PETALING JAYA: The mandatory installation of dual-facing dashcams in all e-hailing vehicles should be implemented to strengthen passenger safety and accountability, say experts. He said the recent revocation of an e-hailing driver’s Public Service Vehicle licence following an alleged sexual harassment incident has exposed gaps in Malaysia’s transport laws, particularly the lack of preventive safety measures. “Such action alone is insufficient to ensure passenger safety,” he said. Assoc Prof Law added that amendments to the Land Public Transport Act should be considered to mandate the installation of safety technology in all e-hailing vehicles. “These measures can also strengthen public confidence in e-hailing services, particularly among vulnerable user groups such as women, students and late-night commuters,” she said.

Blind boxes are sealed packages containing toys or figurines that buyers purchase without knowing what’s inside. Enthusiast Azira Bahri from Sarawak confessed that collecting blind boxes is her worst addiction. “Every time there are launches of new blind box sets, I will immediately purchase them online,” she said, adding that the prices may vary. Pang said that if she knew she would be spending on blind boxes, she would reduce her spending on coffee or food. “Maybe instead of getting them (blind boxes) once every two weeks, I might just get them once every month.

PETALING JAYA: The excitement of tearing open a blind box often turns into disappointment the moment a duplicate toy is revealed. “Psychologically, blind boxes train people to deal with uncertainty. “Even though it is not gambling like a money lottery, every blind box creates a small rush because the outcome is unknown,” she said. “Blind boxes are not sold for their function but for emotional and social value. “All these factors combined explain why consumers often persist with buying blind boxes despite getting the same item multiple times,” she said.

Campuses must ensure equality by incorporating equity-driven student voices when designing experiential learning. Classroom or learning space design is a crucial element of the educational experience, impacting student engagement, comfort and learning outcomes. By integrating student voices, we can create more inclusive, responsive and effective learning environments, which in turn lead to better academic outcomes and stronger graduates. Catalyst for inclusivityActively listening to diverse student voices fosters inclusivity in pedagogical practices and democratic university communities, ensuring all students feel valued and heard. These platforms can even be used to mobilise youth for causes they care about and to understand the issues that matter to them.

SEREMBAN: All parties must address the issue of illegal houses of worship wisely and tactfully, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic). The Deputy Prime Minister said the government had set clear guidelines that must be adhered to by all. “We must handle this matter wisely and tactfully. His remarks came ahead of a rally scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur last night, calling for action to be taken against illegal houses of worship. He said the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had asked him to focus on Islamic and Malay matters.

He said such leaders had betrayed the very community they professed to defend. “They claimed to protect the community while siphoning off funds here and there,” he said in his speech at the Selangor PKR Convention yesterday. The country must be saved, must stand firm on principles and must reject all attempts to deceive and plunder national wealth,” he said. He reiterated that the unity government also rejected politics based on ethnic supremacy and remained multiracial and multireligious in its approach. Anwar noted that previous efforts by other political leaders to form multiracial parties had failed, with many dismissing in the late 1990s the idea that Malaysia could succeed under a genuinely multiracial political platform.

PETALING JAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic) has cautioned against rushing into mandating dashcams with audio recording in e-hailing vehicles and taxis. Loke said while such a measure may enhance safety, it requires careful consideration and consultation with multiple stakeholders, including the public. Commenting on Hong Kong’s move to amend its laws to require taxis to install dashcams by early next year, Loke said different countries operate under different conditions. “Data privacy remains a key priority,” the minister said. Malaysian E-Hailing Drivers Association president Jose Rizal said from the perspective of long-term protection and industry sustainability, Malaysia needs to adopt a more preventive and systematic approach.

SERI KEMBANGAN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome in Malaysia as he began his two-day official visit on Saturday (Feb 7). His first stop after arriving in Kuala Lumpur was a grand reception where he met with the Indian diaspora here. He was accompanied by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the event and both leaders arrived at 6pm. Modi's last official visit to Malaysia was in November 2015 but he made a brief stopover here on May 31, 2018. "At the invitation of my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, I will be visiting Malaysia, a nation with which India's ties are deep-rooted and extensive," he said.

Washington Post staffer Marissa Lang speaks as union members and supporters gather at a 'Save the Post' rally outside The Washington Post after widespread layoffs were announced, in Washington. - REUTERS PICWASHINGTON: The Washington Post said Saturday its CEO and publisher Will Lewis was leaving effective immediately, just days after the storied newspaper owned by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos made drastic job cuts that angered readers. Hundreds of Post journalists – including most of its overseas, local and sports staff – were let go in the sweeping cuts announced on Tuesday. Sports, graphics and local news departments were sharply scaled back and the paper's daily podcast, Post Reports, was suspended, local media reported. Bezos, one of the world's richest people, and Lewis have come under scrutiny for intervening directly in the paper's editorial processes.

DESPITE my trepidation, I made it a point to visit a book sale recently. Now in my 70s, I still enjoy reading, and I believe the best way to inculcate the habit is through newspapers. Relying solely on digital content may not foster a strong reading habit, as users often skim bite-sized information, which does little to strengthen language proficiency. THIAGAN MATHIAPARANAMRetired teacherKlangWith the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities. The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

ACADEMIC excellence, co-curricular accomplishments and university admissions often give students the impetus to go the extra mile and fulfil their potential. “I am grateful to my father for his support and to F&N for providing a strong foundation. The cash awards, totalling RM230,500, benefited secondary students with top scores in national or international examinations, as well as tertiary students accepted into local or overseas undergraduate programmes. Special awards were also presented to students who excelled in sports or co-curricular competitions at the state, national or international level. “Being accepted into the university inspires me to work towards a future where I can contribute positively through international relations.

SERI KEMBANGAN: Malaysia and India can emerge as voices of reason amidst heightening geopolitical uncertainty, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. As uncertainty looms amid heightening geopolitical tensions, Malaysia and India can emerge as neutral voices in the region, he added. “At a time of great uncertainty, our region need voices that speak for dialogue over confrontation, for cooperation over narrow self interest. Malaysia and India can be among those voices. “I followed your struggles and political tribulations, and I must say, I am fortunate to be the personal friend of Modi of India,” he added.

SERI KEMBANGAN: India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system is set to enter the Malaysian market as Malaysia and India deepen their longstanding economic ties, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced. “The Malaysia-India Digital Council is paving new pathways for our digital collaboration. Modi said the Malaysia-India Digital Council has been instrumental in opening new avenues for collaboration between the two countries. “The Malaysia-India Digital Council reflects this shared ambition. The linkage between India’s UPI and Malaysia’s PayNet system will make cross-border payments simpler for businesses, students and clients,” Anwar said in his speech.

“The risks associated with hidden door handles are closely linked to emergency response and occupant survival during critical incidents such as collisions or fires,” he said. In an October incident last year in Chengdu, China, a driver died after hidden door handles could not be opened by passers-by or rescuers before the car burst into flames. Law noted that China’s new regulation directly addresses these risks by requiring mechanical door handles on both the inside and outside of vehicles. Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia Assoc Prof Dr Ng Choy Peng also urged the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to closely scrutinise upcoming electric vehicle (EV) models equipped with hidden door handles. She explained that most hidden handles rely on electric actuators, sensors or software, which may shut down after a crash, preventing doors from unlocking.

IT’S always difficult when long-term policies and planning are caught in race and religion controversies. These include manufactured threats used merely to win votes ahead of the general election. Take the issue of pig farming in Selangor. The state government has come under fire for its plan to relocate and centralise pig farming.