The Star Malaysia
Hazy days ahead
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is seeing a return of haze as dry weather and an intensifying El Nino combine with fires in Indonesia, with experts warning that air quality could worsen in the coming weeks. Nine areas in Sarawak and one in Selangor recorded...
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Hazy morning
Haze blanketed the Sarawak capital, reducing visibility as people continued their morning exercise along the Kuching Waterfront. Eight locations in Sarawak recorded unhealthy air quality levels due to transboundary haze.
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Widen the dragnet
Calls are growing for stringent drug testing beyond aviation, especially in occupations where impaired judgment could result in multiple deaths or serious public harm. Meanwhile, Malaysia-based airlines are ramping up drug and alcohol testing of their...
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From court to hospital
Media personnel gathering outside the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur for updates on former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s health condition. Planned charges against the Bera MP were put off after he was warded to undergo a...
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Plugging loopholes
Growing trafficking threats are exposing weaknesses across land, air and sea borders. Experts urge smarter technology, tighter enforcement and stronger regional cooperation to close security gaps exploited by smugglers and transnational...
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Levelling the field
As cross-border online shopping surges, industry bodies are calling for stronger safeguards for local retailers. A proposed e-commerce Bill aims to tighten regulations and subject foreign platforms to local laws.
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Facing a new reality
Young people are prioritising disaster preparedness as they chart their future, including career and family planning. Among the major concerns are the effects of climate change such as higher temperatures and floods, a Unicef study shows. Work hazard:...
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F1 revs up business
The return of Formula 1 to Malaysia this October has thrust the nation back into the motorsports spotlight, sparking a surge of excitement as hotels in Sepang and nearby areas report near full occupancy. Beyond the track, the event is set to accelerate...
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Will the formula hold in GE16?
The Barisan-Perikatan formula in Negri Sembilan shows how strategic cooperation and shifting Malay support can reshape the political landscape and challenge Pakatan Harapan. Repeating this success in the 16th General Election will depend on seat...
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Barisan retakes Negri
Barisan Nasional scored a thumping victory in Negri Sembilan, seizing the state with a two-thirds majority together with Perikatan Nasional. The blue wave swept away DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke in Chennah and two-term mentri besar Datuk Seri...
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D-day in Negri
With clear skies forecast, more than 850,000 voters in Negri Sembilan will decide today who will govern the state for the next five years. The battle for 36 state seats will also be a defining test of Malaysia’s shifting political alliances.
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Final campaign push
An intense two-week campaigning period finally comes to an end tonight as national leaders fan out across Negri Sembilan to shore up support. Outstation voters are once again urged to return to fulfil their civic duty. Other developments Police...
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No easy ride
Selangor JPJ director Datuk Ahmad Kamarunzaman Mehat (left) inspecting seized goods and vehicles following a joint Ops Pemandu Warga Asing (Pewa) with the Selayang Municipal Council in an operation targeting unlicensed foreign drivers and the local...
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Wooing outstation voters
The battle for at least a dozen of the 36 seats in Negri Sembilan could be decided by outstation voters, say analysts. With three days to go, political parties are doing all they can to encourage this group to return and support their candidates.
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Malayan tiger roars again
The critically endangered species’ population is growing, with active breeding recorded at the country’s newest reserve. Calling for an integrated approach, conservationists say it’s crucial to tackle both direct threats to tigers and the ecological...
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Unite, not divide
Multiracial policies and moderation are the bedrock of national unity, says Barisan Nasional as leaders from the coalition made it clear that politics of fear is out of the question. Their remarks came following attempts by some to disregard Malaysia’s...
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A night in pink
KUALA LUMPUR: The iconic Menara 118 lit up in 988 radio station’s signature pink as thousands of music fans cheered, sang and raised their phones to the sky during the After Work Fest 2026. The festival transformed the historic Stadium Merdeka into a...
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Vaccine breakthrough
Malaysia is set to produce its first locally made human vaccine by 2028, a big step towards strengthening health security and reducing reliance on imports. Health experts said there should be robust technology transfer, high quality standards and...
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Polls enter decisive phase
SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan election campaign will move into a crucial phase this weekend, with major political coalitions set to deploy their top leaders and intensify voter outreach before polling day on Aug 1. With early voting scheduled for July...
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School shut over breaches
Iskandar Puteri City Council enforcement officers seal off the Network School building after the council revoked NSO Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s business licence and ordered it to cease operations for breaching licensing conditions and premises-use rules.
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Transit debate hits ballot
Traffic concerns are weighing heavily on voters in Negri Sembilan. As improved mobility drives the state’s industrial ambitions, economists weigh in between building a commuter-led economy and driving local job creation.
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The Felda question
Young voters have become an unknown factor in Negri Sembilan’s 49 Felda settlements, where issues like rubber and fuel prices may make a difference in how they vote. Analysts say that breaking into the Felda vote vault won’t be easy.
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Stronger together
Attendees showing their patriotic spirit at the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2026 launch, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim under this year’s theme, ‘Unity Strengthens Quality’. —
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Sea of supporters:
Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional supporters accompanying their respective candidates to nomination centres in Negri Sembilan.
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Fight for Negri begins
It’s off to the starting line today for candidates contesting in the 16th Negri Sembilan polls. With smaller parties either sitting out or standing only in selected seats, the contest is shaping up as a battle between the major coalitions, while...
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Housing hazards
Experts say that unsafe accommodation will continue to put lives at risk until the worker housing issue is addressed. Meanwhile, authorities will carry out more inspections on such dwellings, warning that these structures are illegal and action can be...
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Minding the mental health gap
A mental health policy for workplaces is in the pipeline to create a safe and harmonious working environment. Health service professionals say it must be flexible to avoid compliance burden and to include measures that deal with anti-bullying and...
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Crash crisis
Police deploy data analytics and tech to curb rising accidents Experts want demerit system to take serial offenders off roads Govt proposes law for reckless drivers to compensate victims
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Making health a priority
Peka B40 data exposes a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases among low-income earners, many of whom consider health screening a low priority. The Health Ministry is doubling down on efforts to reach out to this group and raise awareness on the...
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Anew chapter
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi taking the oath of Johor Regent office before Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim during the swearing-in ceremony at the Audience Hall of Istana Bukit Serene in — Photo Johor Baru. HRH Crown courtesy of Prince of...
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Barisan sweeps Johor
Barisan Nasional retained Johor with a landslide victory, winning 48 of the state’s 56 seats. The win spells a mandate for the coalition to work harder and to honour its pledge by continuing to serve the people, says caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Seri...
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The people’s verdict
JOHOR BARU: After an intense but largely peaceful campaign, Johor’s 2.7 million voters will decide who will form the next state government today, with Barisan Nasional widely expected to retain power despite a stronger challenge from Pakatan...
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Transforming travel
Motorists enjoying the shortened travel time on the Batang Lupar I Bridge in Sebuyau. The newly-opened 4.8km bridge is Malaysia’s longest river crossing, seamlessly linking Sebuyau and Triso along Sarawak’s coastal road network. The landmark structure...
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Tackling leftover luxury
As a United Nations Food Waste Index shows Malaysians’ poor household kitchen habit as a top waste driver, legal experts call for new legislation to force all sectors to slash daily rubbish.
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New voters hold sway
Wooing fresh voters will be key in the Johor polls, with analysts saying the surge in their numbers has made several seats harder to call. While many remain undecided, most say they want candidates who are committed and close to the people.
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Not so precious
Goldsmiths are warning consumers against foreign syndicates offering below-market prices for adulterated gold. Traders are also stepping up verification processes, with gold bars and jewellery undergoing detailed inspections to verify Abdul Razak Gold...
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History opens its doors
Tourist Sandra Nasir admiring an intricately carved gilded palanquin at the Lu Ban Master Memorial Hall in Loo Pun Hong, a historic Cantonese carpenters’ guild. Twelve historic buildings are open to the public until tomorrow in conjunction with George...
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Come back to vote, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tells out-of-state Johoreans
KULAI: Johoreans working outstation, particularly young voters, should return to vote on July 11 to safeguard their future and that of the state, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister also reminded these voters that their ballots would be...
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Langkawi loses supercar charm
LANGKAWI: Quieter posh restaurants and vacant prime retail lots are among the aftereffects of the end of the duty-free perk for supercars here. The loss of this niche attraction that once drew ultra-high-networth people has taken some shine off the...
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Queuing fora decade of travel
Malaysians at the Immigration office in Kelana Jaya came as early as dawn to apply for the new 10-year passport. The longer validity made the queues and early start worthwhile.
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Seats at risk for Bersatu
Falling out with PAS might have put Bersatu’s campaign under threat in five of the 16 seats the party is contesting in the Johor polls. The party, which is standing under the Perikatan Nasional logo, has long been too reliant on its former ally for...
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Stamp of approval
Putrajaya Immigration Department staff members presenting the holographic element and other enhanced safety features of the new passport during its official launch at Parliament in Kuala Lumpur.
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Heat, haze and El Nino
PETALING JAYA: While the convergence of the El Nino weather phenomenon and the south-west monsoon is expected to bring about hotter than usual conditions across the region, for Malaysia, an additional threat looms. Transboundary haze, which has long...
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Platform for growth
It’s all aboard the Shah Alam Line as the Klang Valley’s latest LRT rail service rolls out today, with free rides until July 31. Transit-oriented developments around rail stations will also be fast-tracked, with priority given to public housing, says...
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Campaign kicks off in Johor
PETALING JAYA: Fewer candidates, fiercer battles: political analysts say the drop in the number of contenders for the upcoming Johor state election reflects a more strategic and intensely competitive electoral landscape rather than waning...
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Race for Johor begins
While Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan are set to contest all 56 seats, Perikatan Nasional, smaller parties and independents may fragment votes in key battlegrounds. Nomination day could also see candidate swaps and a surge in multi-cornered fights.
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Maid to relieve
The new insurance scheme from the Association of Employment Agencies Malaysia aims to cover maids’ employers from issues ranging from runaways to medical care. Employers say the insurance is crucial as they spend significant resources recruiting...
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Capture the wonders of Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians planning their next getaway can expect a host of travel bargains and destination offerings when the Star Karnival Cuti-cuti Malaysia 2026 begins its six-state tour next month. Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with Star...
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A king-sized drop
PETALING JAYA: Durian lovers are in for a treat as prices for the King of Fruits will remain low from now until August. This is due to a bumper harvest, leading to a situation known as “durian tsunami” where an oversupply in the market causes prices...
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Two Bills and a seat reshuffle
Parliament is moving to criminalise the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and toughen traffic penalties with the tabling of two Bills, while a seating reshuffle saw Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin return to the Opposition Leader’s seat.
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Basking in cultural splendour
Dancers posing in elegant traditional attire during the Gawai Dayak Dinner Celebration 2026 in Kuching, representing Sarawak’s diverse Dayak communities in a colourful showcase of heritage, culture and unity at the event, which was graced by Prime...
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Shared moments with father dearest
EVERY June, we shower our fathers with standard gifts and praise them for being the provider and the backbone of the family. It’s a nice gesture. But if we are being honest, what modern Malaysian fathers actually need this Fathers Day isn’t another...
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Who has the right to lead?
With just days to nomination for the Johor polls, the dispute between Bersatu and PAS has come down to who has the right over leadership in Perikatan Nasional. Analysts warn that the tussle is hurting the coalition’s chances in both upcoming state...
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Turning grit to gold
From Braille notes to Ai-powered revision, STPM’S top scorers proved that determination matters more than circumstance. As Form Six students record stronger results nationwide, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek says efforts to strengthen the...
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More CCTVS in public places
PETALING JAYA: Independent audits and clear rules governing access to CCTV footage are needed to ensure public confidence in surveillance systems with privacy data, say cybersecurity lawyers. Cybersecurity expert Fong Choong Fook said public concern...
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Dignity for all
Nazrin Shah PERKESO Rehabilitation Centre An aerial view of the newly-opened Sultan in Meru Raya, Ipoh.
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Peace deal lifts market sentiment
Markets rallied after a Us-iran ceasefire eased tensions, lowered oil prices and raised Asian equities. However, Malaysia’s gains will depend on lasting peace, political stability and its ability to attract foreign investment.
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Wooing thegenz
Young voters in Johor and Negri Sembilan may turn the tide in marginal seats in the coming state polls. Making up nearly a third of eligible voters in both states, analysts say a big turnout can tilt the balance to either side.
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Deadline to deliver
Public hospitals have been given three months to come up with a plan to manage overcrowding at emergency wards. As for health facilities facing a manpower crisis, they have resorted to reorganising their resources.
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Staggered dates, higher turnout expected
JOHOR VOTES JULY 11: Nomination day is June 27 for the state’s 2.7 million registered voters NEGRI VOTES AUG 1: Nomination day is July 18 for the state’s 889,490 registered voters EC SEPARATES POLLS: Logistics and worker training issues force...
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High-rise rules fail kids
Recent child tragedies have intensified debate over Malaysia’s inadequate building safety framework, as experts press for stronger safeguards to prevent further falls.
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‘We’re coming for you’
The Prime Minister wants a coordinated effort by all relevant authorities to crack down on foreigners who do business here illegally. Lauding the move, local businesses are also calling for stricter penalties for Malaysians in cahoots with these...
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Cops brace for cyber betting
As Malaysian football fans gear up for the 2026 World Cup, the police are bracing for a massive surge in illegal gambling as bookies shift their operations to online platforms. They warn that authorities are on high alert for tech-savvy punters looking...
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Supporting local businesses
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan (right) conversing with a small business trader while underscoring the power of domestic spending during his visit to the Kelana Jaya Morning Market as part of the Microcredit Outreach programme.
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Royal drama in Negri
It was a day of drama and confusion as Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar was proclaimed as the 12th Yang di-pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, at a hotel in Melaka. As the state gets ready for election, constitutional experts say a quick resolution is...
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Stamp of approval
PETALING JAYA: Frequent Malaysian travellers have largely welcomed the government’s new 10-year passport, describing it as a more convenient and costeffective alternative to the current five-year passport. Data processing manager Atikah Razak, 33, who...
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States in motion
The Johor polls are expected to be a crowded affair, with many parties, including two new political outfits – Gerakan Reset and Parti Bersama Malaysia – joining the fray. Meanwhile, talk that the Negri Sembilan state assembly will be dissolved is...
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Calls to keep track of priorities
PETALING JAYA: Much work remains to improve the reliability of Malaysia’s rail system, in particular the urban network managed by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd through its subsidiary, Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, says Prof Dr Chua Kein Huat, chair of UTAR’S Centre for...
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A royal reminder for all
Any Malaysian who rejects the principles of the Rukun Negara does not deserve to be called a citizen, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who urges the rakyat to uphold its five pillars. The King also calls on politicians to exercise...
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Shady slimming solutions
Illegal ads touting an experimental drug are popping up online, triggering a warning from the Health Ministry. Experts say taking retatrutide, which is still undergoing clinical trial, could prove to be deadly.
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All ready for the sacred day
Sian Chye Tong Youth Section chairman Loh Choon Teik arranging oil lamps in preparation for Wesak Day at Sian Chye Tong Temple in Hye Keat Estate in Penang.
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Perfect timing
Performers in traditional costumes performing the Magunatip dance in conjunction with the Kaamatan celebrations in Kota Kinabalu. The Harvest Festival will be celebrated in Sabah today and tomorrow.
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Get to the rail issues
PETALING JAYA: A special task force has been formed to investigate the LRT train derailment incident near the Chan Sow Lin station, which severely impacted rail services yesterday, says Anthony Loke (pic). The Transport Minister said the task force...
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Strength through sacrifice
KUALA LUMPUR: Muslims should make sacrifice a fundamental tenet in overcoming challenges and building a stronger future for the nation, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In a message to mark Hari Raya Aidiladha, the Prime Minister said the significance...
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Banned vapes go underground
Illegal devices and liquids have moved into web platforms with invite-only networks to bypass laws on potentially dangerous products. Advocates warn of severe health risks while legal businesses say this shadowy trade undermines those abiding by...
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