PETALING JAYA: Road safety experts weighed in on the use of dashcams on e-hailing and commercial vehicles, pointing out how it could transform the investigations of accidents and the enforcement of traffic laws. “Empirical research generally shows that dashcams are very effective in capturing and recording accidents, although the level of deterrence against reckless driving shows varying results. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia traffic and road safety psychologist Prof Dr Rozmi Ismail echoed similar views and said the ­government should hold campaigns to encourage the use of dashcams in vehicles. “Apart from traffic accidents, it can help solve crimes and even provide information on wildlife straying from their habitat. “Motorcyclists especially, who comprise the highest number of traffic fatalities, should consider using dashcams, as they are highly vulnerable to accidents,” Rozmi said.

BUTTERWORTH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has refuted claims that Malaysia has handed over 5,207ha of land to Indonesia as compensation for three villages in the Nunukan area near the Sabah–Kalimantan border. He said negotiations with Indonesia on boundary measurements were still ongoing. “Malaysia and Indonesia are negotiating in a constructive and harmonious manner. On a separate matter, Anwar said peace and stability are the basic conditions for Malaysians to live well and prosper together. The Prime Minister said the government was focused on reforms aimed at improving people’s welfare and quality of life.

JOHOR BARU: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has departed for Saint Petersburg, Russia, for a special visit until Tuesday (Jan 27). This was shared in a post on the official Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar on Sunday (Jan 25). The King’s visit to Saint Petersburg is at the special invitation of President Vladimir Putin. The special aircraft carrying His Majesty took off from the Royal Hangar at Senai International Airport (LTAS) here at 8.25 am on Sunday. The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and Tunku Temenggong Johor, Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj, were present to bid farewell to Sultan Ibrahim.

“The lungs, kidneys and liver are usually affected first,” Dr Mohamed Ezani says. The doctors also soon discovered that his heart function was severely impaired. “In young patients, heart function can improve within three days to a week, while in older patients, it will take a longer time,” Dr Mohamed Ezani notes. “This case shows that not all hope is lost,” Dr Mohamed Ezani says. Over time, the team has refined its approach, carefully balancing the patient’s own heart function with mechanical support.

THE iconic raptor, the Javan hawk-eagle (nisaetus bartelsi), is facing mounting risks from habitat degradation that threatens its remaining populations, according to recent findings, as forest loss and land conversion continue across parts of Java. As a child, Dwi recalled frequently seeing the raptor circling above her village, an experience that left a lasting impression. Beyond habitat loss, the government’s decision to designate the Javan hawk-eagle as Indo­nesia’s national bird in 1993 has brought additional risks. To strengthen protection for the Javan hawk-eagle’s habitat, the Forestry Ministry is preparing seven new conservation areas across Java. “Designating conservation areas in Java is crucial to protect the Javan hawk-eagle’s habitat and support the species’ conservation,” Deputy Forestry Minister Rohmat Marzuki said.

The anticipated arrival of 47 million international tourists for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) is more than a tourism milestone. It is the catalyst for a fundamental structural shift in the Malaysian rental market. With a projected RM329bil in tourism spending, this massive injection will create a perfect storm for property investors, particularly those positioned in the high-yield short-term rental (STR) sector.

He touts himself as a man who has stopped wars around the world and has demanded the Nobel Peace Prize. Before leaving Davos, Trump and selected world leaders launched the “Board of Peace”, which the US initiated and filled with its choice of leaders. Malaysia has to navigate its foreign policy carefully, without seeming to be too much in favour of or too detached from Washington. It is common knowledge, however, that their foreign policy tends to lean towards the Americans. Kuala Lumpur’s foreign policy approaches may have differed over the years due to changing domestic and external factors but the basic thrust to pursue an independent, principled, and pragmatic foreign policy remains.

KUALA LUMPUR: Two people, one with a "Tan Sri" and another with "Datuk" titles, detained in connection with the alleged misappropriation of RM300mil in investment funds, have been released on bail. Sources said the woman was released at about 2pm on Saturday (Jan 24) after a five-day remand, while the Tan Sri was released at noon on Sunday (Jan 25). MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the releases and stated that investigators have recorded statements from 10 witnesses. Azam reiterated that the MACC remains committed to expediting the probe, noting its significant public interest. The suspects were originally arrested on Jan 22 on suspicion of involvement in fraudulent activities involving over RM300mil in Kuala Lumpur.

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened two investigations into the alleged misappropriation of nearly RM300mil in investment funds linked to an individual with the title Tan Sri. “Initial investigations found that between 2021 and 2024, nearly RM300mil was collected from about 1,700 investors for investment in two companies. The Tan Sri involved is alleged to have used his position and influence to attract and influence the public to invest in the scheme. Azam said the case originated about two years ago and involved several ambiguous investment schemes that promised high returns. As such, Azam advised the public not to be easily persuaded by investment schemes and to verify with the authorities before investing, noting that some victims suffered losses of up to RM4mil.

KINABATANGAN: Barisan Nasional thumbed its way into a major win to retain its bastions in Kinabatangan and Lamag, both of which were held by its former strongman, the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. Barisan picked Miha to contest for the seat with the blessing of its Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and other partners. In the 2022 General Election, Bung Moktar beat his sole opponent Mazliwati with a 4,330 majority for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat. The two seats were left vacant recently after Bung Moktar passed away. Bung Moktar died days after his victory in the last state election.

FIFTEEN-year-old Azira Khairuddin from Cheras has a beef with an upcoming ruling that will likely see her taking a “forced” break from social media platforms. Recently, in the United Kingdom, the House of Lords backed the country’s move to ban under-16s from social media platforms. Back home, some experts and parents concur with the need to limit social media use or overall screen time among the young. While correlational studies link youth social media use to declining mental health, there is limited causal proof that bans improve outcomes. “As a result, what we are doing with social media bans is addressing the symptoms, not the root causes.

GEORGE TOWN: Several giant Casuarina trees that have lined Batu Ferringhi beach since the 1950s have fallen since Friday under the hammering of spring tides. Anas said once mature coastal trees were destroyed by erosion, no amount of future landscaping could restore what was lost. In recent years, hotel operators and local businesses had repeatedly raised concerns over severe beach erosion in Batu Ferringhi, with various mitigation measures reportedly undertaken. The Star first reported visible signs of beach erosion at Batu Ferringhi in April 2021. Despite these measures, erosion worsened.

PETALING JAYA: Parents and young adults alike are beginning to speak openly about childhoods shaped by cultural pressures and the mental health struggles that often went unnoticed for years. Christina said cultural norms influenced both her own understanding of anorexia and her mother’s response to it. Even after she was formally diagnosed with anorexia, Christina said her mother struggled to accept the seriousness of the disorder. “My dad grew up in an environment where mental health was never talked about. She suggested that face-to-face parent–child support groups could help make mental health a more accepted part of Malaysia’s cultural and national conversation.

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Misbun Sidek has spent a lifetime shaping badminton champions at home. The set-up suits Misbun, who described the agreement as a friendly collaboration between both parties. “I can’t disclose which club it is right now, but I’m going to India – my first coaching stint outside of Malaysia,” said Misbun. Misbun admitted to feeling both excited and anxious ahead of his first coaching stint outside Malaysia. The veteran coach, who stepped away from the Badminton Association of Malaysia coaching set-up three years ago, said this particular opportunity finally resonated with him.

KINABATANGAN: Returning officer Dr Eddy Syaizul Rizam Abdullah announces that Barisan Nasional candidate Mohd Ismail Ayob @ Miha won after he garnered 7,269 votes against Warisan’s Mazliwati Abd Malek Chua’s 1,588, securing a majority of 5,681 after deducting 160 rejected votes. In Lamag, Barisan’s Mohd Ismail Ayob @Miha is also leading the vote count against Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malik Chua in a straight fight for the seat. In Kinabatangan, it is a three-cornered contest between Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar, Warisan’s Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman, and independent candidate Goldam Hamid. Meanwhile, the Lamag seat is a straight fight between BN’s Mohd Ismail Ayob and Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malek. The by-elections are being held following the death of the former incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, on Dec 5, 2025.