The Education Ministry has received an encouraging response from parents for its initiative to allow pupils to enroll in primary school a year earlier.  

This, after it received 26,000 applications to enroll in Year One next year at six years old.  

The Education Director General says the ministry also received 165,000 applications to enroll in Year one at 7 years of age.  

Year 1 registration for the 2027 academic session remains open until March 31.  

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The IGP has reminded people that they face harsh penalties for serious violations involving fireworks.  

He says under the relevant laws, offenders could face a jail term of up to 7 years and a RM10,000 fine, for fireworks-related incidents that endanger lives or property.  

The IGP also urged people to only play with fireworks in open areas, and to follow all safety precautions.  

Earlier, cops said that only two types of fireworks are allowed this Chinese New Year, and you must stop playing with them after midnight.  

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The Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry has vowed to strengthen the role of local social support centres, to help those who are suffering from emotional distress.

This follows the recent murder-suicide in Kuantan, Pahang that left a family of 5 dead.  

Meanwhile, Kuantan police say they have yet to rule out financial problems as a possible motive for the incident.  

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In other news

Authorities are probing a shop in Negeri Sembilan that allegedly overcharged a group of customers by RM50 for roti canai and drinks.  

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Bukit Aman's proposal for all police vehicles to be fitted with dashcams will soon be submitted to the IGP.  

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Wisma Putra is ready to offer consular services to a Malaysian youth who was arrested in Japan for alleged involvement in an online fraud syndicate.  

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And former US president Barack Obama has led the tributes for American civil rights leader Jessie Jackson, after he passed away at age 84.  

Jackson’s family did not reveal the cause of death, but earlier reports said he was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition last year.