Shahsirehka S Maniarasu has broken gender barriers in the maritime industry by becoming a harbour pilot, a role traditionally held by men. Her journey began at the Akademi Laut Malaysia, and despite being the sole applicant for her position, she has shown resilience and determination. Shahsirehka credits effective communication and perseverance in overcoming industry challenges and mentalities. She is grateful for her family's support, particularly from her mother and husband, who have been understanding of her career demands.

A mother named Minah and her two young children were rescued from living beneath a Skudai flyover in Johor Bahru after a viral social media post highlighted their plight. The family had been sheltering there for almost a week due to financial constraints. The Johor Bahru district Social Welfare Department provided RM300 to assist with rental costs, and Skudai state representative Marina Ibrahim mentioned that the community's quick sharing of information enabled a swift response. Authorities are collaborating with the police to confirm the couple's identities.

A Honda Civic driver was detained for ramming into a Yamaha Ego motorcycle in Rawang, Kuala Lumpur, after trying to drive away from an argument with his wife. The incident, captured in a viral social media clip, resulted in minor injuries to the motorcyclist. The Gombak district police are investigating the case under attempted murder and causing injury by a reckless act. The public has been urged to provide any information to the authorities.

The United Nations Climate Change's latest report concludes that current national climate plans are insufficient to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. Despite emissions not increasing post-2030, a rapid downward trend is necessary this decade, which is not being demonstrated. The upcoming COP28 in Dubai is seen as a critical juncture for governments to make bold decisions and demonstrate how they will deliver stronger climate actions. The first global stocktake will be a focal point at COP28, aiming to scale up efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates a need for a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. COP28 President Designate Dr Sultan Al Jaber and last year's president designate Sameh Shoukry emphasize the urgency of action and the importance of assisting the Global South in sustainable economic transitions.

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) has rebranded the dusk-to-dawn curfew in eastern Sabah waters to the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESS Zone) Movement Control Order (MCO) and reduced the area under curfew. This change, effective from October 17, now covers only the waters within three nautical miles of the districts of Sandakan, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Beluran, and Kinabatangan from 6 pm to 6 am. The move is seen as a sign of strengthening security and aims to boost confidence among the maritime community, tourists, and investors. Local leaders and business owners have expressed support for the rebranding, noting the positive effects on security and the potential for economic investment, while some call for continued vigilance against threats such as smuggling and illegal immigration.

Malaysia is enhancing its voluntary carbon programme with the 'Bursa Carbon Exchange' (BCX), introduced in December 2022, to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The BCX allows trading of carbon credits to offset corporate carbon footprints, supporting domestic emissions reduction projects. The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, announced at the ISIS PRAXIS2023 event that the first national option of the carbon project will enter BCX by year's end. He emphasized the importance of balancing environmental, social, and economic factors in carbon market policies. Additionally, the Prime Minister's announcement of the Biodiversity Sukuk valued at RM1 billion at Budget 2024 is expected to help state governments address forest degradation.

The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) will take place in Dubai, where world leaders and representatives from 197 signatories will discuss climate issues. Malaysia, a signatory since 1994, is committed to climate action due to its vulnerability to climate events like floods and rising sea levels. The country aims to reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 and has implemented acts to reduce emissions. Malaysia's participation in COP28 is crucial as it pursues net zero GHG emissions by 2050 and prepares to introduce a Climate Change Act.

Malaysia's economy is vulnerable due to flood damage affecting manufacturing plants, industrial areas, and agricultural infrastructure. The country's rice paddy sector suffered the highest losses, followed by the livestock and non-rice crops sectors. A climate change bill is deemed necessary to protect food sources and mitigate the ticking time bomb of climate change. Adam Farhan of RimbaWatch criticizes Malaysia's outdated environmental laws and emphasizes the need for updated legislation. The Ministry of Natural Resources is working on a National Adaptation Plan (MyNAP) to address the complex issues of climate change, which include increased extreme weather events and coastal erosion as projected by the IPCC.

Malaysian volunteers are overwhelmed as they handle a surge in COVID-19 cases, performing Muslim burials for nearly 30 times more bodies than last year. The Malaysian Funeral Management Squad, led by Muhammad Rafieudin Zainal Rasid, is struggling to keep up with the increased demand. In Afghanistan, over 300 people were killed in flash floods, prompting a state of emergency and rescue efforts. The UN and other organizations are providing assistance. Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa set a new record with his 29th summit of Mount Everest. In Lithuania, security concerns dominate the presidential election, with candidates agreeing on increased defense spending against Russia. Donald Trump, facing multiple legal challenges, held a rally in New Jersey, attacking Joe Biden and claiming political motivation behind his trials.

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru Mosque is famous for its bubur lambuk, a creamy sweet-savoury porridge made during Ramadan. The recipe has been used for 100 years, and the mosque produces 15 pots daily. Adham Abdul Manan, a retired Air Force officer, leads a team of 20 volunteers to prepare and distribute 3,500 packets each day. The tradition, which began as a way to ensure even the poorest could break their fast with a good meal, continues to draw Malaysians, both Muslim and non-Muslim, for its unique flavor that has remained consistent over time.

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama is set to celebrate a historic third term as election results indicate a majority for the Socialists. The EU praised the election's organization and urged respect for the outcome. Rama, who has been in power since 2013, faces opposition from Democrat Party leader Lulzim Basha, who has yet to concede. The EU is also considering using profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, and EU leaders have agreed to explore funding for the defense industry, including through the European Investment Bank. The IMF has approved a loan program review for Ukraine, which will release additional funds. Meanwhile, the EU is addressing the issue of goods exported from China that could aid Russia's military.

Pulau Perhentian Kecil and its sister island in Malaysia are facing severe pollution, with plastic and other waste materials littering the islands. Reef Check Malaysia's surveys indicate that these islands are among the most polluted, with local sources contributing to the problem. The waste management system is struggling due to irregular collection schedules, poor drainage, and lack of strategic dumping areas. The local population and tourism exacerbate the issue, with the latter increasing waste during peak seasons. Efforts by residents and NGOs to manage and recycle waste are in place, but challenges such as unreliable electricity supply and a lack of education on waste effects hinder progress. Experts emphasize the need for behavioral change, proper waste separation, and government commitment to sustainability and policy implementation.

The hijab, traditionally a religious garment for Muslim women, has evolved into a sophisticated fashion statement with diverse styles influenced by social media influencers and local entrepreneurs. In Bangladesh, hijab trends vary by age, marital status, and socioeconomic status, with local production leading to more affordable prices. Malaysia's hijabistas express creativity within Islamic modesty codes, with brands experimenting with fabric and color choices. Tunisian women pair hijabs with cosmetics, and the Gulf region showcases a multicultural fashion sense. In Nigeria, hijabs are integrated with both western and traditional attire, reflecting a growing market for modest wear. The article highlights the changing perceptions and increasing elegance in hijab design, as well as the cultural and regional differences in hijab fashion around the world.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has significantly disrupted food supplies to major halal food markets due to the two countries' substantial share in global wheat trade. The conflict has exacerbated food supply issues in the Middle East and North Africa, regions already weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Gulf Cooperation Council, heavily reliant on imports from Russia and Ukraine, faces increased food prices and supply chain interruptions. Alternative sources of wheat and other staples are being sought, with some countries turning to Latin America. The war's impact extends to Africa, where rising public debt and food prices threaten stability, and to Southeast Asia, where countries like Indonesia and Malaysia are also affected. Efforts to mitigate the crisis include strategic food reserves, diversified supply chains, and increased local production.

The article discusses the global plastics treaty aimed at tackling the issue of plastic pollution, which was approved by 175 United Nations member states, including major Asian plastic producers like China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. The treaty, celebrated as historic, is set to be finalized by 2024 and will address plastic waste through the entire supply chain. Asia is a significant contributor to ocean plastic, with 80% coming from its rivers. Malaysia, a signatory to the Basel Convention, is highlighted for its efforts to manage plastic waste imports. The article also mentions the views of industry players like ResourceCo and Purpose Plastics, who emphasize the importance of government action, the cost of waste management, and the need for a coherent strategy to address the full lifecycle of plastics. The financial impact of lost recyclable plastic material value in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines is also noted, with more than 75% of the material value being lost annually.

The article discusses the challenges faced by children with special educational needs (SEN) during the shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the struggles of children with conditions such as ADHD, autism, and hearing impairments, who find it difficult to focus and learn in a home environment. The article covers stories from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, illustrating the increased anxiety, regression in behavioral gains, and isolation these children experience. Educators and experts express concern about the widening educational gap and the lack of support for SEN children. The article also touches on the negative impact on parents and caregivers, who are under immense stress without the respite that in-person schooling provides. Despite these challenges, some children have found benefits in online learning, and the article shares a few positive experiences. However, the overall consensus is that the pandemic has significantly disadvantaged SEN children, particularly those from poorer backgrounds who lack access to online resources.

The article discusses the issue of child marriage in Malaysia, where the legal age for marriage under Islamic law is 16, in contrast to the secular law's minimum age of 18. The story of Lia, a woman who married at 17 and now regrets the decision, is used to illustrate the personal impact of child marriage. The article highlights the surge in child marriages due to poverty exacerbated by the pandemic and notes that while Selangor has raised the legal marriage age to 18 for Muslims, other states are more conservative. Unicef's Child Protection Specialist, Lee Lyn-Ni, emphasizes the need for legal reform, education, and societal change to combat child marriage. The article also mentions the role of poverty and education in driving child marriages and suggests that income security could help address the issue.

The article discusses the New Economic Policy (NEP) in Malaysia, an affirmative action program designed to improve the lives of disadvantaged Malays and native groups. It was launched in 1971 to address economic disparities between the majority Malay population and the wealthier ethnic Chinese community. The NEP has been criticized for favoring wealthy Malays and not effectively reducing inequality. The policy has become a political sacred cow, with few realistic alternatives envisioned. The article highlights the experiences of individuals like Firdaus, an engineer who benefited from the policy, and Lishana, a copywriter from an ethnic minority who faced disadvantages. The NEP's flaws are acknowledged, but the policy is deeply entrenched, and political leaders, including Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, have not significantly altered it. Critics call for a shift to a needs-based affirmative action program, but the NEP remains a contentious and complex issue in Malaysian politics.

In Malaysia, health and beauty influencers are profiting from a boom in the industry, despite concerns over pseudoscience and the promotion of products with banned ingredients. The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency has listed numerous products with dangerous substances, yet they remain available online. Medical professionals like Ahmad Firdaus Mohd Harris warn against the misleading marketing of these products as natural and side-effect-free. Entrepreneurs like Aliff Syukri Kamarzaman, who has faced fines for misleading advertising, stress the importance of safe practices and regulatory compliance. Activists and public health advocates call for stricter regulations to combat the misuse of terms like 'cosmetics' and to ensure customer safety.

The Philippine government resumed the deployment of over 400 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Saudi Arabia after a temporary suspension due to uncertainties over who would cover COVID-19 testing and quarantine costs. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III lifted the ban following assurances from the Saudi government that employers would bear these expenses. The suspension had caused confusion and stranded OFWs at Manila's airport. Bello apologized for the inconvenience and assured assistance for affected workers. Similar concerns were raised regarding OFWs in Qatar.

The 2020 Malaysian horror film 'Roh,' meaning 'soul,' directed by Emir Ezwan, delves into supernatural elements and explores the role of the devil within Malaysian religious and spiritual society. Referencing Southeast Asian folklore, the film tells the story of a village family in a remote forest facing a dire prophecy. 'Roh' was Malaysia’s official entry to the 2021 Oscars and has resonated with audiences in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei for its portrayal of spiritual folklore and quiet storytelling. Produced by Kuman Pictures, the film is now available on Mubi, and according to the company’s Director Amir Muhammad, aims to deeply scare viewers.

The article discusses the failed deal between China Railway Engineering Corp (CREC) and Iskandar Waterfront Holdings to purchase a 60% stake in Bandar Malaysia from Malaysia's 1MDB, which is facing a financial scandal. The deal's collapse has raised concerns over Chinese investments in Malaysia and could impact other projects, including the East Coast Rail Line. The failure also complicates Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's visit to Beijing for the Belt and Road Initiative summit. The article explores potential reasons for the deal falling through, such as China's strict capital controls, and the implications for Malaysia's property market and international relations. It also mentions the Forest City project by Country Garden Holdings, which faced issues due to China's crackdown on capital outflows.