The Star Malaysia
Sacred ritual
K. Ganesan (third from left) and his family receiving a priest’s blessing at the Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple in George Town, as Hindu devotees across the nation mark Deepavali, the Festival — KT GOH/ of Lights. The Star
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A time for family and festivities
The spirit of Deepavali is illuminating homes nationwide as Hindus prepare to celebrate the Festival of Lights tomorrow with family gatherings and time-honoured traditions. Many are also making the most of the long weekend to journey home to their...
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Crucial weekend for contenders
Parties are stepping up ground campaigns and reaching out to undecided voters as the Melaka election enters its super weekend ahead of polling on Nov 14. Deepavali is adding to the pace, with candidates combining festive visits and community...
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An evening of recognition and celebration
(Front row, fifth from left) Star Media Group (SMG) managing editor Brian Martin, Philippine Daily Inquirer chief operating officer Rudyard S. Arbolado, SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela A....
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Festive splendour
Shoppers browsing for items on the streets of Little India in Sentul ahead of the upcoming Deepavali festival this weekend. With the celebration just around the corner, shoppers are on a last-minute hunt for outfits, colourful decorations and...
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Better quarters for medics
From unreliable water supply to deteriorating buildings, healthcare workers serving in Malaysia’s remote areas face challenging living conditions. With the 13th Malaysia Plan, the issue is set to be addressed through a Rm100mil allocation to repair...
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Future of the nation
(From left) Mohamad Fazrin Moktar, Tyson Tai, Muhammad Aqail Ilham Mohd Irwan, Chong Hui Yee, Ng Yau Kheng and Joshua Gomes are among young voters who will cast their ballots in the upcoming Melaka election.
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No easy ride in Melaka
Just 79 candidates will contest 28 seats, down from the 112 who stood in the 2021 polls. There will be 11 straight fights, 11 three-cornered contests and six four-cornered battles. BN and PH will go head-to-head in straight fights in nine seats.
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Call for haze-proof farming methods
PETALING JAYA: Prolonged haze could affect fruit and vegetable production, risking smaller harvests, tighter supplies and higher prices for consumers. Vegetable Farmers Association president Lim Ser Kwee said reduced sunlight caused by smoke particles...
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Get the ball rolling
With nominations for the Melaka election set to take place tomorrow, the cooperation involving former political rivals and other new parties will be keenly watched. Analysts say party loyalty may not be enough to convince voters as they place greater...
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clearer skies
A striking view of the Kuala Lumpur city centre skyline, a welcome sign after weeks of hazy conditions.
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Retirement age debate grows
Malaysia should focus on having a flexible reemployment scheme so that capable workers can continue to contribute to the economy after retirement, say groups. However, the Malaysian Employers Federation says raising the retirement age could pose...
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The sandwich generation squeeze
PETALING JAYA: Caring for children and ageing parents while keeping the household budget afloat is a balancing act for many Malaysians in their 30s, 40s and beyond – and many are losing their balance. According to the Credit Counselling and Debt...
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Legacy of progress and harmony
For Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the people of Selangor are his greatest source of inspiration, and Tuanku hopes that his legacy will be defined by the state’s progress and social harmony. The Selangor Ruler has also said criticisms and issues raised...
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‘State’s strength lies in its people’
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor has credited the people of the state for making his 25 years as Ruler a successful and meaningful journey. Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said Selangor had remained one of the country’s most important states, thanks...
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Plenty of hotspots
An Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre map showing satellite-detected fire hotspots in Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia. An environmental group said the haze reflects longstanding failures in environmental governance and a lack of corporate...
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Navigating a threat
A study found that navigation app Waze poses a national security threat, prompting the government to order civil servants to stop using it or face action. However, as the Tuju app is struggling to handle heavy traffic, efforts are also underway to beef...
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Ready to listen 24/7
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s national mental health helpline, Talian HEAL 15555, is set to expand into a round-the-clock service as part of efforts to make support faster and more accessible. Currently operated by the Health Ministry from 8am to midnight...
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Cloudy but contained
The worsening haze is expected to weigh on businesses across several sectors, particularly agriculture and tourism. However, economists believe its impact on Malaysia’s overall economic growth will remain limited.
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Comfort, value onboard
Consumers consider the East Coast Rail Link’s one-way fares, starting at RM125, reasonable given the shorter travel time and convenience, particularly during festive seasons. Transport operators, meanwhile, urge better integration between rail and bus...
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Rising tensions in Europe
Demonstrators marching into Place de Clichy during a protest in Paris, France. Across Europe, widespread protests and strikes are being driven by issues related to cost of living. Malaysians are advised to postpone non-essential travel to France and...
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Uniting on climate risks
Climate change is worsening public health risks, particularly by driving up cases of dengue, leptospirosis and heat-related illnesses. Addressing these challenges effectively demands collective action across all sectors of society, say medical experts.
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More routes, more visitors
Expanded matching grants aim to spur more direct flights from key markets and reduce airlines’ risks, with industry players backing stronger air, sea and land connectivity. The initiative under Budget 2027 seeks to increase tourism revenue.
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Public warning:
Swimming or picnicking at Taman Rimba Ampang in Selangor is strictly prohibited because of the risk of drowning or being swept away.
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The silver job shift
PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia’s population grows older, it’s not just the demographics that are changing. A new class of jobs is also emerging. There are now specialists who redesign houses for ageing residents, activity managers who organise social and...
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‘Enough with the haze’
The haze is expected to clear within two weeks, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. But that offers little consolation to stakeholders, who want stern action taken against those behind the fires in Indonesia and a three-nation...
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Classes ongoing
Siblings Muhammad Farrel Zafran, nine, and Fathiahana Arissa, 11, from Bandar Tasik Puteri, Rawang, studying at home as schools in several states close due to haze, while pupils of SJK(C) Sam Tet in Ipoh, are given face masks as a precaution against...
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W-hole lot of problems
PETALING JAYA: Potholes. They’re a subject serious enough to be mentioned in Budget 2027, with the government allocating Rm40mil to enable district engineers to speed up repairs on these and other road issues. Under its Customers’ Charter, Public...
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Double 10 – a perfect day to tie the knot
Thirty-six happy couples showing the love symbol after registering their marriage on 10.10 (Oct 10) at the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society in George Town. The day also saw the union of Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and singer-actress...
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Every ringgit counts
Faced with Rm80.4bil in development requests for 9,955 projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government will have to carefully balance strategic investments under Budget 2027. With fuel subsidies and more pressure for household relief, economists...
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Polls fest in Melaka
MELAKA: The Nov 14 polling date has drawn mixed reactions from Melaka’s political leaders, with some welcoming the preparation time and others warning that its proximity to Deepavali could affect voter turnout. Melaka Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk...
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Hotel scam ring crumbles under Immigration raid
PUTRAJAYA: On the surface, it looked like any other empty building. In truth, the “abandoned hotel” was home to more than 90 foreigners operating a 24-hour scam syndicate. The building in Sungai Lembing, Kuantan, was the syndicate’s base of...
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A nation’s duty to protect
Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, has extended her support to the family of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, who died at a school in Yong Peng, Johor, on Saturday. As authorities conduct a thorough investigation into her...
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Triumphant comeback
Over 100,000 fans braved torrential rain and heavy traffic for F1’s thrilling Sepang return after a nine-year absence. After the success of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia is discussing bringing the sport...
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Casting a vote of confidence in AI
Overwhelmed by information at polling time, some voters in the United States take the easy way out and ask AI for help at the ballot box – a scenario experts warn could unfold in Malaysia, underscoring the need to rethink local voter education.
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Sepang roars back to life
The Bahrain Grand Prix got off to a rousing start at the Sepang International Circuit, with fans cheering the return of Formula 1.
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Non-stop action ahead
Excitement is building as local and international fans gear up for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia this weekend. With rain and hot weather expected, authorities are urging visitors to plan ahead and use public transport to avoid...
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F1 fever fuels Sepang
The return of F1 to Malaysia after nearly a decade is revving up more than just the engines, with e-hailing drivers brushing up on their English and hotels filling up fast with international visitors. And the excitement continues to build ahead of...
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Looking in all corners
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is aggressively strengthening its regulatory frameworks and building dedicated enforcement agencies to stay ahead of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), including the rise of smart glasses, Digital Minister...
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A city paralysed by floods
Bangkok residents are coming to terms with the catastrophic effects of climate change after two days of heavy rain. Meanwhile, Malaysians in the Thai capital have been urged to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Malaysian Embassy for...
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Shopping for the next holiday
BUTTERWORTH: Sun, sea, heritage, nature and leisure – Malaysia has it all, and the Star Karnival Cuti-cuti Malaysia (SKCCM) Penang is the place to be for domestic travel packages and promotions. The four-day carnival at Sunway Carnival Mall, which...
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Locked out
Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim (second from right) with a seven-page press statement calling for an end to the lockout of his executive council at Wisma Negeri (inset). Later a state gazette announced that the revocation of the 10 exco...
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M’sia, China to deepen TVET ties
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is looking to deepen cooperation with China in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as it seeks to produce 60,000 highly skilled engineers for its semiconductor sector by 2030, says Datuk Seri Anwar...
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Pact reset likely
The Melaka Legislative Assembly has been dissolved to make way for the 16th state election. Analysts say possible new political configurations could reshape the polls.
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From port to pocket
PETALING JAYA: Online shopping is so common nowadays that most of us think nothing of ordering even small everyday items from overseas, especially when prices can be less than RM10 and shipping is only a few ringgit more. But what happens if logistics...
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Lessening the burden
With the M40 a key focus of Budget 2027, economists are calling for more progressive income tax rates and better reliefs to help middle-income households cope with rising costs. They also want measures to ease healthcare costs and improve access to...
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Najib house arrest SOP
■ The MACC confirmed that ongoing cases involving Najib remain unchanged despite his pardon. ■ The Home Ministry is awaiting official notification on Najib’s conditional pardon. ■ Law Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said reiterated that no one is...
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House arrest for Najib
Umno welcomes it and pledges to raise the money for the Rm50mil fine, asking its members to accept the decision with gratitude The conditional pardon remains strictly subject to Najib fulfilling all specified conditions, including payment of the...
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Power relief for households
Domestic users now enjoy a higher electricity usage threshold of 800kwh, up from 600kwh, until December as the Federal Government eases cost-of-living pressures amid higher consumption caused by haze and hotter weather. Meanwhile, businesses are...
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‘Bless our nation’
As Malaysia turns 63, the King and Queen give thanks for the longstanding unity and harmony among the people. Leaders pledge to ensure no one is left behind in the nation’s progress while lawmakers also want the Malaysia Agreement 1963 to be honoured....
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Fabric of our nation
Dressed in vibrant traditional attire, Sarawakians proudly wave the Jalur Gemilang in Kuching to mark Malaysia Day. From intricate native regalia to shared festive smiles, the gathering embodies the harmony, unity and collective pride that bind the...
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Final touches
Communications Ministry staff members doublechecking the contents of goodie bags for the Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. Sarawak is the host of the national-level event tomorrow.
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Sweet unity
Young Malaysians came together in Penang to roll and mould mooncakes, celebrating the bonds that unite people of all backgrounds. As Malaysia Day approaches, their shared culinary experience for the upcoming Mid-autumn Festival shows how diversity can...
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Protecting Malaysia’s voices
Believe it or not – there are more than 130 languages in Malaysia. But many of those spoken by 300 ethnic and sub-ethnic groups are at risk of disappearing. While Bahasa Malaysia is a unifying force, experts say preserving minority languages will...
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For one night, they rise again
People solemnly observing a drone light show depicting the World Trade Center during a test run of the Tribute in Light installation in lower Manhattan, as twin beams shine from where the towers once stood. It has been 25 years but Americans still...
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Festive glow
GEORGE TOWN: Hundreds of pink lanterns are already glowing at night as Penang prepares to welcome the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Beneath the lanterns, visitors have been stopping for photographs among elaborate floral displays and a...
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Major drug haul
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan and other officers showing the seized drugs worth more than Rm2bil in Selangor. It is the biggest drug haul of the year, with the syndicate busted and its leader...
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The heat is on
Electricity demand sees a spike each time El Nino hits, causing a strain the country’s power system, data shows. Knowing how to use energy efficiently is important to beat the heat without breaking the grid.
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Allow parents to make the call
Stakeholders want parents to decide whether their children should refrain from attending classes if the haze becomes more severe. This came about after Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said parents only need to inform the school if they...
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Grounded by volcanic ash
PETALING JAYA: Airlines across the region have cancelled flights to and from Indonesia’s Soekarnohatta International Airport following a volcanic eruption from Mount Anak Krakatau. Malaysia Airlines cancelled 12 flights there yesterday following the...
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Help from home
THE haze over Malaysia and the devastating flood in Nepal and China are very different disasters. But they carry the same lesson: A problem on one side of a border can quickly become another country’s problem. The transboundary haze originating...
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Poor visibility
Thick haze blanketing the main road in Serian, reducing motorists’ visibility yesterday. Buildings, vehicles and roadside structures in the distance were barely visible through the smoky conditions. (Inset) Greenpeace and student activists protesting...
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Rainmakers in the sky
Cloud-seeding exercises have started in Sarawak, Kedah and Perlis to induce rain over hydroelectric reservoirs and water catchment areas in the three states. Meanwhile, Serian in Sarawak is still the hardest-hit area in terms of air quality.
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Think before you scan
More than 5,000 cases of QR code scams, known as ‘quishing’, have been recorded in the first half of this year alone with losses nearing Rm30mil. Victims tell of thousands of ringgit lost in a single scan after their accounts were unwittingly hijacked...
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Dry taps make matters worse
l Water supply crisis: Simunjan plant hits a critical 0.7m depth, causing widespread cuts. l Hazardous air quality: API in five areas in Sarawak exceeds 300, following historical highs in 1997 (800) and 2019 (442). l Rain-making operations: Cloud...
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Strength in diversity
A 100,000-strong crowd of all ages marked the country’s 69th National Day watching tanks and fighter jets roar past Dataran Putrajaya. Proudly patriotic, youth attending the parade share their hope for a future strengthened by diversity. With the...
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National Day goodies
Measures taking effect from Sept 1 are: Budi95 restored to 300 litres a month; Budi diesel up to 400 litres a month Higher allocations for school maintenance ai For Rakyat scheme open to those aged 18-30 Rm1bil to boost public healthcare’s digital...
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A burning issue
Wildfires raging near the Palembang-indralaya toll road in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Transboundary smoke from the blazes has crossed borders into Malaysia, blanketing parts of Sarawak, leaving motorists along the Pan Borneo Highway in Sri Aman (inset)...
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Race to trace survivors
With 55 Malaysians still uncontactable after devastating floods in Nepal, Wisma Putra is waiting for confirmation on whether any of them are among the 31 foreigners rescued after two Malaysians were found safe. As families anxiously await news, experts...
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Families on edge
As the chaos caused by massive floods in Nepal’s mountainous Rasuwa district enters the second day, families of the missing remain traumatised over their whereabouts and safety. The King wants the latest updates to be relayed to the families without...
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Tragedy in Nepal, Malaysians missing
An ice-rock avalanche in Nepal’s mountains caused a deluge of water and mud that destroyed villages, roads and buildings, leaving at least 95 dead. More than 380 foreign tourists, including at least 11 Malaysians, are missing in the floods.
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A vaccine for kids
A vaccine against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is being assessed by the government to verify its suitability in protecting kids against severe effects of the contagious illness. But healthcare experts say the vaccine is targeted only at one...
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Flags, displays and human graphics, oh my!
PUTRAJAYA: Private sponsorship for this year’s National Day celebration has surged, with the number of sponsors rising to 139 and contributions up 118% from last year, says Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. He said much of the support...
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