29/12/2025

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