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PN chief quits Report on h page 2 Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin makes way amid coalition rift, PAS secretary-general says party ready to lead opposition bloc.

Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faizal Ismail Aziz says Muhyiddin steps down ‘to restore harmony in Perlis and at the federal level’. – HARITH KAMAL/THESUN

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Parents greet Education Ministry’s ‘practical and cost-saving’ move with mixed feelings. Neckties no longer compulsory for students

Two ministries sued for inaction over possible greenwashing

RimbaWatch says Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry passed the buck on complaint against fossil fuel ads.

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Muhyiddin to step down as PN chairman tomorrow o Decision made to quell internal friction following appointment of new Perlis MB after five Bersatu, three PAS assemblymen withdrew support for former menteri besar

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: In a move aimed at quelling internal friction, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will step down as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman on Jan 1. Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faizal Ismail Aziz said the decision follows the drama over the appointment of the new Perlis menteri besar after Bersatu and PAS assemblymen pulled support for former menteri besar Mohd Shukri Ramli of PAS, a shake-up that left the coalition scrambling for stability. Tun Faizal said the position of PN chairman had previously been offered to PAS. “From the very beginning, after the 15th general election, Muhyiddin offered the PN chairmanship to PAS but it was declined. The post of

Article 50A of the Perlis State Constitution, as announced by Speaker Rus’sele Eizan on Dec 25. “At the same time, PAS reaffirms its commitment to always uphold and respect the rule of law, democratic principles, the constitutional monarchy as well as the wisdom of the “After his resignation, I believe PAS and Bersatu will choose a new leadership, and there will definitely be different approaches and strategies in the upcoming 16th general election.” He added that the episode exposes PN’s fragility. “This gives a picture of a weak and down and make way for Hamzah. “Bersatu has split, and the sacking of one MP and the suspension of another has made things worse.” Mazlan said PN could reorganise under new leadership despite appearing weak. “I think Muhyiddin’s resignation will not have too much of an impact on PN’s stability. This is because PAS as a main partner has shown a loss of trust in him and almost half of Bersatu members and leadership have also rejected him. Tun that continuous attacks by PAS against Muhyiddin following the incident were also a contributing factor to the Pagoh MP’s decision to step down as leader of the opposition bloc. “As someone magnanimous, Muhyiddin chose to relinquish the position to make way for PAS and other PN component parties. His intention is to restore harmony in Perlis and at the federal level.” Tun Faizal added that current holders of appointed PN positions do not need to resign. “There is actually no need for them to resign. When the new chairman comes in he will make fresh appointments. But it is up to those appointed if they choose to step down.” Muhyiddin was reported as having informed Bersatu leaders via WhatsApp on Monday night that he would relinquish his post as PN chairman effective Jan 1. The decision reportedly faced opposition from several Bersatu supreme council members who believe that Muhyiddin, as a co-founder of PN, need not step down. Several Bersatu leaders aligned with Muhyiddin also announced their resignations yesterday, including Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who stepped down as PN secretary-general as well as Selangor PN chairman, and Johor PN chief Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, who resigned as state chairman. Both leaders cited the fact that Faizal claimed

“This clearly shows Muhyiddin’s attitude. He is not someone who chases positions. However, in the Perlis issue the situation became disharmonious and made to appear as involving a confrontation between the palace and PAS,” he told theSun .

Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, for the well-being and benefit of the state and its people,”Takiyuddin said. The menteri besar crisis had prompted several PAS leaders to call for the party to sever ties with Bersatu. – BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE divided PN. This would certainly benefit other political coalitions such as BN or PH.” Mazlan also weighed in on the prospects of PAS taking over PN, stressing that the coalition still leans heavily on Bersatu, especially for leadership roles. “Although PAS has stated that its leaders are qualified to lead PN, I believe Hamzah will be appointed as the new PN chairman. “PAS is still relying on Bersatu, which has many experienced leaders capable of managing the federal government. “Everything will run smoothly only if PAS is willing to set aside the Perlis political conflict and cooperate fully with Hamzah’s leadership.” Both analysts agreed that the coming weeks would be critical for PN to stabilise its leadership. their appointments were made by Muhyiddin as reason for stepping down. The tensions between Bersatu and PAS are not new, with both parties frequently trading barbs following their failure to reach a consensus on naming a prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming 16th general election. The menteri besar crisis intensified the rift after Bersatu’s Abu Bakar Hamzah, who is also Kuala Perlis assemblyman, was appointed as the new menteri besar following the withdrawal of support for Mohd Shukri by five Bersatu and three PAS assemblymen. Shukri resigned from his post citing health reasons. PAS subsequently sacked the three assemblymen, and their seats were declared vacant. The party has also urged Bersatu to take action against its five assemblymen. Following the incident, several PAS leaders had renewed calls for the party to sever ties with Bersatu. PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said yesterday that the party is ready to lead PN. He said while PAS would continue to support the current Perlis state government, the party would not be part of the new state exco line-up. “All existing PAS exco members will resign from their respective positions as a sign of solidarity in tandem with the resignation of the former menteri besar.”

opposition leader was also first offered to PAS but it was rejected. “After that Muhyiddin proposed Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin (Bersatu deputy president), which was agreed to by Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS president) and others.

Tun Faizal said Muhyiddin chose to relinquish the PN chairmanship to make way for PAS and other PN component parties, and restore harmony in Perlis and at the federal level. – BERNAMAPIC

Speculation intensifies over coalition’s future leadership

square one. It could signal that PAS lacks capable national-level leadership, which might create more turmoil. “This would not just apply to Hamzah but to any PAS leader, as Perikatan Nasional isn’t solely about Bersatu and PAS – other parties are also involved. “Given PAS’s extreme views, allies of PN would likely approach policies and strategies more cautiously. Likewise, supporters, especially non Malay voters, would be more careful in their support.” Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said the Perlis conflict was the tipping point behind Muhyiddin’s resignation. “I think Muhyiddin’s resignation has something to do with pressure within the party (for him) to step

performance in Sabah played a role and the Perlis fiasco was likely the final straw. “With PAS threatening to pull out of PN and revive Muafakat Nasional without Bersatu after the Perlis fiasco, I believe this is the main reason behind Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s exit.” Azmi said the challenge for PN now is finding a successor capable of filling Muhyiddin’s shoes. “Who from PAS’s leadership can competently replace Tan Sri Muhyiddin? “In terms of his resources and strategic approach, Muhyiddin has elevated PN at the national level, making it difficult for any previous leader to match his performance. Yet, he appears willing to step aside to protect both PN and Bersatu. “If Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin were to take over, it’s all back to

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s decision to resign as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman has sparked intense speculation over the coalition’s future leadership and the challenges ahead. The departures of other top leaders, including PN secretary general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and Johor PN chief Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, highlight the scale of the political shake-up. Analysts agree that Muhyiddin’s exit is closely tied to the turmoil in Perlis, where tensions between PN partners, particularly PAS and Bersatu, came to a head. Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said he does not believe PN’s

PAS intends to nominate candidate from its own ranks PETALING JAYA: PAS is yet to decide whom it will nominate for the chairmanship of Perikatan Nasional (PN) although the party has indicated that it intends to put forward a candidate from within its own ranks. PAS Central Working Committee member Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya said the party has not yet convened to discuss on a nominee to replace outgoing PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. “We have not decided anything yet. The meeting will take place on Jan 4,” he told theSun. Earlier, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said in a statement that the party is ready to assume the leadership of PN to face the upcoming Perlis by-elections in Chuping, Bintong and Guar Sanji. The seats became vacant following the expulsion of three assemblymen, in accordance with Clause (1)(a)(ii) of

WEDNESDAY | DEC 31, 2025

3 Rethinking education beyond exams and rote learning

A recent circular signed by Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad stated that wearing a necktie will be optional if agreed upon by both the school and parents, and that no party should coerce or pressure students on the matter. The policy takes practical student needs into account, including the hot and humid local climate that can make daily necktie-wearing uncomfortable and aims to reduce household financial burdens associated with school uniforms. A parent, who wished to be known only as Khadijah, said she is grateful that neckties are no longer compulsory. “I hope my son’s school will consider allowing students not to wear a tie. “I have lost count of how many ties I have had to buy for my son, as he keeps losing them. He took it off after school while waiting for his school bus and ended up misplacing it. “He is still in primary school, so this tie-wearing is just not suitable for our Report flags rising floods, cooler temperatures PUTRAJAYA: The Department of Statistics Malaysia yesterday released the Compendium of Environment Statistics 2025. The average maximum temperatures recorded at 42 meteorological stations showed a decline at 33 stations, ranging from 0.1 to 1.3 degrees Celsius, while two stations registered a slight increase throughout 2024. Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said Chuping station recorded the highest at 32 degrees Celsius, while Cameron Highlands recorded the lowest at 17 degrees Celsius. The report said 22 stations recorded an increase in annual rainfall, with rises ranging from 51mm to 2,230.9mm. Kapit station recorded the highest total rainfall of 5,624.0mm, while the lowest was recorded at Kuala Pilah station with 1,704.3mm. “In general, the diverse impacts of global climate change in 2024 included a sharp rise in flood incidents across Malaysia, totalling 1,345 cases compared with 809 the previous year. “Sarawak recorded the highest incidence with 459 cases, followed by Terengganu (199) and Kedah (101).” The report also highlighted an increase in clinical waste, which rose by 11.8% in 2024 following two consecutive years of decline. He said the total volume increased to 46,700mt , compared with 41,800mt in 2023. “The largest volume of clinical waste was generated in Selangor (11,800mt), followed by Kuala Lumpur (5,100mt) and Sarawak (5,000mt).” The statistical compendium provides environmental statistics across six components – environmental conditions and quality; natural resources and their use; waste; extreme events and disasters; human settlements and environmental health; and environmental engagement, management and protection. – Bernama

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

embracing student-centred assessment, with teachers best placed to assess both students’ knowledge and character. He added that parents and society at large must align with these reforms rather than remain attached to the old content-based exam system. “Assessment reforms are moving Malaysia in the right direction, fostering holistic development, including physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and social skills. “Teachers and parents should receive professional training in student-centred pedagogy and classroom assessment, which are essential for meaningful learning.” Looking ahead, Majid said the implementation of the 13th Malaysian Plan (2026–2030) and new education blueprints for both schools and higher education institutions will be pivotal. He emphasised that effective communication and implementation are key and that teachers, staff, parents and the wider community must have the right knowledge and mindset to carry out reforms successfully. “By working with local and international partners, we are moving from rote, content-based learning to outcome-based, student-centred education. Our qualified teachers are committed to implementing these reforms, and parents and stakeholders must continue to support meaningful change. “We are optimistic about the future of our education system.”

o Looking ahead to 2026, academics urge deep reforms, mindset shift to prepare students for future classrooms

PETALING JAYA: As 2025 winds down, Malaysia’s education sector has marked key developments, from the rollout of digital learning tools in rural schools to pilot programmes boosting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and critical thinking skills. Despite persistent challenges such as teacher shortages and uneven resources, policymakers and educators view the above initiatives as crucial steps towards modernising the system and readying students for tomorrow’s demands. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia education expert Dr Anuar Ahmad stressed that beyond budget and staffing, systemic reform and mindset change are crucial to realising the full potential of Malaysia’s education system. “The key is to change our mindset and the way bureaucracy functions. If we don’t, we will remain in the current form. But there is hope.” Anuar also highlighted a wider structural gap in Malaysia’s education system, saying that it remains trapped in a developing country model, where classrooms are largely teacher-centred and textbook-based, with lessons focused on deductive learning rather than creativity, critical thinking, communication or problem-solving.

importance of teacher and student competency, as educators should have a deep understanding of education, mastering fields such as psychology, pedagogy and sociology, while also embracing a strong foundation in education philosophy. “Philosophy does not mean sticking to old practices. It is about thinking what is best for our children today and what will serve them well in the next 15 to 20 years. I believe this is extremely important.” Malaysia Association for Education president Dr Mohd Majid Konting said looking ahead to 2026, Malaysia’s education system must prioritise resilience and student-centred learning. “Meaningful learning is the essence of a resilient and student centred education. Teaching and learning must fully support this, especially if we aim to develop students’ character holistically, in line with our National Philosophy of Education,” he added. On assessment reform, Majid said this year’s SPM changes show the need to shift from the content based secondary school curriculum to the standard secondary school curriculum, which is a learning-outcomes focused curriculum that requires

“Teachers are still teaching while students listen and methods remain largely textbook-driven. In more developed education systems, teachers have autonomy and are trusted to tailor lessons to the needs of their students.” He also cited the system’s centralisation as a barrier, with decisions from lesson planning to school closures previously requiring approval from superiors. Only recently have schools gained more authority to make such decisions independently. “We are still thinking like a developing country, centralised and rigid. To move forward, we need a system that gives teachers and school staff confidence to implement the best educational practices according to their students’ needs.” Anuar also called for a change in mindset, saying Malaysia needs an education system that gives teachers more freedom while keeping up with digital tools and modern teaching methods. He cautioned that piecemeal changes could inadvertently affect other systems and emphasised that reforms must consider broader classroom impacts rather than simply meeting administrative requirements. Anuar also stressed the

School neckties optional for students next year PETALING JAYA: Malaysian pupils and students will no longer be required to wear neckties from next year, the Education Ministry announced, leaving the decision to schools and parents. climate. It is too hot and humid. They should consider introducing cooling uniforms with collars, similar to what golfers wear, where they just need to button up and still look smart in their khaki pants.”

The no-necktie policy takes practical student needs into account, including the hot and humid climate that can make daily necktie-wearing uncomfortable. – BERNAMAPIC

One parent, who wished to be known as Jessica, felt that neckties still have a role in school uniforms, as they help children look clean and presentable. “Wearing a necktie can also help students develop a sense of responsibility, as they learn to take care of their uniform and dress appropriately for school,” she said. Having a similar view, civil servant Marziana Ab Rashid, 49, said that wearing neckties should continue, as it reflects a student’s identity and indirectly instils a sense of discipline and personal grooming. She added that neckties encourage students to present themselves neatly and professionally, which is an important habit to cultivate from a young age. “In line with current practice, students could wear neckties at least once a week, allowing them to maintain a polished appearance on certain days while enjoying more comfort on others,” she said. A Form Two student, who wished

uncomfortable,

especially

in

However, he acknowledged that he would still need to wear a tie because he is a school prefect. Meanwhile, a 13-year-old student backed the move to make neckties optional, describing it as a practical change. “I think it’s cool that ties are optional now. They’re super

to be known only as Abdullah, welcomed the decision, saying it is too hot most of the time to wear a necktie. “It is so uncomfortable, and I look forward to wearing my sports and co curriculum attire on the designated days my school has decided,” he added.

Malaysia’s heat. “Most of the time, we’re already in sports attire for PE and other activities, so this just makes school a bit easier. “As long as everyone still dresses neatly, I think it’s a good and practical change.” - By Qirana Nabillah Mohd Rashidi

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Two ministries named in climate litigation case

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Environmental watchdog RimbaWatch has taken two ministries to court in what it calls the country’s first climate litigation case, alleging inaction on potentially misleading fossil fuel advertising that may amount to greenwashing. The judicial review, filed last week at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, names the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. RimbaWatch said the lawsuit follows a formal complaint lodged on Sept 20 against a fossil fuel company marketing a product as “carbon neutral”, a claim the group says is misleading and harmful to consumers and the environment. It lodged the complaint with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, which oversees consumer protection, and NRES, which is tasked with preventing pollution and safeguarding the environment. “We suggest that, if indeed these claims are misleading as we believe, PETALING JAYA: Zero Waste Malaysia has applauded tougher littering enforcement, but warned that proposed fines of up to RM2,000 and mandatory community service could hit lower-income communities hardest if not paired with public education, better infrastructure and transparent rollout. Its senior programme and communications officer Tasha Sabapathy said penalties alone would not solve Malaysia’s chronic littering problem, especially in areas where basic waste management is still patchy. “There should be ongoing campaigns that involve inclusive communication to communities regarding the policy so that people understand the reasons behind it,” she said, adding that enforcement must provide space for public feedback. “If the frequency of trash collection is low in a rural kampung , slapping a fine would not solve the issue. It would only add to the burden of communities already struggling with access.” However, data gathered by Zero Waste Malaysia suggests that public support for environmentally friendly policies is growing, provided solutions remain practical and affordable. According to its 2025 stakeholder survey involving 625 respondents, 90% said they support policies that enforce zero-waste practices. While the survey did not focus specifically on littering, it identified significant structural barriers to sustainable behaviour. She said the top three challenges faced by respondents when attempting to recycle were uncertainty over what can be recycled, the complexity or tediousness of recycling processes, and difficulty finding drop-off points. “Accessibility and convenience appear to be the main issues.” She added that addressing littering requires a shift towards waste reduction rather than simply increasing the number of bins. Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

false solutions to climate change and delays real action. “Malaysia, unlike regional counterparts such as Singapore, has yet to develop regulatory guidance on greenwashing, nor have they acted proactively to address misleading claims being made. “We are hopeful that this suit will act as a wake-up call to Malaysian authorities to address greenwashing, improving alignment between corporate actions and Malaysia’s national climate and developmental priorities.” RimbaWatch said the suit aims to protect consumers and ensure corporate claims do not undermine Malaysia’s climate commitments. habits should be nurtured from a young age rather than imposed solely through fines. Others placed the onus squarely on individuals. Butterninja argued that managing one’s own waste takes minimal effort, citing Japan where people dispose of rubbish at the point of purchase rather than leaving it in public spaces. Some called for harsher penalties. Lurker4Memes argued that 12 hours of community service is too lenient, insisting that people should be fully accountable for the waste they generate and stressing that enforcement must be backed by sufficient trash and recycling infrastructure. A more measured approach was suggested by BigMandolorian, who said starting with lower fines could prevent disproportionate impacts on lower-income individuals, suggesting escalated penalties for repeat offenders. For others, the issue was with consistent enforcement. hidetoshiko said punishment only works if it is visible and sustained, suggesting public shaming as an effective deterrent in Malaysia and pointing to Singapore as a model more likely to succeed locally than Japan’s strict social norms. Questions were also raised about clarity. ryukagesanada asked whether minor acts, such as dropping cigarette butts, would be treated the same as dumping bags of rubbish, suggesting warnings for first-time offenders to build awareness. Concerns over fairness surfaced as well. toastiiii criticised the flat RM2,000 fine, arguing that it could hardly dent wealthier offenders while hitting others hard, raising fears over inconsistent enforcement or corruption if authorities lack clear evidence. Infrastructure gaps were another recurring theme. kewarken noted the scarcity of public bins, arguing that the government must invest in facilities if it expects compliance. Vast_Battle_704 questioned if acts such as public spitting would also fall under the law. – BY KIRTINEE RAMESH

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are divided over the government’s new tough stance on littering, set to take effect tomorrow, with some welcoming the crackdown and others questioning whether authorities have the tools and infrastructure to make it work. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming issued a final warning that anyone caught littering in public will face a RM2,000 fine and 12 hours of community service. The law applies to everyone, including foreigners, and is part of wider efforts to boost urban cleanliness nationwide. Online reaction was swift, reflecting public frustration over persistent rubbish in city centres. Some welcomed the long-overdue move. Reddit user Legatuspacis45 called it “a good start”, pointing to litter piling up around central Kuala Lumpur areas, such as Masjid Jamek, but warned that without comprehensive surveillance, enforcement could amount to little more than a token gesture. “Hard to say, but this would not actually solve the problem,” the user wrote, stressing that responsible International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) Climate Change Advisory Opinion issued on July 23, which sets a “stringent” standard of due diligence for states in protecting the climate. The ICJ opinion requires governments to establish effective national systems-laws, enforcement mechanisms and administrative procedures, and to ensure these systems function. Failing to investigate credible allegations breaches this standard, it said. The lawsuit also reflects rising concern over corporate greenwashing in Southeast Asia. Greenwashing misleads the public by exaggerating companies’ environmental efforts, promotes

o Lawsuit involves potentially misleading fossil fuel advertising

decisions is that there is seemingly no government agency empowered to investigate potentially misleading advertising or marketing claims related to climate protection,” said RimbaWatch. It stressed that the matter highlights a major regulatory gap in Malaysia and if credible greenwashing allegations are ignored, consumer rights and climate protection suffer. The case draws on the

they could harm both consumer protection and climate protection interests,” it said. However, on Sept 30, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry said the matter falls outside its jurisdiction and advised the watchdog to approach NRES. Meanwhile, NRES said the complaint is beyond its remit and directed the group to the other ministry. “The practical effect of these

‘Harsher littering rules must pair with education, infrastructure, transparency’

Malaysians divided over new law

“We need alternative systems that reduce waste generation altogether.” She suggested refill and reuse services, composting facilities, repair hubs and deposit-return schemes. Tasha cited examples such as mobile refill services that bring package-free shopping to neighbourhoods, as well as international models. “In France, restaurants with seating capacities of more than 20 people are required to use reusable tableware for dine-in customers.” Closer to home, she urged food and beverage outlets to get on board with bring-your-own-container schemes and ditch single-use disposables for dine-in customers, adding that fast-moving consumer goods companies should step up with reusable or returnable packaging solutions. She also called on the government to clearly disclose how revenue from littering fines will be used. Ultimately, she said success should not be judged by how many people get fined, but by real drops in waste and a genuine shift in public behaviour.

“Improperly bins, especially uncovered ones in outdoor spaces, often worsen the problem as animals rummage through waste, causing it to spill.” Tasha also raised concerns about the lack of updated public data on waste generation and major polluters, noting that transparency is critical to fair and effective enforcement. “We need data on who the biggest contributors to waste are, including companies responsible for excessive packaging, especially with extended producer responsibility policies coming up. “Without this information, consumers do not understand the scale of the problem or how urgent it has become.” She warned that strict penalties without parallel systemic changes could simply shift littering away from monitored areas into rural locations or spaces without surveillance. “If enforcement is purely punitive, people may just litter where there are no camera traps,” she said. designed

Tasha said addressing littering requires a shift towards waste reduction rather than simply increasing the number of bins. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/ THESUN

WEDNESDAY | DEC 31, 2025

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Review of Malaysia’s digital agenda in 2025 o Platform accountability highlighted, paving way for tougher rules on age-appropriate access, content moderation, safety duties

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: This year, the gloves came off. Regulators found themselves under growing pressure to rein in online harms hitting children and vulnerable users, and the heat did not let up. A combination of enforcement crackdowns, headline-grabbing incidents and blunt international warnings inevitably placed platform accountability squarely in the spotlight, paving the way for tougher rules on age-appropriate access, content moderation and digital safety duties. Platform accountability and child safety Escalating cases involving harmful online content and youth exposure intensified regulatory scrutiny of social media platforms in the second half of 2025. Between January and November, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) detected 957 cases of offensive content targeting children on social media platforms, with 899 items removed, reflecting a 94% compliance rate by platforms as of Dec 3. MCMC said services such as TikTok, Facebook and Tumblr responded most promptly to takedown requests as enforcement cooperation with police intensified through joint operations. Concerns over children’s social media exposure were further amplified by violent incidents involving youths. In October, a 14-year-old student was charged with the murder of a schoolmate at a secondary school in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya. Police revealed that investigators had recovered a handwritten note containing gaming-related references, including “NPC” (non-player character), alongside phrases pointing to a distorted perception of reality. On Oct 27, police also said they had not ruled out the possibility that online game Roblox may have influenced a case in Batu Pahat, where a nine-year-old boy allegedly attacked his six-year-old brother. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said preliminary investigations showed that the elder child had been playing the game extensively. These incidents further fuelled debate over age limits, parental controls and the adequacy of

of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, emerged as one of the most consequential digital regulatory moves of the year. 2025 digital newsflash in a nutshell As the year closes, Malaysia’s digital agenda has moved firmly into enforcement territory. Platform practices, online harm and mounting financial losses drive regulatory expansion, shifting the focus from policy signalling to accountability. The year ahead would test whether these measures translate into meaningful protection and deterrence.

Against this backdrop, Malaysia moved to anchor these expectations within its licensing framework. On Dec 15, MCMC announced that social media and internet messaging platforms with eight million or more users in Malaysia would be automatically deemed registered under the Application Service Provider Class licence from Jan 1, 2026. The new deeming provision, set to be enforced under Section 46A

MyKad and MyDigital ID. The measures were framed as part of broader enforcement under the Online Safety Act 2025, aimed at strengthening regulators’ powers to act against harmful online content. Throughout the year, MCMC also stepped up engagements with platform operators, summoning representatives to address enforcement gaps, delayed takedowns and advertising-related abuses.

platform safeguards for minors.

Global scrutiny of platform practices intensified The human cost behind commercial cybercrime in Malaysia was laid bare on Dec 6, when theSun exclusively reported that online scam losses had exceeded RM2.16 billion since 2022, involving more than 57,000 cases as of October 2025. Citing data linked to police records, the National Cybersecurity Agency told theSun that investment scam losses alone had grown from RM219 million to RM1.25 billion while telecommunication fraud losses surged to RM628 million. Globally, a Nov 6 report blew the lid off Meta’s own projections, revealing that roughly 10% of its 2024 revenue, an estimated US$16 billion (RM64.83 billion), was tied to advertisements linked to scams, banned goods and services, including illegal gambling. More damning still, the report cited internal estimates suggesting billions of high-risk scam ads were being served to users every day across Meta’s platforms. In response, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry had summoned platform representatives to press for stronger enforcement on child protection and scam-related advertisements. Expanding regulatory reach By late 2025, Malaysia intensified its move to formalise oversight of major digital platforms amid mounting concerns over online harm, scams and child safety. Fahmi signalled a series of policy shifts, including plans to restrict social media access for users aged under 16 by mid-2026 and the proposed rollout of electronic Know Your Customer mechanisms tied to verified identity documents such as

Fahmi said the Communications Ministry summoned platform representatives to press for stronger enforcement on child protection and scam-related advertisements. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

‘Cyber security awareness in society remains weak’ PETALING JAYA: As 2025 winds down and CyberSecurity Malaysia chief Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab nears his retirement on Jan 13, 2026, his focus is not on trophies or policy wins but instead on a stubborn blind spot he says Malaysia still has not fixed: real understanding. than easier as deception becomes increasingly convincing. “Now, voices, videos and images can all be faked. With deepfake technology, it is becoming more difficult to distinguish what is real and what is not.” He warned that exposure without understanding creates false confidence rather than resilience, stressing that responsibility cannot sit with a single party. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. It is not only the government’s job or the platform’s job or the parents’ job.

government agencies to share data legally under defined conditions. “Previously, agencies worked in silos. This enables digital government to function more effectively.” As he prepares to step down from his position in helming CyberSecurity Malaysia, Amirudin said he remains open to contributing in an advisory capacity in the public or private sector. He expressed hope to continue supporting the cybersecurity ecosystem “directly or indirectly” beyond his tenure at CyberSecurity Malaysia. He said the next leadership must rest on the principles of uncompromising integrity, teamwork and institutional trust. “Once trust is broken, people will no longer believe.” – BY FAIZ RUZMAN

“Within the Act, there are many regulations. Critical infrastructure organisations must conduct risk assessments, carry out audits on their systems and strengthen incident response mechanisms. “It shows that we cannot depend on the government alone. Organisations themselves must be responsible and this Act introduces accountability. “Data is a core element of the digital ecosystem. Protecting personal data is fundamental.” He also lauded amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, which came into force on June 1, and the Data Sharing Act 2025 framework passed by Parliament in December 2024 and fully enforced on April 28 this year, which were designed to allow

From his observations, Amirudin said exposure to cyber risks cuts across age groups, but for different reasons. “I can categorise three groups. Young adults who are very tech savvy and highly dependent on digital services often assume they know what they are doing. “Older users tend to be more trusting. Children are exposed to devices very early, without realising the threats outside,” he said, citing risks such as online grooming, scams and cyberbullying.

“Awareness has gone up, but it is still shallow. We run countless campaigns and programmes, yet basic cyber hygiene remains weak. “People still use default or ridiculously simple passwords. And even when they get fancy with complex ones, they recycle them across emails, apps, everything. “That is an open invitation for attackers the moment one platform gets hacked,” he told theSun . He said technological advances have made the problem harder rather

“Police also cannot stand in front of your house 24 hours a day. You still need to lock your gate, your doors and your windows.” That behavioural gap is why the legal reforms of 2025 matter, said Amirudin. He pointed to the Cyber Security Act 2024, Malaysia’s first law built specifically for cybersecurity, which applies across National Critical Information Infrastructure in 13 critical sectors.

WEDNESDAY | DEC 31, 2025

6

Court cracks down on alleged gang members

Nine arrested over Lukut armed gang fight

SEREMBAN: Police have arrested nine people suspected of being involved in an armed gang fight in Lukut, Port Dickson, last Saturday. Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said the men, aged between 20 and 40, were arrested around Port Dickson, with the first arrest made within 24 hours and the remainder picked up the following day and on Monday. “We are still hunting for another suspect in connection with the case and if arrested, we believe all individuals will be successfully apprehended. “Some of those arrested have previous criminal records. The exact motive for the incident is still under investigation under Section 326/427 of the Penal Code,” he told reporters after the launch of the Negeri Sembilan Contingent Internal Security and Public Order Department Disaster Response Team here yesterday. He said all four victims, who knew each other, including a child who was injured in the incident, are receiving treatment at the hospital and are reported to be stable. In another development, Alzafny said police were still investigating the exact motive for the Desa Palma explosion in Nilai on Dec 22, which is believed to have involved an improvised explosive device. “The 62-year-old male suspect was previously being treated in the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital red zone and

is understood to have been moved to a different ward. Our interrogation team is always there to obtain his statement,” he said. He added that the Bomb Disposal Unit had confirmed the explosion was caused by an error in handling explosives and the suspect was believed to have acted alone, with further investigations ongoing. Previously, Alzafny said the suspect was arrested in Batang Benar, Nilai, at 4.15pm with burns to his face, body, hands and feet, and was remanded for a week until Jan 3. Meanwhile, he said another nine individuals, including a woman in her 20s, were arrested to assist in the investigation into a fight at a supermarket in Nilai at about 1am last Sunday. The case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code. Alzafny also highlighted that the establishment of the Disaster Response Team, which consists of one officer and four members, is aimed at strengthening the ability to act quickly in emergency and disaster situations. “Although there are other agencies such as the Fire Department and Malaysia Civil Defence Force, this team was established to enable us to carry out initial assistance while waiting for the main rescue team to arrive,“ he said, adding that the team’s membership will be increased over time. – Bernama

SUNGAI PETANI: Twenty men were charged in the Sessions Court here yesterday with being members of the organised criminal group known as Rames Gang since January last year. No pleas were recorded from any of the accused after the charges were read before Judge Najwa Che Mat, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. The accused are: G. Magen, S. Tanesh, R. Shargunan, S. Kanesram, V. Mathavan, J. Thanes, V. Yanasegar, Paramasivan, G. Yuvaraj, M. Ponggiswaran, P. Puganeswaran, S. Nagarajan, R. Gobinath, R. Kumareasan, R. Puvaneswaran, P. Kathiresan, K. Kesavan, S. Delhipraj, V. Navin Kumar and T. Vivegananth. According to the charge sheet, the accused, aged between 24 and 42, are alleged to have been members of the organised criminal group between January 2024 and Dec 4 in o Twenty men charged under organised crime laws face up to 20 years in jail

The accused escorted by police after they were charged with being members of an organised crime group at the Sessions Court yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

while the accused were represented by a team of counsel comprising RSN Rayer, S Meharaj, P. Vaasudevan and Muhammad Adam Burhanuddeen. The court denied bail and fixed Jan 29 for case mention. During proceedings, the judge also granted the defence’s application for the accused to meet briefly with family members at the court complex.

Kampung Sungai Division in Kuala Muda. They were charged under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a sentence of between five and 20 years’ imprisonment upon conviction. Bernama reported that DPP Mohammad Fakhrurrazi Ahmad Salim appeared for the prosecution,

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WEDNESDAY | DEC 31, 2025

7

Bangladeshi ex-PM dies aged 80 DHAKA: Bangladesh’s former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who many believed would sweep elections next year to lead her country once again, died yesterday aged 80, her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said. Despite years of ill health and imprisonment, Zia vowed in November to campaign in elections set for February 2026, the first vote since an uprising toppled her rival Sheikh Hasina last year. BNP is widely seen as a frontrunner, and Zia’s son Tarique Rahman, who returned on Thursday last week after 17 years in exile, is seen a potential prime minister if they win a majority. In November, Zia was rushed to hospital, where, despite the best efforts of medics, her condition deteriorated from multiple health issues. Hours before her death, party workers had on Monday submitted nomination papers on her behalf for three constituencies for the polls. “The BNP chairperson and former prime minister, the national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 am (0000 GMT), just after the Fajr (dawn) prayer. We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul,“ the party said in a statement. Braving rain, mourners gathered yesterday outside the hospital in Dhaka where Zia’s body rests. “This is an irreparable loss for the nation,“ senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told reporters. “She chose prison over luxury and spent years behind bars,“ said Golam Kibria, 29, a BNP loyalist who claimed he was tortured under Hasina’s government, calling Zia an “unmatched leader who could never be replaced”. During her final days, interim leader Muhammad Yunus called for the nation to pray for Zia, calling her a “source of utmost inspiration”. “The nation has lost a great guardian. Her uncompromising leadership repeatedly freed the nation from undemocratic conditions and inspired people to strive for freedom.“ Zia was jailed for corruption in 2018 under Hasina’s government, which also blocked her from travelling for medical treatment. – AFP SEOUL: The Nuclear Safety and Security Comission said South Korea gave the green light yesterday for the operation of a nuclear reactor with an electricity output of 1,400 megawatts, starting with a pilot run of six months. It added that the Saeul 3 unit in the southeastern city of Ulsan, construction of which begun in 2016, would expand to full operation after its pilot run. According to state-run operator Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power website, South Korea has 26 nuclear reactor units and three more under construction, apart from Saeul 3, The Industry Ministry said in May nuclear power makes up the bulk of South Korea’s energy mix, accounting for 31.7% of power in 2024. – Reuters South Korea approves nuclear reactor

Myanmar junta accuses rebels of ‘malicious’ attacks

o At least five civilians wounded

“There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by others to carry out an attack.“ She added that the findings were an initial assessment, and authorities in Australia and the Philippines were continuing their investigation. – Reuters in the waters to the north of the Taiwan Island and achieved desired effects”. The latest show of force follows arms sales to Taipei by the United States, Taiwan’s main security backer, and comments from Japan’s prime minister that the use of force against Taiwan could warrant a military response from Tokyo. China’s top diplomat Wang Yi yesterday said China would “forcefully counter” large-scale US weapons sales to Taiwan, adding that any attempt to obstruct China’s unification with the island “will inevitably end in failure”. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te yesterday said in a Facebook post that the territory would not be “escalating the conflict” or provoke disputes. China yesterday said it had deployed destroyers, frigates, fighters and bombers “to conduct drills on subjects of identification and verification, warning and expulsion, simulated strikes, assault on maritime targets as well as anti air and anti-submarine operations”. A statement from the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command said the exercises in the waters to the north and south of the Taiwan Island “tested capabilities of sea-air coordination and integrated blockade and control”. Announcing the drills on Monday, military spokesman Shi Yi said they were “a stern warning against ‘Taiwan Independence’ separatist forces and a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity”. – AFP queued to cast votes,“ the newspaper added. While official results have yet to be posted, the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) on Monday claimed an overwhelming lead. The party won 82 out of the 102 lower house seats contested on Sunday, a senior party official told AFP on condition of anonymity. At the last poll in 2020, the USDP was trounced by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, which was dissolved after the coup. The Nobel laureate has been in detention since the putsch. Many analysts describe the USDP as a military proxy set to entrench the power of the armed forces in civilian guise. – AFP

in quick succession, each sending a booming sound reverberating throughout Pingtan as they soared across the sky. Tourists rushed towards wooden barricades overlooking the sea, whipping out their phones to snap photos and videos of the rockets. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said in a statement it had “conducted long-range live fire drills allegedly hit government buildings and civilian settlements. “While the government and the public were choosing the democratic path, terrorist groups continued violent extremism,” said the newspaper. The junta also accused the unnamed groups of “issuing threat letters”, “spreading false information” and “blocking” would-be voters from travelling to cast ballots. It added that the groups aimed “to disrupt the election process, destroy open polling stations and intimidate voters”. “Although only five civilians were injured, voters who firmly believed in democracy and supported the election management of the government

dissent and a candidate list stacked with military allies likely to prolong the armed forces’ rule. Pro-democracy guerillas and ethnic minority armies opposing the military have pledged to block the election from the patchwork territories they have carved out in the war. Between Saturday and Sunday they attacked in 11 townships out of the 102 where voting was staged in the election’s first phase, according to state media. The junta-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper listed rebel attacks ranging from “firing homemade heavy weapons and rockets from a distance” to “dropping bombs using drones”. Some were said to directly target polling stations, but others

YANGON: junta yesterday accused rebels of “malicious and brutal” attacks on the day and eve of military-run elections, wounding at least five civilians with drones, rockets and bombs. The armed forces snatched power in a 2021 coup that triggered civil war, but on Sunday opened voting in a phased month-long election they pledged would return power to the people. Campaigners, diplomats and the United Nations condemned the vote, citing a crackdown on Myanmar’s

China fires rockets on second day of war games BEIJING: China launched rockets and deployed dozens of fighter aircraft and navy vessels around Taiwan yesterday for a second day of live-fire drills aimed at simulating a blockade of key ports and assaults on maritime targets. The two-day war games, code reckless”. China claims Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and has refused to rule out military action to seize the island democracy.

AFP journalists in Pingtan, a Chinese island that is the closest point to Taiwan’s main island, saw a volley of rockets blast into the air yesterday at about 9am (0100 GMT). At least 10 rockets were launched

named “Justice Mission 2025”, began on Monday and were slammed by Taipei as “highly provocative and

A Taiwanese coast guard ship (left) sending warnings to a Chinese coast guard ship in the waters off Taiwan’s Cape Fugui. – AFPPIC Bondi gunmen acted alone, say police

SYDNEY: Police said yesterday two gunmen who opened fire on a Jewish celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach earlier this month acted alone and there was “no evidence” they were part of a militant cell. Naveed Akram and his father Sajid Akram are alleged to have killed 15 people at a Hanukkah

long trip by the pair to a Philippines island previously plagued by militancy a major focus of investigation. However, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett yesterday said there was no indication the men had received formal training on the trip.

event on Dec 14, Australia’s worst mass shooting in almost three decades. The incident shocked the nation and led to immediate reforms of already strict gun laws. Police previously said the men were allegedly inspired by Islamic State, with homemade flags of the militant group found in their car after the attack, and a month