20/03/2026

FRIDAY | MAR 20, 2026

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Malaysia’s Happiness Index rises to 81% KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Happiness Index rose to 81% in 2026, up from 76% in 2025, reflecting a stronger sense of positivity among Malaysians despite ongoing global uncertainties, according to the latest study by Ipsos. The global market research firm noted that the five-percentage-point increase positions Malaysia among the happier nations worldwide, driven largely by strong social bonds and a sense of appreciation within local communities. Ipsos Malaysia managing director Arun Menon said Malaysians continue to report high levels of happiness, with meaningful social connections emerging as the most significant contributor to overall well-being. “Feeling appreciated and loved emerges as the strongest driver of happiness followed by relationships with family and children, highlighting the important role that community and belonging play in shaping well being,” he said in a statement . The study also found that personal financial concerns remain the primary source of unhappiness, both globally and in Malaysia, with housing conditions and work-related issues rank among the top stress factors . Menon said while financial pressures continue to affect overall happiness, Malaysians’ strong social networks and supportive relationships remain vital sources of resilience. The Ipsos Happiness Index 2026 survey was conducted between Dec 24, 2025 and Jan 9, 2026, involving a representative sample of 501 Malaysian adults aged 18 to 74 as part of a global study. – Bernama US Navy vessels’ Penang stopover routine: Minister KUALA LUMPUR: The presence of two United States (US) Navy vessels in Penang recently was a routine port of call for logistical purposes that had received official approval from the Malaysian government. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said in a statement that the USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) and USS Tulsa (LCS 16) docked at the North Butterworth Container Terminal from March 14 to 16. He said the stopover enabled the vessels to carry out replenishment, maintenance and provide rest for crew members before continuing their voyage. “Port of call visits by foreign naval vessels at Malaysian ports are not new and have long been part of established international defence relations. “Malaysia has clear procedures in place whereby every docking request must go through official channels and is subject to approval by the Malaysian government.” He said the practice is in line with the Defence White Paper to ensure regional stability and global peace. Malaysia received a total of 75 visits by foreign naval vessels from 14 countries throughout 2025, including Australia, China, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Indonesia, Singapore and the US. – Bernama

King expresses appreciation to security forces, enforcement agencies KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, has expressed his appreciation of the security forces and enforcement agencies which remain committed to carrying out their trust and responsibilities during Aidilfitri celebrations. In a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s official Facebook page, His Majesty highly praised the sacrifices of security and enforcement personnel who remain on duty to ensure that peace, public order and the well-being of the people are maintained although others are celebrating Aidilfitri with their families. Sultan Ibrahim prayed that all members of the security forces would always be under the protection of Allah SWT , be blessed with good health and that all matters would be facilitated while carrying out their duties. Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim granted an audience to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Istana Bukit Tunku. His Majesty also advised the people to be careful when on the road, especially while travelling to their hometowns to celebrate Aidilfitri with their beloved families. He urged all road users to obey traffic rules, maintain personal safety and drive carefully. – Bernama PM lauds peace initiative by Islamic and Hindu NGOs

aside our egos.” He added that proposals include setting up a special committee under the Prime Minister’s Department and conducting a nationwide audit of places of worship to determine land status. Among those present were activist Cikgu Chandra, independent preacher Firdaus Wong and influencer Kumarsan Jothi, also known as Santhanar Dronachariyar. The reconciliation effort comes amid heightened scrutiny following court cases involving individuals accused of making statements that allegedly caused public alarm. Zamri Vinoth, 42, whose real name is Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu and activist Arun Dorasamy, 56, whose real name is Arumugam Dorasamy, were among those charged in sessions courts across several states on Wednesday. Both pleaded not guilty. Anwar expressed hope that the reconciliation initiative would serve as a model for resolving sensitive issues through dialogue, reinforcing national unity and steering the country away from division.

Madani programme at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, saw both sides calling for an immediate de-escalation and a peaceful path forward. Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association president Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar said the closed-door dialogue gave both sides space to engage without outside interference. “We are striving to defuse the current situation. We will engage in dialogue and hold discussions with one another. “We are no longer looking at third-party comments or provocations by others. This is a starting point, and we want to move forward.” Malaysia Council of Hindu Temples and Hindu Associations chairman Datuk N. Sivakumar said both sides agreed to immediately de-escalate tensions, including disputes over places of worship and social media rhetoric. “We have verbally agreed that this is an issue at an early stage of discussion – to sit down and talk with one another. Because this issue has become heated, we need to set

yesterday that the effort underscored a growing maturity among the people in rejecting conflict and embracing mutual respect, particularly at a time when racial and religious sensitivities remain fragile. “This is the true spirit and soul of Malaysia – a nation built on compassion, togetherness and respect across communities.” He stressed that such unity must not be taken for granted but continuously nurtured and strengthened as the bedrock of the country’s stability and progress. Anwar commended all parties involved in making the initiative possible, including the police for their role in facilitating and safeguarding the process. His remarks come in the wake of a reconciliation dialogue held on Wednesday, involving more than 30 representatives from Malay and Indian NGOs, aimed at easing tensions and finding common ground over a series of recent controversies. The four-hour session, which began at 3pm under the Harmoni

The Finance Ministry said in a statement that although domestic fuel prices are influenced by international price movements, the government has chosen not to fully pass on the increase to consumers. It said the move is aimed at protecting households while market fuel prices are being adjusted gradually in line with global increases since late February. It added that the government is bearing a subsidy burden exceeding RM3 billion per month following the decision to maintain the price at RM1.99 as well as diesel at RM2.15 per litre for public transport and the land goods transport sector. “The decision to maintain the subsidy is to ensure smooth preparations for the Aidilfitri celebrations.” The ministry said in line with global fuel price changes under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism, the retail price of RON97 for March 19 to 25 has increased to RM4.55 per litre from RM3.85 on March 18. PETALING JAYA: A rare show of unity between Islamic and Hindu NGOs has drawn strong praise from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who described the peace initiative as a powerful reflection of Malaysians choosing harmony over division. Anwar said in a statement o ‘Effort underscores growing maturity among people in rejecting conflict, embracing mutual respect at a time when racial, religious sensitivities remain fragile’ Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Budi95 subsidised price maintained at RM1.99 KUALA LUMPUR: The subsidised price of RON95 petrol under the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) initiative remains at RM1.99 per litre despite global crude oil prices exceeding US$100 (RM394) per barrel following the conflict in West Asia.

The Finance Ministry said the decision to maintain the subsidy is to ensure smooth preparations for the Aidilfitri celebrations. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

“Although Malaysia is an oil producing country, petroleum products for domestic use are still sourced from the global market. Therefore domestic fuel prices remain influenced by international price movements.”

Diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia have also risen to RM4.72 per litre from RM3.92, while unsubsidised RON95 and diesel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan remain unchanged at RM3.27 and RM2.15 per litre, respectively.

The ministry said more than 400,000 vehicles from the public transport and land goods transport sector, including express buses, taxis, lorries and trailers, continue to be protected under targeted subsidy schemes. – Bernama