Anwar welcomes ceasefire
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic, below) has welcomed the ceasefire that has been agreed by Cambodia and Thailand. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim“The joint statement sets out practical and positive measures, including verification by the Asean Observer Team and direct communication between defence authorities. The agreement, signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthapon Nakrphanit and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha, ended 20 days of fighting. On Dec 22, a Special Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to address the Thai-Cambodia conflict was held in Kuala Lumpur to seek de-escalation. Cambodia and Thailand had signed the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord as the foundation to end the prolonged dispute.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 11:50 UTC
Sabah must move beyond politics with elections over, says Masidi
KOTA KINABALU: Political differences should be set aside with the Sabah election over as it is time to focus on meeting the people’s needs, says Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. Now is the time for us to start working together,” said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary general on Saturday (Dec 28). Masidi, who retained his Karanaan state seat in the Nov 29 Sabah election, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the people of Ranau for their support and trust in allowing him to represent them in the constituency. Naomi named the Election Commission and Masidi in her case, claiming that the Election Commission had failed to ensure a fair election in Karanaan. Masidi, who won the seat with a 5,361-vote majority, described the claims as baseless and said all parties should respect the democratic process.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 11:50 UTC
When scammers pretend to be the scam busters
KUALA LUMPUR: From banks to courthouses and police stations, scammers appear to “represent” just about any organisation under the sun. A few weeks ago, a scammer even claimed to be an officer from the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), the very entity set up to coordinate quick response in dealing with online financial fraud. “The NSRC does not contact individuals via phone calls or through messaging applications such as WhatsApp. He also emphasised that the police do not conduct investigations solely through phone calls. “The NSRC brings together resources and expertise from all these parties to combat financial fraud more quickly and effectively,” it said.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 11:26 UTC
Indonesian textiles excluded from US tariff relief: Minister
JAKARTA: Indonesia’s textile products will not be exempt from United States tariffs despite earlier talks seeking exemptions for several key commodities, according to Coordinating Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto, who also heads the team for negotiating a reciprocal tariff agreement with Washington. “Textiles are not [considered natural products]. So [the tariff exemptions apply to] tropical natural resources,” Airlangga said in Jakarta on Friday (Dec 26), as quoted by Kompas.com, noting that the products granted exemptions were largely natural resource commodities such as palm oil. Textiles and textile products, which account for a significant portion of Indonesia’s exports to the US, would therefore remain subject to a 19 per cent tariff once it comes into force. Washington imposed a 19 per cent tariff on most Indonesian goods under a preliminary “framework agreement” in July, down from 32 per cent previously threatened in April.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 11:26 UTC
It’s spray and snip time for Air Itam boys
GEORGE TOWN: First came the fire engine and a spray of water, with firemen hosing down 40 boys, to the laughter and cheers of their neighbours. Only after that did the medical team step in as the boys underwent a mass circumcision ceremony at the Kampung Melayu flats in Air Itam during the school holidays. The annual programme, organised by the village community management council, involved boys aged four to 12. The dousing of the boys with water from the fire engine was meant to help them relax and take their minds off what lay ahead. We include meals and activities so the children feel comfortable and supported.”Among the boys were brothers Muhammad Firas Ikhwan Muhammad Fuad, five, and Muhammad Firman Irfan Muhammad Fuad, four.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 11:19 UTC
Telecommunications tower catches fire in Kuala Kangsar
IPOH: A telecommunications tower at the Maxis Sungai Perak substation in Kampung Kelebor, Kuala Kangsar, caught fire on Saturday (Dec 28). Perak Fire and Rescue Department acting assistant director of operations Shazlean Mohd Hanafiah said after being notified of the incident at 6.36pm, a team from the Kuala Kangsar Fire and Rescue Station was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, the fire had already been completely extinguished," he said in a statement on Sunday (Dec 28). "Part of the tower was damaged in the fire, affecting several communication panels and causing service disruptions, including to Maxis. Further investigations on the tower are continuing this morning," he said.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 11:06 UTC
China underground: Affordable and sustainable homes
In parts of China’s Loess Plateau, the landscape appears to be nothing more than rolling hills and quiet farmland. Yet beneath the surface, a hidden community thrives, literally breathing within the earth. These cool homes, known as yaodong (cave houses) and dikengyuan (pit courtyard), are built into the earth and blend right in with the landscape, often featuring courtyards shaded by trees. They might look a bit quirky to outsiders but these homes are far from relics of the past. Many of these earthen homes are being revitalised with modern amenities for modern living in the 21st century.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 11:02 UTC
Navigating Sarawak’s condominium market
The Sarawak property landscape has been undergoing a significant structural transformation. Traditionally dominated by landed residential developments, Sarawak – particularly its capital, Kuching – is witnessing a dramatic pivot toward high-rise living. This shift presents a paradoxical mixed picture for stakeholders. On one hand, it is a vibrant, evolving market with immense long-term potential, but on the other hand, it is grappling with the dual pressures of rising oversupply and a widening affordability gap.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 11:02 UTC
MyStep initiative to continue in 2026
PUTRAJAYA: The government is extending the Malaysia Short-Term Employment Programme (MyStep) into next year, providing short-term work and experience in the public sector. The decision was outlined in a circular dated Dec 24, 2025, signed by Public Service (Development) deputy director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Bakhari Ismail, and posted on the Public Service Department's official Facebook page on Saturday (Dec 27). The circular stated that the initiative targets graduates and job seekers, including persons with disabilities and senior citizens, for short-term work experience in the public sector. "The procurement of MyStep personnel services must be carried out in accordance with the rules and procedures set out in the MyStep Personnel Services Procurement Guidelines, which will take effect from Jan 1, 2026," the circular said. With the guideline coming into force, the Human Resources Service Circulars (MyPPSM), on policies and procedures for the recruitment of daily-paid workers and on the delegation of authority to approve overtime and pay for work on weekly rest days and public holidays, will be suspended.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 11:00 UTC
Nilai bomb maker remanded until Jan 3
SEREMBAN: The man arrested in connection with an explosion in Desa Palma, Nilai, has been remanded for a week until Jan 3. The man, who suffered burns on his face, body, hands and feet, was arrested in the Batang Benar area in Nilai, at 4.15pm yesterday, with a motorcycle believed to have been used by him also seized. Police also found several objects suspected to be improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the suspect at the time of the arrest. On Friday (Dec 26), DCP Alzafny said the suspect, known as ‘Ayang’, was believed to possess technical knowledge and specific skills in making explosive materials, based on the discovery of devices and equipment seized at the man’s rented house. On Monday (Dec 22), police found objects suspected to be improvised explosive devices following public reports of an explosion in the Desa Palma area.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 10:22 UTC
What next for the high speed rail to Singapore?
On paper, it is possible for a train running non-stop from KL Sentral to reach JB Sentral, a rail distance of 330km, in three hours, given the design speed of the alignment, which is 160kph. However, such arguments ignore the reality that any crossing into Singapore from Johor Baru will run into the massive crowd heading in and out of Johor and Singapore – making it among the world’s busiest land crossings – almost daily. Due to the expected high number of cross-border travellers, crossing into Singapore using the LRT will take some time during peak hours, which starts even before 5am on the Johor Baru side. This 90-minute cross-border journey time is guaranteed as all immigration or customs formalities will be completed before the passenger boards the train, whether in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Samuel Tan, CEO of Johor-based Olive Tree Property Consultants, a boutique property consultancy, said there is still ample room for the cross-border HSR.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 09:45 UTC
Residents advised to report tremor experiences as agencies assess situation
MUAR: Security authorities and relevant agencies are continuing to monitor the tremor situation to ensure the safety and well-being of the public and surrounding areas, says Muar district officer Zainal Eran. Meanwhile, Bukit Kepong state assemblyman Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal confirmed receipt of information about the incident. “It is true that a minor earthquake occurred in the Bukit Kepong state constituency. “The tremor was felt around Felda Sri Ledang and Felda Lenga,” he said in a Facebook post. He advised the public to remain calm, avoid being near unstable structures and remain alert and obey authorities' instructions as needed.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 09:04 UTC
Army chief on leave due to probe
PETALING JAYA: Army chief Jeneral Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan has been placed on leave due to an ongoing investigation linked to him. “In order to allow the authorities the necessary space to conduct investigation into certain allegations that have been reported involving the Chief of Army, he will be placed on leave with immediate effect until the completion of the investigation. He added that Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain is now acting Armed Forces chief following the retirement of Armed Forces chief Jeneral Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar. Necessary measure: Khaled (left) confirmed that Muhammad Hafizuddeain has been placed on leave due to an ongoing investigation. MACC officers were also dispatched to the Defence Ministry at about 11.30am on Dec 23 to begin preliminary investigations into several projects involving the army from 2023 to the present.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 03:10 UTC
Double the effort
The Indonesian has identified three major tournaments as his main priorities for the new year – the World Championships, the Asian Games and the All-England. And Herry needs no reminder of the disappointments he and his charges had to endure at the World Championships and All-England this year. The All-England campaign was even more painful as Malaysia’s men’s doubles representatives, despite their numbers, were all knocked out in the early rounds. “There will be a World Championships in India, and that is one of my main targets because we could not achieve it this year. So for 2026, my focus will be heavily on the World Championships and also the All England.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 02:34 UTC
Floods: Situation in Terengganu improves
KUALA TERENGGANU: Improving weather conditions have led to a further decline in the number of flood victims in Terengganu. According to the Terengganu State Disaster Management Committee, Kuala Nerus recorded the highest number of victims, with 335 people from 86 families taking shelter at two temporary relief centres (PPS), namely Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tok Jembal and SK Kompleks Mengabang Telipot. In the Kuala Terengganu district, 71 people from 19 families remain at a PPS at SK Chendering, while in Dungun, 13 people from two families are sheltering at a PPS at the Dewan Sivik Kampung Seberang Pintasan. Meanwhile, based on a report issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), a continuous rain warning at the alert level is expected across Terengganu until Dec 29. As such, the public, especially those in low-lying and high-risk areas, is advised to remain vigilant and comply with instructions from the authorities.
Source:The Star
December 28, 2025 02:10 UTC