Malaysia Roundup: Crackdown on worship places, new monarch, mercury product ban

Malaysia to act against unauthorised houses of worship, Anwar says

Malaysia will take immediate action against unauthorised houses of worship, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on February 9, amid rising disputes that have raised concerns over national unity. He said temples or shrines built without legal approval, particularly on land they do not own, will no longer be allowed, and municipal councils have been authorised to clear such structures. Anwar noted the sensitivity of the issue in Malaysia’s multi-religious society, citing recent disputes involving Hindu temples in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. While acknowledging potential backlash, he warned against vigilantism, stressing that enforcement must be carried out strictly according to the law.

New member of Malaysian royalty is born

Prince Abdul Mateen and his wife, Princess Anisha Rosnah, have welcomed their first child, a baby girl, the Brunei royal household announced on Sunday. In a statement carried by national broadcaster RTB News, the Office of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said Princess Anisha gave birth safely on Feb 8 at 8.50am, in an announcement made in accordance with the Sultan’s orders. The birth was marked by 17 cannon shots fired at the grounds of Istana Nurul Iman. The couple, who married in a royal ceremony last year, announced the pregnancy in October.

Anwar says language, history must anchor education to prevent detached elite

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia must place language and history at the core of its education system to avoid producing an elite class disconnected from national identity. Speaking at an event at Universiti Selangor in Shah Alam, Anwar said a firm commitment was needed if the country was serious about shaping its own character. He stressed that the principle should apply across all education streams, including international schools, which have expanded rapidly. While debates on language and education date back decades, Anwar said indecision was no longer an option, adding that cultural grounding must progress alongside economic and technological development.

Health ministry bans cosmetic product found to contain mercury

The health ministry has banned the sale of Saqa Glowing Turmeric Night Treatment Cream after tests found it contained mercury, a prohibited substance in cosmetics. The ministry revoked the product’s notification, making it illegal to sell or distribute in the country, Bernama reported. In a statement, the ministry warned that mercury can be absorbed into the body and cause serious health risks, including kidney and nervous system damage, developmental harm to children and fetuses, and skin reactions such as rashes and irritation. Consumers have been urged to stop using the product, while sellers and distributors must immediately halt sales due to regulatory violations.

Toddler opening car door triggers six-vehicle crash

A two-year-old child opening a car door caused a six-vehicle road accident along Jalan Tun Razak on Friday evening, police said. The crash occurred near the Kampung Pandan roundabout heading towards KLCC and involved four cars and two motorcycles. Preliminary investigations found the child, seated in the rear of a Honda City and held by a relative, opened the left rear door after the child safety lock was not engaged. A motorcyclist was unable to avoid the door, triggering a chain collision. One rider was hospitalised, while another suffered minor injuries. Police are investigating for careless driving.