Malaysian Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee disagreed with a professor who suggested delaying English education for children. He argued that Malaysia should emulate Singapore's bilingual model, prioritizing both the mother tongue and English proficiency. He believes the shift to Malay as the medium of instruction has hindered Malaysia's progress compared to Singapore and emphasized the importance of mastering English for global competitiveness.
The White House has instructed federal agencies to prepare for potential mass firings if a government shutdown occurs after September 30th. This goes beyond the typical temporary furloughs seen in past shutdowns. President Trump is in a budget standoff with Congressional Democrats, with the White House blaming Democrats' demands. The Office of Management and Budget memo directs agencies to consider "Reduction in Force" notices, similar to those used in earlier firings. While hoping a shutdown is avoided, the administration is preparing for staff reductions. Democrats have strongly rejected the threat.
Two locals died in a motorcycle accident on Jalan Bau-Lundu near Kampung Stenggang, Bau. The motorcycle, traveling from Lundu to Bau, reportedly lost control while overtaking a lorry and crashed into a guardrail. Bau police chief Supt Mohd Haide A Rahman confirmed the fatalities and stated the case is under investigation per Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. He urged witnesses to contact the police and advised road users to exercise caution, especially during uncertain weather.
A 16-year-old girl in Kuching, Malaysia, has been sentenced to three years at Sekolah Tunas Bakti Miri, a correctional school, for ketamine abuse. She tested positive for the drug on May 19, 2025. The Magistrates' Court ordered her parents to visit her bimonthly and placed her under probationary supervision for one year following her release. The sentence falls under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
A 24-year-old man, Chu Kwan Chen, was fined RM3,000 or one month in jail for operating a pub without a license in Kuching, Malaysia. Police raided the pub at Galacity, Jalan Tun Jugah, finding it open with customers inside and seizing equipment. Chu pleaded guilty to the charge under the Entertainment Ordinance 2000. The Kuching South City Council confirmed the lack of a license.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor reaffirmed the state's commitment to strengthening cooperation with China. At the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Hajiji emphasized aligning development strategies and expanding into new areas of collaboration. He highlighted the strong Malaysia-China relationship, citing President Xi Jinping's visit and recent meetings with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. China remains the largest trading partner for both Malaysia and Sabah, with ongoing cooperation spanning various sectors.
RM300,000 has been allocated to upgrade and repair fire hydrants in the Bukit Assek constituency, Sarawak. Assemblyman Joseph Chieng stated that the first phase, costing RM31,310.50, involved repairing and replacing 28 hydrants. The project, implemented by Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd and supported by the Fire and Rescue Department, aims to improve community safety, especially in older neighbourhoods with wooden houses vulnerable to fire. The second phase will address 71 hydrants and include 10 new installations.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) terminated the Zone 4 maintenance contractor due to poor performance in street sweeping, grass cutting, and drain clearing. The termination, effective October 1st, affects Jalan Alan, Lanang, Upper Lanang, Sukun, and Pulau Li Hua. SMC emphasized contractor accountability's impact on Sibu's image and liveability. Temporary contractors are in place until a new tender in 2026. Residents can report issues via SMC Care or directly to the appointed temporary contractors.
The Kuching High Court quashed tax assessments of nearly RM8 million issued by the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) against liquidated company Harvard Master Sdn Bhd. The court ruled the IRB must adhere to winding-up procedures and apply to the liquidator for an extension to file a proof of debt. Harvard Master was wound up in 2018 and the liquidator notified the IRB in 2021. Despite this, the IRB issued the assessments in 2024 for the years 2020-2022. The court's decision emphasizes government agencies' obligation to comply with liquidation processes.
Malaysian animation director Andi Abdul Ghani (Ejen Andy Adul), known for his work on Upin & Ipin and Ejen Ali, died in a tragic accident shortly after his wedding. The 41-year-old was found by a riverside in Kinabatangan after reportedly jumping into the river following a car skidding incident. Police are investigating the cause, ruling out any quarrel with his wife who was driving. The animation industry mourns the loss of a talented and dedicated director.
Five children accused of bullying Zara Qairina Mahathir will be subject to trial from December 9-20, 2025. Malaysia's Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has been granted permission to observe the proceedings. The prosecution has provided the defense with case documents, with more to be delivered in October. Meanwhile, a coroner has barred media attendance during inquest testimonies from minors in a related case, citing the need to protect child witnesses.
