2025: Among new changes effective today
KUALA LUMPUR - Not only is the calendar changing today, but numerous significant developments will also be implemented in Malaysia, impacting lives directly and indirectly at the personal and national levels.
Besides the changes in global politics, economy, social norms, and international ties, several new policies and rules will be introduced. Hence, the information is disseminated to the public so they won't miss out on key announcements.
Among them, today Malaysia will officially take over as the Asean chair, following Laos' handover at the 44th and 45th Asean Summit in Vientiane on October 11.
Malaysia will be hosting a series of Asean meetings and summits under the theme of 'Inclusion and Sustainability', with over 300 events taking place throughout the year. Among them are the Asean Economic Ministers' Retreat in Johor (February), the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Post-Ministerial Conference (AMM/PMC) in Kuala Lumpur (July), and the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur (October).
Malaysia had previously held the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
Besides that, several new regulations will take effect today, which includes the enforcement of the Content Application Service Provider (CASP) Licence stipulating that social media platforms must get a licence from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
This requirement, under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), aims to enhance online safety and protection, especially for children and vulnerable groups, and boost the regulation of Internet messaging service providers and social media operators.
Beginning October 1, with the enforcement of Act 852 of the Control of Tobacco Products for Public Health 2024, laundry shops and office buildings are now declared as no-smoking zones.
The total count of smoke-free zones has now reached 28, spanned across various locations such as buildings housing hospitals and clinics, enclosed seats of public transport and restrooms, food courts and air-conditioned retail spaces, airports, government offices and schools, nurseries, shopping malls, petrol stations, libraries, and sports stadiums.
Individuals who are found guilty of smoking or utilising smoking products in no-smoking areas may face a penalty of not more than RM5,000.
As of today, kaki kaki gereja or traders who have been issued with licenses are compelled to make contributions to the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (KSSM) to obtain financial assistance in the event of a work-related accident.
This mandatory measure is enforced through the Self-Employment Social Security (Hawkers or Traders' Contribution Rates) Regulations 2024, published in the Federal Gazette on 30 August as PU (A) 229, and took effect on 1 September.
.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will phase out cash transactions for train ticket purchases in the Klang Valley, Northern and Southern sectors as well as the East Coast by adopting a cashless system to promote the country's digital economy programme effectively.
From now onwards, every nursery (taska) that has been registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) must exhibit a registration number sign at their premises in order to reassure parents about the legitimacy of the childcare centre's license.
The revised exemption guidelines for private companies from submitting financial statements for audits will become effective, as part of the Companies Commission of Malaysia's (SSM) initiative to enhance audit quality and ease the financial compliance burden on private companies.
As of today, Johor will adopt the traditional weekend break which includes Saturdays and Sundays, as per the directive of Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail issued on October 7, with the consent of the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ).
In Malaysia, three states currently observe weekend holidays on Fridays and Saturdays, namely Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
Coming soon, Sabah will see its previous Chief Minister, Tun Musa Aman, take on a new role as the 11th Governor of Sabah, as Tun Juhar Mahiruddin completes his term today, having fulfilled his duties as Governor since 2011.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, has agreed to hand over the Letters of Appointment to Musa, a 73-year-old former assemblyman for Sungai Sibuga, on December 17.
