Compiled by OON JUN-YANG, C.ARUNO AND R.ARAVINTANHER bid to look good in a bridesmaid’s dress drove a woman in Hangzhou, China, to go on an extreme diet, only to end up with much higher blood sugar levels, China Press reported. The 26-year-old woman with the pseudonym Xiao Yu agreed to be the bridesmaid at her good friend’s wedding, so she went on an extreme diet and exercise regime to look slimmer for the big day. Xiao Yu, who is 160cm tall, had earlier weighed 65kg. After she lost the weight, Xiao Yu began to experience physical discomfort such as fatigue, frequent hunger, intense thirst, dizziness and heart palpitation. Doctors pointed out that Xiao Yu had eliminated carbohydrates from her diet choosing to only consume small amounts of vegetables and chicken breast daily.

He said the arrest of 29 AKPS officers and personnel, on suspicion of corruption and abuse of power, demonstrated that misconduct cases within the agency were not being concealed under the pretext of safeguarding its reputation. The minister said the arrests underscored that there would be no compromise against any violations of ethics, discipline and integrity. This includes enforcement of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, which provide for disciplinary action, including dismissal. On the issue of staffing capacity, he said the recruitment of AKPS personnel would be carried out in stages, with priority given to high-risk and high-traffic entry points. The latest phase includes the approval to recruit 200 former military personnel, and we will fulfil the recruitment,” he said.

Radio DJ, actor and host Dennis Chew was late for his first day of university. The 52-year-old Singaporean personality had begun his Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) when he did not arrive in time for his first class on Jan 12. On Jan 16, he posted on Instagram: “I’ll only reach school at 7.15pm. “It’s my first day at school and I’m already 15 minutes late. He was offered a spot at the National University of Singapore in 2024, but later withdrew because it was a full-time course.

PETALING JAYA: The success of the National Education Plan 2026-2035 will depend on teacher readiness and school capacity, according to education stakeholders. Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said it was encouraging that the plan acknowledged the importance of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and global competitiveness in shaping future-ready students. However, she cautioned that past education blueprints had often fallen short at the implementation stage. “Teacher readiness and school capacity may not match the ambition of AI-driven and tech-heavy reforms yet,” Azimah said. “The real test will be whether reforms show up meaningfully in classrooms, with clear timelines, measurable outcomes, and transparent reporting,” she said.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department (JPJ) has seized 58 vehicles during a special operation to detect foreigners operating vehicles without valid licences here. He said a total of 323 vehicles were inspected and 283 summonses were issued for various offences, including driving without a valid licence, vehicle licence (road tax) or insurance coverage. He said the vehicles impounded involved multiple violations of the Road Transport Act 1987"The vehicles seized included three garbage trucks and two lorries," he said at a press conference at the JPJ headquarters on Tuesday (Jan 20). Hamidi said 58 vehicles were driven by foreign nationals, including from Pakistan (15), India (13), Indonesia (11), Bangladesh (10), Myanmar (eight) and Palestine (one). Enforcement action was taken under Sections 23(1), 23(2) and 90(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, with summonses issued to both drivers and vehicle owners.

Managing director Tan Beng Beng said the factory, dubbed as Facility 42A, which the group acquired last year, is still only minimally utilised as the group gradually moves in machinery and operations. (From left): Ambest Group Bhd independent non-executive director Wong Thai Sun, Malacca Securities MD Lim Chia Wei, Ambest Group MD Tan Beng Beng, executive director Lim Eng Guan, independent non-executive chairman Tan Sri Samshuri Arshad, independent non-executive director Lok Man Shung and Wyncorp Advisory managing director Wong Yoke Nyen at the launch of the prospectus. As at the latest practicable date (LPD), Ambest’s total borrowings stood at RM35.89 million. These machines are expected to collectively increase Ambest’s annual operating capacity by about 4% only, according to the prospectus. Applications for Ambest’s IPO will close on Jan 27, 2026, with the company scheduled to list on the ACE Market on Feb 6, 2026.

Nanta said the majority of accidents in smart lanes are not due to road design but human error. “This includes speeding in smart lanes, changing lanes dangerously without providing any signal indicator and using the smart lane outside of its operation hours,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Jan 21). Smart lanes refer to the activation of emergency lanes to ease traffic congestion during peak travel periods. Among other measures include the use of portable variable messaging systems to inform users on smart lane activation hours. He said that while smart lanes reduce travel time, there is no compromise on road safety standards.

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 21): The government aims to help more than 100,000 individuals acquire their first homes this year through the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP). To support the target, the total financing guarantee ceiling under SJKP was increased by RM10 billion in 2025. This brings the cumulative guarantee value since the scheme’s inception in 2008 to RM40 billion. As at Sept 30, 2025, SJKP had approved RM23.17 billion in housing loan guarantees, enabling 97,180 individuals to purchase homes. SJKP provides financing guarantees of up to RM500,000 for first-home purchases, covering new, subsale and auctioned properties.

Compiled by OON JUN-YANG, C.ARUNO AND R.ARAVINTANA FIVE-FOOT-TALL statue of Thiruvalluvar, initially intended for a Tamil school in Negri Sembilan, was given to a temple after permission to place it at the school was denied, Makkal Osai reported. Majlis Gabungan Persatuan India Negeri Sembilan chairman Datuk R. Kanagaraja revealed this during the official unveiling of the statue at the Sri Arumachaleswarar Sivan Temple in Thivy Jaya. No reasons were given by the authorities for not allowing the statue to be placed at the intended Tamil school, resulting in it being given to the temple, he said. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to build a Tamil school on a 0.8ha plot gazetted in the area, with land matters and fees currently being finalised. “Once these processes are completed, work on the school building will commence,” Kanagaraja said.

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will intensify investigations into premises involved in the illegal importation of electronic waste (e-waste) into the country. He said the companies involved were believed to be owned by foreign nationals and were importing electronic waste, plastic and paper for recycling purposes. To address the issue, a Special Task Force Meeting on E-Waste Enforcement has been established, comprising 12 agencies including the MACC, Waste Reception Control Agency, Royal Malaysia Police, Department of Environment, Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry. The meeting will examine specific laws related to e-waste and implement more effective enforcement measures to ensure smuggling activities are eradicated at their roots. The MACC said it viewed the matter seriously and warned authorities involved to immediately halt the importation of e-waste.

KOTA KINABALU: Two Filipino fishermen were detained for using lamps underwater to attract fish, an illegal means to trawl, along the coasts of Tanjung Melanim near here. The men, aged 19 and 54, were detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) during a patrol operation around 4pm on Sunday. Sabah MMEA director First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid @ Razali said the use of such lamps on the seabeds could destroy the marine ecosystem. “Using lamps underwater can attract fish and other marine species on an uncontrolled scale, resulting in an imbalance in the marine ecosystem,” he said, adding that this could affect ongoing conservation and rehabilitation works. “On board, we found the two crew members with suspicious documentation and discovered the illegal fishing method used,” he added.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will mandate a minimum of 30 per cent local content in all defence procurements and end original equipment manufacturer involvement in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) work. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the move was part of a sweeping push to build a self-reliant national defence industry under the newly launched National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN). He said all MRO activities would be carried out by local companies, except during warranty periods, adding that contracts would be terminated if firms failed to innovate, increase local content levels or reduce costs. Among the key reforms outlined, aside from setting a minimum local content requirement of 30 per cent for each defence procurement, are revised terms on technology transfer. Alongside the launch of the DIPN, Khaled also introduced the Defence Industry Portal, which provides a platform for ICP applications, R&D grants and technology offerings related to the defence sector.

(Jan 21): Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is facing new accusations of plunder and graft from a civil group, amid growing signs that the nation’s politics is headed into a new bout of internecine feuding. Wednesday’s filing comes days after an impeachment complaint was made against Duterte’s rival, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He was accused of wrongdoing for, among other things, allowing the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, the father of the current vice president. While Marcos and Sara Duterte ran on a joint ticket in 2022, their relationship has deteriorated. Last year, an impeachment complaint against the vice president collapsed after being ruled as unconstitutional.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said these incidents involved only a small number of individuals and should not overshadow those who continue to carry out their duties with professionalism in the Defence Ministry, the Home Ministry, and enforcement agencies. NSTP/MOHD FADLI HAMZAHKUALA LUMPUR: The recent misconduct and corruption cases involving the defence sector must not be allowed to define or discredit the integrity of the wider body of personnel serving in the force, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. "These cases must not be seen as representing the entire body of personnel, whether in the Defence Ministry, the Home Ministry or enforcement agencies," he said at the launch of the National Defence Industry Policy at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre today. He said the vast majority of personnel remain committed to safeguarding national security and maintaining operational preparedness, which form the backbone of public confidence and economic stability. "Malaysia's ability to record strong economic performance and attract investor confidence is closely linked to the tireless work of the armed forces, police, border agencies and enforcement personnel, who ensure a safe and stable environment," he said.

MELBOURNE (Jan 21): Government policies around floor prices for rare earths have improved the function of the market and helped lift prices to sustainable levels, Amanda Lacaze, the chief executive officer of Lynas Rare Earths, said on Wednesday. Prices should reflect costsThe floor price policy discussions are the most important talks Lynas is having with governments, she said. They are crucial for the company to sell rare earths at a level competitive with its lower-cost Chinese rivals. The average selling price for Lynas' product range was A$85.60 (US$57.69 or RM233.78) per kg during the quarter, higher than A$49.20 per kg a year ago. Lynas posted sales revenue of A$201.9 million for the quarter ended Dec 31, compared with A$141.2 million a year ago.