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APART from changes in geopolitics, economics, social issues, and international relations, several new policies and regulations will come into effect tomorrow, reported Berita Harian.
Among these, Malaysia will officially take over the position of ASEAN Chair, after Laos handed over the responsibility during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane on October 11.
Under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability," Malaysia will host more than 300 ASEAN meetings and summits throughout the year.
These include 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 in October.
Several new laws will come into effect tomorrow, including the enforcement of the Content Applications Service Provider (CASP) individual licence which requires social media platforms to register for a license with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
This requirement, under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), aims to enhance online safety, protect users, especially children and vulnerable groups, and strengthen regulation of Internet messaging service providers and social media.
No Smoking rule extended to laundromats
Starting tomorrow, laundromats and workplace buildings will also be listed as no-smoking areas following the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852)
This has resulted in 28 areas being declared as non-smoking zones, including hospitals, clinics, elevators or public toilets, dining places, air-conditioned shops, airports, government premises, educational institutions, children's playgrounds, shopping complexes, petrol stations, libraries, stadiums, and others.
Individuals found guilty of smoking or using tobacco products in prohibited areas will be fined a maximum of RM5,000.
In addition, hawkers and licensed traders are required to contribute to the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) starting tomorrow to provide financial support in the event of work-related disasters.
The mandatory measure was implemented through the Self-Employment Social Security Regulations (Contribution Rates for Hawkers or Traders) 2024, which came into effect on September 1.
In terms of transportation, the rate of the FLYsiswa flight ticket purchase subsidy initiative has been increased from RM300 to RM400, expected to benefit approximately 60,000 students who use flights for domestic routes. Students can check starting tomorrow through https://subsidiudara.mot.gov.my/.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will implement full cashless payments for ticket purchases in the Klang Valley, Northern and Southern sectors, as well as the East Coast, to support the country's digital economy initiative.
Starting tomorrow, all registered childcare centres (TASKA) with the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) are required to display a registration plaque at their premises to instil confidence in parents regarding the licensing status of the respective childcare centres.
Johor returns to the Saturday, Sunday weekend.
In addition, starting from January 1, 2025, Johor will resume its weekend holidays on Saturdays and Sundays.
The other states currently observing the weekend holiday on Friday and Saturday are Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
Sabah will witness its former Chief Minister, Tun Musa Aman, starting his duties as the 11th Yang Dipertua Negeri Sabah, replacing Tun Juhar Mahiruddin whose term of service ends today after holding the position since 2011. - December 31, 2024
