about the safety of their children at school. In an exclusive interview with _Sin Chew Daily_, SAC Siti Kamsiah Hassan, principal assistant director of Bukit Amans Sexual, Women and Childrens Investigation Division (D11), revealed that reports of child sexual abuse and molestation are ..

Malaysia should do more as ASEAN chair to shut down scam centres: NGO PETALING JAYA Malaysia should leverage its position as Asean Chair to exert pressure on Cambodia to shut down scam centres amid the alarming resurgence of job scam operations in that country, says Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim. While Malaysia does have more measures in place now to deal with this issue, including cooperation with Cambodian authorities under ..

Sabah recognises UEC qualifications, first batch of 45 students receive state scholarships KOTA KINABALU: The Unified Examination, an examination sat by Chinese independent school students after completing secondary school, is now a recognised qualification in Sabah. The first batch of 45 students with Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) was awarded state scholarships following the recognition. Au Kam Wah, the Sabah chairman of United Chinese School Committees Association (Dong Zong) ..

Two secondary schools in Miri introduce metal detector screening for students MIRI: In a move to beef up security, two secondary schools in Miri, SMK Riam and SMK Merbau start scanning students with metal detectors. SMK Merbau shared on its Facebook page that the school had started using metal detector at the school entrance and conducted impromptu checks in classrooms since last year to prevent students from bringing prohibited or dangerous items to school. It said the measure is to educate ..

Sarawak emerges as transit hub for turtle eggs smuggled from Indonesia to China KUCHING: Sarawak has become a transit hub for turtle eggs smuggled from Indonesia to China and Vietnam, said Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, director- general of Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan). The border areas between Sarawak and Indonesia are hotspots for illegal wildlife trade. As of October this year, several joint enforcement operations have been carried out, with seven wildlife smuggling ..

Warisan to appoint local Chinese to be finance minister if it wins Sabah election, says Shafie KOTA KINABALU: A local Chinese will be appointed finance minister if Parti Warisan wins the Sabah election and returns to power, says its president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal. The appointment of a local Chinese means recognition of the long-term contribution of the Chinese community to the economic development in the state, he said. Shafie also promised to continue with the inclusive policies ..

Five key issues at the ASEAN Summit the largest-ever gathering of world leaders **Five key issues at the ASEAN Summit the largest-ever gathering of world leaders** The 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26 will be the largest, based on the lineup of world leaders, as declared by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Besides leaders from 10 ASEAN countries and new member Timor-Leste, United States president Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister ..

Japanese zoos make compost from animals droppings, sell product to local farmers TOKYO: Where does all the animal dung go, and how does the zoo deal with it? That question came to my mind recently when I visited a zoo in the city of Hamura, western Tokyo, to cover an event. To answer that question, Masakazu Isobe, the management officer of Hamura Zoo, took me to a service center right near the entrance. On a shelf, among souvenirs and beverages, bags of what looked like soil had been placed. ..

Survey: 83% Thais feel lonely, office workers most affected BANGKOK: On October 8, 2025, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), alongside its partners, launched the Every Problem Can Improve with Listening campaign as part of National Month of Listening in November, continuing for the second year. This campaign aims to promote the skills of listening with the ears and seeing with the heart to tackle loneliness and foster mutual understanding within society. **Dr Pongthep ..

Breaking the silence: Deaf lawyers make judicial history in Indonesia JAKARTA: The Museum of Indonesian World Records (MURI) has recognized Andi Kasri Akas Unru, 31, and Muhammad Andika Panji, 33, as the first deaf lawyers to join the countrys judiciary after they swore their oath in June alongside their peers at the Jakarta High Court in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta, dressed in black robes, white jabots and black _peci_(skullcaps). There are many issues we must advocate for because many deaf ..

PTPTN defaulters earning over RM6,000 a month with loan arrears exceeding five years face travel ban KUALA LUMPUR: National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) defaulters earning over RM6,000 a month and with loan arrears exceeding five years face travel ban when the blacklist is reinstated. Loan recipients working overseas who fail to make repayments will also be placed on the blacklist according to PTPTN Chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Rahim, who confirmed that the blacklist would be ..

Final decision by PN leadership: PAS to contest 17 seats in next Selangor election PETALING JAYA: Selangor PAS will contest 17 seats in the next Selangor state election, and the party is prepared to contest more constituencies to assist Perikatan Nasional (PN) to capture the Selangor state government. Selangor PAS chief Datuk Ab Halim Tamuri said the current political landscape and voter sentiment are highly unpredictable and very different from before, but the party remains confident and will ..

Baba Nyonya now a recognised ethnic category Melaka-born Peranakan may amend birth certificates in phase one MELAKA: Baba Nyonya is an ethnic category recognised by the government now, said Baba Nyonya Peranakan Association of Malaysia president Datuk Ronald Gan. Following the official recognition, Melaka-born Peranakans (Baba Nyonya) may now apply to amend the ethnicity section on their birth certificates from Chinese to Baba Nyonya. Gan described this as a historic milestone, marking the ..

Philanthropist sets up fund for elderly and poor in Ladang Geddes BAHAU: A total of 20 residents at Kampung Ladang Geddesincluding the elderly living alone and families struggling to make ends meethave since received financial assistance from a charitable fund established by philanthropist Lee Guan Sheng. The sum may not be large, but for those who have little, each contribution represents a lifelinea timely gesture of compassion that restores hope. It has been 10 long months since the small ..

Tourism Minister Tiong admits mistake, regrets liquor controversy KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing admits mistake over the liquor controversy surrounding the Global Travel Meet gala dinner, acknowledging that he should have clarified the event earlier. During the Dewan Rakyat question-and-answer session, Tiong expressed regret that the serving of alcoholic beverages at the dinner had sparked public discomfort and misunderstanding. I should have ..

Shanghai Museum exhibit blends traditional and contemporary pop culture SHANGHAI: A new project at the Shanghai Museum invites the digital avatar of Jay Chou, one of the most influential figures in Chinas pop music scene, to take visitors on an immersive experience of the cultural relics in the museums collection. To coincide with the 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival, the themed art show Remarkable AncestorsChouchous Time Travel Adventures, is being featured at the Shanghai Museum on Peoples ..

Public university places cant keep up with high-achieving students, government to form Education Council KUALA LUMPUR: A National Education Council will be formed to find a solution for public university admissions as existing public university places are unable to keep up with high-achieving students. Deputy Minister of Higher Education Datuk Mustapa Sakmud said a government study has found that the number of high achievers has increased, leading to intense competition for limited places in ..

Unlike Kelantan and Terengganu, PAS pledges no alcohol or gambling ban in Selangor PETALING JAYA: PAS pledges no alcohol or gambling ban in Selangorciting the multireligious, multiethnic, and multicultural makeup in Selangor as the key reason. Selangor PAS chief Datuk Ab. Halim Tamuri said Selangor is unlike Kelantan and Terengganu where Muslims made up of 99% of the population. We cannot simply apply the same governance model used in PAS-led states like Kelantan to Selangor. States like ..

A lantern parade held to celebrate Mooncake Festival at Menara Kuala Lumpur has created a record on Sunday, October 5. Organized by LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd, the lantern parade entered the Malaysia Book of Records as the highest Mid-Autumn lantern parade at 394 meters above sea level. More than 150 participants and visitors joined the open-air celebration while enjoying the panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur. LSH Service Master chief executive officer Khairil Faizal Othman the event is held to ..

Tourists are here for holidays, not local drinking rules, says Sarawak tourism minister KUCHING: Foreign tourists visit Malaysia for holidays and do not care whether Malaysians drink alcohol or not, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. Tourists come here for sightseeing, shopping, experiencing local culture, and relaxation. They are not concerned about whether Malaysians drink or whether they are allowed to, he said in an ..

Meet Sanae Takaichi, likely to be Japans first female PM TOKYO: Former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi will become Japans first female prime minister if she is chosen to lead the government at an extraordinary Diet session to be convened as early as Oct. 15. Having gained wide support mainly from conservative voters, Takaichi has been elected as the new president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, avenging her runoff loss in the previous election in September 2024. **Matsushita ..

KUALA LUMPUR: Richest Malaysian Tan Sri Robert Kuok celebrates his 102nd birthday today. According to records, Kuok was born on October 6, 1923, in Johor Bahru. Kuok, founder of the Kuok Brothers Group, is regarded as one of Asias most influential businessmen. His vast business empire spans multiple sectorsfrom sugar, flour and cooking oil to hotels, property and IT, and the businesses extend across the world. His listed companies include Wilmar International in Singapore, PPB Group in ..

Singapore woman joined hospital to seek answers on stillborn sibling and stayed for 5 decades as midwife SINGAPORE: More than five decades ago, a womans curiosity about why her sibling had been stillborn led her to enroll in Kandang Kerbau Hospitals school of midwifery. Today, having worked at the hospital for about 53 years, Saleha Kamsan, 72, a staff midwife at what is now KK Womens and Childrens Hospital, said the satisfaction of seeing families leave the hospital with their newborn children ..

Check with us first before calling to sack Tourism Minister over alcohol controversy, says Mint Leong PETALING JAYA: Tourism industry players have defended Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing over the presence of alcoholic beverages at a Tourism Malaysia dinner. Ill say it again if you want to sack the minister, ask us first! said Mint Leong, president of Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA), adding that the ministers performance should be judged by the ..

Rising number of non-Chinese pupils in Chinese primary schools an inevitable trend, says Dong Zong Alor Setar: The steady increase of non-Chinese pupils in Chinese primary schools (SJKC) is an inevitable trend, says Dong Zong (United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia) president Datuk Tan Yew Sing. However, there should be no change in teaching methods, school environment or its mission of preserving Chinese culture, he said. More non- Chinese families are choosing SJKCs because ..

KATHMANDU: Nepal is preparing to unveil a five-year Everest cleaning strategy, following a Supreme Court order, as the worlds highest peakoften called Earths tallest garbage dumpstruggles under decades of waste. Experts say the alarming amount of waste collected each season underscores the urgent need for sustainable mountaineering practices. Melting snow and ice caused by climate change further exposes previously buried garbage and even human remains, worsening contamination of the watershed ..

KLANG: More than 2,000 people line the streets leading to Istana Alam Shah early in the morning on the wedding day of Crown Prince of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah and Datin Paduka Seri Afzaa Fadini Abdul Aziz on Thursday. Clad in a white baju Melayu, the Crown Prince, escorted by an entourage of security personnel and palace dignitaries, arrived at the palace in a Rolls-Royce from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery at around 9.30 am in a grand procession. As the royal motorcade was slowly ..

Kummute rolls out JBSingapore cross-border taxi service, one-way only for now JOHOR BAHRU: Kummute launches cross-border ride-hailing service from Johor Bahru to Singapore for now, a collaboration between private companies in Malaysia and Singapore. A new digital cross-border taxi booking service, it allows licensed cross-border taxi operators to pick up passengers from Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal in Johor Bharu to Ban San Street in Singapore, said Kenny Hew, head of Growth@Kummute. The Land ..

KATHMANDU: Nepal is preparing to unveil a five-year Everest cleaning strategy, following a Supreme Court order, as the worlds highest peakoften called Earths tallest garbage dumpstruggles under decades of waste. Experts say the alarming amount of waste collected each season underscores the urgent need for sustainable mountaineering practices. Melting snow and ice caused by climate change further exposes previously buried garbage and even human remains, worsening contamination of the watershed ..

Suicide now number one cause of death among Koreans in their 40s SEOUL: South Korea is facing a deepening suicide crisis, with new government data showing that intentional self-harm has overtaken cancer as the top cause of death among people in their 40s for the first time since records began in 1983. Statistics Korea said last Thursday that 14,872 people died by suicide in 2024, up 6.4 percent from the previous year and marking the highest toll in 13 years. The national suicide rate rose to ..