Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition helps you connect the dots on the biggest stories playing out in Malaysia every week. Sign up here to get the newsletter in your inbox.
Malaysia Airlines has been forced to reduce its flight schedule and cancel flights to address its mechanical and manpower issues, leaving travellers fuming.
While it is not the only carrier to have issues with its fleet recently, Malaysia Airlines has had a string of flight disruptions in the past month and can ill-afford the reminder that it lost two planes in 2014.
In Kuala Lumpur, search and rescue operations for a 48-year-old woman who fell into a sinkhole on Aug 23 were finally halted, dimming hopes of finding her alive. Rescue workers had laboured in treacherous conditions and braved strong currents underground to locate her.
The tragedy put a dampener on Malaysia’s Independence Day celebrations on Aug 31, with the capital city cancelling events at the nearby Merdeka Square.
Meanwhile, some Malaysians were disquieted by incidents of Palestinian flags being hung next to the Jalur Gemilang, Malaysia’s national flag, at some locations. While Malaysia has voiced its support for the Palestinian cause throughout the conflict with Israel in Gaza, questions have been raised over whether it is appropriate to wave foreign flags at events like national day or when the national anthem is being played.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.