and complying with the regulations set by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). ???I hope other platforms will follow suit if they wish to provide services in Malaysia,??? she told reporters after visiting veteran actor Sathia Periasamy, better known as Sathiya, during the Ziarah MADANI@Finas session at his residence in Setapak Jaya here today. Yesterday, MCMC said the licensing requirement aims to enhance online safety, protect users and strengthen regulation of internet messaging and social media service providers. The framework is designed to create a safe and trusted online environment by encouraging service providers to safeguard users, particularly children and other vulnerable groups. Failure to submit applications may lead to regulatory action although this is a measure all parties wish to avoid.

known as the Projek Perumahan Rakyat Termiskin, the rebranded PPRS offers larger homes with a floor area of approximately 680 square f

threat to the safety and well-being of our children - the most vulnerable members of our society. Every child deserves to live free from fear, harm and exploitation. ???Every missing child is a tragedy that leaves families devastated and communities shaken. Child sex abuse, whether committed by strangers or individuals known to the child, is a heinous crime with long-lasting psychological and physical effects,??? he said in a statement here today. Lee said it is essential to strengthen cybersecurity measures to detect and shut down illicit activities, as many predators operate online. Besides, parents must also be educated on how to monitor their children???s online activities effectively. He also called for comprehensive sex education, with schools implementing age-appropriate sex education programmes that teach children about personal boundaries, recognising inappropriate behaviour and reporting abuse without fear. All institutions including schools, religious organisations and recreational centres must adopt mandatory reporting protocols for suspected child abuse, he said. Hotlines and digital platforms for anonymous reporting should be widely promoted, while laws protecting children must be robust and rigorously enforced. ???Stiffer penalties should be imposed on perpetrators of child sex abuse and human trafficking. Additionally, law enforcement agencies need enhanced tools and training to locate missing children swiftly and handle abuse cases with sensitivity,??? he said. Lee said that public awareness of these issues needs to be enhanced, with parents, guardians and caregivers being educated about the risks that children face and equipped with knowledge to identify signs of grooming or abuse. Community participation at all levels of society, such as neighbourhood watch programmes, community patrols and volunteer initiatives, should also be fostered, as they can act as a first line of defence in safeguarding children. Lee also called for adequate funding for shelter homes, counselling services and rehabilitation programmes for victims of such incidents. ???We urge all stakeholders - parents, educators, policymakers law enforcement, and civil society - to come together in creating a safer environment for our children. We must be relentless in our efforts to protect the innocence and dignity of our children, for in doing so, we safeguard the future of our nation,??? he said.

Yamaha Lagenda 115Z motorcycle carrying the married couple coming from the opposite direction. ???The impact caused the pillion rider of the Yamaha Lagenda 115Z to be thrown into the right lane and hit by the Proton Wira,??? he said in a statement today. The two motorcyclists and the pillion rider died at the scene, while the Proton Wira driver was unharmed. He said the teenager sustained severe injuries to the head, face, left hand and leg, while the married couple suffered critical injuries to the head, face and right thigh. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a penalty of up to RM50,000 in fines or a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, or both, upon conviction. Deputy public prosecutor Joshua Tee Yee Khuan did not offer bail on the grounds that the offence was non-bailable and the accused was unrepresented. Judge Siti Aminah Ghazali set Jan 20 for mention of the case, to allow for the submission of documents and the appointment of a lawyer.

foreign visitors,??? he said. He further explained that the majority of domestic tourists came from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Putrajaya, and Negeri Sembilan. Meanwhile, the largest groups of foreign tourists came from China, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Vietnam during the VMY2024 campaign. Abdul Razak was responding to a question posed by Adly Zahari (PH-Bukit Katil), who asked for the total number of tourist arrivals since the beginning of VMY2024. Abdul Razak said the estimated tourism receipts for the state government in conjunction with the organisation of VMY2024 amounted to RM12.688 billion. He added that this figure includes an average tourist expenditure of RM544.66 per person per day. ???This expenditure covers various aspects, including accommodation, transportation, food and beverages, insurance, shopping, entertainment, organised tou

tenure as finance minister and later as prime minister, played a key role in transforming India into a global economic powerhouse. ???Obituaries, essays and books aplenty there will surely be about this great man, celebrating him as the architect of India???s economic reforms. As Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh was the midwife of India???s emergence as one of the world???s economic giants,??? Anwar said in a statement on his Facebook page. Anwar reflected on his personal connection with Manmohan Singh, recalling their tenures as finance minister during the 1990s. ???I had the rare privilege of witnessing the early years of these transformative policies first-hand while we both served as finance ministers during the 1990s. We shared a fervent commitment to the war against corruption ??? even collaborating on unravelling a major case,??? he said. The Prime Minister praised Manmohan Singh for his uprightness and steadfastness, qualities that earned him respect as a statesman. ???The praise that will follow in the days ahead will be truly well-deserved. Dr Manmohan Singh, slightly awkward as a politician but undeniably upright, steadfast and resolute as a statesman, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come,??? Anwar added. In a deeply personal revelation, Anwar shared an anecdote highlighting Dr Manmohan Singh???s generosity and humanity during a challenging period of his life. ???Not many people know this, and it is time that I share it with Malaysians: during the years of my incarceration, he extended a kindness that he didn???t have to ??? one that was neither politically expedient nor, as one can imagine, appreciated by the Malaysian government at that time. Yet, true to his character, he did it anyway. ???He offered scholarships for my children, particularly my son, Ihsan. Although I had declined the gracious offer, such a gesture undoubtedly showed his extraordinary humanity and generosity, demonstrative, as the Bard would have it, of a man so full of ???the milk of human kindness,?????? Anwar said. Anwar further described Manmohan Singh as a true friend who stood by him in his darkest days. ???In those dark days, as I navigated the labyrinth of imprisonment, he stood by me as a true friend. Such acts of quiet magnanimity defined him, and they will remain etched in my heart forever,??? he said. ???Goodbye, my mitra, my bhai, Manmohan,??? Anwar said. Manmohan Singh died at the age of 92 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. He served as India???s 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.

Sudan, France and Ukraine. ???A consular team has been dispatched to provide immediate assistance and support to Malaysian nationals affected by the incident,??? said Wisma Putra. The ministry said it is deeply concerned about the bus accident which occurred near Lake ??svatnet, Norway, at about 1.30 pm local time. The accident took place amid severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds, causing the bus to lose control and crash. Of the 58 passengers on board, three fatalities have been reported, and four individuals have sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Stokmarknes Hospital. According to Wisma Putra, Norwegian authorities have successfully evacuated all remaining passengers, despite adverse weather hampering initial rescue efforts. More information regarding the incident is expected to be released by the authorities on Dec 27, local time, it added. ???Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available,??? Wisma Putra said. According to the ministry, for consular assistance, the Embassy of Malaysia in Stockholm can be contacted at Karlav??gen 37, 114 31 Stockholm 26053 Stockholm, Sweden or reached by phone at +46 8440 8400 (general enquiries) / +46 73 536 9152 (after working hours & weekends) or email address mwstockholm@kln.gov.my.

to Takiyuddin seeking confirmation on the matter but had not received any response. ???The assemblyman???s admission is vague, merely claiming he is a PAS member, and that is the only evidence I have (to make a decision),??? he said during the Melaka State Assembly sitting at Seri Negeri today. With this latest development, the number of assemblymen supporting the government now stands at 25, while the opposition has three, he added. Muhammad Jailani, representing Barisan Nasional, won the Rembia seat with a majority of 860 votes in a five-cornered contest during the 2021 Melaka state election. In July last year, UMNO suspended Muhammad Jailani???s membership for six years for allegedly sabotaging the party by attending the announcement of the Perikatan Nasional candidate for the Simpang Jeram by-election in Bakri, Johor.

sending any advertisements, whether in social media posts or otherwise, to Malaysian investors and immediately terminate Bybit???s Telegram support group for Malaysians,??? it said. The commission said Bybit???s CEO has also been specifically directed to ensure compliance with the above directives. ???This decision comes after concerns about the platform???s compliance with local regulatory requirements and protecting investors??? interests. ???The SC views this breach seriously, as operating a DAX without obtaining the SC???s registration as a recognised market operator (RMO) is an offence under Section 7(1) of the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007,??? it said. It also said Bybit has complied with all of the SC???s directives as of to date. According to the SC, Bybit and Ben Zhou have been included in the SC???s Investor Alert List since July 2021. Furthermore, the commission reminded investors to invest and deal only with RMOs registered with the SC, as the registered RMOs have undergone strict regulatory scrutiny and must adhere to strict guidelines to protect investors under Malaysia???s securities laws. ???Those who invest in unlicensed or unregistered entities or individuals are not protected under the Malaysian securities laws and are thus exposed to risks such as fraud and money laundering. ???The public should alert the SC if they come across any suspicious websites or receive any unsolicited phone calls or emails offering unauthorised investment schemes, especially those that promise high returns with little or no risks,??? it added.

Constitution rather than divide society with narrow politics. Sheikh Umar, Young Syefura and Syahredzan said Malaysia???s ethnic and racial diversity should be celebrated, understood and respected, not manipulated for political gain under the guise of religion. ???PAS is urged to embrace the spirit of Malaysia in national politics and abandon extreme politics that fails to celebrate unity in diversity in our country. Diversity is, in fact, the cornerstone of our strength. ???The act of politicising the Christmas festival also contradicts the statement by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who welcomed the celebration, describing it as a step towards building a higher-quality or more moral Malaysian society,??? they said in a joint statement. It further emphasised that all those involved in the performances during the celebration were individuals wh

coincides with the great celebrations of Christmas and New Year. ???You have been a good and indefatigable fighter for freedom and justice. I wish you and the country of Timor-Leste all the best. Thank you again and a blessed birthday young man and a happy New Year,??? Anwar said. On Sept 4, Ramos-Horta said that ASEAN membership will become a reality when Malaysia hosts the ASEAN Summit next year, as Malaysia remains a strong supporter of the resource-rich nation???s bid to join the powerful regional grouping. Malaysia has supported Timor-Leste???s progress since its independence in 2002, assisting in security, human resources and institutional capacity building.

30 and 29, were detained on Jalan PJU 1a/1 in Ara Damansara after a 30-minute chase. ???A quantity of drugs believed to be methamphetamine weighing approximately 12.87 grams was found in their vehicle, along with a weapon believed to be an electric shock wave device. ???The first suspect, who was driving the vehicle, has 11 prior criminal and five narcotics-related records, while the second suspect has one prior conviction,??? he said in a statement yesterday. Shahrulnizam said the case is being investigated under Sections 307/186/279 of the Penal Code, Section 7 of the Corrosive, Explosive, and Dangerous Weapons Act, Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, and Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. ???Members of the public with any information related to the incident can contact the nearest police station or the Petaling Jaya District operations room at 03-79662222,??? he said.

another cat found on Dec 25 at the parking lot of UM???s Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science,??? he said in a statement today. Kelab Kucing Malaysia had previously called for a thorough investigation into the case. Its president, Khalid Rashid, was reported as saying that while Kelab Kucing Malaysia was not questioning the investigation conducted by the authorities, it hoped the case would be re-examined with the assistance of experts. On Dec 22, police revealed that closed-circuit television footage showed stray dogs attacking the cats. Police said the matter was referred to the Department of Veterinary Services, which verified that the injuries sustained by the cats were consistent with attacks by wild dogs.

the full written grounds of judgment from the High Court have not yet been provided. As of now, only a brief explanation is available, listed in writing on the court???s e-review system on Dec 23. ???Therefore, it would be premature at this stage to draw any conclusions about the High Court???s overall decision and the reasons behind it,??? she said in a statement yesterday. On Monday, the media reported that the High Court had dismissed Hannah???s defamation suit against Musa over alleged defamatory statements he made during a forum at Universiti Teknologi MARA four years ago. Judicial Commissioner Arziah Mohamed Apandi ruled that she had failed to prove that the statements made by the defendant were defamatory.

ensure the well-being of the people as the backbone of every initiative that is formulated and implemented. ???Every step is taken with the goal of building a more meaningful and dignified life for the people,??? he said in a post on his Facebook page yesterday. Earlier, Anwar said in the past two years, the MADANI government has implemented many initiatives in the effort to elevate the dignity of the people and the country, among them is the Sumbang Tunai Rahmah (STR) which benefits nine million B40 recipients. Apart from that, other initiatives are the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) to 8.4 million recipients to buy basic necessities at 600 retail stores and supermarkets, as well as the People???s Income Initiative (IPR) for 4,615 participants from the B40 group, the poor and the hardcore poor, to successfully raise their income.

by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who acknowledged in the Dewan Negara on Dec 17 that existing policies on managing plastic waste were fragmented. Global data and business intelligence platform Statista said Malaysia received more than 405,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste in 2023 from several countries, ranking it among the top importers of such material. He said the fragmented approach to managing single-use plastics has also led to uneven environmental outcomes. ???Weak regulations contribute significantly to plastic pollution, with single-use plastics often ending up in water bodies, harming aquatic life and ecosystems. ???Coastal and riverine ecosystems are among the most affected as plastic waste accumulates in such areas, endangering turtles, fish and seabirds, among others,??? he said. He added that the use of technological solutions, such as Polymateria Lyfecycle Technology, which ???self-destructs??? plastic and safely returns it to nature after a year if not recycled, must be complemented by changes in human behaviour to ensure a sustainable future. ???Implementing a nationwide plastic-related Act is feasible but requires sustained political commitment at all levels of government. A comprehensive Act must go beyond setting recycling targets and address the unique challenges Malaysia faces.??? He said legislation should strengthen waste management in underserved areas, prevent illegal dumping, enforce stricter penalties for repeat offenders and hold producers accountable for the full life cycle of their plastic products. Mohd Yusoff said to address the disconnect between federal and state policies, the federal agency must involve state governments and local authorities in the policymaking process to ensure alignment with regional realities. He also proposed revisiting the role of the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation and allocating funds from EPR (extended producer responsibility) initiatives to support municipal waste management improvements. Mohd Yusoff cautioned that without a uniform policy, plastic pollution would jeopardise the country???s net zero carbon goals, with inadequate recycling systems and inconsistent regulations worsening pollution and emissions. ???Public education is also vital as it helps the people understand the broader environmental consequences of plastic pollution, such as its impact on rivers, wildlife, ecosystems and human health, while policies provide a framework to act against those flouting the law.??? Stressing the need for stricter regulations and incentives on the role of industries, he said they must take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products, including waste collection, recycling and disposal. ???Incorporating incentives such as tax breaks and penalties for non-compliance is essential to engage industries to reduce plastic pollution. Such a framework must address plastic pollution comprehensively, engage multiple stakeholders and support sustainable development,??? he said. Mohd Yusoff also emphasised the need for immediate government action to harmonise efforts across state and local levels through a national plastic policy framework, in which cross-ministry collaboration between the Housing and Local Government Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry is crucial. ???These measures should complement the existing Zero Single-Use Plastic roadmap by enhancing alignment, improving enforcement and fostering stakeholder collaboration.???

extreme sports, the key difference is that extreme sports take place in controlled environments, while these activities occur on public roads, which are meant for transport, not racing.??? Wong highlighted the tragic 2017 incident in Johor Bahru where a crash involving teenagers riding modified bicycles resulted in eight deaths and eight others injured. He said although many of these activities occur during the day, they are especially alarming at night when the risks are even higher. ???While many motorists avoid driving late at night, some, like factory workers or those with demanding schedules, have no choice but to travel during late hours. With distractions like basikal lajak on the roads, crashes are almost inevitable. ???Public roads are not designed for such activities, and the consequences of using them irresponsibly can be devastating,??? he said, emphasising the need for collective efforts from the authorities, public and local communities to tackle the root causes of basikal lajak activities. He said allowing children to roam the streets at midnight and engaging in dangerous activities reflects parental failure, while some are not concerned about other people???s children. However, Wong said crashes can affect anyone, including innocent bystanders, and they could lead to tragedies. He warned that failing to address such issues could have far-reaching consequences on youths who disregard the law, as they could contribute to larger societal problems.. ???When they are older, these youths might turn to riding motorcycles and becoming a mat rempit . ???This would worsen the situation, as they might develop a lasting tendency to disregard the law. ???While some of them might change for the better, many will seek the same thrills and carry the habit into adulthood.??? Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hwa said basikal lajak is a societal problem due to its ???dangerous nature being normalised by the public???, especially on social media. ???Groups promoting modified bicycles on social media often glamorise the risks, encouraging young people to join in. Shops selling and modifying these bicycles worsen the trend. ???To address the matter, social media companies should collaborate to remove such groups, and enforce stricter content policies. Shops should also be regulated with rules against illegal modifications and be held accountable.??? Law said the issue stems from families enabling or failing to stop their children from participating due to cultural norms or lack of awareness about the risks. In some communities, the activity is seen as harmless fun, and parents may neglect to supervise their children. Section 33 of the Child Act 2001 allows legal action against parents who fail to supervise their children, with penalties of up to RM20,000, five years??? imprisonment, or both. ???To tackle this problem, it???s essential to carry out parental education campaigns that emphasise the dangers of modified bicycles, using real-life examples for greater impact. ???A combined approach of enforcement, education, and community involvement is essential to stop the basikal lajak menace.???

Nancy Shukri said as of Oct 31, there were 33 autism care centres in the country while the number of autistic individuals with learning disabilities in the same period totalled 65,191. She said the government could target regions in need of support and ensure a more equitable distribution of care and services for autistic individuals across the country, especially in underserved areas. ???The mapping effort could serve as a foundation for future policy decisions and resource allocation, improving the quality of care and services for individuals with autism.??? She said while the services are more accessible in the Klang Valley area, there is a need for centres in northern and southern Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. ???The shortage stems from the increasing prevalence of autism, limited facilities, lack of trained professionals and financial constraints faced by families. While we have made strides in addressing autism care, the infrastructure is inadequate to meet the demand.??? She said limited private sector involvement, underfunded NGOs filling service gaps, low public awareness on autism care???s financial needs, geographical inequalities in rural and semi-urban areas, and high initial infrastructure costs hinder the expansion of autism care services. Johor Disabled Children Charitable and Cares Organisation founder and president Dr Yahya Haidrus said the gap between service demand and availability is substantial, with many existing centres being overcrowded, resulting in long waiting lists and limited one-on-one support. He said there is limited availability of specialised training programmes in Malaysia, which affects the quality of care being provided. ???Many caregivers and therapists lack the skills to handle complex autism cases while the shortage of certified professionals has resulted in unequal access to therapy. This highlights the need for service expansion.??? Hua Ming Autism Society members echoed the concerns and said the shortage of autism care services has placed significant strain on families through stress and financial burden as they are left to manage without adequate support. ???While help exists through various agencies, it is insufficient. Collaboration between government bodies, NGOs and private companies needs improvement and faster implementation,??? it said in a statement to theSun . UiTM Faculty of Communication and Media Studies senior lecturer Dr Mohd Yusof Zulkefli, who is also an expert in autism and communication, said the gap between available care centres and the number of autistic individuals in the country underscores a systemic inadequacy in service provision. ???This disparity often leaves families with limited access to essential support, resulting in delayed intervention, unequal opportunities for skills development and heightened financial stress. The lack of sufficient facilities also places pressure on existing centres, potentially compromising the quality of care.??? He said insufficient care centres delay access to critical therapies that improve communication, social interaction and cognitive skills, especially when early intervention is pivotal for shaping the developmental trajectory of children with autism. ???A comprehensive national policy focused exclusively on autism care that includes early diagnosis and intervention programmes in all primary healthcare facilities is crucial as developmental milestone tracking for children starts from infancy.???

memberships with personal trainers, or just marking a calendar with small daily goals to provide accountability and help maintain focus. Reflecting on her journey, Lee shares a resolution that had a profound impact on her life. ???I never had much success with resolutions because, like many people, I could barely keep the momentum going for more than a week. But the one resolution I succeeded in, which made a huge impact on my life, was to quit smoking. ???That was in 2008. I was about to get married and hoped to have kids. I wanted to be in the best possible health to be a wife and mother. My sense of purpose going into 2009 was strong, and within six months, I was smoke-free. ???I???m very proud of myself for sticking to that resolution and making it last. Now I need to find that same purpose for my weight loss.??? Lee said many people struggle to keep their resolutions due to the lack of motivation and practicality. While most individuals have a clear idea of their desired outcome, the steps they take to achieve it often prove unrealistic or unsustainable. She emphasised that resolutions are more likely to succeed when they align with an individual???s lifestyle and values. ???Going into the new year with a vision is great, but it???s important that we recognise that real change takes time, achievable small steps, and long-term commitment. ???We are so lucky to be able to live in an age where we can find any app or tool we need to help us achieve our goals, though finding the right tools is a process of trial and error.??? Lee said when setting goals one should focus on a clear, strong purpose. For instance, instead of merely aiming to improve fitness, a more effective approach would involve setting a specific milestone, such as transitioning from daily walks to running and eventually completing a half-marathon within the year. ???It???s important to align such goals with personal health motivations, as these connections can provide a deeper sense of commitment,??? she said. Lee stressed that support systems play an invaluable role in maintaining motivation. ???The support system is everything. Things are going to get tough. There will be days one can???t get out of bed and do what one set out to do. ???Having a supportive partner who will say, ???Come, I???ll go with you,??? makes all the difference.??? For those feeling overwhelmed by the idea of setting resolutions, She recommended starting small, with just one major goal, and breaking it into smaller, achievable steps. Lee said focusing on incremental progress makes the journey towards self-improvement more manageable and less daunting. She also emphasised the importance of aligning resolutions with one???s personal values and life purpose. ???Ask yourself how your resolution will improve your life and make you happier.???

vulnerable as well, and even a slight fall in GDP due to counterfeiting could cost billions in revenue and taxes.??? On Jan 8, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry embarked on a crackdown on the counterfeit goods market, which is said to be worth some RM300 billion per annum. Its enforcement division director-general Datuk Azman Adam said between January and November 2023, RM14.9 million worth of counterfeit goods were seized from hotspots in Jalan Petaling, Jalan Chow Kit and Jalan Kenanga in Kuala Lumpur. The ministry???s Johor director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said it disposed over RM2.1 million in counterfeit goods as of Dec 16, involving 152 cases. ???We also handled 1,287 cases of illicit distribution and sales, with seizures totalling RM29.7 million and fines amounting to RM1.33 million. ???Between January and December, 66 cases involving Malaysian suspects and two involving foreigners were linked to counterfeit goods under the Trademarks Act. The cases saw the seizures of products worth RM320,435.60.??? Niaz said counterfeit luxury items have become increasingly popular among younger tourists, such as Gen Z travellers from South Korea who are drawn to them and genuine secondhand products. ???The convenience of online marketplaces has fuelled this demand. The growing market undermines legitimate businesses, causing significant declines in economic activity and tax revenue.??? SMEs in Malaysia bear the brunt of the issue since counterfeit goods divert sales from genuine products that are more expensive to produce due to regulatory compliance and quality standards. A check by theSun showed online live sales on platforms such as Shopee and TikTok often feature luxury handbags marketed as ???exact copy ori???, complete with serial numbers and authentic-looking designs that are sold at between RM200 and RM400 or more, with sellers claiming the products ???might be genuine???, leaving buyers to rely on luck for authenticity. Niaz said over time, the presence of counterfeit products would discourage businesses from investing in research and development, stifling innovation and the introduction of better products. He stressed that beyond financial losses, the proliferation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and personal care items poses serious public health risks, amplifying the social costs of counterfeiting. ???Poor awareness on the dangers of counterfeit food or medicines worsens the problem,??? he said, adding that counterfeit goods distort market dynamics by undercutting legitimate product prices, creating unfair competition and disincentivising quality adherence among local businesses. He emphasised the need for a multi-faceted strategy, and said strengthening Malaysia???s legal framework by imposing stricter penalties on counterfeiters and enhancing enforcement of intellectual property rights are crucial. He also highlighted the importance of international collaboration, particularly with China and Hong Kong, which account for 84% of global counterfeit seizures. ???Enhanced intelligence sharing and cross-border cooperation could help dismantle counterfeit networks. Supporting Malaysian SMEs is vital as many operate semi-formally and lack the resources to protect their intellectual property. ???Providing legal assistance and resources for brand protection would empower them to address counterfeit threats.??? He said public awareness campaigns, such as the US ???Truth Behind Counterfeits??? initiative, could play a key role in educating consumers about the dangers of counterfeit goods and encourage ethical purchasing decisions. ???Japan???s adoption of blockchain to address counterfeiting in Asia also serves as a valuable example for Malaysia.???

with no casualties cited. The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) will conduct further investigations, she added. Negeri Sembilan JBPM senior operations commander II, Khir Amir Ahmad, reported that a generator room measuring 45.7 x 12.1 square metres supplying electricity to HTJ was about 40 per cent (pct) damaged by the blaze. He said the fire was sparked off by a truck carrying construction material that got stuck on an electrical cable, causing the cable pole to break.

(UTeM). ???May the family members of both students be granted patience and strength in facing this trial. I pray that Allah SWT grants mercy to their souls and places them among the righteous,??? Zambry said in a post on X today. In the same post, Zambry also prayed for the swift recovery of Nur Hanis Suraya Supiyan, 20, and Azwalidiya Azman, 21, the two other UTeM students injured in the accident. In the 6.30 am incident, Nurul Syafiqah, from Gemencheh, Negeri Sembilan, and Nurhanis Afryna, from Muadzam Shah, Pahang, were pronounced dead at the scene due to severe head injuries after the Perodua Myvi they were travelling in skidded and crashed into a guardrail on the highway. The two injured students, driver Nur Hanis Suraya and rear passenger Azwalidiya, are currently being treated at Hospital Melaka.

resuscitation (CPR), but was confirmed dead at the scene. Another victim, a 12-year-old boy, was successfully rescued by members of the public during the incident. ???The third victim, a 7-year-old boy, was found by the fire and rescue team washed up on the beach at 6.58 pm,??? he said. ???Currently, the team is conducting a search and rescue (SAR) operation for the remaining victim, a 48-year-old man, who is still missing,??? he added when contacted today.

investigations under Sections 147 and 427 of the Penal Code. ???The investigation has been referred to the deputy public prosecutor, but the report needs to be completed before a decision is made,??? he said in a statement today. Rusdi added that two other suspects, aged 22 and 24, who were previously remanded on Tuesday, were also released on police bail today. On Dec 21, police identified a viral video showing a brawl between two groups of football supporters at Bandar Tasik Selatan LRT station on the Ampang-Sri Petaling line. The incident involved 20 to 30 individuals behaving aggressively by fighting, throwing trash bins, and kicking train doors, resulting in damages. Prasarana Malaysia Berhad lodged a police report over the incident.

estimated losses are still under investigation,??? he told Bernama today. He stated that the fire was caused by a lorry, believed to be carrying construction materials, which snagged an electrical cable, causing the cable pole to collapse. Khir Ahmad said the firefighting operation, involving 13 personnel, concluded at around 1.30 pm.

to channel any information to the Ipoh district control centre at 05-2542222. Police had made an appeal to the public on Dec 21 when the sister of the teacher made a missing person report at Tampoi police station in Johor.

Licence for failing to give priority to other road users. ???If convicted, he can be fined under the same section which is a fine of not less than RM 1,000 and not more than RM 500,000. The vehicles involved can also be confiscated under Section 80 of Act 715 and stripped of their right if convicted,??? he said in a statement today. He said the special operation focused on the enforcement of offences such as overloading, technical, documentation, traffic and vehicle manufacturing technical and its designated use. JPJ said it will not compromise with any driver or owner of a commercial vehicle who fails to comply with the rules under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) and its rules, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act 1987 (Act 334) and the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715). ???JPJ takes seriously the trend of accidents involving commercial vehicles that cause the death of other road users,??? Aedy said. The nation was recently shocked by a horrific accident on Christmas Eve that claimed seven lives and injuring 33 involving a tour bus with 27 passengers, two lorries, a car and a MPV on KM204 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) heading north in Melaka on Monday. Transport Minister Anthony Loke reportedly said on Tuesday that in preliminary investigation, the accident was caused by the tyre of the trailer lorry coming off and the tour bus tried to avoid hitting it but skidded and hit three other vehicles from the opposite direction.

reiterate our unwavering stance against all forms of corporal punishment, including caning or whipping, as they are inherently cruel, inhumane, and degrading. ???Such punishments strip individuals of their dignity. While we acknowledge the significance of upholding laws that preserve public morality and societal harmony, punishments that are carried out must align with Malaysia???s commitments to uphold the rule of law, the Federal Constitution, and human rights,??? he said in a statement today. He stressed that public caning exacerbates the humiliation and anguish experienced by the punished individuals, thus reducing them to objects of public shame rather than encouraging rehabilitation or repentance. Mohamad Ezri also pointed out that this approach undermines the dignity of the individual and can be seen as violating Article 5 of the Federal Constitution. He further stated that public caning falls outside the jurisdictional limits of the Syariah Courts as defined under the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355). While the Act authorises whipping as a form of punishment, it does not contemplate its execution in a public setting. ???Malaysia aspires to be a nation respected for its adherence to human rights standards, yet allowing public caning contravenes international human rights principles, including those enshrined in the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT),??? he said. He emphasised that it is significant to note that several Muslim-majority countries have ratified or acceded to the UNCAT, setting an example that Malaysia should consider emulating. ???Additionally, we call for the total abolishment of corporal punishment in Malaysia. The justice system must strive to balance morality, compassion, and the rule of law,??? he said.

with the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd and Indah Water Konsortium (IWK). ???Four vacuum tankers from IWK have been deployed to suction the oil residue from the highway???s sump, while manual cleanup is also underway to expedite the process,??? she said in a statement today. Jamaliah said LUAS???s inspection of the accident site and surrounding areas found that the spill, involving an estimated 20 tonnes of oil, had entered a nearby drainage system. ???LUAS???s check found that the spill, which accumulated in the highway sump, had flowed into a Sungai Gombak tributary, disrupting the raw water supply to the Sungai Gombak Water Treatment Plant from 2 am to 6 pm yesterday,??? she said. Jamaliah explained that LUAS subsequently coordinated the cleanup at the site through appointed contractors and directed the tanker???s company to undertake the work, including scooping out the frozen oil residue from the drainage and highway sump. ???In addition, LUAS implemented preventive measures by deploying three units of oil booms at the Sungai Gombak tributary to trap any oil traces entering the river. Ten activated carbon bags were also placed in the affected area to neutralise odours,??? she said. The highway concessionaire, AFA PRIME Berhad (formerly known as ANIH Berhad), promptly managed the oil spill by applying sawdust to the road surface and constructing soil barriers in the highway drainage system. According to media reports, a 41-year-old tanker driver survived after his vehicle overturned on the Karak Highway near Genting Sempah, believed due to a brake failure. Gombak police chief ACP Noor Ariffin Mohamad Nasir said the tanker was en route from Kelantan to Port Klang when the incident occurred at 12.30 am.

help my wife recite the syahadah, but before I could get out of the car, she suddenly went silent,??? he said when met at the Forensic Unit of Seri Manjung Hospital here. Mohamad Syukur said he was on his way to work in Kampung Acheh, Sitiawan, with his wife and their 15-month-old son, Muhammad Iman Irfan, when the tragedy struck. He recalled that they left their home at 4 am, and upon reaching the scene of the accident, he swerved to avoid an animal, causing the car to lose control. ???I was truly shocked when the car overturned, and when I opened my eyes, I saw that my wife was badly injured, while our second child, who had been in her arms, was thrown from the car. We were then assisted by bystanders,??? he said. Mohammad Syuqur shared that he noticed a change in his wife when they returned to her hometown in Felda Lui Selatan, Negeri Sembilan, yesterday. ???She was really happy to return to Negeri Sembilan because she wanted to see her mother. She laughed a lot during our conversation, but there were moments when she suddenly went quiet. ???When we were on our way to send me to Kampung Acheh, she told me to send her regards to both our mothers. When I asked why, she said, ???I don???t know; maybe something might happen,??? he said. Meanwhile, Mohammad Syuqur???s brother-in-law Mohd Azizul Abu Hassan, 42, said Nor Fadhilah???s family had just moved from Melaka to Perak six months ago. ???Previously, Mohammad Syuqur???s family took care of my mother-in-law in Melaka. But since my mother-in-law, Rosnani Dengkil, 56, now lives with my family at Taman Gelung Indah in Gelung Pepuyu, they decided to move here (Perak) as well. ???Their eldest son is very close to my mother-in-law, so Mohammad Syuqur quit his job in Melaka and joined me at my workplace so his son could be near his grandmother,??? he said. Earlier, Perak Fire and Rescue Department Assistant Director (Operations) Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said that two members of a family were killed, while four others were injured in a crash involving two vehicles at KM 212.3 southbound of the WCE near Manjung early today. Manjung District Police Chief ACP Hasbullah Abd Rahman, in a separate statement, said preliminary investigations found that the accident occurred when the driver of the Perodua Kelisa lost control of the wheel and crashed into a road divider before overturning in the middle of the road.

ordered to pay the plaintiff a total amount of RM1.8 million including costs of RM150,000,??? she said in her judgment released on Dec 24. Thinnagaran filed the suit in 2019, naming the government, the Taiping Hospital director, and three doctors as defendants for medical negligence. In her judgment, Noor Ruwena said this was indeed a tragic case in which the permanent damage to the plaintiff???s brain could have been avoided if the defendants had properly diagnosed, treated, and monitored him more closely after he was admitted to Hospital Taiping following the accident on Jan 2, 2016. She added that the injuries sustained at the hospital were clearly the result of the defendants??? breach of duty of care and not due to any contributory negligence on the part of the plaintiff. The judge said the court found that the first to third defendants had failed in their respective parts in the treatment and diagnosis of the plaintiff for Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) and subsequently in the intubation required to save his life. ???The injuries suffered by the plaintiff as a result of the defendants??? collective breach of duty of care also consisted of mental trauma. His mental health suffered in the sense that there was cognitive impairment. ???The plaintiff was stressed and not his usual self anymore after the whole episode and had to rely on others for his personal needs, she said. Noor Ruwena further explained that, given the plaintiff???s current condition, he still required his mother???s care as his primary caregiver, forcing her to quit her job, with a salary of RM1,300 per month. ???The plaintiff is the eldest of four siblings and was not highly educated. He earned RM800 monthly as a security guard before the accident and due to his impairments, he was unable to return to his employment,??? she added. The defendants have appealed against the entire decision and filed a notice of appeal on Aug 2. According to the facts of the case, Thinnagaran sustained injuries in a collision with a car while riding his motorcycle along Jalan Transkrian at 1.05 pm on Jan 2, 2016. He was taken to Taiping Hospital, where measures were taken to prevent FES caused by multiple long bone fractures sustained in the accident. FES is a potentially life-threatening condition in which tiny fat particles, typically released from fractured bones or severe injuries, enter the bloodstream. This can lead to symptoms such as respiratory distress, neurological confusion, and rashes that appear as small red spots on the skin. It was alleged that the plaintiff???s condition was not monitored between 2 am and 6.50 am on Jan 3, 2016, despite the high risk of FES, which he subsequently developed at 7 am. The doctors decided to stabilise Thinnagaran???s condition before proceeding with surgery at 8 pm on Jan 3. However, by then a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed that Thinnagaran had suffered a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow.

is dissatisfied with the incident that befell his baby. This report leans more towards a civil action against the hospital management for negligence,??? he said when contacted by Bernama today. In the incident around 10am on Nov 17, Muhammad Syarifuddin claimed his first-born baby fell at the hospital during the transfer process to another hospital for jaundice treatment. He claimed his baby was left unsupervised on a sloping road by the attending nurse and was only propped up against a metal railing before the cot lost balance, slid and fell, causing the baby to hit her head on the road surface.

decision of the Court of Appeal on five legal questions. Her lawyer, A. Srimurugan, when contacted by reporters, confirmed the matter. The case involved an Indonesian woman who married a Malaysian man in 2000 and had two sons born in 2004 and 2010. The two boys were registered as children of the woman???s husband on their birth certificates. However, when the second son was 12 years old, his application for a Malaysian identity card (MyKad) was referred for further investigation after the authorities found that the child had no physical resemblance to the man. During the investigation, the man admitted that the boy was not his biological son and refused to do a DNA test. The boy???s birth certificate was then seized by the NRD. The woman then filed an originating suit in the High Court seeking a declaration that her son is a Malaysian citizen and an order to compel the NRD to return the birth certificate in addition to issuing the MyKad. On Oct 16 last year, the High Court dismissed the woman???s suit and the decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal on Nov 29 this year.

pickup vehicle without a permit at Jalan Kaki Bukit-Wang Kelian at 4.30 on Dec 19 last year. In doing so, she had violated Regulation 3(1) of the Supply Control Regulations 1974, which states that no person can deal in or manufacture any scheduled article by wholesale or retail without a license. The license is issued by the Controller of Supplies under Regulation 4. The woman was charged under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Regulation 21(1) of the Supply Control Regulations 1974 and can be punished under Section 22(1) of the same act. In the same court, lorry driver Haw Boon Guey, 58, pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing 400 litres of petrol and diesel mixture without a license in June last year. Judge Sharifah Norazlita fined him RM20,000, in default eight months in jail, for the offence. Haw was charged with committing the offence at a roadside on Jalan Kaki Bukit near a petrol station in Beseri at 10.30 am on June 21 last year. Salmee and Haw, both unrepresented, paid the fine. The prosecution of both cases was conducted by the prosecuting officer from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in Perlis, S. Mugunthan.

Jalan Tengku Petra Semerak, Kota Bharu, with the goods transported to an address in Kampung Lubuk Tapah Lati in Pasir Mas, which is not specified in the licence. The charge was framed under Section 20(1) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and punishable under Section 22(1). Judge Zulkifli set bail at RM20,000 and ordered the accused to surrender his passport, if any, report himself to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry office in Kota Bharu every month and not interfere with prosecution witnesses. The court fixed Feb 3 for the next mention and the appointment of legal representation.

offence was committed at a factory in the Bayan Lepas Industrial Area here at 6.05 pm last Nov 13. Muhamad Harizi was also charged with committing a similar offence involving RM11,680 belonging to Law Teck Teong, 62 at Lebuh Relau 9, Setia Skyvista at 1.36 pm last Nov 14. Both charges were framed under Section 424B of the Penal Code which provides a maximum of RM100,000 or imprisonment for up to seven years or both, if convicted. Magistrate Chia Huey Ting allowed Muhamad Harizi, represented by lawyer Yusmadi Yusoff, bail of RM6,000 with one surety on each count and set Jan 27 for mention. An analyst was also charged in the same court with committing a similar offence. K.Kalai Vani, 44, was charged with having RM750 belonging to Yeoh Pei Ling, 42, in her Hong Leong Bank account, where she was found to have handed over the bank ATM card to Koo Sin Lung at Jalan Sri Klebang 1, Bandar New Sri Klebang, Chemor, Perak. The woman, represented by lawyer M.V. Yoges, was alleged to have committed the offence at Mukim 8, Gertak Sanggul, Teluk Kumbar, Bayan Lepas here at 12.42 pm last Dec 12. She was allowed bail of RM1,000 and the court set Jan 22 for mention. The prosecution in both cases was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Lim Jin Hong.

follow authorities??? instructions as the country is still experiencing the northeast monsoon season,??? it said. The flooding was reportedly caused by the overflow of a river from Raub, which then flowed into a river in Lipis, inundating several homes with thigh-high floodwaters and forcing residents to relocate to the PPS by midday. This morning, the flood situation in Raub also improved, with all evacuees allowed to return home.

a profit in the future such as housing loans or children???s education. Not to buy a mobile phone and so on. The risk is that civil servants will not have money,??? he said on Bernama TV???s ???Apa Khabar Malaysia??? programme today. Under the SSPA, officers in the Implementing, Management and Professional groups will receive a phased salary adjustment of 15 per cent; eight per cent in phase 1 starting December this year, and seven per cent in phase 2 starting January 2026. Meanwhile, the Top Management Group (MOHE) will receive a salary adjustment of seven per cent with four per cent for Phase 1 and three per cent for Phase 2. Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman said the implementation of SSPA was timely as the salaries of civil servants had not been reviewed for almost 12 years while the cost of living had been increasing throughout the said period. ???When it is not checked, with the current economic situation, it is a burden and a burden on civil servants because the cost of living has increased to the point that it is not enough to spend on a house,??? he said. Asked about CUEPACS??? view of the 1,400 civil servants who chose not to accept the SSPA option, he said it was inevitable and CUEPACS respected the decision.

owners who make payments from March 1 to May 31, 2025. ???Both the incentives and the offer are also extended to landowners or parcels who have received Notice of Penalty 6A (land tax) or Notice of Penalty 11 (parcel tax), however, the offer is not extended to payers who make payments in instalments,??? the statement said. The Chief Minister???s Office also stressed that the offer is not retrospective and cannot be enjoyed by land or parcel owners who make late payment of fine arrears before the date of the exemption and reduction comes into effect. According to the statement, checks found that there were high arrears of late fines involving 40,371 land tax accounts and 67,537 parcel tax accounts in Penang amounting to nearly RM40.1 million. ???If land and parcel owners do not pay the land tax and parcel tax immediately, it is feared that their land or parcels will be forfeited by the State Authority due to the existing arrears,??? the statement said. The discount incentives are aimed at encouraging land and parcel owners to pay tax for 2025 at an earlier period as well as to ease the burden on owners who have high tax penalty arrears due to non-payment before May 31 every year. In this regard, the state government hopes that all land and parcel owners can take the opportunity to make their respective payments as soon as possible from Jan 2 to enable them to enjoy the exemption from the arrears of fines offered. Payment can be made through the revenue counter of the District and Land Office or online through the portal, PgLAND on a lump sum basis.