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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Traffic flow heading into the capital began to increase around midday today as people returned after the Deepavali holiday.

The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) reported slow traffic on several major highways, including the KL-Karak Highway (E8), East Coast Highway 1 (LPT1), and the North-South Expressway (E1 and E2).

“Among the affected areas are the westbound route from Bentong to Bukit Tinggi and the Gombak Rest Area to MRR2.

“On the North-South Expressway northbound, congestion was observed from Jasin to Ayer Keroh, Simpang Ampat, Seremban to Southville City, and onward to downtown Kuala Lumpur,” LLM said in a Facebook post today.

LLM also noted slow traffic along Sungai Petani to Bertam, Permatang Pauh to Perai, Gopeng to Tapah, and Bidor to Sungkai, with rain report犀利士
ed in Kedah, Penang, and Perak.

Several traffic accidents were also contributing to the slow-moving conditions.

“Drivers are advised to drive responsibly, avoid rushing, and stop at rest areas if feeling fatigued,” LLM added.

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PETALING JAYA, Oct 20 — A video of a secondary school senior assistant apologising to parents and taking full responsibility for last week’s fatal stabbing of a student in Bandar Utama has gone viral.

In a video first circulated on TikTok, the senior assistant appeared visibly emotional as she addressed a meeting with parents at the school, pledging to take full responsibility for the incident where a 16-year-old student was killed.

“I, on behalf of the school, apolo­gise for what has happened.

“Nobody wanted this tragedy to happen but since it has taken place we take full responsibility and if there are parents who wish to suggest how we should reasonably act, we will do so.

“So long as our children are able to study comfortably and safely,” she was heard saying.

In the incident on October 14, the victim — Yap Shing Xuen — was reported to have died at the scene of the incident after she was attacked by an armed assailant in the girl’s toilet.

The suspect, a 14-year-old male student at the same school, has been remanded for further investigation.

Acknowledging the challenge of managing a large school, she said the school’s administration have nevertheless constantly strived to do their best.

“It is not easy to administer a school with 1,197 students, but we try our best.

“I appreciate the support from parents in this matter, so please understand our situation as we too are deeply affected,” she said.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Temples across the country glowed with lamps and chants early this morning as Hindus nationwide ushered in Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, with prayers, rituals and gatherings that celebrated faith, family and the triumph of good over evil.

The joyous occasion was marked by homes adorned with colourful kolams and flickering oil lamps, as Malaysians of all backgrounds joined in the festive cheer, a reflection of the nation’s unity in diversity.

A Bernama visit to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves found thousands of devotees gathering as early as 6am to perform prayers, bringing offerings of fruits and flowers to the deities in a gesture of thanksgiving.

For devotee K. Monissha, 26, from Subang Jaya, this year’s Deepavali holds special meaning as it is her first celebration with her husband after getting married last December.

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Hindu devotees perform at the Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple in Seremban, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic

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“I usually come to this temple during Thaipusam, but this year we chose to come for Deepavali as well because the atmosphere is livelier, and more family members can join. This is my first Deepavali as a wife,” she said, accompanied by 10 family members.

Monissha, a procurement executive, said that according to Indian tradition, the first Deepavali after marriage is celebrated at the bride’s family home, complete with festive dishes, the giving of saris and cash gifts to family members.

Another devotee, M. Mathesha, 26, a human resource executive from Selayang, expressed her gratitude for being able to celebrate Deepavali with all her siblings this year after several years of being tied down by work commitments.

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A woman visits the Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple in Butterworth, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic

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“This year, all five of us siblings managed to gather. After prayers, we’ll have a meal together. Last night we cooked mutton curry, chicken sambal and fried rice. I hope this Deepavali brings blessings and strengthens our family bond,” she said.

Besides local Hindu devotees, foreign tourists also took the opportunity to witness the festive atmosphere at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, which was packed with thousands of worshippers from early morning.

Indonesian tourist Natasya Praskila, 22, from Medan, said this was her first time experiencing the Festival of Lights in Malaysia. She chose Batu Caves after discovering it online, and was amazed by the colourful stalls selling sweets, flowers and cultural performances.

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Devotees at the Arulmigu Karumariamman in Butterworth, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic

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In Kedah, private sector employee S. Hemananthini, 32, was up as early as 6am to prepare special dishes before heading to the Sri Siva Muniswarar Alayam Temple in Kulim to perform her prayers.

“After prayers, my family and I have breakfast together. Usually, I’ll spend the morning with my family first, and friends will visit in the afternoon,” she said.

For N. Darsyini, 41, met at the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Temple in Alor Setar, this year’s Deepavali celebration was extra special as her four siblings, who live outside Kedah, returned to celebrate the festival at her home in Taman Bersatu instead of their hometown in Negeri Sembilan.

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Pushalini James takes a selfie with her family members at the Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple in Seremban, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic

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Meanwhile, in Selangor, accountant R. Visalini, 26, said she hopes this year’s Festival of Lights brings happiness to all devotees, as she looks forward to enjoying her mother’s cooking and visiting family members.

“For Deepavali, we usually have tosai, idiyappam, and idli served with chicken and mutton curry, and there are also sweets like laddu,” she said.

In Kelantan, although Hindus form a minority in the state, the celebration was still filled with joy.

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N. Sundramoorthi (right) poses for a photo with his family at the Sri Maahamariaman Devasthanam Temple in Section 7, Shah Alam, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic

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For R. Sriraam, 22, a Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) student from Batu Kawan, Penang, celebrating Deepavali for the first time in Kelantan was a meaningful experience.

“I’m grateful to celebrate Deepavali with my mother, P. Meenachee, 52, and father, C. Ramayah, 57, who travelled from Penang yesterday. We began the day with an oil bath at 6.30am before heading to the temple for prayers,” he said when met at the Arulmigu Subramaniyar Alayam Temple in Kota Bharu.

M. Kanikum, 79, from Wakaf Bharu in Tumpat, meanwhile, was delighted to have all her children and grandchildren home for the celebration, as well as to receive guests of various races.

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S. Dinesh, 33 (third from left) and his family at the Sri Maahamariaman Devasthanam Temple in Section 7, Shah Alam, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic

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In Terengganu, despite the Indian community being a minority, the festive spirit was still felt, with the Sri Kailasa Nathar Alayam Temple in Kuala Terengganu serving as the main venue for religious rituals.

In Negeri Sembilan, the state’s oldest temple, Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Temple on Jalan Yam Tuan, Seremban, drew about 5,000 Hindu devotees from as early as 7am.

In Perlis, treasurer of the Arulmigu Arumugaswamy Dhevasthanam Temple in Kangar, M. Ashok Kumar, said the temple also provided meals for devotees attending prayers today.

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Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman attends the Deepavali celebration at the Sri Pusphathinath Temple in Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic

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In Johor, the 114-year-old Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple drew about 3,000 Hindu devotees as early as 6 am. The celebration also attracted foreign tourists eager to witness the vibrant festivities and experience the customs and culture of the Indian community.

Meanwhile, in Pahang, the atmosphere at the Sri Mariamman Temple in Kuantan was lively with devotees performing prayers, while in Melaka, hundreds of Hindu devotees thronged the Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple in Bukit Beruang from as early as 7am.

In Perak, an estimated 10,000 devotees visited the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple at Gunung Cheroh, Ipoh, from as early as 6 am to perform religious rites. The celebration also drew foreign tourists and people of other races keen to experience the joyous Deepavali atmosphere.

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Devotees take pictures at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy, Batu Caves, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic

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Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, in a Facebook post, expressed hope that the Deepavali celebration would bring light, happiness, love and peace to all who celebrate it.

In Penang, the early morning rain did not dampen the spirit of Hindu devotees, who flocked to the Muniswarar Temple along Jalan Baru in Perai and the Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple in Seberang Jaya on the mainland for prayers.

Checks by Bernama found the temples vibrant with colour as families dressed in traditional Indian attire and carrying flowers, milk and trays of offerings as a gesture of gratitude in conjunction with the Festival of Lights.

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A Hindu devotee poses next to a ‘kolam’ in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration at the Sri Pusphathinath Temple in Bukit Padang in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic

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L. Govind Raj, 33, said Deepavali was the perfect time to strengthen family ties and uphold age-old traditions, adding that this year’s celebration was especially meaningful as all four of his siblings returned home for the festival.

“This year, I got a longer holiday and the children have extra school break, so we get to spend more time together. My mother is the happiest because all her children, in-laws and grandchildren are home for Deepavali.

“Besides visiting relatives, we also welcome friends and neighbours of different faiths. That’s the beauty of Malaysia. This spirit of togetherness is what unites us,” he said, adding that traditional treats such as muruku, laddu and chicken curry were prepared for guests.

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Juo Siew (left) poses for a photo with her friends Yohelinna (centre) and Yuvehshini at the Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple in Seremban, October 20, 2025.— Bernama pic

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In Sabah, about 1,000 devotees attended prayers at the Sri Pasupathinath Alayam Temple in Kota Kinabalu from as early as 8am.

Temple president Datuk Dr K. Mathavan said the celebration was even more festive this year with the presence of the Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Musa Aman, reflecting the spirit of unity among Malaysia’s multiracial community. — Bernama

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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — The mystery surrounding a Subang Jaya police officer who had not returned home for several days was resolved when he was found safe on Monday.

Subang Jaya District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Wan Azlan Wan Mamat, said the 40-year-old officer was detected returning to the USJ 8 Police Station quarters at around 1.45am, Sinar Harian reported today.

“The USJ 8 Police Station staff noticed the officer’s vehicle entering the station quarters. The investigating officer handling the case was immediately informed,” he said in a statement on Monday.

He added that the investigative team brought the officer to the police station and informed his wife to come in for verification.

“The officer is now safe and in good health. Investigations found that during his absence, he had been at several mosques around Morib, Banting, and Putra Heights,” Wan Azlan said.

The officer, identified as Mohd Fadhil Mohamed @ Ahadiah, was last seen at his residence in the Subang Jaya Police District Headquarters quarters on Jalan USJ 8 on October 15.

He reportedly left in a black Proton Saga with registration number WC 8024 K.

The disappearance was reported by his family on October 16 at around 9.15pm after they were unable to contact him for two consecutive days.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — The Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah has introduced new health requirements for pilgrims in the 1447H/2026M Haj season, including the discontinuation of the Tabung Haji (TH) Treatment Centre in the Holy Land.

In a statement today, TH group managing director and chief executive officer Mustakim Mohamad said the new health protocols would be enforced by TH and must be followed by Malaysian pilgrims to obtain their Haj visa.

Key requirements include being free from infectious diseases, serious or uncontrolled chronic conditions, and having the physical ability to perform Haj rituals independently.

Pilgrims with conditions such as chronic kidney or heart failure, chronic lung or liver disease, cognitive or motor impairments, high-risk pregnancies, active infections, or cancer undergoing treatment will not be eligible to perform Haj.

Mustakim also advised prospective pilgrims to prepare physically for the journey, given the long stay in Saudi Arabia and the hot, dusty conditions.

He stressed that good health remains a key requirement for Haj, as outlined in the National Muzakah Haj Resolutions and in line with the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) mandatory health screenings.

In addition, for the 2026 Haj season, TH will no longer operate a Treatment Centre in the Holy Land. Pilgrims requiring further treatment will be referred to Saudi hospitals, with ongoing supervision from Malaysian health experts.

However, TH will continue to provide health clinics at all pilgrim accommodations in Makkah and Madinah.

These clinics will offer outpatient services and pharmacy support, managed by qualified medical staff from the MOH, to ensure the continuity of healthcare for Malaysian pilgrims, including assistance for the elderly and those with disabilities.

Mustakim added that TH, in collaboration with MOH, plans to provide healthcare facilities at private hospitals in Saudi Arabia if necessary. and will deploy 225 healthcare personnel to support the 2026 Haj season.

TH remains committed to prioritising the safety, wellbeing, and comfort of Malaysian pilgrims by dedicating a significant portion of its Holy Land quota to medical staff. — Bernama

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