The anticipated arrival of 47 million international tourists for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) is more than a tourism milestone. It is the catalyst for a fundamental structural shift in the Malaysian rental market. With a projected RM329bil in tourism spending, this massive injection will create a perfect storm for property investors, particularly those positioned in the high-yield short-term rental (STR) sector.
He touts himself as a man who has stopped wars around the world and has demanded the Nobel Peace Prize. Before leaving Davos, Trump and selected world leaders launched the “Board of Peace”, which the US initiated and filled with its choice of leaders. Malaysia has to navigate its foreign policy carefully, without seeming to be too much in favour of or too detached from Washington. It is common knowledge, however, that their foreign policy tends to lean towards the Americans. Kuala Lumpur’s foreign policy approaches may have differed over the years due to changing domestic and external factors but the basic thrust to pursue an independent, principled, and pragmatic foreign policy remains.
KUALA LUMPUR: Two people, one with a "Tan Sri" and another with "Datuk" titles, detained in connection with the alleged misappropriation of RM300mil in investment funds, have been released on bail. Sources said the woman was released at about 2pm on Saturday (Jan 24) after a five-day remand, while the Tan Sri was released at noon on Sunday (Jan 25). MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the releases and stated that investigators have recorded statements from 10 witnesses. Azam reiterated that the MACC remains committed to expediting the probe, noting its significant public interest. The suspects were originally arrested on Jan 22 on suspicion of involvement in fraudulent activities involving over RM300mil in Kuala Lumpur.
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened two investigations into the alleged misappropriation of nearly RM300mil in investment funds linked to an individual with the title Tan Sri. “Initial investigations found that between 2021 and 2024, nearly RM300mil was collected from about 1,700 investors for investment in two companies. The Tan Sri involved is alleged to have used his position and influence to attract and influence the public to invest in the scheme. Azam said the case originated about two years ago and involved several ambiguous investment schemes that promised high returns. As such, Azam advised the public not to be easily persuaded by investment schemes and to verify with the authorities before investing, noting that some victims suffered losses of up to RM4mil.
KINABATANGAN: Barisan Nasional thumbed its way into a major win to retain its bastions in Kinabatangan and Lamag, both of which were held by its former strongman, the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. Barisan picked Miha to contest for the seat with the blessing of its Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and other partners. In the 2022 General Election, Bung Moktar beat his sole opponent Mazliwati with a 4,330 majority for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat. The two seats were left vacant recently after Bung Moktar passed away. Bung Moktar died days after his victory in the last state election.
FIFTEEN-year-old Azira Khairuddin from Cheras has a beef with an upcoming ruling that will likely see her taking a “forced” break from social media platforms. Recently, in the United Kingdom, the House of Lords backed the country’s move to ban under-16s from social media platforms. Back home, some experts and parents concur with the need to limit social media use or overall screen time among the young. While correlational studies link youth social media use to declining mental health, there is limited causal proof that bans improve outcomes. “As a result, what we are doing with social media bans is addressing the symptoms, not the root causes.
GEORGE TOWN: Several giant Casuarina trees that have lined Batu Ferringhi beach since the 1950s have fallen since Friday under the hammering of spring tides. Anas said once mature coastal trees were destroyed by erosion, no amount of future landscaping could restore what was lost. In recent years, hotel operators and local businesses had repeatedly raised concerns over severe beach erosion in Batu Ferringhi, with various mitigation measures reportedly undertaken. The Star first reported visible signs of beach erosion at Batu Ferringhi in April 2021. Despite these measures, erosion worsened.
PETALING JAYA: Parents and young adults alike are beginning to speak openly about childhoods shaped by cultural pressures and the mental health struggles that often went unnoticed for years. Christina said cultural norms influenced both her own understanding of anorexia and her mother’s response to it. Even after she was formally diagnosed with anorexia, Christina said her mother struggled to accept the seriousness of the disorder. “My dad grew up in an environment where mental health was never talked about. She suggested that face-to-face parent–child support groups could help make mental health a more accepted part of Malaysia’s cultural and national conversation.
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Misbun Sidek has spent a lifetime shaping badminton champions at home. The set-up suits Misbun, who described the agreement as a friendly collaboration between both parties. “I can’t disclose which club it is right now, but I’m going to India – my first coaching stint outside of Malaysia,” said Misbun. Misbun admitted to feeling both excited and anxious ahead of his first coaching stint outside Malaysia. The veteran coach, who stepped away from the Badminton Association of Malaysia coaching set-up three years ago, said this particular opportunity finally resonated with him.
KINABATANGAN: Returning officer Dr Eddy Syaizul Rizam Abdullah announces that Barisan Nasional candidate Mohd Ismail Ayob @ Miha won after he garnered 7,269 votes against Warisan’s Mazliwati Abd Malek Chua’s 1,588, securing a majority of 5,681 after deducting 160 rejected votes. In Lamag, Barisan’s Mohd Ismail Ayob @Miha is also leading the vote count against Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malik Chua in a straight fight for the seat. In Kinabatangan, it is a three-cornered contest between Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar, Warisan’s Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman, and independent candidate Goldam Hamid. Meanwhile, the Lamag seat is a straight fight between BN’s Mohd Ismail Ayob and Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malek. The by-elections are being held following the death of the former incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, on Dec 5, 2025.
This is reflected in M. Devi, who spent nights sleeping by her friend’s hospital bed when the latter was hospitalised for asthma about two months ago. For five days, she stayed at the hospital just to make sure 74-year-old Fatimah Ibrahim received the care, comfort and companionship she needed most. The friendship between the two women began four years ago when Devi, 63, frequented a nearby food court where Fatimah operated a stall selling traditional kuih. I just want to make sure she has someone to talk to and rely on in times of need. As for Fatimah, she now makes kuih at home to supply to small businesses, and Devi helps her buy the ingredients.
GEORGE TOWN: After 17 years confined to a wheelchair by hip alignment issues, K. Mangales, 59, finally reached the Arulmigu Sri Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Hilltop Temple. However, her prayers to Lord Muruga were answered this year through a special initiative by the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB). Assisted by 40 dedicated volunteers, Mangales was one of 60 people who bypassed the gruelling 513-step ascent to the temple, located 833m above sea level, to finally offer her prayers in person at the hilltop shrine. Venikrishnan was happy her sister could finally visit and offer prayers at the new temple. “We have always admired the temple from afar, but it feels special that she has now experienced the special Thaipusam prayers in person,” she said.
The push to make dashcams standard equipment, especially for e-hailing and commercial vehicles, is gaining momentum due to their ability to capture road accidents in real time. VTAREC coordinator Mas Tina Abdul Hamid (pic) said dashcams are proving their worth in improving road safety, supporting enforcement and resolving disputes, particularly in hit-and-run cases. ALSO READ : E-hailing group: Incentivise use of cameras“Dashcams provide clear and undeniable evidence, capturing crucial details such as location, timing and the offending vehicle. Mas Tina said dashcams are a reliable device that reassures victims during untoward incidents, as they capture and document events in real time. She said VTAREC is proposing a gradual rollout starting with commercial vehicles before extending it to all new private cars, followed by installation in existing vehicles within a reasonable timeframe.
I FIND it very hard to accept when Malaysians struggle to speak the national language or have little understanding and appreciation of our history and cultures. I spent all my early life in an English medium school but that did not stop me from signing up for the Sejarah Islam and Kesusasteraan papers for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination, the equivalent of today’s Sijil Pelajaran Tinggi Malaysia (STPM).
KEPALA BATAS: The government's move to allow voluntary enrolment of Year One pupils at the age of six from 2027 should not be viewed in a negative light, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said it must be seen in the context of improving the quality of the nation's education, particularly in providing early exposure to formal schooling. "In most countries around the world, children begin Year One at the age of six. When we do it here, it becomes an issue – some say children are not ready at six, that they should learn the Quran first, and so on. He said if children are given the opportunity and early exposure, they can become more capable learners, which in turn could help elevate the country.
