Today's news in pictures - Sunday, Jan 4, 2026
– NSTP/MOHD ADAM ARININKUALA LUMPUR: Lighting at the National Museum shines with Merdeka 118 Tower in the background. – NSTP/AMIRUDIN SAHIBKUALA LUMPUR: Foreign tourists visit the National Museum. – NSTP/AMIRUDIN SAHIBKUALA LUMPUR: Despite notices prohibiting motorcycle parking on the pedestrian walkway near the National Museum, some riders still park their motorcycles along the route. – NSTP/AMIRUSIN SAHIBKUANTAN: Parents purchase school supplies at the Madani Rahmah Sales Back-to-School Programme at MBS World Mega Bookstore, Kuantan. – NSTP/MOHD ADAM ARININ
Source:New Strait Times
January 04, 2026 12:42 UTC
Retiree loses over RM1mil to online investment scam
GEORGE TOWN: A government retiree lost RM1.0024mil to an online investment scam that offered profits of up to 200 per cent, says Penang police chief Comm Datuk Azizee Ismail. The man, 67, got to know a woman on Facebook in August and she introduced him to an online investment scheme via WhatsApp. "He was interested in the investment scheme and was asked to download an app by the woman to register his membership before investing,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Jan 4), adding that the man made 22 payments totalling RM760,200 to six different bank accounts from Aug 8 to Dec 10 and was promised returns of RM7,488,492. The victim was also asked to pay an advance of three per cent of his profits when he wished to withdraw his investment and subsequently made six transactions totalling RM242,200 to a bank account from Dec 18 to 24. He realised that he was cheated when he could not make the withdrawal of his profits and was asked for additional payments for tax purposes, he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for fraud.- Bernama
Source:The Star
January 04, 2026 11:54 UTC
Is the Malaysian Open starting too early? Aaron thinks so
Now, they are expected to kick off the new season immediately with a major Super 1000 event at the Malaysian Open, usually held in early January. "Actually, I feel that the Malaysian Open is a bit early because the World Tour has just ended, and it has only been two weeks," said Aaron. "It’s extremely tight, and you can’t skip Super 1000 events. The Malaysian Open has been the opening tournament of the BWF calendar since 2023, when it was upgraded to a Super 1000 event. Aaron-Wooi Yik will begin their Malaysian Open campaign on Tuesday against the United States pair Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith, in a repeat of last year’s edition that went in favour of the Malaysian duo.
Source:The Star
January 04, 2026 10:20 UTC
30-year-old man arrested for involvement in fight at Sungai Long toll plaza
KAJANG: A 30-year-old man has been detained for his alleged involvement in a fight at the Sungai Long toll plaza. Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Naazron Abdul Yusof said the suspect was detained at about 10.30pm on Saturday (Jan 3). "He has a prior criminal record and has been remanded until Monday (Jan 5)," he said when contacted on Sunday (Jan 4). "We urge those with information on the incident to contact investigating officer Insp Ghazali Zulkifli at 016-9740758," he said. On Jan 2, a police report was lodged over a fight between two individuals at the Sungai Long toll plaza.
Source:The Star
January 04, 2026 10:10 UTC
Keeping litter where it belongs
JOHOR BARU: From carrying small rubbish bags to wearing clothes with pockets and keeping bins in their cars, Malaysians say they have adapted their daily habits in response to stricter enforcement against littering. While she welcomed the inclusion of community service as a penalty for minor offences, she felt public shaming was unnecessary. Community service itself is already a sufficient punishment and deterrent,” she said. The community service punishment under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672), came into force nationwide on Jan 1. I am used to keeping rubbish in my pockets and emptying them when I see a bin.
Source:The Star
January 04, 2026 09:40 UTC
Malaysian duo ‘Wau’ the crowd
The memorable experience began for the duo when their boss at the Beijing-based China Media Group asked for a short video recording of their rendition of Rasa Sayang. Cross-cultural pride: (From left) Zhang Jingfei of China, Fawzan, Isa and Randy Geovani Putra of Indonesia. “I didn’t think much of it,” Isa told The Star yesterday. “We were told that we were going to Shanxi to record something for the New Year. “Although we represented Malaysia, it felt as though we were representing South-East Asia and China,” Fawzan said.
Source:The Star
January 04, 2026 09:21 UTC
Seven-meter python captured in Baling plantation
ALOR SETAR: A 7-meter-long python was discovered at a plantation in Kampung Sera, Baling, on Sunday (Jan 4). Baling civil defence officer Lieutenant Mohd Faizol Ab Aziz stated that capturing the 80kg python was challenging due to its size. Mohd Faizol explained that they received a distress call at 10.15am regarding the sighting of a python in the plantation area. The snake was found by oil palm plantation workers during their daily activities. He also advised the public not to confront wild animals on their own and to contact authorities immediately to prevent any potential incidents.
Source:The Star
January 04, 2026 09:15 UTC
Numerous teenagers among the dead identified in Swiss bar blaze, police say
Police in Valais said they had identified 16 more of those who died in the blaze in Crans-Montana, one of the worst disasters in recent Swiss history. The newly identified victims included 10 Swiss nationals, two Italians, one person with Italian-Emirati citizenship, one Romanian, one person from France and one from Türkiye, Valais police said. More victims identifiedThe youngest person identified so far is a 14-year-old Swiss girl, while two 15-year-old girls, also from Switzerland, were among the dead. Also identified were two Swiss men aged 20 and 31, and a French national aged 39. Late on Saturday, police said two Swiss women aged 24 and 22, along with two Swiss men aged 21 and 18, had been identified.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 04, 2026 09:05 UTC
No surgery, no regrets for Zii Jia
PETALING JAYA: Blessings come in many forms, and for men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia, he considers himself lucky for not going through a surgery after facing a series of injuries last year. “Yes, there was a doctor who recommended surgery, but to be honest, it was never part of my plan. That’s why I tried to find other options and went down that route.”The back injury came after Zii Jia competed in the Hong Kong Open and China Masters in September last year. Zii Jia admitted that his decision to forego surgery and focus on rehabilitation was not an easy one, as he faced numerous challenges during that period. Zii Jia appeared to be in top form during a court session at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Sunday, accompanied by his coaches Yeoh Kay Bin and Liew Daren.
Source:The Star
January 04, 2026 09:01 UTC
MH17: "I am looking forward to the arrival of my daughter's remains," says victim's father
SEREMBAN: Mustafa Abdul Samad, 83, looks forward to the arrival of the remains of his daughter, Malaysia Airlines (MAS)'s leading stewardess Mastura Mustafa, who was among the 298 people on board flight MH17 that was downed by a missile in Ukraine on July 17. "MAS officials had visited me at my home on Tuesday, they told me that Mastura's remains has been positively identified and said the casket carrying her body will arrive in Malaysia on September 1st. "I am grateful that her body will finally return home for a proper burial," he said when met at his home at Kampung Sentosa, Paroi, here, today. Mustafa said upon arrival he will make arrangement for a funeral prayer (solat jenazah) for the body of his favourite daughter at the Masjid Paroi near his home. "Her body will be laid to rest at the Muslim cemetery next to the Paroi Stadium," he said.
Source:New Strait Times
January 04, 2026 08:59 UTC
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Full closure of KM9.5 U-turn on Besraya in both directions from Monday
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 4): A pilot project involving the full closure of the U-turn at KM9.5 in both directions of the Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya) will begin on Monday (Jan 5) and run on a trial basis for six months. Besraya (M) Sdn Bhd said in a statement that the closure is aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing the comfort and safety of expressway users. “Traffic weaving at the KM9.5 U-turn has also disrupted the main carriageway flow and contributed to congestion in the surrounding area,” the statement said. During the closure period, motorists travelling from the south are advised to use the U-turn at KM8.6, while motorists travelling from the north should use the U-turn at KM10.5. Besraya apologised for any inconvenience caused and advised motorists to plan their journeys accordingly, adding that enquiries can be made via the Besline hotline at 1-800-88-0999.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 04, 2026 08:35 UTC
Malaysia keeps close watch on Caracas amid heightened security tensions
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian government is closely monitoring the situation in Caracas, Venezuela, following reports of security operations in the capital. “The Embassy of Malaysia in Caracas has successfully contacted all registered Malaysian citizens in the country, confirming they are safe and accounted for,” said the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The Embassy has pledged to continue its close monitoring of the situation and stands ready to offer consular assistance as needed. Malaysians in Venezuela have been advised to exercise caution and stay in touch with the Embassy for updates and any necessary support. On January 3, Venezuela declared a state of emergency after aerial strikes targeted the capital, Caracas, according to reports from international media.
Source:The Star
January 04, 2026 08:33 UTC
Motorcyclist dies in collision with parked lorry, family seriously injured
KLUANG: A motorcyclist has died while his wife and baby suffered head injuries after crashing into a stationary lorry at Simpang Renggam here. “He entered the opposite lane and then crashed into the back of a lorry that was parked on the road shoulder. He added that the wife and baby are currently being treated for head injuries at the emergency ward of Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom in Kluang. He said the 42-year-old lorry driver who parked the lorry on the road tested negative for drugs. The case is investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
Source:The Star
January 04, 2026 08:20 UTC
‘Parents, spot red flags early’
“Stop dismissing concerning behaviours.”That is the core message Sunway University School of Psychology senior lecturer Dr Wu Shin Ling has for parents. “Often, parents themselves lack the skills to communicate expectations and gain cooperation effectively because they are repeating the parenting strategies modelled by their own parents,” he said. Hidden triggersCompounding the problem, Lee added, is that children are increasingly navigating online spaces where harmful content can spread rapidly. However, Lui cautioned against viewing social media as the sole culprit. From a systemic perspective, Lui stressed that no single factor drives youth violence or harmful behaviour.
Source:The Star
January 04, 2026 08:15 UTC
US operation in Venezuela a violation of international law, sets dangerous precedent - PM
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed grave concern over recent developments in Venezuela after its president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife were captured in a United States military operation. - BERNAMA PIC & FB/anwaribrahimofficialKUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed grave concern over recent developments in Venezuela after its president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife were captured in a United States military operation. "President Maduro and his wife must be released without any undue delay. "Whatever the reasons may be, the forcible removal of a sitting head of government through external action sets a dangerous precedent. Reaffirming Malaysia's foreign policy principles, Anwar said respect for international law and national sovereignty remains central to peaceful relations between states.
Source:New Strait Times
January 04, 2026 08:13 UTC