08/04/2026

WEDNESDAY | APR 8, 2026

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‘Happiness level of Malaysians on the rise’

Move to revive plans for Harmony Commission

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The government is taking steps to tackle rising tensions between communities by reviving plans for a National Harmony and Reconciliation Commission – an independent body aimed at preventing ethnic and religious conflict before it escalates. The National Unity Ministry said the commission would investigate incidents affecting harmony, summon relevant parties, recommend preventive measures and oversee official mediation processes, with public reporting subject to security considerations. The move follows a suggestion by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye to establish a statutory commission to protect and strengthen national cohesion, reflecting growing concern over recent societal disputes. “The government recognises that maintaining social harmony is crucial for Malaysia’s stability and prosperity,” said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. “The renewed initiative reflects our commitment to proactive mediation, prevention and constructive dialogue rather than solely punitive measures.” The ministry added that previous legislative attempts in 2015 and 2019, including the Racial and Religious Hate Crimes Bill and the National Harmony and Reconciliation Bill, were rejected or delayed due to overlapping powers with existing agencies such as the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia and the police. Under the new proposal, the commission would emphasise early intervention, mediation and community education, drawing inspiration from international models, This includes Singapore’s Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, Australia’s Human Rights Commission and Zimbabwe’s National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. In conjunction with the revival, the National Unity and Integration Department has begun engagement sessions with government agencies, law enforcement, NGO, political parties and local communities to shape the commission’s framework. The ministry added that consultations would continue inclusively over the coming months, paving the way for the drafting of a parliamentary Bill. ‘Varsity-industry ties to be enhanced’ KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry will continue to enhance ties between universities and industry, while reducing bureaucratic hurdles to facilitate the commercialisation of research outcomes. Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir emphasised that higher education is no longer confined to campuses and must increasingly engage with industry. He said the collaborations are showing results through research, innovation and commercialisation initiatives. “This is not just the beginning; we have already taken significant steps forward. Continuous efforts are essential, including closer cooperation between the ministry and the private sector,” he told reporters after officiating at the Public-Private Research Network 2026 Conference yesterday. Also present was Higher Education Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim. Zambry emphasied that universities must produce research that could be commercialised to generate their own revenue. He added that a major conference involving both industry and universities would be held in September to link research outputs with commercialisation opportunities, which were previously limited. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s happiness level is on the rise, driven by the government’s focus on urban liveability and people-centred policies, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said. Speaking at the national-level World Happiness Day Celebration 2026 event yesterday, Nga pointed to Malaysia’s improved performance in the World Happiness Report 2026 as evidence that the Madani government’s policies are on the right track. “Based on a scale of zero to 10, Malaysia recorded a score of 6.005 for 2023 to 2025, up 0.045 points from around 5.96 previously,” he said. “The score reflects the government’s continuous efforts to ensure the public’s level of happiness not only remains stable but also continues to improve in an increasingly challenging global environment.” He also cited the latest Ipsos Happiness Report 2026, which showed that 81% of Malaysians feel happier this year, up five percentage points from 2025. He added that the national happiness level remains above the global average of 74%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Madani framework. “Today, we no longer measure development success solely through economic figures or physical progress. Instead, we measure success through the quality of life of the public; their wellbeing, peace of mind and happiness experienced by every layer of society.” He highlighted the Malaysia Happiness Index (MHI), now integrated with Statistics Department data, for a more comprehensive and objective evaluation. Nga explained that the MHI is now complemented by Murninets (Malaysian Urban-Rural National Indicators Network for Sustainable Development), which measures residents’ actual experiences of their local environment and urban services. “For the first time, we applied an 80:20 framework in this assessment,” Nga said. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com o Score on global report reflects government efforts ensure public joy: Minister

Nga on stage at the event with his deputy Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu (left) and the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Dr M. Noor Azman Taib. – BERNAMAPIC

infrastructure through 400 projects in Kampung Baru and 100 Madani Recreational Parks, and intensifying waste management via 25 smart solid waste recycling centres. He said urban safety and resilience would also be bolstered. “Malaysia currently has 1,450 flood hotspots, with 145 eliminated last year – a 10% mitigation success. “The government aims to further reduce urban flood risks over the next five to six years through improved data systems and coordinated disaster management.” Nga also urged responsible digital engagement. “Digital platforms significantly shape public perception. Misuse could cause emotional stress, social comparison and mental health challenges. “This year’s theme, ‘Wise Digital, Create Happiness Together’, emphasises that happiness is a collective responsibility, not an individual matter. “Being digitally wise is about ethics, responsibility and communication in the digital space.”

“This ensures that our evaluation of happiness is not based solely on people’s perceptions of their surroundings but also incorporates structured data on their wellbeing. “It gives a more accurate picture of how Malaysians truly experience life in their cities and towns.” He urged local authorities to evolve beyond traditional roles, becoming drivers of smart governance, digital communication and public trust. “Ultimately, a happy city is a city that is safe, comfortable, trusted and believed in by its (residents).” The top 10 recipients of the Happiest City Award 2026 are Dabong (Kelantan), Kluang (Johor), Kuala Terengganu City (Terengganu), Lipis (Pahang), Marang (Terengganu), Mersing (Johor), Permaisuri (Terengganu), Ranau (Sabah), Raub (Pahang) and Simpang Renggam (Johor). Nga also outlined key ministry priorities to strengthen sustainable urban development, including advancing smart city and digital governance agendas, upgrading public

Outdoor activities SOP under review after drowning PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry is reviewing the SOP for outdoor activities across all its institutions to strengthen safety measures. from accountability.” She added that several officers directly involved in organising the programme would be temporarily reassigned to the Perlis Education Department while the investigation continues. “We hope the report will be thorough and transparent, especially regarding the standard operating procedures for kayaking activities.

“We also want to know whether the location was suitable for such activities, and we urge the ministry to review the syllabus involving outdoor programmes,” she said when met by reporters at the Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah Forensic Department on Monday. Last Saturday, two Bachelor of Teaching Physical Education trainees were found drowned at about 7.30pm while kayaking at Pantai Merdeka near Sungai Petani. Originally from Sarawak, both their remains were flown back from the Penang International Airport yesterday. – Bernama

The review comes after a drowning incident at Pantai Merdeka last Saturday, which claimed the lives of two trainee teachers from the Institute of Teacher Education Perlis campus during an off campus programme. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry takes full responsibility for the tragedy. “Justice must be served for the families. A transparent, thorough and comprehensive investigation is underway. Any breaches of regulations will be addressed, and no one will be shielded

On Monday, she visited the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar, Kedah, to pay her last respects to Christopher Ling and Joey Ling, and met with their families to offer her condolences. Meanwhile, the aunt of one of the trainees Kee Ching Ching, 46, expressed hope that such a tragedy would never happen again. Kee said the family is also calling for a full and transparent report into the incident by the relevant authorities.