This is reflected in M. Devi, who spent nights sleeping by her friend’s hospital bed when the latter was hospitalised for asthma about two months ago. For five days, she stayed at the hospital just to make sure 74-year-old Fatimah Ibrahim received the care, comfort and companionship she needed most. The friendship between the two women began four years ago when Devi, 63, frequented a nearby food court where Fatimah operated a stall selling traditional kuih. I just want to make sure she has someone to talk to and rely on in times of need. As for Fatimah, she now makes kuih at home to supply to small businesses, and Devi helps her buy the ingredients.

GEORGE TOWN: After 17 years confined to a wheelchair by hip alignment issues, K. Mangales, 59, finally reached the Arulmigu Sri Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Hilltop Temple. However, her prayers to Lord Muruga were answered this year through a special initiative by the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB). Assisted by 40 dedicated volunteers, Mangales was one of 60 people who bypassed the gruelling 513-step ascent to the temple, located 833m above sea level, to finally offer her prayers in person at the hilltop shrine. Venikrishnan was happy her sister could finally visit and offer prayers at the new temple. “We have always admired the temple from afar, but it feels special that she has now experienced the special Thaipusam prayers in person,” she said.

The push to make dashcams standard equipment, especially for e-hailing and commercial vehicles, is gaining momentum due to their ability to capture road accidents in real time. VTAREC coordinator Mas Tina Abdul Hamid (pic) said dashcams are proving their worth in improving road safety, supporting enforcement and resolving disputes, particularly in hit-and-run cases. ALSO READ : E-hailing group: Incentivise use of cameras“Dashcams provide clear and undeniable evidence, capturing crucial details such as location, timing and the offending vehicle. Mas Tina said dashcams are a reliable device that reassures victims during untoward incidents, as they capture and document events in real time. She said VTAREC is proposing a gradual rollout starting with commercial vehicles before extending it to all new private cars, followed by installation in existing vehicles within a reasonable timeframe.

I FIND it very hard to accept when Malaysians struggle to speak the national language or have little understanding and appreciation of our history and cultures. I spent all my early life in an English medium school but that did not stop me from signing up for the Sejarah Islam and Kesusasteraan papers for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination, the equivalent of today’s Sijil Pelajaran Tinggi Malaysia (STPM).

KEPALA BATAS: The government's move to allow voluntary enrolment of Year One pupils at the age of six from 2027 should not be viewed in a negative light, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said it must be seen in the context of improving the quality of the nation's education, particularly in providing early exposure to formal schooling. "In most countries around the world, children begin Year One at the age of six. When we do it here, it becomes an issue – some say children are not ready at six, that they should learn the Quran first, and so on. He said if children are given the opportunity and early exposure, they can become more capable learners, which in turn could help elevate the country.

PETALING JAYA: The introduction of the Base Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) plan by the government will actually be able to correct market distortions and reform the insurance industry, says Sim Tze Tzin. “Not all governments have the commitment and courage to reform complex issues and the insurance industry that involves giant companies, most of which are from foreign countries,” he said. According to the MHIT White Paper released on Jan 22, there are two plans, namely the Standard Plan and the lower-cost Standard Plus Plan. Those aged 61 to 65 will pay RM280 to RM350 for the Standard Plan, while for the Standard Plus Plan, they will be paying RM220 to RM280. Those aged above 75 will be paying RM500 to RM780 for the Standard Plan, while the Standard Plus Plan will cost them RM400 to RM660.

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Police have arrested nine men over a fight that broke out at a beach here. Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm M. Kumarasan said the nine suspects, aged from 22 to 37, were arrested around Johor Baru in an operation conducted from Jan 18 to 20. "Investigations found that the fight occurred after the group was drinking alcohol on a beach in Tanjung Kupang on Jan 17," he said in a statement on Saturday (Jan 24). He said that a local man sustained injuries to his head, body and hand and was sent to Hospital Sultanah Aminah in Johor Baru for treatmentACP Kumarasan added that eight suspects had previous criminal records, including for drugs. "Four suspects also tested positive for marijuana," he said.

PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani smashed into the Indonesian Masters final after overcoming Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard. Sze Fei-Izzuddin were in top form when they swept aside the Danes 21-9, 21-15 in just 28 minutes at Istora Senayan in Jakarta on Saturday (Jan 24). The independent pair will take on homesters and surprise finalists Raymond Indra-Nikolaus Joaquin for the title on Sunday (Jan 25). 7 teammates Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza 21-19, 21-14 in the other last four match. 9 Sze Fei-Izzuddin will be attempting to end their title drought after last triumphing in the Indian Open last January.

IPOH: One person died, and three others sustained injuries after a van caught fire following a four-vehicle accident in Manong, near Kuala Kangsar. He said the accident involved a van, a lorry, a car and a multi-purpose vehicle. “Firefighters from the Kuala Kangsar station arrived at 3.36pm to find the van ablaze, with one occupant trapped inside. “Among the casualties, a 32-year-old man died, while a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old woman sustained injuries,” he said. He added that a male lorry driver also suffered injuries, while the occupants of the other two vehicles were unhurt.

KINABATANGAN: Barisan Nasional retained its stronghold of Kinabatangan with Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar keeping the seat held by his late father Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin for nearly three decades. The Election Commission said there was a turnout of about 55%, lower than the Nov 29, 2025, state election turnout of 65%. The Kinabatangan and Lamag by-elections were triggered following its incumbent’s death on Dec 5, 2025. In the last state election, the late Bung Moktar won with a total of 153 majority against Miha, who contested as an independent in the six corner Lamag seat. In the 2022 General Election, Bung Moktar beat his sole opponent Mazliwati with a 4, 330 majority for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat.

- NSTP/ SYAHERAH MUSTAFAPASIR MAS: Writing Arabic calligraphy on canvas has become a source of serenity for Ahmad Baihaqi Noor Azman. Through the art of khat calligraphy, the 20-year-old has found a way to calm his mind, build self-confidence, and navigate life as a person with autism. For Ahmad Baihaqi, khat calligraphy is not merely a visual expression; it serves as a therapeutic medium that helps him stay focused and composed. "That payment gave me the motivation to take khat art more seriously. Ahmad Baihaqi said producing Thuluth calligraphy required greater precision because its letters were more curved and angled compared to Diwani Jali.

KUANTAN: A businessman lost over RM277,000 after falling victim to an investment scam via WhatsApp. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the 52-year-old victim was first contacted by a woman offering him a high-return, short-term investment opportunity. The man initially invested RM1,000 and RM70,000, receiving small returns of RM175 and RM12,300 as supposed profits. "Those returns were reinvested, and the victim was later persuaded to commit larger sums," Yahaya explained. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

KUALA LUMPUR: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, on Saturday (Jan 24) visited her former aide-de-camp, Sergeant Anis Nazia Mohd Nazri, who is receiving treatment at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) following an accident. According to a post on the official Facebook page of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, Anis Nazia, 39, served as Her Majesty's aide-de-camp in Johor from 2008 to 2018. Currently attached to the Bukit Aman police headquarters, she was admitted to HKL's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to brain haemorrhage after being involved in a road accident along Jalan Jelatek here on Jan 14. "Her Majesty prays that Sergeant Anis Nazia will be granted a speedy recovery and will be able to return to duty as usual, and that all matters concerning her and her family will be eased," the post read. Her Majesty was welcomed by HKL director Datuk Dr Harikrishna KR Nair and Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Datuk Mohd Azani Omar.

SUNGAI PETANI: The list of essential items under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme will be updated by mid-February and will likely include fresh produce. Political secretary to the Finance Minister Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said there have been requests to include more items to the list, including fresh produce. "The ministry is considering including fresh goods such as fish, chicken and others. "Sara recipients will also be able to buy items at more small shops, especially in rural areas," he said. He added that the number of Sara and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) recipients changes annually.

Actress Janna Nick has offered to confront Puteri Balqis virtually to settle their ongoing social media dispute and clarify past misunderstandings between them. This was the candid response from popular actress Janna Nick, 31, following a series of public statements made by fellow actress Puteri Balqis, affectionately known as Aqish, on social media. Recalling their time working together when Puteri Balqis was still a child star, Janna disclosed that she carries her own trauma involving an individual associated with the teenage actress. She further expressed her discomfort regarding how Puteri Balqis was allegedly "used" as a breadwinner during her childhood. The wife of Dini Schatzmann also claimed fellow industry players had boycotted her for years, an isolation she believes was triggered by the teenage actress' mother disparaging her reputation.