The Star Malaysia

Levelling ‘farming’ the field

With Malaysia’s vegetable self-sufficiency ratio remaining relatively low, the government wants to shift the focus to local production and cut down on imports. This will address supply chain pressures linked to the Middle East conflict, with a meeting...

Litterbugs pay the price

Convicted litterbugs carrying out community service in front of Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur. Raids and tougher enforcement signal a stronger cleanliness push, with over 1,000 notices issued and offenders fined and ordered to do...

Ailing healthcare sector

Our medical graduates are rejecting housemanships in Malaysia and many are resigning. The ‘outdated’ contract system, now in its 10th year, and poor policies are forcing our future doctors out of the system, which could affect healthcare services as a...

Shifting gears

PETALING JAYA: The subsidised RON95 petrol initiative will be reduced to 200 litres starting April 1, as part of the government’s temporary measure to guarantee supply and to manage demand prudently due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle...

Targeting transit traffic

KLIA is aiming to challenge Gulf rivals by positioning itself as a major transit point for long-haul flights between Asia-pacific and Europe. Aviation experts say infrastructure upgrades are needed to make the airport a viable alternative for...

Clean energy push

With the Middle East conflict showing no signs of abating, experts are urging the government to accelerate its shift to renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister II says Malaysia remains committed to...

Heatwave not letting up

Government agencies are fortifying weather monitoring and forecasting to protect the nation against the escalating impacts of climate change. AI and big data analytics are being integrated into the Multi-hazard Early Warning System as the heatwave...

Duty comes first

Frontliners – from firemen, police and healthcare staff to public transport and utility workers – have no qualms about forgoing their holidays so that others can celebrate Hari Raya with their families. They say that the sacrifice is part of their job...

Classic theme:

(From left) Aqidah Basirah Abdullah, Nurul Aini Abdul Razak, Nurul Rosyidah Abdul Rashid, Mohd Danial Fikri Jamaluddin, Nur Alia Afirah Syamsurijal, Nurul Najwa Abdul Rashid, Mya Nur Qaisara Muhairy and Abdul Rifhan Abdul Rahim posing for an outdoor...

Festive exodus:

Traffic piling up at Gombak Toll Plaza as the balik kampung rush intensifies. Highway journeys are stretching hours longer while crowds at trains and bus terminals

Tradition fuels long journey

KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic from the Klang Valley to the east coast has started to build up, while authorities expect about 1.5 million vehicles to enter Penang during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period. A spokesperson for the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM)...

Eyes on the seas

Buying good advice

Ratna Eliza Razali shopping at Mydin USJ with her baby boy. The 36-yearold finance sector employee has begun spending more moderately based on the Prime Minister’s suggestion.

Keeping tabs on traffic flow

Officers from PLUS Malaysia Bhd observing the traffic on giant monitors at the Traffic Monitoring Centre at Persada PLUS in Petaling Jaya. PLUS, which is managing several highways including the North-south Expressway, expects some 2.3 million vehicles...

Steady fuel supply for now

The Prime Minister has assured Malaysians that petroleum supply is stable until May despite the Middle East conflict, pledging to shield the rakyat from petrol price hikes. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is taking a prudent approach...

Looking at loopholes

With the deadline to ban kids under 16 from social media just months away, the question teens and tweens are asking is: how will it be enforced? Concerned over the reluctance of minors in giving up access to their platforms, experts say parents still...

In the spirit of the season

People in Klebang Putra, Ipoh, breaking their fast in an unusual way: by having a pot luck iftar on the street. Organised by the area’s Neighbourhood Watch team, this year’s community picnic brought 200 residents together. The team makes it a special...

More than just a fancy name

From ’planet healer’ to ‘chief imagination officer’, job titles and scope are evolving rapidly in Malaysia, mirroring economic transformation and global trends. But employers and HR professionals say that skills and long-term competitiveness must...

Haj plans to go ahead

Preparations for Malaysian pilgrims to perform the haj are proceeding as planned despite the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, prospective pilgrims anxiously wait for the tension to ease so that they can perform their religious...

Where’d the water go?

PETALING JAYA: These are dry days in the north of the peninsula, with hot weather and several dams hitting “warning” levels. The central region has been spared, with thunderstorms forecast across parts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur – but it won’t be...

Closing the gender divide

As local women make meaningful progress toward narrowing gender inequality, rights groups want more commitment to female empowerment and reducing the wage gap between the sexes. Though Malaysia has climbed in global gender parity scores, the country is...

Getting a mass grave ready

DUBAI: US forces continued a round-the-clock assault on Iran and Israel mounted a “broad wave” of strikes targeting Iranian missile sites and air defence systems in a campaign that a top American commander said is ahead of the “game plan”. Despite...

Strikes widen

Plumes of smoke rising over Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli airstrikes, shortly after forced evacuation orders. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan says an evacuation plan for Malaysians is unnecessary for now, as the...

Bumper-to-bumper escape

Motorists clogging up the highway as they flee villages in southern Lebanon after Israel started bombarding the country. The conflict in the Middle East is expanding days after a massive Israel-us attack on Iran.

Wider conflict feared

With Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei confirmed killed in Teheran in the major attack launched by the United States and Israel, Iran responded with a flurry of missile and drone strikes across the Middle East, raising the risk of regional...

Conflict escalates in the Middle East

The United States and Israel carried out a joint attack on Iran as Teheran launched counterstrikes against American bases. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged the United States and Iran to pursue diplomacy and an immediate, unconditional...

Unmasking reality

KUALA LUMPUR: They are dressed up in costumes of cartoon characters like Super Mario, Luigi and Doraemon, as well as animals and dinosaurs. But these mascots, who are now a regular sight at public spaces, are not there to entertain. They are asking...

Reform in workers’ housing

PETALING JAYA: Apushtomove migrant workers out of residential neighbourhoods and into gated centralised dormitories has raised questions over the balance between public safety and human rights. While some state authorities and developers want...

Collateral damage

KULAI: More than 1,500 pupils have been instructed to switch to online learning following the temporary closure of two schools after a fire broke out at a nearby rubber and plastics storage warehouse. Johor education and information committee chairman...

Malaysia to study impact of US tariffs

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the government should be given time and space to assess the tariff situation with the United States. The Prime Minister said this was because President Donald Trump could use other provisions under US law to...

A hub to look for employment

Job seekers visiting the Myfuturejobs Career Exploration Centre at Nu Sentral in Kuala Lumpur. The centre is the country’s first immersive hub designed to help job seekers match their qualifications and skills with suitable employment opportunities.

One big party

Revellers watching a lion dance at George Town’s heritage enclave during a massive Chinese New Year street celebration. In total, there were 30 zones and 16 performance stages, alongside open houses at 10 ancestral halls, clan houses and places of...

Courts build on success

PETALING JAYA: The success of the Special Corruption Sessions Courts in speeding up case disposal rates shows that a dedicated structure works, and that’s why it is replicated at a higher level, says Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan...

Back-to-city rush begins

A FRIEND of mine had a nasty accident on the North-south Expressway some years back. He rammed into a cow. The bumper was ripped and the car was in a nasty state. The cow, meanwhile, ambled happily on. Luckily for the friend, his insurance covered...

Streets lined with iftar favourites

The Kampung Baru Ramadan bazaar is among the preferred spots for Kuala Lumpur residents, offering a wide range of food and beverages for buka puasa. However, it is not the only location drawing large crowds. A festive atmosphere was observed at bazaars...

Faith and fortitude

PETALING JAYA: As Muslims in the country welcome the holy month of Ramadan today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the obligation of fasting is not merely about fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam. He added that Ramadan is the time...

Auspicious encounter

Year Six pupils from SJK(C) Yeok Hua, all born in the Year of the Horse, celebrating the Lunar New Year with a resident pony and the ‘God of Prosperity’ in Penang. It was a memorable day for (from left) Tan Wei Zhe, Lim Yu Sean, Sim Khai Suen, Nur...

Rising stronger from the ashes

Rising from the ruins just in time for Chinese New Year, 48 families are returning to Kampung Baru Karak, Pahang. By trading their lost wooden houses for new brick homes, these families are reclaiming their future through public-private collaboration,...

Drowning in e-waste

Each Malaysian generates 12.2kg of electronic waste a year – the third highest in Asean and well above the global average. Experts say free pickup services, separating e-waste before disposal and making manufacturers pay for recycling their products...

Straight to jail for Mohd Isa

Former Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad lost his freedom as his final battle against his bribery case involving Rm3.09mil was quashed in the Federal Court. He will be serving a six-year jail term, apart from paying a fine of Rm15.45mil.

Smooth Sara rollout, but many want more

The second round of the RM100 Bantuan Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid got off to a seamless start, with stores well-prepared. Malaysians, however, are asking for more – both in terms of quantum and items under the coverage. Frozen food has been added...

Deep and special ties

Malaysia and India will step up cooperation in strategic sectors following the exchange of 11 agreements and memoranda of understanding, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who concluded his two-day visit...

A matter of faith and tact

Leaders have called for the issue of illegal houses of worship to be addressed wisely and tactfully, with the Prime Minister warning against those threatening public security. This comes as Malaysia hosts Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a visit...

Red-y for love

A customer shopping for festive decorations in Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur, as Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day converge in a vibrant display of red, love and celebration. Read how lanterns and giant sculptures bring the festive season to life in...

Flying horses a sight to behold

The Chinese New Year festive spirit is flying high at the Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival with giant horse-shaped kites dancing in the sky. The colourful spectacle, flown by teams from six continents, reflects how culture and celebration are taking...

Better cross-coverage border

Nearly 400,000 Malaysians who travel daily to work in Singapore will be protected by a new insurance scheme covering the commute between workplace and home. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan says the upcoming Traveller Scheme is a...

Express way to travel

KUALA LUMPUR: Catching an express bus at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) bus terminal here is now a smoother process, as bus tickets purchased online are now embedded with QR codes to facilitate the check-in process before boarding at the...

Better safe than sorry

No detail is too small when it comes to ensuring a building is safe from fires during and after construction. In the wake of Hong Kong’s recent Tai Po fire, Malaysian industry stakeholders are more open to using fire-resistant safety netting as part of...

Coming together for Thaipusam

KUALA LUMPUR: The lively and colourful Thaipusam festival in Batu Caves was not merely a religious event for Hindu devotees, but a gathering of all Malaysians to celebrate the nation’s diversity. Many who came were enthralled by the festive...

Faith in motion

Devotees praying at the Arulmigu Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Queen Street in George Town, Penang, before the golden chariot carrying the vel (divine spear) begins its annual procession as part of the Thaipusam celebrations.

Proudly a-flutter

Federal Territory flags are seen adorning Dataran Putra in Putrajaya ahead of the 52nd Federal Territory Day 2026 celebration. It is celebrated on Feb 1 every year in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. —Bernama

A vibrant display of colours and light

Jalan Bukit Bintang dazzles after dark under the ‘I Lite U’ initiative, launched in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, adding colour and warmth to the city’s celebrations of Federal Territories Day and Thaipusam. The decorative lights reflect Kuala...

Dry weather triggers fire surge

Some vehicles were completely destroyed after a bushfire spread to a parking area in Taman Bukit Mewah, Johor. Due to the current hot, dry, and windy conditions, there has been a spike in fire outbreak cases nationwide.

Hindered by dry and windy conditions

Firemen are struggling to put out a peat fire that started on Friday in Pengerang, Johor, and helicopters will be deployed today for water bombing. The state government also plans to close schools if the air quality worsens.

Gunning down graft

KUALA LUMPUR: Two hotels valued at Rm2mil and 21 bank accounts were frozen as investigations intensified into alleged corruption linked to procurement projects involving the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM). Sources said the Malaysian Anti-corruption...

Racing ends at roadblock

Police clamped down on illegal street racers, arresting six and seizing 83 modified motorcycles during an overnight blitz in Kuala Lumpur. The operation covered the DUKE Expressway and major roads from Jalan Ipoh to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

An unblinking witness

A road bully is caught in the act, an accident is captured and the culprit identified – all thanks to the ‘eyes’ of a dashcam. As calls grow to make the gadget a standard accessory in commercial vehicles, there is also a push for clear guidelines while...

Ex-general in the dock

Former Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaafar claimed trial to four graft charges involving more than Rm3.75mil.

Ex-army chief denies graft charges

Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan claimed trial to four money-laundering charges involving Rm2.1mil, while his third wife, Salwani Anuar @ Kamaruddin, was also charged in another Sessions Court with four similar offences involving RM77,000.

Nation and people first

Stressing that the nation and people’s well-being must be safeguarded, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, wants a clampdown on graft, calling for experienced judges and a fast-track court system to tackle corruption. Delivering the Royal...

Waving with pride

Participants waving the Federal Territories flag at the launch of the Labuan Flag Raising Campaign. The campaign, which runs from Jan 17 to Feb 28, kicked off at the Labuan

Over Rm50mil seized in military probes

More than Rm50mil worth of cash, assets and money from frozen accounts were seized in two high-profile investigations involving the military. A total of 40 investigators have been assigned to handle the cases since October last year. In the first...

Reclaiming the past

Human remains from 41 individuals, excavated during the colonial era, have been returned home after eight decades overseas and will be housed at the new Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery in Penang.

Steep hike in rental fraud cases

Rental property fraud cases have spiked by over 400% in the past three years, snaring not just victims cheated out of their money but also those whose identities have been stolen to facilitate the crimes. Experts blame the lack of control by social...

UPSR, PT3 return under review

The Form Three and Year Six public examinations scrapped since 2020, could be set for a comeback, pending a review on whether they should be reinstated or replaced. Parents say the lack of major exams has sapped students’ motivation while students are...

Timeless traditions

Two workers busy preparing clay pots at a pottery factory for Ponggal which falls on Jan 15. Tamils in Malaysia still observe old traditions such as using clay pots and firewood for cooking to celebrate the occasion.