However, vendors must receive typhoid vaccinations and complete food-handling courses before being allowed to operate. The state health department will also monitor bazaars to ensure hygiene and food safety rules are followed.

This decision comes as the health ministry recorded 596 new TB cases during Epidemiological Week Six of 2026, bringing the cumulative total this year to 3,161 cases. 

Johor has reported 280 cases so far. Sabah recorded the highest number at 755, followed by Selangor with 596 and Sarawak with 332.

Why these bazaars are important in Malaysia

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country , and Ramadan bazaars are a central feature of the fasting month, drawing large evening crowds buying food for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. 

According to the 2020 national census, 63.5% of Malaysia’s population practices Islam, making Ramadan a major period of heightened social and commercial activity.

The health ministry said it had no plans to reintroduce mandatory mask rules similar to those imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, it is encouraging personal responsibility.

While Malaysia has transitioned to the endemic phase of Covid-19, officials warned that respiratory infections — including TB — can spread more easily in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, particularly if an individual with untreated active TB is present.

Again, the ministry stressed that Ramadan itself does not cause disease transmission, but increased social interaction may raise exposure risks. It advised the public to wear masks if experiencing symptoms such as cough or fever.

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad previously said that 85% of TB cases involve Malaysian citizens, with 15% linked to foreigners.

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.

Some countries deploy large numbers of police officers to manage crime, protests, and internal stability, while others rely on smaller forces supported by social services, community policing, or private security.

The number of officers per 100,000 people is often shaped by a country’s history, political system, and recent experiences with unrest or violence, making policing levels a revealing indicator of how states balance safety with civil liberties.

At the top end of the scale are countries like Russia and several Eastern European states, where police officer ratios exceed 600 officers per 100,000 people. This places them among the most heavily policed nations in the world.

Russia’s high ratio reflects a legacy of extensive state security structures dating back to the Soviet era, as well as ongoing efforts to maintain public order across a vast territory with diverse challenges.

In South America , Argentina and Chile also show up with high police ratios. Argentina’s figure has been linked in part to provincial policing structures; each province maintains its own force, contributing to overall high numbers.

Chile similarly expanded its national police force during periods of social unrest in the 2010s and 2020s, aiming to respond to both crime and large-scale protests. These numbers often attract debate: higher policing levels don’t necessarily correspond to lower crime rates, but they do reflect governments’ emphasis on visible law enforcement.

Across Africa and Asia, countries such as South Africa and Thailand show elevated policing ratios compared with many of their neighbours. In South Africa, sustained concerns about violent crime and public safety have driven investment in policing, even as critics argue that resources might be better allocated toward community services and economic opportunity.

Thailand’s police presence is similarly robust, shaped by both internal security priorities and political protests that have marked recent years.

In contrast, many countries in Western Europe, parts of Africa, and Southeast Asia report far lower numbers of officers per capita. Nations with smaller police forces often rely more on community policing, private security partnerships, and crime prevention strategies rather than large uniformed forces.

Antarctica is home to an estimated 44 million penguins, making it by far the largest stronghold for the species. According to World Population Review , this figure includes massive colonies of Adélie, Emperor, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins.

After Antarctica, Chile holds the second-largest penguin population in the world, with roughly 13 million birds. Its long southern coastline supports Humboldt, Magellanic, and Gentoo penguins.

Neighbouring regions also play an important role, as the Falkland Islands have approximately 1.2 million penguins, Argentina has around 1 million, and Peru has roughly 4,000 birds.

Penguins are not confined to icy environments. South Africa is home to about 60,000 African penguins, while Namibia supports roughly 26,000. These birds live in temperate climates and depend heavily on sardine and anchovy stocks.

In Oceania, Australia has around 500,000 penguins, mainly Little Blue penguins and New Zealand hosts a similar number, including Yellow-eyed and Little Blue species.

The African penguin is, however, currently classified as endangered by the WWF, with populations declining sharply due to food shortages and human activity.

Countries like Brazil , with about 10,000 penguins, sit at the edges of penguin migration routes. These birds are often vulnerable, as they are far from core breeding grounds and more likely to be affected by changing ocean currents.

Penguins are indicator species. When their populations drop, it signals deeper problems in marine ecosystems. The World Wildlife Fund notes that protecting penguins means protecting fisheries, ocean biodiversity, and climate stability at the same time.

First launched in 2016 and initially mocked as “foolish,” the device has proved effective after rental trials, with around 330 now deployed across Japan.

Its infrared sensors activate when animals approach, triggering flashing lights and a rotating mix of 50 sounds, including wolf cries and human voices. The audio was built using artificial intelligence and copyright-free material to ensure variety so that bears do not become used to a single warning.

Ohta Seiki Co, the Hokkaido company behind the Monster Wolf, said inquiries for the mechanical animal have tripled, including from overseas. One request from India even asked whether the device might work on elephants. 

Company president Yuji Ota said bears typically avoid anything that signals human activity. The firm is now developing mobile and portable versions to help residents fend off bears during hikes or in remote communities.

This, after Japan’s bear problem took a serious and deadly turn this year. 

At least 13 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since April, according to the Ministry of Environment, the highest toll since records began in 2006. Authorities in northern prefectures have deployed troops, drones, and early-warning systems as sightings climb sharply.

Both brown bears, found mainly in Hokkaido, and Asiatic black bears, more common in the densely populated mainland, have been involved in the attacks. Experts say black bear encounters are more frequent due to their wider distribution, while brown bear attacks tend to be more severe because of their size and strength. 

Bear encounters in Akita alone have risen sixfold this year, with more than 50 people attacked since May, often in residential areas. In one November case, a bear injured two women in Gojome Town after one tried to help the other. Other attacks have occurred in farms and even inside a supermarket in central Japan.

The United States warned citizens of increased bear activity near populated zones, noting the temporary closure of Sapporo’s Maruyama Park after a sighting. The United Kingdom advised travellers to avoid forested areas unless accompanied and to properly dispose of food waste.

With communities overwhelmed, some officials say the situation has surpassed their capacity to cope. Akita’s governor warned that exhaustion among local responders “is reaching its limit.”

Whether a robo-wolf can succeed where electric fences and patrols have struggled remains to be seen. But for now, Japan is hoping that a mechanical monster might help keep the real ones away.

While public opinion has long been split over issues like gun control and voting access, fresh scrutiny on these freedoms is bringing an old debate back to the forefront: Which right do Americans consider more vital — the right to vote or the right to bear arms?

According to recent findings from the Pew Research Centre , Americans remain deeply divided over firearms, yet a consistent majority, about 58% as of 2023, say gun laws should be stricter. Despite that, many still describe gun ownership as an essential personal freedom.

The Johns Hopkins Centre for Gun Violence Solutions adds that even among gun owners, support for gun-safety policies such as universal background checks and mandatory secure storage remains overwhelmingly strong.

"Safe and secure gun storage policies are shown to prevent mass shootings, suicide, theft, and unintentional shootings. Responsible gun ownership is not only about how, where, and when a person uses their firearm; it’s also about how they store it when not in use. 74% of Americans support laws that require a person to lock up the guns in their home when not in use," the Johns Hopkins study reveals.

On the other side of the constitutional balance, support for voting rights remains huge. After years of disputes over mail-in ballots, redistricting battles, and claims of election interference, most Americans agree on one point that voting should be both accessible and secure . Yet how states interpret “access” and “security” has widened political gaps.

The national climate in 2025 makes these questions impossible to ignore. The U.S. continues to grapple with persistently high rates of gun violence, including school shootings and community-level tragedies that dominate headlines.

An example of such cases is a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during morning Mass, which killed two children (ages 8 and 10) and wounded 17 others before the gunman killed himself in August 2025.

And on November 29, 2025, a family event at a children’s birthday party in Stockton, California, turned tragic as four people, three of them children, were killed and at least 13were injured in a mass shooting.

At the same time, sweeping changes to voting laws, from expanded early voting in some states to tightened ID requirements in others, shape how Americans view their access to the ballot box.

Brennan Centre for Justice reports that by October 2025, at least 16 states had enacted 29 restrictive voting laws, nearly matching the level of post-2020-election enactments, signalling a continuing trend, not a one-time spike.

For instance, in Ohio, a 2023 law eliminated alternatives to government-issued photo ID that had previously allowed a wider range of ID types, such as utility bills or pay stubs. This made Ohio’s voter-ID law among the strictest in the country; observers estimate the change disenfranchised thousands who lacked a compliant ID.

The resolution highlights what many see as one of the most basic tenets of human dignity that under no circumstances, of war, terror, and political unrest, should torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment ever be tolerated .

The green-coloured countries on the above world map graphic representing votes in favour dominate the globe. A few pale-yellow countries abstained, and a tiny handful are shaded red or grey. The result sends a clear signal: torture is a red line, not a bargaining chip.

Yet the fact that the United States, Israel and Argentina stood alone in opposition has ignited immediate backlash across social media , activists’ networks, and human-rights groups.

Many are calling it a dangerous reversal from previous years, when such resolutions typically passed unanimously. “What does it say when these states oppose any opposition to torture?” asked one prominent critic, echoing widespread dismay at the outcome.

The resolution builds on recent work by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), which in April 2024 passed a related resolution calling on states to take “effective national legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures” to prevent torture.

Moreover, the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) has announced concrete plans to visit several countries, including Mozambique, Peru, France, and Mexico in 2025, to monitor compliance and press for implementation.

This dual thrust of symbolic condemnation via the General Assembly and practical oversight via the HRC and SPT represents one of the strongest global efforts in recent memory to confront torture as a systemic problem.

Recent protests in France, rising cost-of-living pressures, and renewed security concerns across the UK have influenced how residents perceive their neighbourhoods after dark. At the same time, ongoing instability from the Russia–Ukraine war continues to reshape how Eastern Europeans think about safety in their own communities.

The map’s findings closely mirror Gallup's 2025 Global Safety Report , which remains the leading global benchmark for how safe people feel in their daily lives.

According to Gallup, countries like Norway (91%), Denmark (89%) and Kosovo (89%) rank among Europe's safest.

On the contrary, Ukraine and Italy have lower perceived safety levels. This also mirrors Gallup’s data, which shows a noticeable decline in residents’ confidence in local security and law enforcement.

Central and Eastern Europe present a more mixed picture. Countries such as Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia fall into the “moderately safe” range, while parts of the Balkans appear safer than many Western European countries.

Notably, the map above depicting Ukraine and Russia reflects the grim reality of the ongoing conflict. Security perceptions in Ukraine have dramatically shifted since the 2022 invasion , and Gallup data confirms a significant decline in residents’ confidence in local security forces.

Russia, though coloured yellow or red in many public safety maps, remains a complicated case due to the restricted flow of independent data and state influence on survey respondents.

Attached is a discussion with Gallup's Global Research Director, Dan Foy, about the safety report.

While COVID-19 intensified the emotional strain, Gallup’s findings show that this trend predates the pandemic. The causes, researchers say, vary across regions, but one theme keeps emerging about technology and polarisation.

"So, if we look at things like the rates of worry, 39% of the people we interviewed in 2024 reported that they experienced a lot of worry the day before. When we first started tracking that data in 2006, it was only at 30% and so 9% of the global population is a big portion. And we see similar patterns for the other emotions —stress, physical pain, anger, and sadness — over that time frame. With a lot of those gains really coming in the last few years, and it's something that troubles me when I look at this data," Dan Foy thr Global Research Director at Gallup, told Global South World.

In many regions, particularly post-Soviet Eurasia, perceptions of safety have doubled over the last 20 years.

These are countries that have undergone significant political and social transformations, moving from instability toward greater structure and governance.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the sense of safety has slipped, from 58% to 53%, and in Latin America and the Caribbean, only half of the population says they feel safe walking alone at night.

With this paradox, the world has a long way to go in achieving a balance between the safety and emotional health of its people.

Watch the full interview attached to the story for more insight.

According to the Small Arms Surve y, civilians possessed an estimated 857 million firearms globally as of 2024, representing roughly 85% of all small arms in circulation.

The United States remains in a league of its own, with approximately 120.5 firearms per 100 residents, more guns than people . That figure far exceeds any other country and reflects a deeply rooted gun culture tied to the Second Amendment and a vast civilian market.

By contrast, most European countries average fewer than 30 firearms per 100 people. For instance, Finland and Switzerland hover around 27–32 per 100, while France and Germany record around 20–25. In Yemen, where years of conflict have normalised gun ownership, the rate stands at about 52.8 per 100 people.

In Asia and Africa, the numbers are significantly lower. India, Japan, and Nigeria all report fewer than 5 civilian firearms per 100 people, according to Small Arms Survey data. Latin American countries such as Brazil and Argentina have moderate levels, averaging between 8 and 15 per 100 residents.

In Europe, governments are tightening firearm regulations in response to rising incidents of gun violence. Sweden, for example, announced new gun-control measures in 2025 following a high-profile shooting linked to gang violence, aiming to strengthen licensing laws and trace illegal weapons.

Meanwhile, France and Germany have reinforced monitoring of hunting and sport shooting licenses after reports of illegal firearms entering from Eastern Europe.

Australia, often praised for its strict gun laws, is facing renewed scrutiny as experts warn that the total number of firearms has nearly doubled since 2005, despite the country’s robust licensing system.

The Small Arms Survey notes that global stockpiles of civilian firearms have continued to grow over the past decade, largely due to consumer demand and lax regulation in a few key markets. Technological advances such as 3D printing and online parts sales are also making it easier for individuals to acquire or assemble unregistered weapons.

A recent Numbeo report, visualised by The World in Maps, reveals Europe’s safest cities for 2025.

According to the Numbeo Safety Index 2025 , The Hague in the Netherlands leads the continent with a score of 79.5, followed closely by Munich, Germany (79.4) and Trondheim, Norway (79.3) (Numbeo 2025 Safety Index).

These results reaffirm Northern and Central Europe’s reputation for stability and public trust. The Hague, known as the seat of international law, benefits from robust governance, efficient policing, and a high level of civic order.

Munich’s near-perfect score reflects Germany’s longstanding focus on safety, infrastructure, and community trust. Trondheim, nestled in Norway’s fjord region, stands out as a compact yet socially cohesive city where public safety is deeply embedded in everyday life.

What makes this year’s ranking particularly interesting is the strong showing from smaller and emerging European cities. Zagreb in Croatia (78.6), Ljubljana in Slovenia (78.5), and Cluj-Napoca in Romania (78.1) are increasingly recognised not just for their affordability and culture , but also for their sense of security.

Their inclusion signals that safety in Europe is no longer monopolised by Western capitals; smaller cities are now leading by example in creating cleaner, calmer, and more connected urban environments.

The Safety Index measures perceptions of crime, from property and vehicle theft to assault and robbery, as well as how safe residents feel walking alone both during the day and at night (Numbeo Methodology).

A higher score indicates a lower risk and a better perception of safety. This perception-based data is increasingly being used by travellers, digital nomads, and relocation experts to evaluate destinations in a world where security and liveability have become deeply intertwined.

With tourism rebounding across Europe and remote work redefining where people choose to live, these safe havens, from The Hague’s tranquil canals to Munich’s ordered streets, are becoming more than just places to visit.

The rally reflects a growing appetite among investors for safety amid global economic uncertainty and geopolitical pressure.

The surge is being fuelled by multiple factors. A weaker U.S. dollar and expectations of future interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve are making gold more attractive, while institutional and central-bank buyers are stepping up their purchases.

This rise in gold value is also tied into broader global trends. For instance, reports show that gold prices surpassed US $4,300 per ounce recently as trade friction and safe-asset flows intensified. Analysts at HSBC have since revised their 2025 average forecast upward, citing this acceleration in demand.

For everyday investors and businesses, the message is clear that gold is not just a long-term investment bet any more but it’s responding in real time to current economic stresses.

That said, while the momentum is strong now, prices can be volatile. Unexpected policy shifts, a strengthened dollar, or easing geopolitical risks could all slow the pace of gains.

In short, gold’s breakout this year underlines how markets are refocusing on stability and diversification.

President José Raúl Mulino claimed that a U.S. Embassy official had made threatening remarks directed at him. This revelation stirred political discussions both domestically and internationally, raising questions about diplomatic relations between Panama and the United States. Mulino emphasised the importance of maintaining national sovereignty and transparency in foreign affairs while calling for clarification from diplomatic channels.

Mulino supports life sentences

In a strong stance on public safety, President Mulino declared that individuals convicted of heinous crimes “have no right to live,” expressing his support for the implementation of life sentences in Panama. His statement reflects a push toward harsher penalties and has ignited debate among human rights advocates, legal experts, and political figures about proportional justice and constitutional limits.

Chamber of Commerce urges the Assembly to discuss anti-corruption projects

The Panamanian Chamber of Commerce publicly urged the National Assembly to prioritise and discuss pending anti-corruption bills. Business leaders argue that the approval of these projects is critical to restoring public trust, strengthening institutions, and improving the country’s global reputation. The Chamber stressed that transparency reforms are essential for sustainable economic growth and foreign investment.

Panama strengthens fiscal transparency and bets on development with two new bills

The Panamanian government introduced two new bills designed to boost fiscal transparency and promote national development. These legislative efforts aim to modernise financial oversight, enhance accountability in public spending, and align with international standards for combating tax evasion and illicit financing. Authorities believe the measures will improve Panama’s standing with global financial institutions and reinforce investor confidence.

Statute reforms and a presidential candidacy in the fight for Panameñismo

Internal political shifts are underway within the Panameñista Party, where leaders are considering statute reforms and a new presidential candidacy. These moves are part of an effort to rejuvenate the party’s image and strengthen its position ahead of upcoming elections. The ongoing debates highlight ideological divisions and strategic recalibrations among party members, signalling a potentially transformative phase in Panama’s political landscape.

This trend shows how intensifying human activity is putting ever greater pressure on Earth’s water and land systems. But what’s driving this growth, and what does it mean for our future?

Several forces are pushing freshwater demand upward. Agriculture continues to be the heaviest water user globally. As food production expands to feed growing populations, more irrigation, fertilisers, and water-intensive crops are deployed.

Industry, too, plays a big role. Manufacturing, energy production, and processing all require water—not just for cooling and rinsing, but as a direct input into many industrial processes.

Urbanisation adds another layer of demand. As cities grow, water is needed not only for households, but for infrastructure , landscaping, public services, and sanitation.

Meanwhile, climate change adds uncertainty. Erratic rainfall, shifting weather patterns, and warming trends affect how much water is available, when, and where.

According to Our World in Data , global freshwater withdrawals have climbed sharply since the mid-20th century, though growth has begun to slow in some regions. Still, pressures remain high, especially in countries with limited renewable water resources.

A recent paper in MDPI highlights that shifts in water use efficiency, technological adoption, and policy interventions will be crucial for balancing demand with sustainability.

The UN World Water Development Report 2024 also emphasises water’s role not just in agriculture and industry, but in peace, stability, and equitable development. It argues that water, when managed fairly, can support social cohesion, but mismanagement can fuel conflicts.

These global dynamics don’t exist in a vacuum. In many parts of the world, water scarcity is already a driver of migration, social stress, and geopolitical tension. In the Horn of Africa, for example, prolonged droughts have contributed to displacement and competition over shared river systems.

Meanwhile, the push for green technology has implications for water use. Solar panel manufacturing, battery production, and data centres all demand water, sometimes in unexpected amounts.

In parts of Africa, researchers have begun estimating water consumption tied to computing infrastructure, underscoring how even digital growth is connected to natural resources.

Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri issued the order after reviewing a medical report in a case and realising that not a single word was readable.

What began as a moment of courtroom confusion became a serious question about patient safety. “Legible medical prescription is a fundamental right," the court said. 

The ruling now requires doctors across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to either write prescriptions in clear capital letters or switch to typed or digital formats.

The court also directed medical schools to train students on writing legibly, calling it a professional responsibility as vital as diagnosis itself.

Beyond India, the problem is well-documented. A U.S. study once linked around 7,000 deaths a year to medication errors caused by misread prescriptions.

Other research has shown that unclear instructions and abbreviations can lead to serious medical mistakes, from wrong dosages to dispensing the wrong drugs.

Indian doctors acknowledge the issue but point to heavy workloads, often dozens of patients in a day, as a key challenge.

"It's a well-known fact that many doctors have poor handwriting, but that's because most medical practitioners are very busy, especially in overcrowded government hospitals," Dr Dilip Bhanushali, president of the Indian Medical Association, said.