29/12/2025

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Brace for 2026 Report on h page 2 Major items of interest include requirement for social media platforms to remove harmful content, access age rule on teens, ‘pay fast-pay less’ mechanism for traffic summonses and proposed ban on vape.

The new year is expected to facilitate a Malaysia that is safer, cleaner, fairer and more accountable, but with more rules to follow and more systems to navigate. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Individuals caught committing offences to face RM2,000 fine and up to 12 hours of public cleaning work. Stricter enforcement against littering to start on Jan 1

Unity govt stable despite component party challenges Tensions within Umno, disagreement with DAP mere reflections of ideological diversity in coalition, says analyst.

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MONDAY | DEC 29, 2025

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Kuala Perlis rep Abu Bakar sworn in as new MB

ARAU: Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah was sworn in at Istana Arau here yesterday as the new menteri besar of Perlis. Abu Bakar, 57, took his oath of office as the state’s 12th menteri besar before the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail at 4.04 pm. Abu Bakar is Perlis Perikatan Nasional (PN) deputy chairman and state Bersatu chief. He won the Kuala Perlis seat in the 15th general election with a majority of 1,254 votes. He succeeds Mohd Shukri Ramli, who stepped down from his post on Thursday due to health reasons. Abu Bakar was appointed to the state executive council following a reshuffle in November last year, during which he was entrusted with the Tourism, Arts and Culture as well as Rural Development portfolios. In the reshuffle, Abu Bakar was among three state assemblymen appointed as new executive councillors, replacing two incumbents who were dropped. Although the swearing-in

ceremony was scheduled for 1pm, it was delayed until late afternoon, Bernama reported. Police personnel were stationed at the main entrance of the palace as well as at several junctions along the main routes leading to Istana Arau. On Dec 25, Perlis State Assembly Speaker Rus’sele Eizan announced unexpected vacancies for the Chuping, Bintong and Guar Sanji seats in accordance with Clause (1)(a)(ii) of Article 50A of the Perlis State Constitution. The vacancies arose after PAS announced on Dec 24 that the party membership of three of its assemblymen – Saad Seman (Chuping), Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (Bintong) and Mohd Ridzuan Hashim (Guar Sanji) – had been terminated following their alleged move to withdraw support for Mohd Shukri. In the last general election, Perlis PN won 14 of the 15 state assembly seats, with PAS securing nine seats and Bersatu five, while Pakatan Harapan, through PKR, won the remaining seat.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin presenting the instrument of office as Perlis menteri besar to Abu Bakar at Istana Arau yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Brace yourselves for drastic changes in 2026

Laws to be enforced on social media platforms next year PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will continue engaging social media platforms to ensure compliance with Malaysian laws, which will be fully enforced from Jan 1, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said there are platforms that are very proactive but also those that ignore complaints or information that the ministry submits. He added that although social media platforms with over eight million users no longer need a formal licence, Malaysian laws remain fully applicable. “We have already given them opportunities. Some have complied while others have offered excuses. Online crime has not decreased and, in fact, it is increasingly worrying,” he told Bernama. Fahmi highlighted a surge in online scams, sexual crimes against children, online gambling and misuse of AI technologies such as deepfakes. He cited international reports, which suggested that some platforms profit from scam advertisements, raising questions over the responsibilities of digital service providers. “On that basis, and considering international trends, the government sees justification in deeming all social media platforms as licensed. There is no need for a formal licence but the country’s laws apply.” Addressing potential resistance from global tech companies, Fahmi stressed the need for urgency. “I remember a major platform contacted me before Christmas in 2024, ready to apply. But a year passed with no action. Victims of scams and AI abuse cannot wait.” From Jan 1, all platforms with over eight million users must comply with Malaysian laws. Fahmi said clear accountability is needed to protect the country’s digital space. “All platforms must cooperate to ensure that the internet is safe, especially for children and families. This is about responsibility, not control.” – Bernama

seasonal discounts. The rule is simple – the sooner you settle, the less you pay. Settle within 1-15 days (50% reduction), 16 30 days (33%), after 31-60 days (pay full amount) and beyond 61 days (court action or blacklisting, potentially blocking road tax or licence renewals). Serious offences such as driving without insurance or using fake road tax will result in court action. Combined with public transport upgrades and stricter vehicle safety rules, 2026 promises safer roads and fewer opportunities for repeat offenders to slip through. 0 No more vaping? One of the most closely watched lifestyle shifts is the proposed full ban on vape and e-cigarette products. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said a paper would be submitted to the Cabinet early next year, with enforcement expected after mid-2026. It reflects concerns over the health risks of vaping. Authorities are expected to target imports, sales, possession and public use of vape. In short, 2026 may be remembered as the year Malaysia told the e-cigarette industry and its users: “Enough is enough”. 0 A year of making adjustments In 2026, there will be more rules to follow, more systems to navigate and fewer places to hide. But it will facilitate a Malaysia that is safer, cleaner, fairer and more accountable. Whether Malaysians welcome it or grumble through it, one thing is certain – it will not be “business as usual”.

o Year will not be time of quiet tweaks but one that impacts digital habits, wallets, road usage and lifestyles

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Fahmi said is more practical and privacy friendly. Social media platforms with eight million or more Malaysian users will automatically be licensed as service providers and can face fines of up to RM10 million for non-compliance. The message is clear: in Malaysia’s new digital order, Big Tech is no longer just hosting content, it is also responsible for it. 0 Clean streets, zero excuses Legislation will ensure cleanliness in public places next year. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has sounded a final warning that community service would be mandatory for littering offences from Jan 1. Anyone, including tourists and foreigners, caught tossing rubbish in public will face a RM2,000 fine and up to 12 hours of public cleaning duties, from scrubbing public toilets to unclogging drains. Nga said enforcement officers nationwide have been instructed to uphold the law strictly, aiming to restore civic responsibility rather than simply punish offenders. Despite years of awareness campaigns, littering has remained persistent, especially at city centres. 0 Summons: no more “forgot to pay” excuses Next year, a standardised traffic summons system takes effect nationwide, ending

PETALING JAYA: Brace yourselves, Malaysia – 2026 is coming, and change is inevitable. It will not be a year of quiet tweaks, but one that impacts our digital habits, wallets, road usage and lifestyles. 0 Social media: platforms, not people, on the hook From Jan 1, the Online Safety Act 2025 (Onsa) comes into force, marking Malaysia’s biggest shake-up in digital regulation yet. For the first time, legal responsibility shifts from individual users to social media platforms. Under Onsa, platforms must remove harmful content – from child sexual abuse material and scams to deepfakes, online abuse and those promoting self-harm – within 24 hours of being flagged. One of the most debated elements is the proposed restriction on social media access for children. While reports suggest that users aged 16 and below will be barred from holding accounts, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil emphasised that enforcement would be carefully phased in. Rather than adopting Australia’s age-assurance model, Malaysia will rely on platform-proposed age verification, which

Success of nation due to stability, bold reforms and public trust: PM KUALA LUMPUR: Policy stability, bold reforms and public trust have driven the Madani government’s success, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. quality investment, job creation and inclusive growth. global standing. “All these achievements are not just numbers and statistics but translate into real benefits for the people – from family wellbeing and new economic opportunities to a more resilient future. In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, he said the economy is being boosted through Anwar added that on the international front, ties with other countries and global leaders have opened doors to strategic investment and strengthened Malaysia’s

“With the full support of families, friends and Malaysians, I believe the Madani government will continue to move forward, serve with integrity and build a fair, prosperous and competitive nation for all,” he said in the post. – Bernama

MONDAY | DEC 29, 2025

3 Welfare challenges grow in 2025 as population ages

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: With only two days left this year, Malaysia’s social welfare system stands at a critical juncture – record cash aid has reached millions and long-term care initiatives have expanded, yet rising living costs and an ageing population highlight challenges that demand urgent attention. While the year saw unprecedented expansion under the Madani administration, it also exposed structural weaknesses that will require sustained focus from policymakers. 0 Ageing population and rising care needs One of the most consequential trends shaping welfare policy in 2025 was Malaysia’s accelerating shift towards an ageing population. The proportion of Malaysians aged 65 and above continues to rise, driving growing demand for long-term care, disability support and community based services. The National Ageing Action Plan 2025–2045 sets out a 20-year strategy to prepare Malaysia for life as an “aged nation” by 2043. It focuses on strengthening the care economy, professionalising caregiving, and improving long-term care governance. Key measures include expanded Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for care workers and double tax deductions for companies training staff in elder and disability care. Complementing this, the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework & Action Plan 2026–2030, launched earlier this

Program Perumahan Rakyat, Rumah Mesra Rakyat, and PR1MA expanded affordable housing access, while disability support programmes such as the assistance for the disabled persons who are unable to work and the allowance for disabled workers offered critical assistance. Youth were supported through the MyRailLife pass, providing free KTM rides to students and persons with disabilities. 0 Rising welfare numbers and system upgrades The scale of assistance in 2025 was reflected in a sharp rise in welfare recipients. By year-end, over 556,000 individuals were receiving regular payments through the Social Welfare Department, costing RM2.28 billion annually – up from just over 200,000 individuals previously. This growth highlighted both broader eligibility and deeper socioeconomic pressures, particularly in urban areas. While monthly aid, such as Children’s Aid, Senior Citizens’ Aid and Disabled Workers’ Allowance, is scheduled for disbursement by the 10th of each month, delays persisted due to an ageing digital system. To modernise delivery, the department is developing the Welfare Aid Management System 2.0

(SPBK 2.0), a fully online, secure and user-friendly platform set to replace eBantuanJKM by the end of 2026. It will integrate advanced tools such as the geographic information system, automated notifications and cloud computing with platforms such as Padu, eKasih, iSpeks, iGFMAS, MyIdentity and MyGDX, expediting verification and aid distribution. Additional targeted initiatives include Kasihnita, a skills and support programme for single mothers, urban poverty eradication programmes and subsidised basic goods and food assistance for low income communities. 0 Looking ahead 2025 marked bold moves in Malaysian social welfare, from record STR and Sara handouts to the one-off RM100 payment reaching 22 million adults. Long-term planning also advanced, with the National Ageing Action Plan and Malaysia Care Strategic Framework laying the groundwork for a resilient care system. Yet caregiver shortages, limited pensions and outdated digital systems show that generosity alone is not enough. Policymakers must now balance immediate relief with sustainable, future-ready support. MySTEP initiative to continue government has decided to extend the Malaysia Short-Term Employment Programme (MySTEP) next year, offering short-term work opportunities and experience in the public sector. The decision was outlined in a circular dated Dec 24 and signed by Public Service (Development) deputy director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Bakhari Ismail and posted on the Public Service Department’s official Facebook page. The circular said the initiative targets graduates or 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 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. The circular can be accessed at athttps://www.jpa.gov.my/perkhidmat an/surat-edaran/surat-edaran-dan garis-panduan-perolehan perkhidmatan-personel-mystep-di bawah-inisiatif-malaysia-short-term employment-programme-tahun-2026. – Bernama PUTRAJAYA: The

o Long-term plans take shape but shortage of caregivers, family burden and rising expenses raise concerns

aid to low-income households, seniors, singles and the hardcore poor, reaching up to RM4,600 per household. Meanwhile, Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) offered essentials-focused cash aid via MyKad, benefiting over 5.4 million recipients, with uptake of 98–99% in several states and expansion to 8,400 partner stores nationwide. A historic one-off RM100 Sara payment for adults aged 18 and above reached more than 22 million Malaysians, allowing them to purchase essential goods between August and December 2025. Meanwhile, the Budi Madani RON95 subsidy provided petrol at RM1.99 per litre for 16 million eligible Malaysians. Other notable initiatives included Skim Perubatan Madani for low income healthcare, MySalam takaful protection for B40 households, and Bantuan Kanak-Kanak for children in low-income families. Housing schemes such as

year, provides a roadmap for a structured and resilient care system. It strengthens legislation, governance, career pathways, advocacy, research and strategic collaboration – covering both professional caregivers and unpaid family carers. Budget 2026 allocations announced last year earmarked RM1.26 billion for elderly welfare, benefiting about 180,000 seniors through socioeconomic aid, community centres and disability support. Despite these efforts, caregiver shortages and the heavy burden on informal family carers remain pressing challenges. 0 Record cash aid and cost-of living support 2025 also saw unprecedented direct cash aid initiatives, expanding social support across Malaysia. The Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programme provided monthly cash

Clampdown on littering to begin on Jan 1 KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has issued a final reminder that the community service order for littering offences will come into force on Jan 1, 2026, as part of stricter enforcement against littering in public places.

He said enforcement officers have been instructed to uphold the new law, which aims to strengthen public cleanliness and civic responsibility. “Anyone, including foreigners, who throws rubbish in public places will be fined RM2,000 and sentenced to 12 hours of public cleansing work,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page. Nga had previously stressed that urban cleanliness was a shared responsibility and not solely the duty of the government or local authorities. He also expressed disappointment that littering continued to occur, particularly in city centres and public areas. “Malaysia is progressing towards developed nation status and will be hosting Visit Malaysia 2026, but irresponsible attitudes such as this tarnish the image of our cities and the country’s reputation, including among tourists,” he said. Nga said his ministry, through the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) and local authorities, remains committed to carrying out cleaning operations and continuous enforcement, but stressed that success depends on public awareness and cooperation. He urged all parties to respect public spaces during festivities or activities by disposing of waste properly and complying with the law to ensure clean, comfortable and orderly cities. “Clean cities reflect a cultured society. Let us support the efforts of SWCorp and local authorities in ensuring our cities are cleaner, sustainable and liveable for the next generation,” he said. – Bernama

Nga said Malaysia is progressing towards a developed nation status and irresponsible acts such as littering could tarnish the image of the country. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

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Unity govt stable despite challenges within Umno

Same union names inevitable, says ex-MP Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

inevitable, trajectory.” Despite

given

Umno’s

post-2018

o Experts say grassroots discontent and electoral realities expose tensions, but lack of alternatives keeps party anchored in government

PETALING JAYA: Similar names among trade unions in the same industry are unavoidable when their organisational scope overlaps, said former MP Sivarasa Rasiah, as objections rise over a newly registered union in the rubber sector. The Department of Trade Unions recently registered the National Union of Employees in Companies Manufacturing Rubber Products (2) 2024, alongside the long-established National Union of Employees in Companies Manufacturing Rubber Products, which has been registered since 1962. On Dec 23, theSun reported that veteran trade unionist K. Veeriah had raised objections over the similarity in the names. Sivarasa, a labour lawyer, said the issue must be understood in light of amendments made last year to the Trade Unions Act 1959 which expanded workers’ freedom to form and choose between unions operating in the same industry, sector or workplace – even when an existing union is already established. “The objections of some unionists that you cannot have another union with the same scope have been overtaken by the new law. “Bearing in mind that the same scope is now allowed, can the new name be said to be irrational, unreasonable or contrary to Section 12?” he asked, adding that while the names are similar, they are not identical. Under Section 12(3)(e)(i) of the Act, the director-general (DG) must refuse registration if a proposed union name is identical to an existing union or if it resembles an existing union to the extent that, in the DG’s opinion, it is likely to deceive the public or members of either union. Sivarasa said unions organising workers in the same sector face practical naming constraints, particularly when their membership scope is identical. “If they try to use different words, they may end up with vague, unclear or confusing names.” He added that similarity in names should not automatically be considered unlawful. “Whilst the name is similar, it is not identical.” The numerical addition to the new union’s name, Sivarasa argued, clearly distinguishes it as a separate entity with its own leadership and aspirations. “The discerning public who read both names will probably realise they are different unions and not the same.” In the current legal context, Sivarasa said, allowing multiple unions in the same industry makes any court challenge to the registration unlikely to succeed. He emphasised that the amendments were introduced to strengthen workers’ freedom of choice in deciding who should represent them in collective bargaining, with support from both the labour movement and the government to improve compliance with International Labour Organisation conventions. “However, only one union is allowed to collectively bargain with the employer,” he said, adding that the union chosen to represent workers is determined by a ballot. Meanwhile, employment lawyer Cheong Yew Sheng said the 2024 amendments did not alter statutory restrictions governing union names. “The 2024 amendment did not affect Section 12 of the Trade Unions Act 1959; it remains fully applicable today,” said Cheong. He added that the DG’s discretion in approving union names is strictly subject to Section 12(3) of the Act and is not unfettered.

these strains, International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and Iseas–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said the coalition is expected to hold. “I believe the government is more or less stable because the numbers are there. What is under stress is the narrative war – what the government can or will do. Whatever it decides will not satisfy everyone. Yet the government endures because the top leadership maintain good relations,” she said. Calls by Umno figures such as Dr Akmal Salleh and Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to reconsider the party’s role in the Unity government, Syaza added, underline Umno’s continued leverage within the coalition. “It’s more about signalling that Umno should not be taken for granted. It is a constant reminder to Pakatan Harapan that this is a transactional relationship,” she said. For now, both experts agree that the likelihood of Umno exiting the Unity government remains low. Syaza noted that the political cost of leaving would outweigh the benefits of staying. “It is about managing pressures so that Barisan Nasional can secure what it wants from the partnership. Of course, the relationship is likely to be recalibrated as GE16 approaches,” she said. Maintaining stability, added Syaza, will depend on clear messaging, strong internal party management and the ability to deliver tangible benefits to the public. “Coordination is key. Umno must communicate the benefits of being in government and ensure delivery on the ground so supporters can accept the BN–PH partnership despite the legal drama.” internal

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

credible alternative coalition that can guarantee both power and stability.” He said recent local-level disputes have also brought underlying tensions to the surface. For instance, Umno Puchong’s decision to sever ties with DAP over remarks by MP Yeo Bee Yin made headlines, which Awang Azman described as largely symbolic. “It reflects local frustrations and identity politics rather than a coordinated national strategy. At this stage, there is no clear evidence that the move represents a widespread or organised trend across Umno divisions. Nevertheless, it signals persistent grassroots discomfort that the leadership cannot afford to ignore.” The Dec 26 conviction of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak in the 1MDB case added another layer of strain. The High Court found him guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving nearly RM2.2 billion. The verdict has dominated Umno’s internal discourse over the past week, with party leaders defending Najib while also debating Umno’s position within the government. Awang Azman said the conviction did not create new fractures within the party, but instead exposed and accelerated existing ones. “The party has long been divided between loyalty to past leadership, reformist impulses and survivalist pragmatism. These divisions were already entrenched and to some extent

PETALING Unity government is holding, but signs of strain are beginning to surface. Rising tensions within Umno and friction with coalition partners such as DAP are testing the government’s cohesion, analysts said, even as the alliance remains structurally intact. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said that while disagreements are increasingly visible, the coalition continues to endure. “Umno’s internal tensions and its public disagreements with partners such as DAP are not new, but are to be expected in a broad coalition that brings together parties with differing ideological positions. “While rhetoric on both sides can at times appear uncompromising, there remains a strong shared interest in preserving government stability, particularly to avoid another cycle of political upheaval. Pragmatism, rather than sentiment, continues to underpin the coalition.” The growing unease among Umno’s grassroots over the party’s role in the Anwar Ibrahim-led government is beginning to influence internal discussions. Yet Awang Azman said this dissatisfaction has not translated into a unified or decisive push for withdrawal. “Umno’s leadership remains constrained by electoral realities and the absence of a JAYA: Malaysia’s GUA MUSANG: Six Orang Asli settlements in Kelantan have been identified as high-risk areas for potential disasters due to continuous rainfall from the ongoing Northeast Monsoon. Kelantan and Terengganu Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) director Mohd Faedzyal Mohamed said the locations identified as hot spots are Pos Lebir, Pos Bihai, Pos Balar, Pos Belatim, Pos Simpor and Pos Gob. He said above-average rainfall during the ongoing monsoon has compromised soil stability, increasing the risk of natural disasters in these areas. “Prolonged rainfall often leads to landslides, road closures from overflowing rivers and damage to road infrastructure. This situation directly impacts the daily activities and movement of Orang Asli residents in these areas.” In this regard, Mohd Faedzyal said his department remains in constant contact and in close cooperation with relevant agencies to ensure the welfare of the Orang Asli community, particularly those in remote areas, is safeguarded. He also said Jakoa has distributed food aid and basic necessities to affected residents to help ease their burden during the disaster period. Mohd Faedzyal reminded the Orang Asli community to remain vigilant and to travel in groups when conducting activities in forested areas. It was reported yesterday that the Malaysian Meteorological Department had issued a continuous rain warning at the danger level, with expected flooding in several Kelantan districts from yesterday until tomorrow. – Bernama

Six Orang Asli settlements identified as disaster hotspots

Mohd Faedzyal said above-average rainfall during the ongoing monsoon has caused landslides, overflowing rivers and road closures in several hotspots in Orang Asli settlements in Kelantan. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

MONDAY | DEC 29, 2025

5

New digital laws could cause ‘more harm than good’ o Without careful consideration, policies disrupting access to online tools might lead to child safety risks: NGO

Man held over alleged attack on e-hailing driver

and their owners were being monitored and reminded to renew their road tax promptly to avoid legal action. In another development, Muhammad Kifli said the RTD 50% summons discount was still in effect until Dec 30, adding that 702,606 summonses have been settled, generating total collections of RM93.51 million. However, he said 4.76 million outstanding summonses, involving more than RM1 billion, have yet to be paid, and the public are urged to take the opportunity to settle them before the discount period ends. – Bernama JOHOR BAHRU: An e-hailing driver sustained facial injuries after being attacked with a steering wheel lock in Jalan Lingkaran Dalam on Saturday. South Johor Bahru district police chief ACP Raub Selamat said the incident occurred at about 2.30pm. Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident took place as the 38-year-old victim allegedly exited a petrol station recklessly, forcing the suspect travelling along the same stretch to brake abruptly. “The male suspect, unhappy with the situation, got out of his car and struck the victim in the face with a steering wheel lock,” he said in a statement yesterday. He added that the victim sustained injuries to the left side of his face, requiring him to seek medical treatment. Raub said the victim filed a police report following the incident, adding that police has arrested the 35-year-old suspect to assist in the investigation. The steering wheel lock believed to have been used in the incident was also seized. “The suspect tested negative for drugs and has no criminal record,” he said, adding that the case was being investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code. Earlier, a seven-second video was widely shared on social media, showing an individual taking a steering wheel lock from a car boot and striking a car believed to belong to the victim. – Bernama Telecommunications tower catches fire IPOH: A telecommunications tower caught fire in an incident at the Maxis Sungai Perak substation area in Kampung Kelebor, Kuala Kangsar on Saturday. 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 despatched to the scene. “The blaze was visible from the North South Expressway. However, responding personnel found that the address provided was inaccurate, causing them to be caught in highway congestion. “The team took about an hour to reach the location as the site was situated within a forested area and an oil palm plantation, requiring the use of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Upon arrival, the fire had already been completely extinguished,” he said in a statement. He added that the fire was put out with the assistance of the landowner, who used fire extinguishers and stored water to douse the flames. “Part of the tower was damaged in the fire, affecting several communication panels and causing service disruptions. Further investigations on the tower are continuing,” he said yesterday. – Bernama

should not normalise surveillance or create new vulnerabilities in the process.” More fundamentally, she questioned what happens once a child turns 16 if platforms remain unsafe by design. “If the environment doesn’t change, we’re not solving the problem – we’re just postponing it,” she said, adding that safety must be embedded into systems through enforceable duties on platforms. She called for safer default settings for minors, limits on unsolicited contact, clear reporting channels, fast response timelines, transparency reporting, independent audits and meaningful penalties for non-compliance. Sha added that online safety education must be continuous and practical, involving children, parents, caregivers and educators, rather than treated as a one-off or symbolic exercise. Srividhya also emphasised that children must have a real voice in shaping digital policy. “Participation cannot mean children listening while adults speak. “It must shape outcomes, not merely legitimise decisions already made.” As Malaysia moves towards implementing new digital regulations in 2026, she urged policymakers to prioritise solutions that measurably reduce harm over symbolic controls. “Protection is not about control. Children’s rights do not disappear online,” she said.

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Parents and teachers rely on it for school announcements, students use it for group work, and families depend on it because it remains accessible as long as there is data or WiFi. “Any policy that disrupts access to tools like this without careful design and exemptions will have real consequences, especially for families with few alternatives,” she said. On age thresholds, Srividhya said she supports an under-13 limit rather than under 16, but only if it is paired with strong platform obligations, privacy-respecting enforcement and genuine child participation. “Under 13 is already the baseline most platforms claim to operate on,” she said. “A blanket restriction up to 16 risks being disproportionate and may simply delay exposure rather than reduce harm.” She stressed that age limits alone do not make online spaces safer. “They change who is allowed in, not how those spaces behave,” she said. Srividhya also raised concerns about the possible use of eKYC and official identification for age verification, adding that such measures could introduce new risks related to privacy, data retention and misuse. “A policy aimed at protecting children

PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia prepares to tighten control over major digital platforms — raising age limits and introducing new licensing requirements — child rights advocates are warning that headline-driven solutions risk overlooking how children actually live, learn and communicate in a digital-first world. CRIB Foundation co-chairperson Srividhya Ganapathy said the debate on “online child protection” must move beyond symbolic restrictions and confront the realities of children’s everyday lives. “With 2026 now in sight and major changes to how children access the internet on the table, it’s worth pausing to ask what ‘protecting children online’ should actually mean,” she said. She was responding to an announcement by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission that major messaging and social media platforms meeting the user threshold – including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube – will be deemed registered as Applications Service Provider (Class C) licensees from Jan 1. Separately, the Cabinet has approved raising the minimum age for social media accounts to 16, with implementation expected next year. Authorities have also indicated that platforms may be required to adopt electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) mechanisms, potentially involving official identification documents, to verify the age of users. For many Malaysian families, online spaces are no longer optional. Messaging apps, online classrooms and digital group chats have become essential infrastructure – connecting parents, teachers and students, enabling learning, coordination and social support. “Children learn, collaborate, seek help and build friendships online,” Srividhya said, adding that policies which fail to reflect this reality risk doing “more harm than good”. While acknowledging that online harms are real and escalating, she cautioned against responses driven by urgency rather than careful design. “There are real dangers – sextortion, grooming and bullying are not abstract risks,” she said. “But pretending children can simply stay offline is no longer realistic.” She pointed to WhatsApp in particular as a form of basic communication infrastructure for many households.

Srividhya said online safety education must be continuous and practical, involving children, parents, caregivers and educators, rather than treated as a one-off or symbolic exercise. – AI GENERATED IMAGE BY SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Extensively modified motorcycle among 65 impounded KUALA LUMPUR: A Yamaha Y15 motorcycle, extensively modified at a cost of RM18,000, was among 65 vehicles impounded during three separate operations by the Road Transport Department (RTD) in the federal capital on Saturday night. “In the three operations, RTD inspected 3,244 vehicles, issued 811 summonses, impounded 65 motorcycles and arrested riders, aged between 14 and 25, including foreigners,” he said yesterday. Muhammad Kifli said to date, 1,002 motorcycles had been impounded for various offences, particularly for extreme modifications and dangerous riding.

He said RTD has also stepped up action against the use of fancy number plates, with fines ranging from RM5,000 to RM10,000 under Section 108 of the Road Transport Act 1987. On operations against luxury vehicles, Muhammad Kifli said Op Luxury, launched on July 1, targeted owners who had failed to renew their road tax. He said 915 luxury vehicles had been seized,

Muhammad Kifli said the main offences included performing dangerous stunts like “Superman”, “wheelie” and “zigzag”, along with illegal racing that put other road users at risk. “The operations, which began at 10pm, were carried out following complaints from the public about noise and traffic disruption caused by the motorcyclists,” he said.

Senior RTD enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the operations in Jalan Genting Sempah, the Gombak toll plaza and Jalan Ampang, near the KLCC Twin Towers, targeted motorcyclists riding dangerously and making modifications that do not comply with technical specifications.

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Boosting reading scope of visually impaired

KUALA LUMPUR: “Reading is the bridge to knowledge” is a familiar mantra in campaigns promoting a reading culture nationwide, underscoring the role of books as gateways to learning. Yet behind these well-meaning efforts lies a group long left behind — children with visual impairments who continue to face limited access to reading materials due to a chronic shortage of books in Braille. The absence of such basic resources is not merely an issue of convenience, but a reflection of a growing Braille literacy crisis. Today, visually impaired children rely heavily on audio materials and smartphones, resulting in a steady decline in tactile reading skills – even though Braille remains the foundation of their education. Without Braille, opportunities to grasp spelling, sentence structure and vocabulary development become severely restricted. While sighted children have a wide range of options to learn letters and basic reading concepts, why are visually impaired pupils not afforded the same right? Data from the Malaysian Book Publishers Association shows that more than 240,000 new book titles were published over a five-year period from 2009 to 2014. However, none were produced in Unicode Braille – which enables Braille digitisation – effectively limiting access for persons with visual impairments to knowledge through reading materials. In an interview with Bernama, Malaysian Foundation for the Blind (MFB) founder and trustee Hakimi Hassan said the gap goes beyond a lack of materials, describing it as a structural crisis with long-term consequences. “If even newly published books each year are not available in Braille format, how are students supposed to familiarise themselves with the reference materials they should have?” he said, adding that Braille literacy risks declining as attention shifts increasingly towards digital access. The foundation is a non-profit organisation registered under the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department. It provides specialised services for persons with visual impairments, including assistive technology, education and welfare support. In the current landscape, blind children increasingly depend on audio, video and internet-based resources for learning. While helpful, digital materials cannot replace the syllable structure and vocabulary building: MFB founder o Braille bilingual dictionary project accords opportunity for special group to learn spelling,

Hakimi said Braille literacy risks declining as attention shifts increasingly towards digital access. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

repair or replacement. Braille dictionaries must be continuously reproduced, as their lifespan is relatively short – about six to seven months – before embossed dots begin to flatten if the books are not carefully maintained. Braille embossing equipment adds yet another layer of complexity. The foundation currently operates only two embosser units imported from Sweden, each involving high purchase, maintenance and spare-part costs. “If you add up all the equipment – embossers, printers, ink, Braille paper and spare parts – since we started this project in March 2025, the cost runs into hundreds of thousands of ringgit. “If one embosser breaks down, our production capacity immediately drops by half,” Hakimi said, adding that these hidden costs form the backbone of the entire publishing operation. Meanwhile, MFB publishing officer and information technology trainer Andy T.J. Boo said each dictionary set is produced through a combination of manual and digital processes. Although time-consuming even with specialised software and IT tools, he said the process is unavoidable, as every Braille word must be accurate. “Each Braille character is carefully typed using a specialised Braille keyboard. I review the text before converting it using text-to-Braille software. “The dictionary pages are then formatted using the Duxbury Braille Translator, during which spacing and layout must be adjusted precisely for printing,” he explained. However, physical printing remains the greatest challenge. “One embosser unit costs RM37,000 and is extremely sensitive.

Hakimi said the team had to reduce the number of word examples, compress content and remove non-essential graphics to ensure each page remains manageable for young children learning tactile reading. This is why a basic A-to-Z dictionary ultimately became five separate volumes. “In conventional printing, 26 letters should fit into one slim book. But in Braille, one letter could take several pages. We had to limit each letter to just eight to 16 examples so pupils are not overwhelmed.” Printing posed another major hurdle, as most mainstream printing companies do not cater to small volume Braille paper orders. Some impose minimum requirements of up to 100,000 copies. The foundation eventually opted for a more demanding but practical solution – manually producing each volume using standard printers and two in-house embosser machines. Funded through internal resources and sponsorships, the dictionaries were produced according to pupil needs – B1 (totally blind and fully reliant on Braille) and B2 and B3 (severely limited vision requiring a combination of Braille and high-contrast visuals). The dictionaries integrate Braille with high-contrast images to help B2 and B3 pupils form mental representations of objects, strengthen early comprehension and prevent “conceptual blindness” as vision deteriorates. Producing such visuals also comes with high costs, including colour ink expenses. “Only original ink can be used. Cheaper ink damages printers because they are not designed for this workload,” Hakimi said, estimating that a RM500 printer typically lasts only a few months before requiring

For printers, sheets must be fed one by one. “Any mistake affects both text and images,” he said, adding that the entire process is personally supervised. Despite digital advancements, production capacity remains limited, with only 10 sets produced per day. Hakimi said the foundation initially began with a bilingual Malay–English adult Braille dictionary combining both languages. Although its publication was limited by technical and financial constraints, the experience proved invaluable for developing the children’s dictionary. “The adult dictionary project opened our eyes to the vast gap in Braille literacy.” He added that the experience also deepened understanding of special education pedagogy, with teachers emphasising the need for simple, illustrated and consistent basic vocabulary. “Children’s content cannot simply be adapted from adult versions. It must be carefully restructured. “Our research and development involved collaboration with special education teachers, university lecturers and the Education Ministry, as well as studies of mainstream children’s book formats adapted for blind learners.” Looking ahead, the foundation aims to produce more modern multilingual dictionaries and develop a digital library equipped with text-to-speech features, audiobooks and additional learning modules. “We want Braille literacy to be a right, not a privilege,” Hakimi said, outlining the foundation’s vision of an inclusive learning ecosystem and a more independent future for visually impaired children.

tactile function of Braille, which is essential for understanding spelling, syllable structure and vocabulary building. Hakimi said over-reliance on audio learning often leaves pupils unable to independently read simple texts such as labels or instructions, undermining their autonomy and academic performance. “In special education schools, teachers try to fill this gap with their own creativity. But without consistent basic materials, learning often starts from scratch. That is why a basic dictionary is the most crucial starting point.” That gap is now being addressed by the foundation through the Illustrated Malay-English Braille Dictionary for Children project, the first of its kind produced in the country since March 2025. To date, more than 230 volumes have been distributed to three special education schools – SK Klang, SKPK Jalan Batu and SMKPK Setapak – with plans to expand distribution to 35 special education schools nationwide. “A bilingual dictionary is a fundamental necessity for students. To date, no bilingual dictionary has been provided by the Education Ministry or schools – even for mainstream pupils. Sighted students can still buy one from bookstores. Visually impaired students, however, have no specialised bilingual dictionary available in the market,” Hakimi said. Designed like a child-friendly mini encyclopaedia, with alphabets paired with images, producing the dictionary requires far greater technical precision than standard books. A single Braille character occupies nearly four times the space of a printed letter. As a result, a 10-page textbook could expand to 40 pages when converted into Braille.

MONDAY | DEC 29, 2025

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Myanmar votes amid civil war

o Military-linked party seen as frontrunner YANGON: Overshadowed by civil war and doubts about the credibility of the polls, voters in Myanmar were casting their ballots in a general election starting yesterday. The military government says the vote is a chance for a fresh start politically and economically for the impoverished Southeast Asian nation. Soon after polls opened at 6am (7.30am in Malaysia), voters began trickling into polling booths in Yangon and Mandalay. Dressed in civilian clothes, State Administration Council chairman Min Aung Hlaing voted in the heavily guarded capital city of Naypyitaw, then held up an ink-soaked little finger, smiling widely, photographs published by the Popular News Journal showed. Voters must dip a finger into indelible ink after casting a ballot to ensure they don’t vote more than once. Asked by reporters if he would like to become the country’s president, an office that analysts say he has ambitions for, the general said he wasn’t the leader of any political party. “When the parliament convenes, there is a process for electing the president,” he said. In this election, the military aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), led by retired generals and fielding one-fifth of all candidates against severely diminished competition, is set to return to power, said Lalita Hanwong, The initial craze saw more people in Vietnam pick up a paddle per capita than anywhere else in Asia, according to one survey. Now unwitting spectators are yelling fault, filing noise complaints and petitions to curb playing hours that have left authorities in a pickle. In the country’s densely packed cities, courts are wedged between tight alleyways and nestled beneath high-rises, disturbing thousands of people. “It drives me nuts,” said Hoa Nguyen, 44, who lives with her family behind a multicourt complex in Hanoi’s northeastern outskirts. “People are playing in the middle of the night and there’s nothing we can do about it,” Nguyen said, adding that she had filed a complaint with local authorities. “The noise makes it impossible for me to sleep. It just keeps going pop-pop-pop.” Most noise complaints on the capital’s iHanoi app stem from pickleball, according to state media, which has dubbed the sport an “acoustic hazard”. Associated noise-related issues range from unruly crowds to

Min Aung Hlaing shows his inked finger after voting. – AFPPIC

USDP was the most visible. Founded in 2010, the year it won an election boycotted by the opposition, the party ran the country in concert with its military backers until 2015, when it was swept away by Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD). The government maintains that the elections provide a pathway out of the conflict, pointing to previous military-backed polls, including one in 2010 that brought in a quasi-civilian government that pushed through a

Valencia coach drowns in Indonesia JAKARTA: Fernando Martin, a coach with Valencia CF, has died with three members of his family after their boat capsized in Indonesia. Valencia said they were “deeply saddened by the passing of Fernando Martin, coach of Valencia CF Femenino B, and three of his children, in the tragic boat accident in Indonesia, as confirmed by local authorities”. Indonesian and Spanish authorities said on Saturday that Martin and three of his children were missing after the boat carrying 11 people sank in extreme weather on Friday in the Padar Island Strait near the island of Labuan Bajo, a popular tourist spot. The search was continuing, Fathur Rahman, mission coordinator for Indonesia’s search and rescue agency in the area, told Reuters. Real Madrid CF also sent condolences for Martin, 44, a former player in second-tier Spanish football who was appointed coach of the Valencia Women’s B team this year. His wife and one daughter, as well as four crew members and a tour guide, were rescued and safe, SAR said in a statement. – Reuters For the first time, polling in Myanmar is being conducted via more than 50,000 electronic voting machines that will speed up counting and eliminate the possibility of fraud, according to the election commission. Election observers from Russia, China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nicaragua and India are at some centres. – Reuters series of political and economic reforms.

although the government does not have complete control of all those areas. Dates for counting votes and announcing election results have not been declared. There has been none of the energy and excitement of previous election campaigns, residents of Myanmar’s largest cities said, although they did not report any coercion by the military administration to push people to vote. In the lacklustre canvassing, the

a lecturer and Myanmar expert at Thailand’s Kasetsart University. “The election is designed to prolong the military’s power over the citizens. “And USDP and other allied parties with the military will join forces to form the next government,” Hanwong said Following the initial phase yesterday, two rounds of voting will be held on Jan 11 and Jan 25, covering 265 of Myanmar’s 330 townships,

Noise complaints spark Vietnam pickleball wars HANOI: The piercing pop-pop of pickleball paddles starts before sunrise and ends after midnight at dozens of courts across Hanoi, as residents relish one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing sports or rage at the noise it makes. honking horns in overcrowded parking lots. Lam Thanh, 50, who manages a dormitory for workers near one of Ho Chi Minh City’s estimated 1,000 courts, says the cacophony is proving to be costly.

“Many tenants couldn’t stand the noise and have moved elsewhere,” she said. “There’s the popping sound of paddles, cheering, shouting and joking around. It’s all extremely exhausting for us.” Vietnam is the sport’s second fastest-growing market in Asia after Malaysia, according to pickleball rating company DUPR. Regional professional circuit PPA Tour Asia says more than 16 million people in Vietnam have picked up a paddle, though that figure is extrapolated from a survey of around 1,000 respondents. Hanoi’s Long Bien district, its pickleball centre, has more than 100 courts, up from 54 in less than a year, according to state media. Pickleholic Club, Victory Pickleball and Pro Pickleball Vn are all within a five-minute walk, with dozens more a short drive away. Coach Pham Duc Trung, 37, said the sport’s accessibility was key to its popularity. “The paddle is light and the ball is light ... Children can play it, and so can adults,” he said. “The sound of the ball hitting the paddle is quite appealing.”

A Hanoi resident playing pickleball at a playground. – AFPPIC

pitched than tennis or badminton. A nationwide noise ordinance is supposed to limit the din, especially late at night, but residents say the courtside clatter often goes unmuted. “The constant bouncing of the pickleball is not only annoying but also subtly triggers stress, disrupts sleep, and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease,” according to state-run VTC News website. Ball strikes register “like the ticking of a clock against the temples”, it said this month, adding many people are “haunted by the sound of popping”. – AFP

Not everyone agrees. Around the world, the plinks and pops of pickleball have spawned outrage, provoking protests and even lawsuits. But Vietnam’s widespread embrace of the sport, and its cities’ rapid growth in recent decades as the economy boomed, help explain the intense frustration. Ho Chi Minh City already ranks among the loudest cities in Asia, according to the United Nations, with noise pollution levels high enough to damage hearing. And experts say pickleball sounds are louder and higher