Muar slaughterhouse lease terminated "in national interest," says Johor Veterinary Dept (MUAR, Jan 16) The only slaughterhouse here has stopped operation since Jan 1 after the Johor Veterinary Services Department terminates its lease, citing national interest as the reason. Sin Chew Daily learned that in a letter issued on Sep 3, last year, the state government, acting as the landowner through the Johor Veterinary Services Department decided to terminate the land lease of the slaughterhouse. ..

700,000 ASEAN students in Australia over 20 years: High Commissioner hails contribution of ASEAN students Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke affirmed the contributions and value of 700,000 ASEAN students who studied in Australia over the past 20 years. International students are indispensable members of Australias classrooms, campuses and communities. The internationalization of our cities, regions and campuses not only benefits local students but also helps drive ..

Retirement benchmark feels like distant goal for most Malaysians PETALING JAYA: The Employees Provident Funds (EPF) revised benchmark of RM1.3 million in order to enjoy a comfortable retirement has raised concerns as to whether most Malaysians can achieve adequate savings. For operations manager, Samantha Khor, 47, the higher target feels like a wake-up call rather than a shock. At my age, you start looking seriously at your EPF balance and realizing how fast time moves. Im more than halfway ..

From street kid to deputy minister: Liew Chin Tongs RM200,000 debt of gratitude to broadcasting couple KUALA LUMPUR: In a touching tribute, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong revealed that his education and political career were made possible by the generosity of the late news anchor Fei Chong Ming and wife, the late Cheah Keng Sin. Liew wrote a heartfelt post following the passing of Cheah on January 9, where he recounted a life-changing encounter with the couple that began on the street ..

Attacking DAP only benefits PAS, Penang Umno urges party to clarify who real enemy is KUALA LUMPUR: Under the framework of a coalition government, Umno must redefine its political positioning and stop misidentifying the Democratic Action Party (DAP) as its primary opponent, says Penang Umno deputy chairman Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin. He pointed out that Umno often hesitates to attack PAS and instead directs its fire toward DAP. However, DAP is not Umnos direct rival in electionsthose roles ..

PETALING JAYA: School is back in session, classes are on and the books are out. But what about the cane? There has been quite a debate on the matter ever since Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar suggested two months ago that caning should gradually be reintroduced as a punishment in schools. But it appears that the rotan issue is distressing to teachers, too. Teachers generally do not want to wield such a punishment for fear of reprisal by parents who might resort to legal action, ..

Singapore patients on dialysis secure jobs through inclusive job fair SINGAPORE: Being tethered to a dialysis machine three times a week keeps kidney patients Chew Teck Seng and Malathy Naga Rathnam alive. But it has also made it nearly impossible for them to find employment. Lamenting the challenges that patients face, 53-year-old Chew, who used to work as a technical specialist, said, Kidney failure and the frequent dialysis have set limits on me physically, but I am still mentally capable to ..

Beyond tropical: How Indonesian design is evolving today JAKARTA: Clients often approach Antonius Richard, founder of Jakarta-based architecture studio RAD+ar, to design sustainable establishments. He would respond back with a simple question: What do you think about sustainability? More often than not, the exchange reveals a gap between the ambition and a clear understanding of what that entails. Established in 2017, RAD+ar (Research Artistic Design + architecture) is a firm known for its ..

More non-Chinese pupils attend Chinese primary schools nationwide, turning Chinese schools into a melting pot for Malaysians of different backgrounds. The number of non-Chinese pupils studying at Chinese primary schools continues to pick up as schools reopen for the new year. Such trend is observed in both rural and urban areas, making Chinese primary schools gaining significance in becoming a melting pot for Malaysians of different ethnic backgrounds to learn Chinese under the same roof. In ..

PETALING JAYA: School is back in session, classes are on and the books are out. But what about the cane? There has been quite a debate on the matter ever since Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar suggested two months ago that caning should gradually be reintroduced as a punishment in schools. But it appears that the rotan issue is distressing to teachers, too. Teachers generally do not want to wield such a punishment for fear of reprisal by parents who might resort to legal action, ..

PUTRAJAYA: His top priority is to work against rising extremism and hate to ensure moderate voices become the dominant narrative in the society, says newly appointed Minister in the Prime Ministers Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan. Zulkifli acknowledged that the rise of extremism in Malaysian society has become one of the major challenges facing a multiracial nation, particularly as technology and social media amplify hatred far more than positive influence. We need to change ..

IPOH: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) has confirmed that Grade C durians along the TapahPahang Road area are sold at RM1 per kilogram. Perak FAMA director for food safety and operations, Mohd Salleh Saidin said about 70 percent of the areas total production are grade C, while grade A durians are still being sold at prevailing market prices of between RM8 and RM11 per kilogram. He added that durians from the area are also known as TapahPahang Road hill durians, and that the ..

PUTRAJAYA: His top priority is to work against rising extremism and hate to ensure moderate voices become the dominant narrative in the society, says newly appointed Minister in the Prime Ministers Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan. Zulkifli acknowledged that the rise of extremism in Malaysian society has become one of the major challenges facing a multiracial nation, particularly as technology and social media amplify hatred far more than positive influence. We need to change ..

'MB's comment should not be interpreted as assessment of any party's contributions' KUANTAN: As a remark by Pahang Menteri Besar that DAP is easier to work with than MCA draws attention, Pahang Umno clarifies that the comment should not be interpreted as an assessment of contributions made by any political party. Although the statement did not name any party, the clarification is clearly made in response to a recent comment by Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail in Putrajaya. Pahang Umno ..

Yeo Bee Yins celebration remarks could have been avoided, says DAP sec-gen Loke PETALING JAYA Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yins celebration remark over former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razaks failed bid for house arrest could have been avoided, says DAP Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook. The Transport Minister said the episode should not have been allowed to strain relations within the Unity Government over a post on her Facebook commenting on Najibs application for home detention. Loke said in an ..

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry post gives DAP chance to shed anti-Malay stereotype PETALING JAYA The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry post presents DAP a key opportunity for the party to break its long-standing stereotype of anti-Malay, says secretary-general Loke Siew Fook. This ministry was previously led by Umno or Malay ministers. Now that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reassigned a DAP minister to the portfolio, it is both a test and an ..

MCA leaders mourn passing of former national organising secretary Wong Choon Wing KUALA LUMPUR: Former and current MCA leaders mourn the passing of party veteran Wong Choon Wing @ Wong Soon Joong, who is a former national organising secretary of MCA. He was 86. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Wong served with integrity and principle where he devoted his life to the society, party and nation. As the national organising secretary and chairman of the disciplinary board of MCA, he is ..

'MB's comment should not be interpreted as assessment of any party's contributions' KUANTAN: As a remark by Pahang Menteri Besar that DAP is easier to work with than MCA draws attention, Pahang Umno clarifies that the comment should not be interpreted as an assessment of contributions made by any political party. Although the statement did not name any party, the clarification is clearly made in response to a recent comment by Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail in Putrajaya. Pahang Umno ..

Liver transplant saves Malaysian toddlers life in Shanghai by Johor-born surgeon KUALA LUMPUR: Three-year-old Nur Asyura Medina is leaving Shanghai to return home after a successful liver transplant performed by Dr Yong June Kong, a surgeon from Johor. Diagnosed with biliary atresia, the toddler is looking forward to a new lease of life after the surgery, financially supported by Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh who contributed RM120,000. Dr Akmal flew to Shanghai to visit the ..

Malay language videos to explain Chinese education by Dong Zong The group is proactively reaching out to the non-Chinese communities to explain the misconception and controversies about Chinese education. Dong Zong decided to explain the issue in a concise, direct and simple manner in Malay for Malaysians who do not know Chinese. Dong Zong central executive member Low Chee Chong, who heads the groups communication and publicity committee, told _Sin Chew Daily_ this new initiative has at least ..

At least 30 Chinese independent schools were affected by scam syndicates impersonating principals to order bulk purchase PORT DICKSON: At least 30 Chinese independent schools nationwide were affected by scam syndicates impersonating principals making bulk purchase orders. Chong Joon Kin, principal of SM Chung Hwa Port Dickson said based on the information he gathered, at least 30 Chinese independent schools nationwide had fallen victim to scams. He said cases of school principals being ..

Why Malaysians are now the biggest consumers of beef in Southeast Asia KUALA LUMPUR: At restaurants across Kuala Lumpurs increasingly cosmopolitan dining scene, youll notice one familiar recurrence. Beefin some form or anotheris often a staple on the menu. This inclusion isnt by accident. It is entirely bolstered by changing eating patterns, marked by a steep growth in beef consumption among Malaysians. Consider this: according to data collated by Meat & Livestock Australia, Malaysians are now ..

Teen facing double murder charges hopes to meet younger brother before Chinese New Year MELAKA: An 18-year-boy who is facing two murder charges - killing his mother and elder brother at home last June hopes to meet his younger brother before Chinese New Year. He was produced in a magistrates court for mention of both cases where the teenager requested to meet his younger brother as the court fixed Feb 11 to mention both cases, just five days before Chinese New Year. His uncle and aunt were ..

GEORGE TOWN: The durian kingdom has spawned by-products so wide in range that the thorny fruit is available 365 days in diverse forms. Theres durian- flavored _bingsu_ (shaved ice), coffee, mochi, smoothies, chocolates, ice cream, freeze-dried durian chips and crepes filled with durian-flavoured cream. The growing range of by-products is helping to secure a year-round market, offering a milder choice for those unable to handle its strong aroma and intense taste. Penang tourism and creative ..

RM80m allocation timely relief for SJKCs, says Jiao Zong head PETALING JAYA: The RM80 million allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for Chinese primary schools this year is a timely relief, says Cheah Lek Aee, chairman of the United Chinese School Teachers Association of Malaysia (Jiao Zong). The RM80 million allocation for school maintenance and repairs is an increase from last years RM50 million. However, Cheah stressed that the distribution of education funds should ..

DAPs direction will be decided by party leaders instead of outsiders, says DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook MELAKA: The future direction of DAP will be decided by DAP itself instead of outsiders, says Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook. We are never afraid of challenges and our direction in future will be decided by us, he said. Loke urged DAP members not to be easily provoked, referring the call made by Umno youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh calling for Malay unity to pave way for ..

True unity must be multiracial, Malay-only narrative outdated, says Amanah deputy Mujahid PETALING JAYA: True unity must be multiracial, narratives centered on Malay-only are outdated, says Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, deputy president of Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah). True national unity must transcend race bringing Malays, Chinese and Indians together while calls made by Umno youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh are outdated and disconnected from reality, said Dr Mujahid. ..

SUNGAI PETANI: Amid a recent oversupply of durians, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) has called on durian farmers to sell their produce to the agency to help stabilise the market. FAMA chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli said durians are highly perishable, making effective supply management crucial to maintaining a stable and healthy durian market ecosystem. He added that excess durians purchased by FAMA would be processed into higher value-added products such as durian paste and ..

AI is no longer optional in K-pop, its becoming the new normal SEOUL: Whether the industry welcomes it or not, artificial intelligence has already become part of everyday life in K-pop. Since the release of ChatGPT in late 2022 accelerated the commercialization of generative AI, the technology has reshaped productivity across industriesand K-pop has been no exception. Three years on, major entertainment agencies are actively incorporating AI into music production, artist development and fan ..

Robert Kuok retains title as Malaysias richest man Business tycoon Tan Sri Robert Kuok is the richest man in Malaysia, remaining at the top position on the Forbes list of Malaysias richest man according to the Forbes Global Real- Time Billionaires List, as of the close of 2025. His net worth stood at RM 57.2 billion (US$14.1 billion), ranking him 194th globally and the 102-year- old tycoon is the only Malaysian who made it to Bloomberg Global 500 Billionaires Index His diversified empirespanning ..

Seri Negara in KL reimagines the museum experience for a modern audience KUALA LUMPUR: From a listening dome echoing with diverse pre-Merdeka music to a mini cinema unspooling Malaysias journey to nationhood, the newly opened Seri Negara in Kuala Lumpur showcases a range of meaningful encounters. A set of red telephones allows visitors to dial back through time, tuning in to the events that sowed the seeds of independence. Since opening on Dec 20, Seri Negara gallerys exhibitsspanning two ..

10 tipping points in 2025: Dawn of a multipolar era The year 2025 emerged as one of the most transformative in contemporary history, defined by 10 interconnected tipping points that collectively signalled the decisive transition from a unipolar, Western-dominated world to a multipolar order increasingly shaped by Chinas influence. These developments spanned geopolitics, technology, military power, innovation, energy, cultural exports, societal shifts, economic resilience, domestic Western ..

Women claiming the road in Pakistans Peshawar, defining a quiet scooter revolution ISLAMABAD: Motorcycles dominate Pakistans roads, far outnumbering cars, but its very rare to see women riding them. When Saba, a social media influencer, first began riding a scooter on Peshawars roads, the public instantly reacted to the novel sight. As she moved through the city, she explained, people stared at her, visibly shocked to see a woman riding a two- wheeler on her own. The attention, however, did ..

Perlis political turmoil sends shockwaves: Mishandling could see PAS and Bersatu part ways, says analyst KANGAR: The political turmoil rocking the Perikatan Nasional (PN) led state government in Perlis has sent ripples far and wide. A political analyst believes that Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysias stance and its handling of the crisis will inevitably shape the future trajectory of its relationship with PAS and may also serve as an important indicator of how political coalitions in Malaysia ..

Chinas iconic qipao celebrates its distinct fashion culture SHANGHAI: A new exhibition at the Shanghai Museum brings to the limelight the iconic Chinese _qipao_ (_cheongsam_), featuring pop singer Jeff Changs collection and donated garments from socialite Chiang Shih-yun (1912-2016), also known as Aileen Pei. Glamour and Modernity Beyond Shanghai is the Shanghai Museums first large- scale thematic exhibition on artistic fashion apparel. The exhibition runs from Tuesday to May 5, and showcases ..

What Chinas most famous gaokao factory reveals about the limits of its exam- driven education model BEIJING: When the alarm rang at 5.30 a.m., Alan Wang and his same-grade cohort of some 4,000 students had exactly eight minutes to get up, make their dormitory beds and assemble on the field for their daily 1.6 km morning run, which began at 5.38 a.m. What followed was a grueling 16-hour study day that rarely ended before 10 p.m. By 10.10 p.m., the dorm lights were out and everyone was expected to ..

From gold to bargain, fans dive into durian frenzy as prices bottom out PETALING JAYA: A full bag of Musang King durians for just RM133! Durian stalls in Petaling Jayas SS2 are seeing a massive buying frenzy! With a bumper harvest season, the price of Musang King has dropped significantly. Most stalls at the popular SS2 durian hub have launched various promotions, drawing huge crowds of consumers eager to feast on the "King of Fruits." To attract customers, vendors have rolled out competitive ..

Najib must serve a minimum of four years in prison before seeking early conditional release, says lawyer KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak must serve a minimum of four years in prison before he qualifies for early conditional release according to Prisons Act 1995, says lawyer. Criminal lawyer Chris Kooi Wei Kit said Section 111 of the Prison Regulations clearly stipulates that the Commissioner General of Prisons will only consider a prisoner for conditional release once ..

Minecraft challenge breathes new life into Chinas rich cultural past DALIAN/LANZHOU: In the boundless, block-made universe of _Minecraft_, a popular sandbox video game, a poignant digital reconstruction has struck a deep chord across Chinese social media. A young gamer has meticulously re- created part of the destroyed Yuanmingyuan, or Old Summer Palace, a royal garden in Beijing and a symbol of Chinas century of humiliation, and has digitally repatriated the site by reuniting the looted 12 ..