DPM, ministers renew commitment to strengthen nation, people’s well-being in 2026
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 1): As Malaysia ushers in the New Year 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Cabinet members have expressed renewed hopes and a firm commitment to continue strengthening public well-being and safeguarding national stability amid evolving challenges. “Alhamdulillah, the new year arrives as a new chapter for all of us to move forward with greater achievements and successes. I pray that 2026 will bring well-being and prosperity to all Malaysians,” he said. In line with efforts to enhance public health, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said 2026 would mark a crucial phase in further strengthening reforms within the national healthcare system. Other ministers who also conveyed New Year messages via social media platforms included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 01, 2026 06:24 UTC
Lawyer arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into Marang prison via inmate
KUALA TERENGGANU: A lawyer has been arrested for allegedly conspiring with an inmate to smuggle drugs into Marang prison here. "The inmate was later returned to the prison and isolated. On the same day, he defecated and expelled 12 packets suspected to contain drugs, namely yaba pills and cannabis," he said during a press conference today. The seized drugs comprised 123g of yaba pills, 21g of cannabis and 13g of Erimin 5, estimated to be sufficient for about 800 drug users, with a total seizure value of RM16,000. Mohd Khairi said the Terengganu Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department conducted further investigations and arrested the lawyer to assist in the case.
Source:New Strait Times
January 01, 2026 06:22 UTC
Wet New Year: Thunderstorms, heavy rain in KL, Selangor
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for several areas in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya. - NSTP file picKUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for several areas in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya. MetMalaysia said thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected in Selangor, involving Klang, Gombak, Petaling, Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat and Sepang. The warning also covers the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and the Federal Territory of Putrajaya. The alert, issued at 11.55am, remains in effect until 2pm.
Source:New Strait Times
January 01, 2026 05:47 UTC
PM hails VM2026 New Year countdown as reflective of diversity [WATCH]
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) Countdown Festival last night as reflective of the beauty of cultural diversity and the spirit of togetherness among Malaysians in welcoming guests from around the world. - Bernama picKUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) Countdown Festival last night as reflective of the beauty of cultural diversity and the spirit of togetherness among Malaysians in welcoming guests from around the world. Yesterday, Anwar attended the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) Countdown Festival, ushering in the New Year alongside thousands of Malaysians at the Pavilion shopping mall. The countdown celebration was part of a wider VM2026 festive programme that began on Dec 26, with events held across several locations in the Klang Valley. Among them were the VM2026 Bazaar at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, arts and culture showcases at Fahrenheit 88, and the Bukit Bintang food bazaar at Lot 10, highlighting Malaysia's diverse culinary heritage.
Source:New Strait Times
January 01, 2026 05:41 UTC
Grandfather charged with sexually assaulting 5-year-old granddaughter
If convicted, the man faces a maximum 20-year prison sentence and whipping upon conviction. NSTP/ROSLI ILHAMKEMAMAN: A 62-year-old grass cutter pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here to sexually assaulting his granddaughter, 5. The accused entered his plea before judge Wan Suhaila Mohd. He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act for sexual assault of a child. If convicted, the man faces a maximum 20-year prison sentence and whipping upon conviction.
Source:New Strait Times
January 01, 2026 05:00 UTC
Couple killed after motorcycle collides with lorry in Tawau
A couple engaged to be married was killed after their motorcycle was struck by a lorry on Jalan Apas–Balung here yesterday afternoon. - Pic courtesy of Fire and Rescue deptTAWAU: A couple engaged to be married was killed after their motorcycle was struck by a lorry on Jalan Apas–Balung here yesterday afternoon. "The lorry veered into the opposite lane and collided with a Yamaha Y16ZR motorcycle ridden by the couple who were travelling from Ladang Kalumpang towards Tawau town. "The lorry driver sustained only minor injuries, while the four-wheel-drive driver was unhurt. "Further investigations found that the lorry driver did not possess a valid driving licence and was detained to assist with investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987," he said.
Source:New Strait Times
January 01, 2026 04:15 UTC
My Say: JS-SEZ: Avoid zero-sum game for Singapore and Malaysia
The JS-SEZ gives Singapore firms access to larger consumer and production markets with reduced trade frictions and improved logistics. In brief, Malaysia will benefit from industrialisation, jobs, regional development and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, with spillover into the broader economy. Some commentators are concerned that the JS-SEZ benefits Singapore disproportionately because Singapore firms can relocate functions into Johor without transferring enough value back to Malaysia. This will arise as a logical extension of regional development. The bottom line is neither Malaysia nor Singapore “wins” outright; the JS-SEZ is designed as a complementary partnership.
Source:The Edge Markets
January 01, 2026 03:35 UTC
Drugs moving by sea, air and app
Between Jan 1 to Dec 21 last year, more than RM4bil worth of drugs had been seized, and over 200 drug syndicates were dismantled. “This tactic was uncovered during Ops Gombe on April 23 following intelligence on drug smuggling activities from the Golden Triangle to Australia via sea routes near Terengganu waters. “We are working closely with our counterparts from various countries to combat drug smuggling effectively. So far, the NCID has dismantled 270 drug syndicates following 609 operations conducted nationwide, he said. Of the overall drugs seized this year, Comm Hussein said the biggest was the recent one under Ops Gaharu, where 24.7 tonnes of drugs worth RM2.6bil were seized in December.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 02:13 UTC
Malaysia welcomes 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia welcomed the year 2026 in grand style, as vibrant fireworks illuminated the night sky across the nation. Families and friends, tourists and locals, gathered in parks and streets, sharing in the festive atmosphere as the colourful bursts of light filled the sky.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 02:13 UTC
Drivers test positive for cannabis, methamphetamine during New Year Eve operation
All individuals who tested positive for drugs were taken to the AADK Sentul office for further action. However, he tested positive for cannabis after undergoing an initial urine screening by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) during the operation. Examination and urine tests confirmed that the man had tested positive for methamphetamine. He added that his family, including his wife, were unaware that he used drugs. All individuals who tested positive for drugs were taken to the AADK Sentul office for further action.
Source:New Strait Times
January 01, 2026 02:10 UTC
End of an era as KTMB’s last Southern Express departs JB Sentral
JOHOR BARU: It was an emotional moment for former Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) staff member Halim Said as he boarded the last Southern Express train leaving JB Sentral. “I started off as ticketing staff at the Gemas station in 1986 and retired as a quality inspector at the same station 37 years later. Also emotional was KTMB driver Suki Hussin, who operated the last Southern Express. “The Southern Express service will now be replaced by the Electric Train Service (ETS), offering passengers a more comfortable and modern travel experience as well as faster journeys,” he said. In a statement on Monday (Dec 29), KTMB announced that its Southern Express train service on the Gemas-JB Sentral-Gemas route, which has operated for nine years, will be terminated effective Jan 1.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 01:50 UTC
PM leads crowd in ringing in New Year
The festival marked a celebratory opening to the tourism year ahead, reaffirming Malaysia’s readiness to welcome the world in 2026. The crowd was treated to performances by local artistes including cultural showcases, further adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the night. Looking forward to good things: (Clockwise from top left) Hwang and Tan, Syakirin, Yoga, and Janssen and Baker were among the revellers ringing in the new year. The pair hoped that 2026 would bring greater political stability and progress for the nation. The pair said they hoped that the new year would bring peace and personal success.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 01:47 UTC
Accountant loses RM138k to non-existent online investment scam
An accountant lost RM138,180 in savings after falling victim to a non-existent online investment scam. - File picPASIR GUDANG: An accountant lost RM138,180 in savings after falling victim to a non-existent online investment scam. Seri Alam district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Mohd Sohaimi Ishak, said the 60-year-old woman was lured by promises of investment returns of 20 per cent within a short period. He said the victim, attracted by the lucrative offer, made several payment transactions between Dec 15 and Dec 22, 2025 into two bank accounts. "She realised she had been deceived when she did not receive any returns throughout the investment period," he said in a statement today.
Source:New Strait Times
January 01, 2026 01:14 UTC
Fire destroys six shoplot units housing private college in Butterworth
BUTTERWORTH: A fire destroyed six three-storey shoplot units housing a private college on Jalan Perai Jaya here yesterday. Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations, John Sagun Francis, said the department received an emergency call at 5.10pm, prompting a fire engine from the Perai Fire and Rescue Station to be dispatched immediately. "The fire involved six three-storey shoplot units, each with an estimated floor area of 93sq m. It started on the ground floor, which had been reconfigured from six units into a single unit, before spreading to the upper levels. The blaze was brought under control at 6.34pm," he said in a statement last night. The cause of the fire and the total losses are under investigation.
Source:New Strait Times
January 01, 2026 00:56 UTC
Bank Negara announces reappointments to MPC, SAC
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara has announced the reappointed Nor Zahidi Alias as an external member to the monetary policy committee (MPC) for a three-year term starting on Jan 1, 2026. The central bank said in a statement Nor Zahidi Alias has been an external member of the MPC since Jan 1, 2021. Separately, Bank Negara also announced the reappointment of three Shariah Advisory Council (SAC) members, in accordance with section 53(1) of the Central Bank of Malaysia Act 2009. All three appointments are for a three-year term starting Jan 1, 2026, to Dec 31, 2028. According to the centra bank, the SAC is the highest authority for the ascertainment of Islamic law for purposes of Islamic financial business in Malaysia.
Source:The Star
January 01, 2026 00:30 UTC