Malaysia has called for coordinated regional action to tackle the worsening haze as air pollution levels spike across Southeast Asia. The recurring haze crisis, often linked to forest and land fires, continues to raise concerns over air quality, public health and environmental protection across the region. As affected countries face deteriorating conditions, the push for regional cooperation highlights the need for stronger measures to control pollution and prevent future haze emergencies.


Malaysia calls for regional action on haze; Southeast Asia chokes as pollution spikes

Malaysia has shut schools in affected areas as thick haze from forest fires spreads across the region, carrying smoke hundreds of kilometers and raising concerns over air quality and public health. The worsening haze has reduced visibility and increased the risk of respiratory problems, particularly among children, older people, and those with existing health conditions. Authorities are monitoring pollution levels and urging residents to take precautions as smoke continues to affect communities. The situation also highlights the wider environmental impact of forest fires and the challenges of managing cross-border air pollution in Southeast Asia.

Malaysia shuts schools as haze thickens: Forest fires send smoke hundreds of kilometers

Malaysia is turning to an unexpected solution to cool its booming AI data centres: palm oil. With nearly 40% of Southeast Asia's planned data centre capacity set to land in Malaysia, the country's water supply is under serious strain, with cooling systems currently using millions of litres a day. Researchers at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board have developed "Sawit EcoTherm," a palm-based liquid that could replace water-intensive cooling entirely.


Malaysia's AI boom faces a water crunch

Can Palm oil save Malaysia's AI data centres from a water crisis?

Malaysian authorities have detained more than 100 Rohingya Muslim asylum seekers who gathered outside the United Nations refugee agency's office in Kuala Lumpur seeking protection and assistance.

According to officials, the refugees were taken away in police trucks for further checks after arriving in the capital. Many of the Rohingya, including women and children, said they had traveled from Penang after being forced from their homes and were seeking help from the UNHCR on resettlement options.

Around 126,000 Rohingya registered with UNHCR in Malaysia

A high-stakes corruption scandal has erupted in Malaysia over the international transfer of three beloved elephants. While the relocation to Osaka’s Tennoji Zoo was framed as a 25-year conservation and research partnership, wildlife activists now allege that over RM53 million in associated transaction fees vanished instead of reaching government coffers.


Malaysia Launches Probe into Japan Elephant Transfer

#Gravitas Malaysian authorities are reportedly probing whether millions of dollars linked to the transfer of three endangered elephants to Japan were diverted away from government accounts.


Malaysia Launches Probe Into Japan Elephant Transfer

Malaysia has introduced strict new rules requiring social media platforms to verify the age of their users through identity checks and other approved methods. Authorities say the move is aimed at improving online safety and protecting minors from harmful content. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to $2.5 million.


Malaysia Cracks Down on Social Media, Makes Age Verification Mandatory 

Anwar Ibrahim has hinted at possible early elections as tensions grow within Malaysia’s ruling alliance ahead of the crucial Johor state polls. The political strain intensified after the Barisan Nasional bloc announced plans to contest all 56 seats in Johor, raising questions about coalition unity. Anwar also met Malaysia’s king amid mounting speculation over the country’s political direction and the stability of the current government.


Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Hints at Early Elections

Malaysia is considering a proposal to introduce a two-term limit for the prime minister, with new legislation tabled in Parliament to reform the country’s political system. The move is aimed at strengthening democratic governance, enhancing accountability, and preventing prolonged concentration of power. The proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers and political analysts as Malaysia weighs potential constitutional and political implications.


New Legislation Introduced in Malaysian Parliament

Malaysia is considering a proposal to introduce a two-term limit for the prime minister, with new legislation tabled in Parliament to reform the country’s political system. The move is aimed at strengthening democratic governance, enhancing accountability, and preventing prolonged concentration of power. The proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers and political analysts as Malaysia weighs potential constitutional and political implications.

Malaysia Considers Two-Term Limit for Prime Minister in New Parliamentary Bill

Malaysia Mulls Two-Term Cap for PM | New Legislation Introduced in Parliament 

Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim warned against vigilantism after police blocked a rally protesting illegal temples in Kuala Lumpur.


Malaysia PM Urges Unity Amid Worship Row

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial Guard of Honour in Putrajaya during his February 7-8, 2026 visit to Malaysia, hosted by PM Anwar Ibrahim to elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.


 PM In Malaysia: PMs Modi, Ibrahim Boost Strategic Partnership with Key Deals 

PM Narendra Modi receive a Guard of Honour during his visit to Malaysia. The Indian Prime Minister met Malaysian leaders to discuss expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural ties.

India-Malaysia Cooperation: PM Modi Receives Guard of Honour in Malaysia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Malaysia for a two-day visit, where he will hold wide-ranging talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Defence and security cooperation are expected to feature prominently, with several agreements likely to be signed.


PM Modi In Malaysia: Diaspora Throng Premises To Meet PM Modi 

PM Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Kuala Lumpur today, February 7, 2026, for a two-day official visit to Malaysia, boosting ASEAN ties upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.



PM Modi in Malaysia: ASEAN Boost, Bilateral Talks with Malaysian PM

<p>A divorced Malaysian couple hoping to rekindle their relationship have found themselves behind bars after the country's religious enforcement officers raided their hotel room in the southern state of Johor. The couple has been arrested for an Islamic moral offence called "Khalwat". Here's all you need to know.</p><h2><strong>Late-night raid in Kluang</strong></h2><p>Early on Sunday (Jan 18) officers of the Johor's Islamic Religious Department, known as JAINJ, detained a couple at around 1.15am in a hotel in Kluang. The raid followed a tip-off alleging immoral behaviour. Authorities said the couple were suspected of Khalwat, an Islamic moral offence under Malaysia’s state-level sharia laws.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-1-billion-for-peace-confusion-and-panic-as-trump-forces-gaza-peace-board-event-on-davos-2026-1768882863505"><strong>Davos 2026: Confusion and panic as Trump forces Gaza ‘Peace Board’ event on WEF</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What is Khalwat?</strong></h2><p>Khalwat, is a moral offence under Islamic laws and prohibits unrelated men and women from being alone together in private spaces where sexual misconduct might be suspected. Similar laws are in place in Muslim-majority Brunei and Indonesia's Aceh province. The law is enforced through routine raids and surveillance, reports South China Morning Post.</p><p>In Malaysia, Khalwat offences typically carry fines, short jail terms, or both. In more conservative states governed by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, caning is also possible. The country operates under a dual legal system, with Islamic law applied to Muslims alongside civil law.</p><h2><strong>‘Nervous and trembling’</strong></h2><p>According to a JAINJ Facebook post, officers had to knock on the hotel room door several times before it was opened six to seven minutes later by a man wearing a T-shirt and trousers. Inside, they found a woman fully clothed, 'still shaking with the spirit of trembling lust' standing next to an unmade bed. "The condition of the beds, sheets, duvets and pillows, looks half alive," reads the Facebook post, written in Malay.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-asks-users-if-they-can-break-grok-ai-moderation-x-responds-by-putting-him-in-bikinis-and-more-1768467434756"><strong>Elon Musk asks internet to test Grok's moderation, X chooses violence — and bikinis</strong></a></p><p>The couple initially told officers they were married, but failed to produce a marriage certificate when asked. JAINJ said both appeared nervous and agitated, raising doubts about their claim.</p><p>Investigators later confirmed that the two, both in their twenties, had been divorced for three to four years. They told officers they had recently reconciled and were planning to remarry. JAINJ shared a video clip of the raid on social media, set to the melancholic Malay love song Rindu Bayangan (Yearning for Shadows), which speaks of longing and missed chances. Watch it here:</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

A divorced Malaysian couple trying to rekindle their relationship has landed in jail after religious enforcement officers raided their hotel room in Johor, arresting them for an Islamic moral offence known as khalwat. Here is what happened.

A divorced Malaysian couple hoping to rekindle their relationship have found themselves behind bars after the country's religious enforcement officers raided their hotel room in the southern state of Johor. The couple has been arrested for an Islamic moral offence called "Khalwat". Here's all you need to know. Late-night raid in Kluang Early on Sunday (Jan 18) officers of the Johor's Islamic Religious Department, known as JAINJ, detained a couple at around 1.15am in a hotel in Kluang. The raid followed a tip-off alleging immoral behaviour. Authorities said the couple were suspected of Khalwat, an Islamic moral offence under Malaysia’s state-level sharia laws. Also read | Davos 2026: Confusion and panic as Trump forces Gaza ‘Peace Board’ event on WEF What is Khalwat? Khalwat, is a moral offence under Islamic laws and prohibits unrelated men and women from being alone together in private spaces where sexual misconduct might be suspected. Similar laws are in place in Muslim-majority Brunei and Indonesia's Aceh province. The law is enforced through routine raids and surveillance, reports South China Morning Post. In Malaysia, Khalwat offences typically carry fines, short jail terms, or both. In more conservative states governed by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, caning is also possible. The country operates under a dual legal system, with Islamic law applied to Muslims alongside civil law. ‘Nervous and trembling’ According to a JAINJ Facebook post, officers had to knock on the hotel room door several times before it was opened six to seven minutes later by a man wearing a T-shirt and trousers. Inside, they found a woman fully clothed, 'still shaking with the spirit of trembling lust' standing next to an unmade bed. "The condition of the beds, sheets, duvets and pillows, looks half alive," reads the Facebook post, written in Malay. Also read | Elon Musk asks internet to test Grok's moderation, X chooses violence — and bikinis The couple initially told officers they were married, but failed to produce a marriage certificate when asked. JAINJ said both appeared nervous and agitated, raising doubts about their claim. Investigators later confirmed that the two, both in their twenties, had been divorced for three to four years. They told officers they had recently reconciled and were planning to remarry. JAINJ shared a video clip of the raid on social media, set to the melancholic Malay love song Rindu Bayangan (Yearning for Shadows), which speaks of longing and missed chances. Watch it here:

<p>A divorced Malaysian couple trying to rekindle their relationship has landed in jail after religious enforcement officers raided their hotel room in Johor, arresting them for an Islamic moral offence known as khalwat. Here is what happened.</p>

Malaysia’s morality police arrest divorced couple for trying to get back together. Why is that a crime?

Malaysia is cementing its position as a global halal hub, attracting Muslim businesses from China and beyond. With internationally trusted certification and access to fast-growing Muslim markets, the country is capitalizing on a halal industry now worth nearly two trillion dollars globally.

Malaysia’s Rise as the Global Halal Gateway

Malaysia’s Army Chief has been placed on leave following the conviction of former Prime Minister Najib Razak. The move has sparked political debate and raised questions about civil-military relations, accountability, and the wider impact of Najib’s conviction on Malaysia’s power structure.

Malaysia's Army Chief Put on Leave After Conviction of Former PM Najib Razak

A setback for jailed former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak after his lawyer cited a so-called “royal addendum” allegedly granting permission for house arrest. The claim has drawn scrutiny as legal proceedings continue.

Malaysia: Setback for Jailed Ex-PM Najib as Court Reviews ‘Royal Addendum’ Claim 

The wife of Malaysia’s former Prime Minister has been cleared of corruption charges after the state admitted it could not meet the criminal burden of proof. The court’s decision marks a significant development in the high-profile case, with prosecutors acknowledging the weakness of their evidence.


Malaysian Ex-PM’s Wife Cleared of Corruption, State Admits Case Weak

Malaysia will restart the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 at the end of December, more than 11 years after the aircraft vanished with 239 people onboard. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed the decision, citing favourable weather conditions. Ocean Infinity will lead the new mission under a “no find, no fee” arrangement, targeting an area assessed as having the highest probability of locating the plane. Families of the victims have welcomed the renewed efforts, hoping the new search will finally provide answers to one of aviation’s greatest mysteries.



Malaysia to Resume Search for Missing MH370 After 11 Years

Severe flooding and landslides have devastated Sri Lanka’s mountain regions, claiming over 40 lives. Torrential rains have caused widespread damage, disrupted transport, and stranded residents. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to reach affected areas. Stay updated on the latest developments and relief efforts.

Southeast Asia Floods: Indonesia, Malaysia & Thailand Hit By Heavy Rains, Flooding

Migrant Boat Tragedy: A migrant boat carrying Rohingya refugees capsized near the Thai-Malaysian maritime border in November 2025, resulting in at least 21 confirmed deaths and dozens more missing. The boat was part of a larger group of vessels that had initially departed from Myanmar, with many passengers fleeing persecution. 


Migrant Boat Tragedy: At Least 21 Dead, Dozens Still Missing At Sea 

Tragedy At Sea: At least 21 people have died after a boat carrying undocumented migrants sank near the maritime border of Thailand and Malaysia. The boat, reportedly carrying around 70 migrants, capsized near Thailand's Ko Tarutao island, north of Malaysia's Langkawi. 


Tragedy At Sea: Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Thailand-Malaysia, 21 Confirmed Dead 

A migrant boat capsized near the Thailand-Malaysia border, resulting in a tragic maritime incident. Thirteen people have been rescued so far, while rescue operations continue for others who may still be missing. Authorities are investigating the cause of the capsizing and emphasizing the dangers faced by migrants attempting perilous sea journeys in the region.


Malaysia Migrant Boat Tragedy: Boat Capsizes Near Thailand-Malaysia Border; 13 People Rescued 

A migrant vessel carrying around 300 people from Myanmar sank near the Malaysia-Thailand border, leaving hundreds missing. So far, 10 survivors and one body have been recovered off Langkawi. Many onboard were Rohingya fleeing persecution. Authorities continue an extensive search-and-rescue operation amid fears for lives of those on the two other boats.

Migrant Boat Sinks Near Malaysia-Thailand Border: Hundreds Missing 

This story feels straight out of a Hollywood movie: an American singer says she was secretly married to a Malaysian Sultan, and only realised it after they separated. From a fairytale romance to royal intrigue, this tale has everything — mystery, luxury, and heartbreak.
Watch the full story to find out how an ordinary artist became an accidental royal bride.

U.S. Singer Claims She Was Secretly Married To Malaysian Sultan

ASEAN Summit 2025 In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually attends ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) - India Summit. 

PM Modi Addresses ASEAN Summit, Says ASEAN is Key Pillar of India's Act East Policy