Popular hillside eatery near Cameron Highlands threatened by slope erosion
IPOH: A popular eatery at Section 45.9 of Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands is expected to be closed for a month, following a picture on social media that allegedly showed signs of erosion on the hillslope there. "The location is not within the purview of the Public Works Department, but of the Forestry Department and the local government. "Through initial checks, the location is a hillslope reclaimed land and is a high-risk location for landslide," he said in a statement on Thursday. "In this regard, referring to the current situation, the Public Works Department advises that the location be closed from any activities to prevent unwanted things from happening," he added. Mohammad Nizar said the area's permit owner was granted an approval to rent out a 0.4ha piece of land to the restaurant.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 22:06 UTC
2026 holiday ideas from this international travel guide
A slew of new destinations come recommended for travellers next year from Tajikistan to Namibia plus ultimate party playground Belgrade in Serbia, by the Lonely Planet travel guide. Ideas include Spain’s “fun-loving city of Cadiz” and the Italian island Sardinia which has “far more to offer than just breathtaking beaches”. “Cheap drinks, an uncomplicated atmosphere and locals who are passionate about nightlife make Belgrade the ultimate nightlife playground in Europe,” the guide says. Graffiti that has appeared on a wall in Vale Street, Bristol, one of the cities in Europe worth exploring next year. Today’s travel culture says meaning and encounters are more important than rankings – all destinations are given equal status, the guide says.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 21:03 UTC
Cops begin probe into alleged falsified heritage player documents
PETALING JAYA: Police have begun investigations into allegations of document forgery involving seven mixed heritage players, says Bukit Aman. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Rusdi Md Isa said that two statements have been recorded so far. Investigations are being conducted under Section 468 of the Penal Code,” he said when contacted. Previously, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said that it had lodged a police report over the allegations. It added that this was in line with the recommendation of the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) chaired by former chief justice Tun Md Raus Sharif.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 20:56 UTC
Penang DOE inspects 229 premises during integrated ops
KEPALA BATAS: The Penang Department of Environment (DOE) inspected 229 industrial premises under Ops Gempur/Lembangan conducted from January to Dec 15 this year. "A total of 12 series of Ops Gempur/Lembangan were carried out by seven teams comprising 20 DOE enforcement officers. "The operation focuses on industrial premises and scheduled waste facilities, particularly those located upstream of water intake points within major river basins such as Sungai Juru and Sungai Jawi,” he said in a statement today. "A total of 11 Ops Hazard/Lusuh operations were carried out, with 23 industrial premises inspected. Badlishah said the integrated operations were aimed at strengthening industry compliance with environmental laws and safeguarding environmental sustainability.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 19:30 UTC
Man involved in fire that killed mother and child to be charged tomorrow
Penang Police Chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said the man would be charged at the Butterworth Court in connection with the case, reported Sinar Harian. "Yes, he will be charged tomorrow at the Butterworth Court," he said when contacted on Thursday (Dec 25). Also read: Man arrested for allegedly starting fire that killed mother and childOn Dec 10, a woman and her adopted child were tragically found burnt to death following a fire at their rented house. The fire occurred at 9.41am and involved a class A semi-detached house, which sustained approximately 85% damage. The two victims who lost their lives have been identified as Hayani Yaakob, 50, and her five-year-old adopted son, Andra.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 19:06 UTC
Swift lifeguard response prevents tragedy at MBSP theme park pool
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has confirmed that a three-year-old girl narrowly escaped drowning at the children's pool of the MBSP Theme Park, Sports and Recreation Complex in Jalan Betek on Wednesday (Dec 24). In a statement, MBSP said the incident occurred at 5pm and was quickly detected by lifeguards on duty. The victim was later taken to Bukit Mertajam Hospital for further treatment. MBSP stressed that the safety of visitors remains its top priority, adding that lifeguards are stationed at all pool areas throughout operating hours and that strict safety SOPs are consistently enforced. Expressing concern over the incident, MBSP said it hopes the child is in stable condition.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 18:15 UTC
Embattled Perlis MB Mohd Shukri steps down from post
PETALING JAYA: Perlis Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli has stepped down from his post on Thursday (Dec 25) due to health reasons. "I was given an audience with His Highness Raja Perlis today and have stated that I am willing to resign voluntarily as the Perlis Mentri Besar due to poor health. "I thank all of the Perlis state government staff, civil servants and the people of Perlis who cooperated with me during my tenure. "I also thank PAS top leadership and all party members for entrusting me with this post," said Mohd Shukri. Earlier today, the seats of the PAS trio who signed the SDs were announced as vacant by the Perlis state legislative assembly Speaker.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 15:10 UTC
Major cases cracked in 2025 anti-corruption drive
KUALA LUMPUR: A series of large-scale investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has marked 2025 as a significant year in the government’s fight against corruption. The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court later allowed the forfeiture of the seized funds on Oct 1 after no party came forward to claim them. Under Ops Tiger, carried out until November, the MACC arrested 49 bank officers and former officers for allegedly accepting bribes from law firms in relation to financial documentation management. Meanwhile, Ops Sky saw the MACC charge 16 individuals, including officers and former officers of banking institutions, seize approximately 4,000 documents and freeze 98 bank accounts involving RM17.4mil. During the same period, the MACC received 6,114 pieces of information, opened 966 investigation papers, arrested 1,128 individuals, filed 445 charges and recorded 189 convictions.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 15:08 UTC
King returns home after UAE visit
JOHOR BARU: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has returned home after completing a two-day special visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sultan Ibrahim’s special visit to UAE was at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan. His Majesty’s discussions with Sheikh Mohamed explored various opportunities for cooperation between Malaysia and the UAE in the fields of defence, investment and food security. In a Bernama report, His Majesty’s visit to UAE reinforced bilateral ties and mutual respect between the two countries. During the visit to Caracal, His Majesty also demonstrated his marksmanship by firing a CSR-308 sniper rifle at a shooting range.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 15:01 UTC
Over 8,000 volunteers appointed for 2025 SPM, says Fadhlina
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 8,006 volunteers have been appointed to assist with this year's Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, marking the highest number since the initiative was launched in 2023, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. In a Facebook post on Thursday (Dec 25), Fadhlina noted that the total number of volunteers who have participated in the initiative over the past three years has reached 20,997. "We will never stop trying, finding ways to deal with the workload of teachers. This ensures that educators can fully focus on teaching and learning tasks while at the same time maintaining their well-being," she said in the post. This allows educators to focus fully on teaching and learning while ensuring their well-being," she said.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 15:00 UTC
Tourists find holiday cheer away from home in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR: For several tourists, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of being able to visit the region has been the best gift this Christmas. Economist and mother of two, Alina Pintea, 45, from Romania, stopped by Kuala Lumpur on a 15-hour layover while on her way to Australia. “This is my first trip here as I will be going to Australia to visit my cousin tomorrow (Dec 26). Oliver said that they were also taking the opportunity to visit Freya’s sister, who works as a music teacher at an international school here in Kuala Lumpur. “In the coming new year, I hope there will be more positive things (in store) for my family,” said Syahla, who will also be travelling outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 14:51 UTC
Message of respect, unity and love for Christmas
PETALING JAYA: Rulers and leaders conveyed their message of unity and love as they extended their Christmas greetings to Christians celebrating the festival today. Sultan Sharafuddin expressed hope that the spirit of love and mutual respect generated through this Christmas celebration will continue to strengthen unity and harmony among multiracial communities in the country. May this Christmas bring moments of joy, reflection, and togetherness, while reminding us of the importance of unity, harmony, and mutual respect in our diverse society. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup urged Malaysians celebrating Christmas to embrace the values of love, hope and unity. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said harmony forms the foundation of national stability, and unity is essential for nation-building.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 14:30 UTC
The most expensive states
PETALING JAYA: Selangor continues to record the highest cost of living among Malaysian states, while Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis and Sabah remain the most affordable, according to the Statistics Department. “The lowest indices were in Kelantan (53.7 index points), Sarawak (53.7) and Kedah (56.6),” the department said. “Kuala Lumpur is set as the reference point at 100, with other locations measured relative to this benchmark. “A four-person household in Perlis requires 39.1% less, or RM609 per RM1,000 in Kuala Lumpur,” it said. It added at the district level, Petaling in Selangor was the only district to surpass Kuala Lumpur across all household sizes.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 14:25 UTC
Christmas greetings from Cabinet members
KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet extended Christmas greetings to Christians nationwide, underscoring the importance of unity, harmony and mutual respect in Malaysia's multi-religious and multicultural society. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Christmas reflects the beauty of Malaysia, where diversity continues to strengthen the nation and serves as a pillar of peace and harmony. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil also conveyed his Christmas message, expressing hope that the values of peace and love would continue to strengthen unity for a harmonious future. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said Christmas is not only about gift-giving, but also about sustenance, togetherness and mutual appreciation. May this Christmas bring joy, peace and renewed hope, while strengthening relationships in the diversity that is Malaysia's strength," he said.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 14:24 UTC
Three PAS assemblymen ordered to return state assets
PETALING JAYA: Three Perlis PAS assemblymen have been told to return state-owned assets following the termination of their party membership, said Perlis Speaker Rus’sele Eizan. Rus’sele said the three assemblymen would soon be notified to return any government assets they were still using. “State assets must be returned as soon as possible. The group allegedly comprised three PAS assemblymen and five from Bersatu. Without the support of the eight assemblymen, Mohd Shukri would lose a simple majority and would thus be unable to remain as Mentri Besar.
Source:The Star
December 25, 2025 14:06 UTC