The incident occurred at 8.35pm on a packed train travelling from Beimen station towards Xiangshan on the Tamsui-Xinyi line. With the commotion mistaken for another attack, passengers rushed to escape, triggering pushing and shoving. Medical staff later assessed that he may have suffered an acute panic attack and lost emotional control. > Kwong Wah Yit Poh reported that a portable charger caught fire on a Guangzhou Metro train in China, setting the owner’s ­trousers alight. The incident occurred during the evening rush when a power bank carried by the male passenger reportedly self-ignited.

Geopolitical expert Prof Dr James Chin said the imminent political battle in Perlis is ­expected to centre not on elections but on the selection of the next Mentri Besar. The current state government, Prof Chin added, could continue to operate normally as long as the Perlis Ruler maintains confidence in it. If needed, they can appoint a new Mentri Besar without difficulty,” he said. On Thursday, Perlis State Legislative Assembly Speaker Rus’sele Eizan said he would ­formally notify the Election Commission (EC) next week of the vacancies. He said as Perlis requires eight seats for a majority, failure to secure this number could result in a hung state assembly.

AS 2025 comes to a close, I look back and see it as a year that found its way towards a better balance of economic resilience and technological ambition. It was a period when Malaysia made bold, strategic moves in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and innovation, genuinely strengthening its competitive edge. Confident leadership saw Malaysia take its turn at the table as Asean chair. The term “innovation hub” became a buzzword for any new tech opportunity in Malaysia.

March 7, 2019 - Najib appealed the decision at the Court of Appeal. Aug 25, 2022 - Najib attended the trial for the first time after being sentenced in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case. Aug 20, 2024 - Najib withdrew his appeal to remove Judge Sequerah from hearing his case. Oct 24, 2024 - Najib, through his son Datuk Mohamad Nizar, issued a public apology to the people of Malaysia for the issues related to 1MDB during his tenure as Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Nov 4, 2025 - Defence counsel presented rebuttal arguments, and the court set Dec 26 for the final judgment on the defence case.- Bernama

The strong ringgit has encouraged Malaysians to plan ahead for future travel and investments. I’m already planning a holiday and have started exchanging money because the ringgit is much stronger against the dollar now. Marketing manager Jack Yap, 50, said he recently exchanged US$2,000, planning to convert it back when the ringgit weakens. “Since the ringgit is strong, I exchanged some US dollars and plan to convert back when the ringgit weakens to earn extra income,” he said, adding that this approach works only if one has surplus cash. “I’m lucky the ringgit is strong now.

For equity investors seeking a smooth ride in 2026, increasing exposure beyond artificial intelligence (AI) euphoria could be a good New Year’s resolution – and opportunities may be hiding in plain sight. Investors have reason to be wary. US equity valuations currently look stretched, with the Shiller price-earnings ratio for the S&P 500 above 40 – very close to levels seen during the 1990s dot-com bubble.

PUTRAJAYA: It was a marathon affair at the High Court for the decision in Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) graft trial. Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah himself took five hours to read his judgment and finished at 5pm after several breaks, including for Friday prayers. Justice Sequerah also found an “unequivocal nexus” between the former prime minister and fugitive financier Low Taek Jho (Jho Low). After Justice Sequerah, who is currently a Federal Court judge, finally finished reading his judgment, the court allowed a 30-minute break before mitigation began. After a brief back-and-forth, Justice Sequerah said there had been a misunderstanding, explaining that he initially thought the defence was seeking a new date for mitigation.

BURSA Malaysia’s biggest problem is not a shortage of listings. Rather, it is a shortage of large, investable companies that can grow earnings consistently and produce strong returns on equity.

PHNOM PENH, Dec 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysians in Cambodia are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Koh Kong, and Pursat Provinces, until further notice. "Malaysian citizens in Cambodia are advised to stay informed through reliable news sources and adhere strictly to instructions and advisories, if any, issued by the local authorities and government agencies,” the Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh said in a travel advisory posted on its Facebook page on Thursday. For assistance, Malaysians may email the Embassy at mwphnompenh@kln.gov.my, call the 24-hour hotline at +855 15 216 176 or visit https://www.kln.gov.my/web/khm_phnom-penh/home -- Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: Eyebrows were raised and eyes rolled when Datuk Seri Anil Jeet Sandhu was named the Barisan Nasional candidate for the east coast Kunak seat in last month’s state election. According to Anil, Umno had amended its party constitution, allowing Sabah-born people to become party members. “Our party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi asked me ‘boleh menang?’ (Can you win?) “So many people were doubtful about my chances,” he said, adding that many expected Warisan to win the seat hands down. Sabah Punjabi community leader Datuk Ram Singh said that Anil had proven that community work could help someone rise above race-based politics.

PUTRAJAYA: Former prime minis­ter Datuk Seri Najib Razak will have to spend another 15 years in jail after he serves out his current jail sentence. The High Court sentenced him to a total of 165 years in jail over 25 charges in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case. All jail terms are to run concurrently, which means Najib has to serve 15 years. Justice Sequerah said he had considered all the mitigating factors by the defence and the aggravating factors by the prosecution. The High Court sentenced him to a total of 165 years in jail over 25 charges in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case.

AS we are just days away from closing the 2025 investment chapter, it is an opportune time to reflect on the performance of the financial markets and what it has returned to investors this year. Despite the early setback from US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, global markets will close the year on a strong note.

KUALA TERENGGANU: A two-year-old girl was killed, while seven others were injured in a collision involving two vehicles on Jalan Felda Belara here on Friday (Dec 26). Kuala Terengganu OCPD Asst Comm Azli Mohd Noor identified the girl as Putri Fredella Al Frida Diandra Mohd Firdaus, believed to have suffered severe injuries to several parts of her body. The crash resulted in injuries to seven victims aged between five months and 50 years, while a two-year-old girl who was seated in the rear passenger seat died at the scene,” he said in a statement on Friday. He added that the child’s body was sent to the Forensic Unit of Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ) for further action, while the seven injured victims were also receiving treatment at the same hospital. "The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987,” he said.- Bernama

Several motorists have claimed on social media that their vehicles reportedly stalled after refuelling at a petrol station in Sarawak. Its director, Matthew Dominic Barin, said the investigation was initiated after a complaint regarding the incident went viral on social media, with several consumers allegedly affected, reported Bernama. "On Dec 24 at about 2.30pm, a team of four enforcement officers from Sarawak KPDN conducted an inspection at the petrol station following a complaint received from the Sarawak Roads Update Facebook page. He said swift action had been taken by state KPDN against the petrol station involved to ensure compliance with regulations and to protect consumer rights. For a second or subsequent offence, the offender may be fined up to RM250,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding five years, or both," he said.

In a bid to ensure a convincing portrayal of his character, emerging talent Kim Azzim has returned to honing his badminton skills in preparation for his role in the film Sentuhan Wira. Playing the role of national badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek, Kim, 24, said his interest in the sport began during his school days. "I used to be actively involved in badminton and once harboured a dream of becoming a professional player one day. According to Kim, the casting process for the film involved three stages before he was finally selected to portray Rashid. Datuk Rashid Sidek (left) with Kim Azzim.