Author - De Fa Wang

Stakeholders: Law should be supportive, not punitive

PETALING JAYA: Authorities should adopt a more realistic and nuanced approach when drafting laws to hold parents accountable for their children’s online behaviour, stakeholders suggest. Muhammad Hazrel Ariff, 42, who has a 15-year-old daughter, said while the intention behind the law was commendable, there needed to be a clear framework that considered intent and human error. “As...

KL Strike Force ordered to tackle drug menace, with focus on vape misuse

MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa (pic) has directed the Kuala Lumpur Strike Force to conduct a study and take immediate action against drug abuse, particularly the misuse of vaping devices to distribute illicit substances. She said the threat was concerning, as it had begun to spread among the younger generation,...

These smart tires will help monitor the condition of road infrastructure in Italy

The Apulia regional government and Pirelli are launching a unique pilot project for monitoring the condition of roads using smart tires. The aim is to create an accurate map of the region's road infrastructure using technology embedded in the Italian manufacturer's Cyber Tyres. This system will combine sensors, initially integrated into Pirelli's Cyber Tyres, which measure...

Monsoon-loving Indian expats are chasing rain in the UAE desert

After Muhammed Sajjad moved from India to the United Arab Emirates a decade ago, he missed his native Kerala’s monsoon season, so he embarked on an unlikely quest: finding rain in the desert. Using satellite imagery, weather data and other high-tech tools, the amateur meteorologist tracks potential rainfall spots across the desert country and, along with...

Optometry Bill to be tabled in October

PUTRAJAYA: The Optometry Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in October, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic). The proposed legislation would serve as a dedicated legal framework to regulate all aspects of the optometry profession in Malaysia, he added. "It will be a standalone Act governing the practice, training, registration and scope of duties...

Wage reform can ease inflation, cost of living pressure – Bank Negara

KUALA LUMPUR: Controlling inflation alone is insufficient to alleviate cost-of-living pressures, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), highlighting the urgent need for structural reforms to address stagnant wage growth and ensure that incomes keep pace with rising prices. Deputy Governor Datuk Marzunisham Omar said that although headline inflation has eased significantly due to timely monetary policy tightening, price...

Senior citizen detained for alleged animal cruelty in Kedah

SUNGAI PETANI: A senior citizen has been detained by police for alleged animal cruelty after being seen in a video dragging a dog chained to his motorcycle. Kuala Muda OCPD Asst Comm Hanyan Ramlan said the 82-year-old suspect was detained on Monday (June 17) in front of a house in Bandar Puteri Jaya at about 8pm. "Police...

Approach high Maths failure rate in SPM systematically, says association

PETALING JAYA: A systematic approach to targeted intervention measures can help address the high Mathematics failure rate in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations, says the Malaysia Association for Education. Its secretary Hamidi Mookkaiyah said that improving Mathematics pass rates requires a coordinated effort involving curriculum designers, teachers, students, parents, and policymakers. According to the SPM 2024 Examination...

Gerik bus crash: UPSI prioritises student welfare

IPOH: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff (pic) has urged all faculties, deans, and lecturers to prioritise the welfare of students affected by the tragic bus crash in Gerik on Monday (June 9). In an online briefing held on Monday (June 16), Dr Md Amin highlighted two main areas...

Global interconnectedness under strain amid rising geopolitical tensions, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Global interconnectedness is under strain due to rising uncertainties, eroding the predictability, reliability and stability of existing global trade and economic systems, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at the Energy Asia 2025 on Monday (June 16), he said geopolitical tensions, retaliatory tariffs and disrupted supply chains have shaken the foundations of...